Page 90 of Queen of Legends and Lies
Then, with a sigh, Sterling rolls off, sitting up and gathering me into his lap. He rests his chin on my head, the peace of chirping birds and lapping waves settling over us. But we both know it won’t last.
We have a war to win. A kingdom to protect. And an army waiting just past our borders.
Chapter Thirty-One
Wind whips through my hair as Dame soars through the sky, her powerful wings carrying me swiftly back toward the palace. Beside me, Sterling rides atop Tanwen, his expression grim. I can feel the unease radiating from all the dragons.
Kaida scans the air behind us, as if checking for pursuers. For some reason, the dragons are still worked up. Ready for attack.
Through our connection, I project soothing reassurances that we’re all right. It was a close call, but the drachen are gone. We escaped unscathed. And with more information than before.
If that fight taught me anything, it’s that knowledge, not strength, will win this war.
As we approach the palace, the sprawling wings and lofty spires come into view. The dragons descend, landing smoothly in the central courtyard. The fire paddock, nestled between the palace wings, awaits their return, and they finally start to calm down.
I climb down Dame’s foreleg, my own legs a little unsteady after that intense fight and hours on a dragon’s back.
Sterling dismounts Tanwen with fluid, practiced movements. We wait as the three dragons lumber into thepaddock, the warm afternoon sun glinting off their scales. Dame’s reddish-brown coloring gleams, while Kaida’s black body and blue underbelly blend seamlessly with the stone walls. Tanwen’s dark green stands out, bright in the light and not quite merging with the dark.
Dragontenders rush out, armed with clean water and fresh meat. The dragons prefer to hunt for themselves and often do, but I sense their appreciation for my people’s willingness to supplement their diets.
I turn to Sterling. “We need to call a council meeting. Immediately. They need to know about what Xenon said.”
He nods, his square jaw set with determination. “Agreed. They need to know that we discovered the Palace of the Gods too. Which he seems to be familiar with.”
Hand in hand, we stride through the open side doors of the palace, our footsteps echoing off the marble floors. A guard with a boyish face and tawny hair watches us out of the corner of his eye.
We’ve met before, and I flag him down with a wave. “Please assemble the royal council in the Council Tower, Donovan. As soon as possible.”
The guard bows his head. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
As he pivots to leave, I catch his arm. “One more thing. Wake Eldor Gentry and ask him to join us as well.”
He nods, his eyes widening slightly. “Your grandfather the researcher? Of course, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you.”
He rushes away before I can say anything else.
I glance at Sterling, my heart racing with adrenaline. He squeezes my hand in a subtle gesture of support. In that moment, I draw strength from his presence, from the unwavering loyalty and love that binds us together.
With renewed purpose, I march to the Council Tower and climb the stairs. They hadn’t approved of my idea of searching for the caves, but that isn’t going to stop me from explaining what happened. Or how their decisions won’t hold me back when I know I’m in the right.
Sterling follows close behind, his presence a comforting anchor amid the chaos swirling in my mind. I send a maid scurrying to fetch clean towels, water, and refreshments, knowing we’ll require sustenance for the long evening ahead.
As I settle into a chair at the circular table, I catch Sterling’s trembling hands and notice his face has become a few shades paler than its normal bronze hue. Without hesitation, I rise and light the fireplace, the flames casting a warm glow across the room. But it’s not enough. Sterling’s shivering persists, his breath short and ragged.
Using magic for an extended time is draining, but merging powers? It’s utterly exhausting.
I light the second fireplace, determined to banish the chill from his bones. As the heat envelops us, I reach for a decanter and two crystal glasses, the amber liquid sloshing as I hurriedly fill them. After handing one to Sterling, I swig my own drink, the alcohol burning a path down my throat and dulling the edges of my frayed nerves without relieving the thirst.
The council members trickle in, their faces etched with annoyance and curiosity. Serle, Fenton, Bron, and Nira sit as their eyes dart between Sterling and me, questions lingering in their gazes. Alannah comes next, escorted by the vicar.
If I were by myself, they’d already be falling all over themselves to interrogate me and give their opinions on everything. Including my clothing.
Eldor enters last, his russet eyes sharp and calculating as he regards the assembled members.
I catch the disapproving glances from some of the council, their apprehension about accepting my grandfather almost palpable. The only one who seems truly unbothered by his presence is Dalya.
