Page 61 of Court of Secrets and Flames

The king continues addressing his people. “When our children’s wings first come in, we host a yearly feast to commemorate the occasion and honor our ancestors. Through no fault of her own, Lady Lark was stolen from us by our enemy at an early age, and whatever they subjected her to there delayed her manifestation. To welcome her to our beautiful kingdom, let’s salute Lady Lark and show her what it means to be Tirenese!”

With a flourish, he unfurls his majestic wings in a whoosh of air. Snowy white feathers laced with streaks of gold and vibrantgreen extend like a beacon behind him, the span and coloring a testament to his noble lineage.

A hush falls over the courtyard. When no one moves to join the king after several long seconds, part of me wishes I could sink into the ground or hop onto Dame’s back and fly away.

I remind myself of what Knox told me back at Flighthaven…that not caring what other people think isn’t always a bad thing. Squaring my shoulders, I lift my chin, but even my personal growth can’t stop the little ball of sorrow from forming beneath my ribs.

Then, a ripple of motion spreads like wildfire through the assembled Tirenese.

With loud snaps, wings all over unfurl to create a symphony and riot of color and sound. In a domino effect, more and more wings burst free.

Pride washes over me, extinguishing my earlier sorrow and allowing a seed of belonging to sprout a little more when each new person joins in.

A gleam of silver catches my eye. I track it to find Knox airing his massive wings. Agnar and Blair stand on either side, Blair honoring me with soft blue feathers accented by darker markings and Agnar with his copper-colored hues.

Even the dragon tenders and servants join in, a cascade of various shades bursting forth, filling the space with the soft rustle of feathers.

Surrounded by this living kaleidoscope, emotion clogs my chest, and my nose starts to burn. Tears mar my vision, each droplet blurring the spectacle before me. The colorful splendor whispers to me of ancient magic, and for the first time, I wonder if maybe I’m meant to be here.

“Beautiful.” I spin in a slow circle, amazed as I soak in every detail. It’s a moment of pure wonder, a bond shared acrossbloodlines and titles. The distraction of power struggles and betrayal lifts, leaving me adrift in a sea of awe.

“Aren’t they? I’ve seen so many wing salutes over the years but it just never gets old.” A stately, older woman whispers close enough for only me to hear. “Your coloration is beautiful, dear. Suits you perfectly.”

Lost for words, I bob my head in acknowledgment. “Thank you.”

“I’m Duchess Breann, by the way. It is such a joy to see you’ve finally come into your birthright.”

I lean in, curiosity piqued by her warmth. “At what age do they usually appear?” My voice is barely audible above the rustle of feathers.

“Late puberty for most.” She wrinkles her pointy nose, which makes the slight bump on the bridge more pronounced. “I suspect the delay in your case was due to some sort of magic suppressant.”

A shiver runs down my spine. “You suspect correctly. I took tablets to keep my magic at bay. I thought I was doing it because my ability was too strong to manage as a child, but in reality, I’m not sure that’s the case.” Another reminder of my long overdue discussion with Mother. “If not for the recent chain of events, I might never have learned the truth. I might never have…if the prince hadn’t…I…”

Pushing between the king and me, Duchess Breann wraps a thin arm around my quaking shoulders. “It’s okay. Slow your breathing. We understand. That is why Prince Knox was sent to save you.”

I startle.Saveme? Could that possibly be true, or is this revisionist history at its finest?

The whole time I was at Flighthaven, Knox never even hinted about my wings—or his for that matter. And even if Knox didsave me on behalf of King Jasper, I seriously doubt altruism was the motivating factor.

The more I learn about my former life and homeland, though, the less sure I am about everything. Regardless, Knox still lied to me. He also used my feelings for him to facilitate his mission and slept with me, more than once, under false pretenses.

Those facts remain undisputed.

“Should you need assistance with learning to fly,” Duchess Breann rises to her full, regal height and stretches her own wings, a cascade of silver and emerald, “seek me out or ask one of your maids. I’ve helped my children and their children deal with this change. I would be happy to help you as well.”

Her kind offer and generosity touch me, relieving my momentary panic. “Thank you.”

King Jasper’s voice cuts through the murmurs, commanding my attention. “Lark, would you mind sharing how your wings first made themselves known to you?”

Squirming a little under all the attention, I launch into a quick recap of my morning. Chuckles erupt as I describe the absolutely terrifying manner in which Dame encouraged my wings to materialize, and how I prayed to Ziva as I fell through the sky. Emboldened by the crowd’s seemingly positive reception, I even share how I’m convinced both Dame and the birds flying past were poking fun at me.

I can’t help laughing myself over the absurdity of the whole thing.

The king waits for me to finish. “Dame? Is that what you call the female dragon you rode in on?”

My cheeks light on fire. “Forgive me, Your Majesty. I never learned her true name, so I came up with something to call her on my own. I meant no offense.”

Jasper waves off my concern. “None taken. Many of our dragons are unnamed. You’ve met the dragon Prince Knox rides, Tanwen, I’m sure. He’s one of the few with a name. Why Dame, I wonder?”

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