Page 33 of Three Scorched Kingdoms

“Don’t apologize,” I tell her firmly. “You’re not the one who failed this kingdom. The ones who did fail it will pay.”

She nods, and Leo and I head out.

“Well,” Leo says, clapping me on the back, “This has been a fucking day already, am I right?”

I grunt as we walk through the castle, heading for the northern exit. It’s the best area for a swift and easy takeoff, but more than that, it’s the location of the royal dragon stables. A building I didn’t use much whenever I’d fly out on my own, but since Leo is with me—and especially after the council pointed out everything I’ve done wrong in their eyes—I decide to err on the side of protocol.

“It’s not over yet either,” I grumble.

“You’ll feel better after you fly,” Leo says firmly.

“Not as good as I’d feel ripping the council members limbs off their bodies.”

He shoots me a warning look. “You promised to behave.”

I grin darkly. “Relax. I’ll keep my promise. Although, I do wonder how you knew about that law?”

“Just because I have no interest in the game of politics doesn’t mean I don’t know how to play.”

I chuckle. “You’re full of surprises.”

“It’s part of my charm.”

He winks, drawing a laugh from me as we reach our destination.

The royal dragon stables have stood here nearly as long as the castle itself—with updates from each generation. Outside, it resembles the horse stables, but inside, the stalls are large enough to accommodate six dragons at once. There is no roof, allowing for beasts of varying heights and sizes access on foot or from the sky. Five generations ago, the stables were expanded after the king had four sons and a daughter—giving Astronia a total of six dragon shifters during the king’s rule.

Our people still consider that century to be the most abundant and peaceful in the history of our world. I wonderif Paige has thought about how many children we might have one day. Unfortunately, that’s not a conversation to have now. Not when the threat of two enemies hangs over our heads. But someday…

I enter the first stall, and my dragon tries to burst free before I’ve taken off my shirt. Impatient, I step out of my pants as scales cover my arms. In another blink, my hands and feet are replaced by claws, and my wings unfurl with a powerful whoosh.

Impatience wins out. I take to the sky before Leo has finished his own transformation.

What happened to you being the fast one?I telepathically tease him as he chases after me into the clouds.

Quick to start, quick to finish,he mockingly replies.

I laugh, my scaled belly shaking as I soar upward, relishing the freedom I feel to finally be up here. I stretch out my wings and do a few flips, twists, and circles to loosen up my stiff joints. My flights back in Paige’s world were few and far between and always with the clock ticking on how long I dared to leave her alone.

Here, even with the horde’s violence, I know Paige is safe enough down below right now.

Damn, this feels good.

My dragon lets out a roar just for the sake of it.

You want the horde to know we’re coming?Leo admonishes, rising above the clouds.

They can’t possibly have gathered this close to the castle,I scoff.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news…

At that, I stop arguing and join him higher up, my massive wings skimming the fluffy bits of condensation that obscure us from view down below.

Soon, the clouds disappear, and we’re forced to go even higher to avoid being spotted. The air is thinner here. Colder too. But I don’t mind it. Not if it means being airborne a little longer.

We’ve nearly reached the snowy mountains when I see them. A camp—larger than I’ve ever seen in this valley—packed full of orc soldiers. I increase my speed, needing a closer look.

You might want to hang back,Leo warns.

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