Page 15 of Crown of Slumber

“Perhaps you are right.” He grinned widely, his eyes crinkling again, and I found myself returning the smile. His palm was warm against mine as we stepped forward, then back. He surprised me by twirling me once, then bringing me back in. After that, he led the dance, and I allowed him to. Our positions changed effortlessly, switching hands and arms, before we slid back into the dance. The forest filled with our laughter. Even some of the dragons ventured closer, their eyes curious. Mal had curled up on the ground, wrapping his tail around himself and resting his chin on the tip—a sign of his contentment. Clearly, like Jorey, he had accepted this stranger.

When we were both out of breath, we finally stopped and released one another. I was near dizzy from the constant motion, and I sank onto a nearby stump to reorient myself. The man clapped his hands together twice. “You are a rare gem, my feral maiden.”

I laughed. “Stop calling me that!”

“Are you not feral? I saw you riding that dragon, your hair untamed and wild like some creature. Almost as if you belong here with them instead of whatever grand manor you were likely raised.”

My face fell at that reminder. I hadn’t been raised at a manor at all, but a palace. And I had no doubt my mother was wondering what was keeping me.

“I should be returning,” I said, rising to my feet.

The man straightened. “So soon?”

“Do you not have your own business to attend to?”

He grimaced. “Ah, yes. It was nice to forget about that for a moment, though.”

“It was indeed,” I agreed solemnly. I retrieved my boots and stroked Mal’s chin affectionately.

“Will you not tell me your name?” the man asked.

“Will you tell me yours?” I challenged.

He fell silent at that. Perhaps he, like me, relished the anonymity. It made our encounter all the more exciting.

But it also meant we might never see each other again.

“Do you often come to the Summer Court on business?” I asked.

“I’m afraid not.”

I nodded, trying to hide my disappointment.

“But perhaps if my business proceedings go well, I can change that.”

I looked up at him, daring to hope. He tipped an imaginary hat to me, that same mischievous smile lighting his face. “Until next time, fair maiden.”

I couldn’t find the words for a response. All I could do was watch as he made his way out of the clearing, his steps echoing in the wood.

Still flushed andwinded from my encounter with the stranger, I checked on the hatchlings before returning to the palace. Azure’s condition had worsened; she hardly lifted her head at my approach. She wouldn’t last much longer.

Was I bold enough to enter the Star Court in search of a cure for her? Would I risk a war, all for one dragon?

I couldn’t let her die, though. She was tiny and helpless, a glorious, majestic creature worthy of life. It was my duty to do what I could for her.

Wringing my hands together, I quickened my pace, circling around the path to the back of the palace. The grounds were oddly quiet, but I counted this as a blessing; maybe my extended absence would be overlooked.

I thought of my dance with the stranger and stifled a grin. Mother would be affronted, but Gigi would love the story. I resolved to tell her once we had a private moment. Perhaps she could speculate with me about where the stranger came from and if I would see him again.

I eased open the gate to the gardens, passing by hedges and shrubs. Fresh jasmine tickled my nose, along with Mother’s famous rose bushes. Ordinarily I would stop to admire them, but I was in a hurry. My gaze flicked to the sun, which was dipping low in the sky. Gods, how had it gotten so late? Why had no one come for me?

I hiked up my skirts and climbed up the trellis against the wall, my movements quick but very unladylike. Luckily, no one was in the gardens right now.

When I reached the second floor balcony, I dropped down with a grunt, then adjusted my skirts. They were stained with mud at the hem, but that couldn’t be helped. After ensuring my hair was at least somewhat tame, I strode forward, prepared to find my mother waiting for me with a scolding look in her eye.

But the palace halls were quiet. No sound but the scuffing of my bare feet broke the silence.

My skin prickled with unease. What was going on? It was as empty and lifeless as a grave. Even if my parents and sister were preoccupied, there would still be servants and staff flitting about.

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