Page 46 of Court of Secrets and Flames

“Don’t flatter yourself.” I smirk at the prince, but my amusement fades when I start to soak in the size of the dragon I’m somehow about to ride. “Any tips for what to do first? You did that at lightning speed.”

“Well, you start by?—”

The orange dragon chuffs, then lowers his foreleg.

“Did you just…” I gape at my ride, finding his golden eyes zeroed in on me. “You did. I…thank you.”

Though I haven’t completely gotten the hang of the wholecommunicate with dragonsthing yet, I take a moment to concentrate on our connection. I feel my mind brush his, then do my best to project my gratitude.

He blinks twice and yawns.

“All right, Duchess. Start climbing.”

I don’t spare Knox a glance as I start the ascension up the dragon’s leg. If this were a race, I wouldn’t win any awards for speed or poise, though I do eventually manage to plant my rear on the dragon’s back.

I grab onto a ridge of scales near his shoulders and hunker down. “Now what?”

“Hold on tight.”

I roll my eyes. “Wow, so helpful. Thank you for that excellent advice.”

Tanwen launches into the air, and the orange dragon follows.

We soar high above the canopy of trees, gaining altitude until the dragons and buildings below look like dots.

If my smile grows any wider, my cheeks are going to be sore. “This is amazing!”

Knox maneuvers Tanwen to fly abreast with Orange. “You know, I have to say, this is night and day compared with the first time you rode an alicorn.”

I snort. “Are you talking about the time I fainted, or the first time I actually flew?”

“All of it.”

“Hey! I improved. It just took a little time.”

He joins in my laughter. “True.”

We fly in silence for a while, and I soak in the beauty of the landscape below. For the first time since I’ve come to Tirene, I’m completely…relaxed. Free. Content.

Several minutes later, I realize these emotions aren’t mine. Not entirely, anyway. My emotions are melding with the dragons’.

After another half hour or so, we land in the fire paddock.

It takes me a hot second, but I manage to climb off without cracking my skull or breaking a leg. I make a silent vow to work on my mounts and dismounts.

Despite my clumsiness, I’m still grinning like an idiot. I don’t think I’ve stopped smiling since the flight began.

“I was wrong, you know.”

I pivot to face Knox. “About?”

“Earlier when I said you calling me ‘Your Highness’ while blushing and wearing that outfit was my favorite thing.” He twirls his finger in a circular motion to indicate my attire. “That’s not my favorite anymore.”

“Oh?” I raise my eyebrows. “Then what is?”

“Seeing you happy.”

My heart stops. Skips about three beats. Then beats double-time, followed by what I swear is a giddy little dance in my chest.

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