Page 110 of Ash

“She is still unconscious,” Tyrez stated. “I have no way of knowing when she will be strong enough to do this.”

“Have the Watcher work her magic. The woman doesn’t have to be fully functional to be attractive to Rindek.”

Tyrez’s anger rose at the complete lack of concern in his brother’s voice. “If she is going to be dangled as bait, I insist on being with her.”

Taran’s eyes narrowed. “She will be adequately protected.”

“Forgive me if I don’t entirely believe that,” Tyrez fought to keep from snarling. “It would solve all your worries if she was accidentally killed while helping you.”

“It is only reasonable,” his mother interjected. “She is his soulbond.”

“We have no proof that the woman is anything special at all,” Taran scoffed.

“Dani,” Tyrez hissed. “Her name is Dani.”

The Emperor stepped forward. “Make accommodations for Tyrez to be there as her bodyguard. It will be the only exception to our ruling.”

Taran’s mouth straightened in displeasure, but he yielded the floor to his father.

The Emperor’s eyes hardened until no trace of the father he’d been to Tyrez remained. He straightened and delivered the verdict in a deep, penetrating voice. “I hereby banish the Dragon known as Tyrez from the Dragon empire. Any attempt to re-enter it, or any of its colonies, will result in immediate execution. He will also forfeit all belongings, physical or financial to the empire. Any connections to the Legion, or to the family trading business are officially severed. He will agree to leave the empire with only the scales on his back, or he will die.”

As Tyrez’s heart thundered, the old Dragon paused, met his son’s gaze, and delivered his final thrust. “I renounce any allegiance, or connection, to you. I no longer have a son named Tyrez.”

His mother gasped. Her gaze was fastened on his father, and they glittered with hate.

Although they weren’t soulbonded, the Emperor and his mother had always shared a mutual respect that helped them work together to rule. It had also led to the five successful mating flights. To see that expression on her face sent ice skittering through his veins.

Tyrez merely glanced at his father, then turned, and bowed low to his mother. Sirki was openly sobbing, and many warriors were swaying from foot to foot, upset and unsure.

Tyrez straightened his shoulders and strode out of the assembly room.

He’d heard of exiles where the convicted were run from the empire with claws and teeth raked along their sides. Rumors had even touted that Dragons had their wings cut from their bodies before they were hauled off the empire’s turf.

But these soldiers just quietly fell in alongside him, shifting to Dragon to fly in tight formation back to the gate.

Razir landed beside him. His brother’s expression was contorted as he faced Tyrez. Then he pulled him in for an embrace.

“I don’t give a damn what Father says,” he said in a roughened voice. “You are still my brother. If you need anything, I am here.”

Tyrez pounded him on the back. “Thanks, bro.”

With a leaden heart, he stepped through the gate, and away from his life.

* * *

When Tyrez entered Cara’s garden, Sparkle flew down from a tree branch to chirp at him.

He therefore wasn’t surprised to see Jacques waiting for him, sitting on the bench beneath the arbor. The Dragon glanced at the Satyr. “You might want to make yourself scarce, lest my tarnished image rub off on you.”

Jacques shrugged and stroked the Phoenix as she landed on his shoulder. “I think it just makes you much more interesting.”

Tyrez eyed him. “You knew, didn’t you?”

“If they’d decided on an execution, rest assured I would have spoken up,” Jacques stated. “After your dear eldest brother drilled me for information, your mother pulled me aside. Asked me some rather pointed questions about your reactions at the scene, etc. etc. Had Sparkle and me wait in her chambers until the verdict was decided, just in case she needed a messenger.”

Tyrez sighed. His mother was loyal. He had little doubt she would have put, at the very least, her career, and maybe much more, on the line for him. Perhaps she had, to be honest. Her position could be challenged if the Dragonas felt she was incompetent or otherwise compromised. Hard to beat an exiled son forcompromised. To make matters worse, Aranta was nothing if not vindictive.

But Taran’s anger and hostility had very real reasons that Tyrez sympathized with. Saving Dani had sent long-lasting ripples through the empire and may have put their mother and father’s positions in jeopardy.

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