Page 44 of Court of Secrets and Flames

I’ve only been in my quarters for a few minutes when someone knocks on the door.

Apparently, my solitude today will be short-lived.

I stride across the chamber, happy that I can at least open my own unlocked door.

Cracking the door open, I find Rhiann standing in the corridor with an armful of garments.

“Good afternoon.” She breezes inside, depositing the clothing on one of the couches. “Your presence at your first dragonriding lesson is requested. Please dress in the proper attire.”

I perk up, almost scared to trust my good fortune. “Thank you. May I ask who will instruct me?”Please don’t be King Jasper.I don’t think I can stand another minute in his presence today.

“Prince Knox.” She says his name like the answer is obvious. “By the time you change, he’ll be ready for you.”

My heart gives a silly little leap. Whether it’s because I’m going to ride a dragon or because Knox’s going to teach me, I can’t be certain.

“Oh, well I guess I’d better get ready.” I reach for the stack of clothing. “When you say ‘proper attire,’ do you mean trousers?”

“Of course. But they’re not just trousers. Breeches, really, because they’re more formfitting.” Rhiann launches into the basics of dragonriding attire like she’s explaining it to a five-year-old. “These outfits are lined with flame-resistant fire feathers, but they’re also lightweight and comfortable. Flying solo, you may not have much need for it, but it’s a good idea to get in the habit of wearing the right clothing when you’re with others or are just around the dragons in general.”

“What a brilliant invention.”

“Indeed.” She offers me a rare smile as she helps me don the clothing.

I trace the intricate stitching of my new black and gray uniform. The shirt and breeches are tight against my skin, leaving no room for wind to cut through.

The fire feathers lining the sleeves give the outfit an exotic touch, and I can’t wait to test them out. If they’re made to protect against dragonfire, surely they’ll withstand my own fires too. And there’s no better place than a non-burnable dragon paddock to try. This outfit is more than mere fabric. It’s a symbol of metamorphosis, a testament to the person I’m becoming.

Once I’m dressed, Rhiann makes quick work of braiding my hair, and we part ways in the hallway.

My heart thunders, and my palms dampen with nerves. As I head to the fire paddock, I attempt to convince myself that it’s because I’m going to ride a dragon for the first time. Possibly one of the dragons who, less than a week ago, almost cooked me to a crisp.

But that’s not the reason for my trepidation. Not entirely.

The closer I get to the dragons, the stronger I can sense their emotions. I’m not used to this by any means, but in the last several days, I’ve at least grown accustomed to the feelings in my head that aren’t mine.

I reach the fire paddock to find Knox already there, leaning against the fence with his arms crossed. His shirt is back on, thank goodness, but the rolled-up sleeves and open collar reveal the sweat still glistening on his forearms and neck.

I probably need to refrain from giving in to the temptation of walking up and licking the salt off his skin.

“Well, if this isn’t déjà vu, I don’t know what is.” His lips quirk up in a cocky half grin. “Me waiting on you to arrive for a lesson.”

My jaw drops, and for a moment, I don’t know what to say over this joking version of the prince. Apparently, training with his men agrees with him. I make a mental note of that for when he inevitably returns to the grumpy, more serious version of himself.

“Lark Axton, speechless?” He takes a few steps toward me and lowers his voice. “I don’t know what delights me more, you at a loss for words, or seeing how fuckable you look in that tight outfit.”

My face heats, and I’m thankful for the fire-resistant clothing because gods above, I’m about to combust. “Knock it off,Your Highness.”

A low growl rumbles from his chest. “Hearing you call me ‘Your Highness’ while you’re blushing and wearing said fuckable outfit just moved to the top of the list of my favorite things.”

Stumbling back, I glance around to confirm no one is nearby. “What in the three hells are you doing? If the king overheard you?—”

“Relax, Duchess.” His smile widens, a predatory glint in his dark brown eyes. “He’s in a meeting, which means we’re alone for at least three hours.”

My heartrate spikes at the implications of his words. “I’m here for adragonriding lesson, Knox. Nothing more. Besides, what happened to the importance of maintaining our distance in public?”

He studies me long and hard before heaving a sigh. “You’re right. But fuck if I don’t want you despite the risks.”

My heart clenches at the mixture of yearning and sadness that crosses his face. “I know.”

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