Page 96 of Song of Her Siren

My last thought before drifting off to sleep was for Aurora. I wondered how much she’d been neglected by her yaya, though I knew Shiri more than made up for it by loving her unconditionally. There was no purer heart than my sister’s. Now we just had to make her believe it.

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Helian

IRAN OUTSIDE, BREATHINGin a crisp gulp of ocean air before leaping off the balcony and landing on my dragon’s back. He’d ditched the saddle, no doubt after being ridiculed by Isa, though she wore one for Tari and Shiri. It didn’t matter. I could hold on easily enough without one by grasping a rigid scale.

Once I settled myself on his back, Radnor jumped into the air, rapidly putting distance between us and the ground as he flapped his wings. Soon, we were wordlessly soaring through the heavens, his scales vibrating beneath me as we streaked across the sky like a falling comet. I focused on the feel of the wind cooling my skin and the thrill of watching the ground pass beneath us in a blur.

How I loved moments like this, though I was mindful this time spent together would be more rare, as Radnor and I had our families to keep us occupied.

Releasing a sigh, I closed my eyes while the wind blew back my hair, enjoying my few stolen moments of freedom before I would be stuck in that infernal castle once more, subject to the whims of a mad queen.

Radnor’s thought resonated in my mind.You’re quieter than usual, Prince.

Sorry, friend.Opening my eyes, I squeezed his scales between my thighs.I have a lot on my mind.

I know you do.

I didn’t come here to talk about my problems. I came to escape them.What’s it like being a father?I asked him.

The hatchling brings me joy.

I could feel the smile in his words, and I was slightly envious. I couldn’t wait to hold my babe. Hopefully, we survived this demon invasion.

We flew beyond the wall, across the misty ocean, its tall, crashing waves turning into undulating rollers the farther we flew from shore. How I missed flying for miles, no worries other than what we’d catch for supper.

Fatherhood looks good on you, I finally answered.You’re a little less cranky.

He let out a deep rumble.Maybe you’ll be less insufferable when you become a father.

I laughed.I doubt it.

When Radnor didn’t return my laughter, I sensed a lecture was coming.

We play a dangerous game here, Prince, Radnor said as he slowly turned back toward the wall and those pointy turrets, my daily source of frustration.I fear the bitch queen and your mate will kill each other before the demons arrive.

I grimaced.I know.

You must protect your mate and unborn child.

His warning rolled through me, churning my gut.I know that too. Tari doesn’t want to leave Shiri.One reason we remained here. The other was the growing threat of a demon attack.

It doesn’t matter what she wants, he warned.You need to do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

I heaved a groan, growing ever tired of his nagging.And here I thought a flight would take the edge off.

The wolf cub can bring us all back to Fallax before the sun rises.

I scoffed at his idea.And leave my brother and Drae here?Tari would never agree to leaving Ash behind, and we couldn’t exactly haul a demon around with us. Sure, they’d done so with me, but it wasn’t a risk I was willing to repeat.

They would want you to prioritize your mate too.

He was right, damn him, but I didn’t come here to talk about that. I came here to ignore my problems, if only for a few moments. Was that too much to ask? I’ll talk to Tari about it.

Tell her she must go to Fallax. Give her no choice to refuse you.

And how does it work when you tell Isa what to do?

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