Page 9 of Crown of Slumber

When we cleared the grove, his wings spread on either side of me. His legs continued pumping while he flapped his wings, and slowly we rose into the air. I let out a whooping laughter as he soared higher and higher. The cloud moisture tickled my arms and face, and the air stung my eyes, but burning suns, I didn’t care at all. I felt nothing but pure, untethered freedom as we arced through the sky. My gaze fell to the treetops below. They were so small, so insignificant now.

I laughed again, closing my eyes and enjoying the sensation of gliding effortlessly through the sky. I felt Mal’s low rumble of satisfaction as his pace slowed and we coasted, his wings stretched and keeping us afloat as he sliced through clouds with grace and ease.

Mal and I were one. We both yearned for the open skies, for the freedom to fly where we wished. To break free of our confinements and follow wherever the wind took us.

Nothing mattered but the open sky. Nothing but me and Mal.

The Summer Court was sweltering.I truly didn’t understand how anyone could tolerate it.

From the moment I entered the borders, the heat and humidity pressed in on me, making it difficult to breathe. A thin sheen of sweat immediately formed on my brow and neck.

Not to mention the blazing sun. Stars, it was unbearable. We never used carriages in the Star Court, but it made me yearn for one, just for respite from the unforgiving and blinding light.

I paused often to drink from my waterskin, unaccustomed to being so thirsty. But, if I was completely honest with myself, I was stalling. I wasn’t eager to march into the Summer palace and demand for something that didn’t rightfully belong to me.

So, I took my time. I brought an envoy with me, only for pretenses, but I was planning to negotiate with the princess on my own. Mother made it clear the matter was to remain discreet.

Which meant she didn’t want anyone blabbing to the other kingdoms about our hostile negotiations.

I gritted my teeth as I took another swig of water. Stars above, Ihatedthis.

But it couldn’t be helped. As Mother said, we were out of options.

If I had to choose between my kingdom’s safety and maintaining pleasant relations with the Summer Court, I knew which one I would pick.

When I urged my horse to continue onward, the cobbled roadcurved slightly, and I sighed with relief. A canopy of overhanging trees stood over us, providing merciful shade from the sun. Under the cover of branches, the air actually felt quite cool, and were I not already overheated from the ride, it would indeed feel pleasant.

But my patience was gone, and I was past feeling appreciative of this wretched kingdom.

Peeking through the trees were the tall, gleaming spires of the emerald Summer Palace, the sun reflecting off its glistening surface and sending rays of green light streaking through the sky.

Beside me, Horace, the envoy, rode stoically, his eyes fixed ahead. Not even his bushy mustache twitched.

I cleared my throat, fidgeting in my saddle. Horace always made me uncomfortable. He was so quiet and soserious.I often wondered if Mother assigned him to be my envoy on purpose, to dissuade me from joking so often.

It wouldn’t work.

“Well, I’m convinced,” I said, adopting an air of false solemnity. “This place must be Hell. It’s the only explanation for this heat. There must be a fiery pit of despair somewhere, right?”

I cast a sidelong glance at Horace, who merely grunted in acknowledgement but said nothing more. Gods, I yearned for my friend Marek, who had once been my personal guardsman. Now, he was married to the queen of the Court of Twilight. Less than a day’s ride away from me, but still farther than I was accustomed to.

Mother had urged me to bring a formal guard with me, but I didn’t think that would be received well. Then again, me demanding the use of the dragons of the Summer Court wouldn’t be received well, either. And if the princess ordered me to be arrested, I would have nothing but my own strength and wits to protect me.

Even so, I intended to be forthcoming with the princess. More forthcoming than Mother would have wanted me to be. Perhaps if I explained the dire situation of my people, she would be more amenable to lending us her dragons.

I wanted to project an air of humility. So, I left my guards behind.

“When we arrive,” I said to Horace, “I’d like you to ride ahead ofme to announce my presence. Allow the princess time to prepare. I’m sure my unexpected arrival will not be welcome.”

Horace merely nodded, keeping his gaze fixed ahead.

“Are you married, Horace?”

“I am, Your Highness.”

“What’s her name?”

“Judith. We’ve been married for fifteen years.”

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