Page 18 of Three Scorched Kingdoms

Aries is deeply asleep, clearly unaffected through the mate bond. Our bodies are tangled around one another, so rather than wake him, I stay where I am and glance around his room, studying the private space of the dragon heir in the shadowy moonlight. His canopy bed is magnificent andmassive. It’s so big that I wonder if it could fit his entire shifted dragon on it. The dark wood is glorious, carved into repeating patterns that look like dragon scales. Even more impressive is how luxurious the mattress is. Just what one would expect for a pampered dragon prince. Silk sheets, plush velvet pillows, the works.

It makes me wonder what Leo’s room looks like. Probably trimmed in lace and leather and diamond-studded pillowcases. The thought almost makes me snort out loud as I let my gaze drift.

Across the room, I spot a desk covered with scrolls, books, and parchments. Aries is a scholar? Clearly, we still have a lotto learn about one another. Beside the door to the bathroom, a massive fireplace is cut out, built from gray stone. Above it, a variety of weapons are mounted on the wall.

I shiver, imagining Aries wielding those instruments of death against an orc army. It’s not a welcome idea even if the detail work is beautiful with dragon wings carved into the cross guards.

My thoughts return to the conversation we had just before bed. As much as I hate it, Aries is right about taking some time before rushing back to face Constantine. Astronia needs us right now. And more than that, I need to figure out what else I can do with this newly discovered magic I possess. Creating something from nothing—even something as big as a world—won’t stop Constantine from consuming the magic I’ll expel to do it. Even with the revelation of what I am and the magic I possess, I’m not sure it’s enough to stop him or take back control of the library.

With too many questions and not enough answers, I snuggle close to Aries. In his sleep, he cradles me closer. Eventually, his warm embrace quiets my mind, and I slip back into sleep, dreamless this time.

When I wake again, I’m in bed alone. There’s a handwritten note on the nightstand beside me.

Training with Leo. See you at lunch.

I smile, not at all feeling left out.

No, wait. Actually, I wouldn’t mind watching Aries train. Does he ever take off his shirt? I laugh at myself and stretch. His bed is so large we could roll all over the place and…

I sit up and realize there’s a dress draped over the side of the bed. Aries made sure I had suitable attire. While his long shirt is comfortable enough, I’m not about to parade through the castle in it for everyone to see. Especially not his mother. As sweet as she is, I can tell she cares a lot for propriety, and I don’t want to risk making a bad impression.

Underneath the dress are some questionable undergarments that I can’t make heads or tails of. I get dressed as best as I can, not wanting to ask a maid for help like Aries suggested. I’m a big girl. I can dress myself. Besides, it feels weird to ask anyone for something so simple.

The last time I needed help dressing, I was probably four years old, and Hoc had been the only one around. For a moment, I’m lost in memories of him. My heart squeezes, and I blink back tears.

Shaking off the grief, I smooth out the lines in my green dress and check my hair. It’s a bit of a mess, so I snag a ribbon from one of the undergarments and use it to tie my hair into a ponytail.

It’ll have to do.

After a quick mental pep talk, I head to the door and open it.

There’s no one around, and I hesitate, trying to remember which direction we entered from last night.

Before I can venture a guess, a young maid rushes up to me. “My Lady, do you need any help?” she asks anxiously.

“I’m fine, thank you,” I assure her.

She eyes my dress but doesn’t comment on it. “Breakfast then?”

My stomach is ready to rumble, so I nod. “Yes, actually. Food would be great.”

“Do you wish to eat in here or…”

“The others I came with, do you know if they’re awake?”

“I believe they are resting yet. I can take you to them if you wish.”

“No. Let them sleep.”

“If you don’t have certain dishes in mind, I can take you to the tea room to eat.”

“You already have food prepared?” I ask, impressed but also horrified. What if I hadn’t been hungry? She would’ve gone to all that trouble for nothing.

“Of course,” she says as if I’m the one being ridiculous. “The tea room is already laid out for you.”

I smile warmly at her. “Well, please, lead the way.”

She dips her head before guiding me down the long hall. After several turns that have me hopelessly lost, she opens a door and steps back to let me pass.

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