Page 79 of Court of Secrets and Flames

One by one, the wide-eyed children inch closer, not quite daring to touch but eager to be near the majestic creature. Their questions come rapid-fire. Inquisitiveness wins over any lingering trepidation.

“Does she breathe fire?”

“Has she ever roasted anyone?”

“How high can she fly?”

“Why is she called Dame?”

“How old is she?”

“Can I ride her too?”

As fast as I answer their eager questions, the children pepper me with more.

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of two tall, familiar figures. Agnar and Blair approach, tentative yet curious. Agnar eyes Dame, a wary expression on his handsome, battle-scarred face. I haven’t quite figured him out yet. I don’t know if he actually likes me, but at least he acts friendly. For Sterling’s sake, I’m sure.

Blair nods his hello and shoots me a boyish grin. He runs a hand through his short sandy-brown hair, eyes sparklingwith amusement as the children pelt with another round of questions.

When I raise an eyebrow at him, he shrugs, his smile widening.

I chat with the children as adults gather around, many stepping up to grab the shoulder or hand of one of their young ones. It seems I’ve interrupted some kind of gathering of families out here in this clearing. A celebration of sorts.

A picnic, perhaps.

The parents, a mix of townsfolk and several soldiers, edge closer, their expressions a blend of concern and fascination. They herd their own little ones back, though it’s clear they’re torn between caution and intrigue.

A blond-haired, blue-eyed girl no older than six or seven scurries over and stops a few feet in front of me. “Are you the dragoncaller everyone’s talking about?”

“I am.”

“Wow.” Her eyes widen as her face splits into a grin. “I want to be just like you when I grow up.”

Someone snorts nearby, and I swirl around to find Agnar rolling his eyes. “Careful, Rose. Lady Lark’s head is big enough as it is.”

“What?”

“It’s all right.” Agnar’s lip tips up, and for once, he’s actually smiling at me. A little bit. “I don’t think anything I say could change my niece’s high opinion of you.” He dips his chin at me, then turns to the little girl.

Before I have time to ask him about his niece, Agnar disappears into the crowd, the child in tow.

Blair cautiously steps forward, bowing his head to Dame. “In case you’re wondering what all this is about,” he makes a sweeping gesture, “Knox gave us the day off. Said somethingabout taking a break and spending time with our families outside of the palace.” A note of gratitude threads his words.

“Is that so?” My heart flutters at the mention of the prince, but I quickly quell it. Here, surrounded by innocent laughter and happy families, thoughts of what could have been if our situations were different come a little more freely.

I wonder what our babies…no. Don’t even finish that thought.

King Jasper would never allow me to forget where my loyalties must lie—away from personal desires and squarely within his grasp.

And trust? Trust is a luxury I can’t afford. Not even with Sterling, despite the glimpses he’s shown me of his true self.

Speaking of loyalties.“I’m sorry I can’t stay longer, but I need to get back to the palace now.”

The crowd shuffles back, a sea of faces marked by awe and respect as they watch Dame unfurl her wings.

“Bye, Dame! Bye, lady dragoncaller!” Voices tinged with disappointment, the children wave us off.

“Until next time.” I return the wave, my smile bittersweet.

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