Page 104 of Wrath of the Dragons
“What is it?” I ask, and Cayden narrows his eyes in suspicion.
“I’ve never seen godly markings, only heard tales of them,” he says, stepping toward the spread to pour himself a cup of coffee. “Tragedy follows the gods’ involvement in mortal lives. News of your ability to wield dragonfire traveled over the Dolent, but I have to say I didn’t believe it until I saw the markings. People don’t survive the ritual you performed.”
“How do you know all of this?” Saskia asks.
He looks at her, but his impassive expression doesn’t change. “Just because I’m a discarded prince doesn’t mean I didn’t receive an education in my formative years.”
No matter how I feel about the gods, and how many unanswered prayers I muttered over the years, the markings at my wedding…the ritual…it must meansomething.I don’t ponder their presence out of piety, but I’d be a fool to deny the shadow I’ve walked beneath since the eclipse.
The ship cuts through the sea, bypassing staggering mansions set on sprawling tropical estates as the island the castle is built on looms into view. Crew members hustle around the deck to slow our pace as we glide beneath an extravagant golden archway made to look like two serpents shooting up from the sea and plunging their fangs into a burning sun between them. The port is vast, and deep enough for vessels like ours to dock.
The shining rays spilling from the sky caress the white stone spires, and I blink, forcing my eyes to adjust. A mixture of blue, red, orange, and yellow domes top every tower, and all are connected by bridges, with waterfalls spilling down the steep hill and into the ocean. Palm trees stand tall in the open spaces, as do several types of tropical flowers, their sweet scents carried by the wind.
My dragons fly onward, circling the various buildings that make up the structure, and a mixture of servants, ladies, and lords flock to the open spiral staircases within the turrets overlooking the bay to catchsight of them. I smooth my hands down the dark blue chiffon that flows around me like midnight waves. My back is bare aside from the thin draping chains that connect the fabric. Two golden cuffs fashioned to look like two dragons flying toward the north star adorn my upper arms, and the dragon cuffs from Cayden hug my wrists. A sapphire on the bodice sits between my breasts, just above a small triangular cutout, and matches the circlet gifted to me on my wedding day that rests across my forehead.
Cayden steps up beside me, sliding his steel into its sheath strapped across his back, offering me his arm. He’s also wearing the same crown he did at our wedding, however I can’t blame him for not having the patience for finery beyond that in this heat. His wavy hair is untamed as a result of the wind, and he wears another black linen shirt with matching loose pants tucked into his boots, but I think he looks like a dangerous dream.
“King Cayden and Queen Elowen Veles of Vareveth!” Ophir announces as we stride down the gangplank and meet a steward at the base of the promenade leading to the castle.
“Welcome to Galakin, Your Majesties,” the man says, wearing a red tunic embroidered with yellow and orange that complements his dark complexion and even darker hair. His eyes linger on Prince Zarius, but he thankfully doesn’t say anything. We thought it best to introduce him to the royals ourselves before his identity is confirmed to their court. “I’m here to escort you to the royal family.”
We begin our ascent of the hill lined with streams and flowers as the dragons fly overhead. My thighs burn by the time we make it to the top, and my eyes are spared from the blinding sun when we pass through a parted set of orange curtains that leads to a room open to the air on all sides and filled with regal furniture and palms.
We’re led through curved halls decorated with painted tiles and across several bridges bordered by trees with butterflies and colorful birds flying around. The sun warms my shoulders when we step onto a patio with a long rectangular pool filled with lotus flowers and lily pads that stretches in front of a pavilion framed with House Ilariabanners. Servants back away from the royals when they note our presence, taking with them bowls of melon and trays of iced lemonade.
“May I present King Erix, Queen Cordelia, and Crown Prince Zale of House Ilaria,” their squire declares from his place beside the steps leading to the platform.
Queen Cordelia rakes her brown eyes over us as she sips her drink. Her red gown covers the chaise she reclines on, and like all furniture within, it matches the House Ilaria colors. “I thank you for making such a journey to attend our ball.” She rises from her perch and takes her husband’s arm to descend the steps and kiss both my cheeks. My chest tightens, but I force myself not to stiffen.
“Thank you for inviting us, Your Majesty. I’ve always wanted to visit Galakin, though the tales I heard pale in comparison to its beauty.”
Her hands remain on my shoulders as she faces Cayden, her smile straining as King Erix reaches out to shake his hand, and says, “I believe congratulations are in order, for freeing the dragons, acquiring your crown, and your new bride.”
Cayden clasps Erix’s hand, though he doesn’t return the smile as Cordelia cuts in again, “Yes, my sister wrote to me about how beautiful the ceremony was. It was a shame we missed it.”
“With war approaching we believed it best to solidify our union as quickly as possible.”
“Of course,” Cordelia responds, her auburn curls draping down her back like spilled wine as she turns to gesture her son forward. “We won’t keep you long—I’m sure you want to get settled after such a long journey—but may I present the crown prince.” A man who looks to be around my age leans down to kiss my hand, causing my discomfort to heighten.
“The conqueror king,” Zale says, regarding Cayden. He is only a few inches taller than me, has the same eyes as his mother, and has curly hair like his father though it’s brown instead of gray.
“Prince,” Cayden responds. “There is also another in attendance.” He gestures behind us, and our newfound friend steps forward. “Prince Zarius Liluria of Thirwen.”
Erix lifts a brow and Cordelia’s hand tightens on his arm.
“I thought Prince Zarius died with his mother,” the king says.
Zarius gives a dry smile. “Sorry to disappoint.”
Cordelia’s eyes burn holes into Zarius, but she remains silent, her chest rising and falling unevenly. Erix nods slowly, regarding the prince like he doesn’t know what to make of him. “You stand with your father’s enemies willingly?”
“I owe my father nothing.” Zarius juts his chin in my direction. “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
“So it seems.” Cordelia’s lip curls before she masks her features. “We will discuss your presence in my kingdom later.”
Calithea flies above us, screeching as she perches on one of the tallest domes, keeping her silver eyes locked on me.
“I’ve always wanted to see a dragon.” Zale’s tone is filled with awe as he gazes up at her.
