Page 96 of Of Scale and Blood

And you?

On wing, hunting with Gria. She hungry, I hungrier.

May the capra be fat and lazy for you both, then.

Are. Had two already. Need more.

My stomach rumbled as she said that, despite the fact I’d eaten more than I normally did last night. I climbed down from the platform and walked over to the scribe quill, ordering a pottage, breads, and cheese as well as shamoke, then headed into the bathroom for a much-needed bath. The food arrived as I was getting dressed, and my father was right behind it.

I sat on the bench to pull on my boots. “You didn’t have to come here—I was going to report once I’d had breakfast.”

“I may be king, but not even I dare disobey the queen. She ordered me to check on your condition, and check I will.” His gaze scanned me as I approached. “You look... different.”

I frowned and poured us both a shamoke. “Different how?”

“More alive.” He accepted his cup with a nod, his brows creased. “There’s this odd air of strength about you now that wasn’t there before.”

I raised my eyebrows, amusement lurking. “Are you saying I previously exuded an air of weakness?”

He laughed. “Of course not. It’s just different—stronger.”

“More drakkon-y?” I picked up a bowl and motioned to the pottage.

He shook his head. “Perhaps. Was the spell successful?”

“Well, we’re all alive, so that’s something.” I paused. “Have you had any report from the barracks? Kaia told me Rua is feeling off, and if she is, maybe Hannity is.”

“No, but I can order a check done, if you wish.”

I waved the suggestion away. “It’s probably best if I take the Prioress down there, given it might have something to do with the spell.”

He nodded. “Do the drakkons now have fire?”

“Not yet. The Prioress said our ‘essences’ need to heal before we know whether the transfer was successful or not.”

“Do you still have fire?”

“No.”

“That is not a good development.”

“As the Prioress said to me, I am more than my flames.” I shrugged, a movement that belied the inner uncertainty. “I’m still a captain, and I have no intention of giving the position up until I absolutely have to.”

A smile tugged at his lips. “Given it seems Aric is about to hit our doorstep again, that may not be anytime soon.”

“Then you know where he is?”

“Not specifically.”

“And Gayl? She’s not been able to enlighten you?”

“Gayl has disappeared.”

I just about choked on my pottage. “How is that even possible?”

“I don’t know. Perhaps we should ask Damon. Where is he, by the way?”

“That is a great unknown. I take it you’ve received no reports of either of them leaving?”

---