Page 50 of Court of Secrets and Flames

The shock on Leesa’s face would be comical if her next words weren’t so grave and all big-sisterly. “Lark, you’re still learning. You shouldnothave flown alone!”

I brush off bits of dust from my sleeves, feigning nonchalance as I meet her gaze. “It’s okay. We have an understanding…a bond. I know it probably sounds bizarre since just days ago, we could have become his breakfast, but I trust him.”

I bite back an ironic laugh. I trust an enormous, deadly dragon. Too bad I can’t say the same for the vast majority of people I’ve met.

I refrain from mentioning the she-dragon’s dive or my own heart-stopping jolt when I almost toppled off Chirean’s back. Leesa doesn’t need to know about the disaster I skirted. Her image of me as the sheltered, timid sibling is already cracking, sure, but no need to give her a heart attack.

We’ve been through so many changes already. This one can wait a bit longer. For now, I revel in the nagging way my sister shows her love for me.

I’ve missed her so damn much.

Movement in my peripheral breaks our reverie, and I pivot just as Zale strides straight toward me with a wary expression on his face.

Chapter Fifteen

My heart sinks with dread.

Zale moves like he’s on a mission, and I can only assume that means one thing. King Jasper saw me flying solo on Chirean, and I’m in deep shit.

Leesa furrows her brow. “I hope you’re not going to get in trouble.”

She must have read my mind. “So do I. But I’m sort of…the resident dragoncaller. Can the king really punish me for, you know, heeding the call of the dragons?”

Even before the semi-joking words leave my mouth, I know the answer. No matter my heritage, the choice resides with him. Kings get to do whatever they want, and there’s not much beyond overthrowing the monarchy that anyone can do to stop them.

My sister bites her lip. She doesn’t appear convinced either. “I don’t know, Lark. Just tread lightly, okay? Don’t do or say anything to provoke him.”

“I won’t.” I flash her the most reassuring smile I can muster, then I face the guard. “Hello.”

“Good morning, Lady Lark.” Zale greets me with a polite nod. Although he might be the bearer of bad news, I can’t help but like the fatherly guard. “You seem to be adjusting well.”

“I am, thank you. Is everything all right?” I search his face for signs of unease, but he doesn’t give anything away.

“Yes, as far as I know, all is well. King Jasper would like you to join him in the gardens for a stroll, but he’s finishing a meeting with his advisors and asked me to escort you.”

A small measure of relief sweeps through me. The king’s not upset. He just wants to walk with me.

After bidding my sister goodbye, I make my way to the gardens with Zale.

We take our time, and I start to relax as he shares details about his family. With a fifteen-year-old and twelve-year-old son, he and his wife thought their child-rearing days were over until she found herself expecting again a few years ago. Now they have three-year-old twins, a boy and a girl.

“We were shocked, to say the least. Thought our years of having babies and young children were long gone.”

I picture the twins running around, causing mischief, and smile. “It sounds like you have your hands full.”

“I certainly do. When I’m working, I can relax a bit. Jacinda is busy with the twins day in and day out. I’ve never seen her happier, though. She’s a wonderful mother.” He strokes his graying beard, then gives me a sidelong glance. “Listen to me. I didn’t intend to bore you with talk of my family.”

“I enjoyed hearing about your family. They sound lovely.” We enter the gardens, and the sweetly perfumed air overwhelms my senses. “It’s nice to chat about something normal…everyday life.”No politics. Or kings. Or princes, for that matter.I turn to the nearest cherry blossom tree to admire the pale pink blooms.

The flowers themselves are soft and delicate, much like the light floral scent they emit.

“I can imagine.” Zale heaves a sympathetic sigh. “It may be a bit longer before the king arrives. If you’d like, I can wait with you while—” A strangled gurgle interrupts his offer.

As I spin around, a horrified cry lodges in my chest.

Zale’s throat is slit, his eyes wide with shock as crimson blood spurts from the wound. His face pales, and his eyes grow glassy.

He staggers back, crumpling into a heap. “Run…”

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