Page 11 of Consort's Dragon
“Only because I didn’t give it a chance.”
“It wouldn’t have.There are only a few of us in the world that are safe from its fury.You are one of them.”
“Why would I be spared?”
“As if you have to ask, Avera Voxspira, whose ancestry goes back a thousand years.There’s a reason why your family and mine have ruled so long.While diluted, the blood that courses through our veins makes us special.”
“According to who?”
“The same book that explained the Dracova stones.It is a bible, of sorts, on dragons.Would you like to see it?”
The offer surprised her.“Really?”
“I want you to trust me, Avera.That means being honest and sharing what I know so we can figure out how to best move forward.”
A book about dragons?Curiosity had her exclaiming, “You’d let me read it?”
“Yes, although you’ll need aid as the language it’s written in is one long dead.But Karoki is a good teacher.”
“How does she know the language?”
“My viziers know many things.I’ll have it sent to your room.Even if the words are gibberish, there are images.Once Karoki returns, we can arrange sessions.”He spoke as if she’d be here a while.
“While the offer is kind, I really should be looking to get back home to Daerva.”
“Eager to be arrested?”
“No, but Benoit must be dealt with, and then there is Zhos.”
“Agreed they are pressing matters, but rushing off won’t result in success.”
“So I am a prisoner.”
“Guest.An honored one who has my word that we will deal with both situations in Daerva together.”He rose.“I’m afraid while I’d like to continue conversing, I do have another appointment to keep.”
“Oh, that’s fine.I’m rather tired.”She stood but before taking her leave had to ask, “Are you really going to hatch a dragon?”
“Weare.”He corrected.“And notadragon, butallthe dragons.The pretender on your throne will most likely vacate without a fight once we arrive with my naval fleet and the mighty beasts.With the false king out of the way, we can focus on eradicating Zhos.”
For a second, Avera could actually picture his suggestion, her atop a dragon, wearing a tiara, cape flowing the wind, a sword held aloft.Ridiculous, as if anyone would ride such a creature.
Titus escorted her to the dining hall exit before bowing.“I look forward to more conversations tomorrow.”
“Good night,” she murmured in reply, watching him strut off, his gait loose and confident.An intriguing man who said all the right things.
So why did she feel as if he hid something?
Prielli materialized.“Is Her Majesty ready to adjourn?”
“Yes, please.”She followed the maid in silence, thinking over what she’d learned.
Titus had a book on dragons and a woman who could foretell the future.Being human, Avera couldn’t help but wonder what else this person might have seen.It was only as she lay in bed and thought over what Titus told her that it hit her.
He claimed those with certain bloodlines could work with—even bond with—dragons.Old families who’d been in power for generations.Voxspiras had been ruling forever, according to the oldest records.Titus claimed the same for his line.But what of Griffon?His father had ruled Verlora, and his father before him.Was it possible Gryphon had the bloodline needed?
If he did, could that possibly mean he’d survived the dragon’s fiery attack?It seemed impossible, yet Avera went to bed clutching to that faint hope.Because if Griffon lived, he would come for her.
Chapter3
