Page 13 of A Kingdom of Fire and Fury
Nimue grimaced. “You haven’t completed the bond with your dragon yet.” When I glanced down at the new tattoo that sprawled down my right arm and went up to just over my right jaw, she shook her head. “The bond isn’t secured until your first flight. Her flames might have chosen you, but until you have the first ride… she could change her mind. You too.”
I raised a brow. “That’s possible on my end?”
Nimue shot me a look. “Your bond is the only reason you’re walking these halls. You really want to reject it?”
I scowled. “Obviously not. Just curious.”
She scoffed. “Don't be. That's what got you in this situation in the first place. And as far as we know, there’s no way to reject a dragon’s claim. You either accept it, or the sickness kills you. And your dragon can still reject the bond during your first flight.”
“You keep saying that, but what does it mean?” I got the feeling I wasn’t going to like the answer.
“If she decides you’re not worthy, she’ll fling you off her back. It’s happened before.”
“Lovely. How long does the king intend to make me wait to complete the bond?”
Nimue toyed with the hilt of her weapon holstered against her thigh. “Usually, the first flight happens right after the bond. We’re in uncharted territory here.”
Of course.Another little game of Luther’s. Probably to punish me since he couldn’t kill me.
“Once Umara finalizes the bond, things will change,” Nimue assured me. “That’ll squash most of the, uh, criminal rumors. No one will talk bad about a dragonsguard. It’ll be a fresh start.”
I snorted. “Sure.” But even if somehow people were willing to overlook the whole ‘traitor’ aspect, I was still a commoner first and foremost. The lord and ladies across the kingdom were probably seething.
The dining hall was a huge room with four long rows of tables that stretched from the beginning to end of the room. At the far right side was a serving hatch where the cooks worked. The hall was still pretty empty, about a quarter of the way full. And of course, all eyes went to me.
“I’ll be nice today,” Nimue murmured. “I’ll get our food. Usually, we have servants bring our meals to us, but it’s important you know where the kitchens are. We’ll eat in a secluded spot I like.” She shot me a look. “But again, usually the dragonsguard eat together in our wing.”
Which I had no desire to do. But her tone wasn’t asking for my opinion. There was no real choice here. It was comply or get my sister killed.
When Nimue returned, we went through the windy hallways to a small nook tucked against the wall witha large window and two built in stone seats. Nimue passed the tray to me, and I set it on my lap, staring at the plate which comprised of a bowl of oatmeal, an apple, and glass of water.
“If you don’t like it, we can go back to the kitchen. But I will warn you, the cooks will be angry, and I’ll be a little peeved you waited until we sat down to change your mind.”
“It’s fine.” My cheeks heated.It’s so much.More than I was used to receiving for breakfast. I took a bite of oatmeal, and my tastebuds exploded. I shoveled more into my mouth.
“No one’s going to take it from you,” Nimue said dryly and took a dainty bite of her oatmeal.
“I know that.” I forced myself to slow down, but not by much. Besides, I could totally see the king limiting my food as punishment. He wasn’t a man known for his kindness.
“The food’s a nice bonus. The meals delivered specifically to us are even better. Almost as good as Luther’s, that stingy bastard.” Nimue laughed.
“I'm not a beast. I can’t be bribed by food. Even if it is good.”
Nimue's lips twitched. “I know.” She studied me carefully. “You probably have a lot of questions and lucky for you, I have some answers. Well, Gareth will give you some more in-depth information, but I can help you with the other members of the dragonsguard. You’ve met Kieran. He, uh, brought you in.”
“He’s an asshole,” I snapped, tightening my grip on my spoon.
“Not arguing with you there.” She set her tray on the ground and tossed her apple between her hands. “He makes a terrible first impression. I’m constantly amazed he hasn’t gotten a knife to the gut. You’ve met Gareth too. The two of them get along real well, but Gareth isn’t an asshole. He’s the one you need to get on your side. But even if he dislikes you, he’ll still go to bat for you. Always.”
She took a bite of her apple. “Then there’s Aurelia. She’s a real bitch. Don’t even try to be her friend. She’s Luther’s fiancé, and he’s pretty much the only person she respects. Though that didn’t stop her from sticking her tongue down my throat after a few pints of ale. Then there’s Ben. He’ll fuck anything with a hole, but he’s harmless and easy to get along with. Then there’s King Luther.” Her mouth tightened. “As long as you follow his orders and agree with him, you won’t have a problem.”
“And if I don’t agree with him?”
She met my gaze. “Bat your eyes. Soften your words. Praise him and criticize him in one breath. He’s like most men that way.”
I wrinkled my nose. “I’m not going to do that.”
Nimue shrugged. “Your loss. You have training later today with the rest of us, but after we’re done eating, you’re Gareth’s problem. He’s going to teach you court politics, history, etiquette—all that boring shit.”
