Page 48 of Dueling the Suitors

She arched an eyebrow. “Already?”

Before he could answer, the door opened and revealed a footman.

Only, he was notherfootman.

“Who isthat?”

“Why don’t you see for yourself?” Silas winked and stepped out of the carriage before turning and offering his hand.

Skylar hopped onto her lap.Is this some kind of trap?

Of course not. Emmett is right behind us. Astoria scooped him up and moved to the door, narrowing her eyes at her husband as she accepted his hand.

He helped her out. And the moment she looked up, she froze.

“Welcome home, Little Dragon,” Silas whispered in her ear, smugness dripping from his voice.

Before her stood the most magnificent palace she had ever seen. Dark in beauty and great in size, it was also the most intimidating structure she had seen.

Skylar squirmed in her arms.I don’t like this feeling, Princess. Thisisa trap. I will bet on anything!

The massive black doors of the palace opened, and a man in regal black clothes stepped out. He looked slightly younger than Silas—tall, lean, dark-haired, and good-looking. He smirked as he spotted them and descended the stairs gracefully.

“My, my, look who is back!”

Oh, no. Oh, heavens, this isn’t happening!Skylar exclaimed, sounding alarmed.

What? What are you talking about?

Astoria, the Emperor! That man is Emperor Cyrus!

Astoria stared down at her friend incredulously, her heart thudding violently.You are crazy!

Skylar’s eyes flashed in response.Look to your right if you don’t believe me. It is the Draken empire’s flag!

Astoria followed his gaze and found the towering flagpole in the center of the courtyard and the enormous flag fluttering against the wind—a lavender-grey dragon against the backdrop of black.

Silas’ words surged to the forefront of her mind.“Do you know that the colour of your eyes matches the dragon emblem in the Draken empire’s flag?”

Her blood ran cold.

“You did it!” Emperor Cyrus reached them, his twinkling eyes bouncing between her and Silas. The two men shared a brotherly embrace and clapped each other on the back.

Fear clawed at her. What was he talking about? Did he know about her? The prophecy?

More importantly, where was Emmett? Why were none of her guards around?

Whatwashappening?

“What did you do?” Astoria exploded, rounding on her husband with a glare. Power tingled at her fingertips as she armed herself against the two men.

Silas turned to her from the Emperor. For a brief moment, he looked surprised. Then he smirked. A strange light entered his eyes, making him look less like the man she had been bickering with a moment ago.

Her instincts screamed at her to run away. But she held her ground.

“I brought you to my home, of course, like I promised.” He spread his arms wide, gesturing to their surroundings.

“I asked,whatdid you do?”

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