Page 3 of Earth Dragon
“No,” he said. “To evaluate you.”
She cocked an eyebrow, a hint of her old amusement there. He knew she was fiercely intelligent and naturally observant, able to draw conclusions where many others would fail. What conclusions was she drawing about him?
“Isn’t it the same thing?” she asked, the irony far from lost on him.
“I did not enter your bedroom hoping to find you… in a state of undress,” he defended himself, unable to keep himself from bristling at the mere insinuation.
“Then how did you wish to evaluate me, my lord?” she asked, sounding as though she might climb onto the bed and strike a pose to allure him into quite the different answer to her question.
She was dangerous, that much was clear.
“Your intentions have not changed,” he declared. “Neither have your alliances. You cannot fool me into thinking otherwise.”
She cocked an eyebrow. “That’s what your evaluation has told you? Based on what? All I’ve done is wash my hair.”
“You wear grey,” he said.
“As do many others.”
“Yes, but you didn’t used to. Not until you had to somehow show yourself pious and loyal to your master, whoever they are.” He shook his head at her. “It’s pathetic, you must realize that. You think you’re not being obvious?”
“Oh, I know I’m being obvious,” she shot back. “I’m not ashamed of my beliefs. Can you say the same?”
“You think I’m hiding my beliefs?”
“You spoke of wanting a different life for yourself,” she replied. “You told me you wanted to be a carpenter, have a few cows, lead a quiet existence in the countryside, far away from the weight of the crown. Leon then went so far as to declare this to everyone when he attacked the tournament, so I know you spoke the truth when you shared that desire. And yet, here you are. Wearing silver embroidery on your fine velvet clothes and playing at becoming king.”
He shook his head, restraining the need to lash out at her for her so-called beliefs. Slowly, he said, “You would end the bloodlines? You hold firm to this being the right course of action, even after the elemental magics so clearly sided with the crowned heads? Malcolm didn’t even need the moment of transference to tap into his elemental magic. It was right there, within him all along.”
“So, why isn’t it within you?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
“It is,” he said sharply.
“Just not right there,” she said. “Somewhere deeper down, I suppose. Beneath all that yearning for a simpler life.”
“I don’t want a simpler life,” he snapped. “I merely wanted…” He trailed off, not willing to admit that he didn’t quite know how to put words to it himself.
“What did you want?” she asked, knowing perfectly well how difficult this was for him to speak about. Because he had told her, back when he’d thought she was someone to be trusted. “I could have listened to you search for the words for hours,” she said, so quietly he thought she hadn’t meant the comment for him.
When he met her gaze, there was something thoughtful tracing them. As though she was getting lost in the memory of those evenings they’d spent in amicable peace, walking the castle gardens, circling the great fountains in an unplanned pattern that had somehow made the walking all the more pleasurable.
“I thought you were becoming my friend,” he said.
“I did too,” she murmured, sadness in her eyes as she looked away, out one of the large windows instead.
Right. Perhaps he could make his visit mean something more than these meandering non-accusations that they were throwing at each other.
“The rooms are enchanted,” he informed. “You cannot leave through the windows. I’m sure you’re already aware that you cannot shift into your dragon shape anywhere within the city walls. You will only be able to walk the castle with guards present at all times. These guards will be appointed to you and will know you, so there’s no point in trying to disguise yourself or—”
“I have no intention of attempting to escape,” she stopped him.
“That only makes me all the more suspicious of you,” he said.
She offered a small smile. “I don’t blame you.”
He didn’t smile back.
“Your cause is lost,” he stated firmly. “I will… Our bloodline will continue with me as the next king of Rogoros. I will be Keeper of the earthmagic and the four kingdoms will remain as they have been, in balance with each other and with nature for centuries.”
