Page 39 of Kingdom of Flames & Flowers
Fine, then.
I slid onto the base of his neck, sliding down as he stood until it wedged me on his back between his wing joints. I took a hold of the spikes around his neck and took a deep breath.
It didn’t keep me from screaming as he dove off the cliff’s edge.
My knuckles were white as I held his spikes in a death grip, wanting to close my eyes but unable to look away as the ground rushed up at us. But soon enough, Zariah’s wings flared, and he flattened out. We stopped falling and instead we were gliding down to the massive dome across the horizon.
The sun burned against my skin, but I relished every sensation. Even though the surrounding landscape was nothing but a charred, blackened crisp, joy flooded my body atfeelingthe sun. I’d never known what it felt like, having grown up under the dome’s protection my entire life. It felt warm, and … nice.
WHUMPF.
We landed hard on the left side of the dome where I knew my mud district was. What was my mother doing right now? Was she getting enough food? I hoped someone would share now that I was gone and unable to elbow an extra loaf of bread for us. That fire guard had said he would help.
Zariah skittered along the dome’s surface on all fours, heading toward the same platform I’d been ceremoniously shoved through yesterday. He bent his head and neck down so I could easily jump down.
“Thanks.”
I blinked in the brightness, wondering if it was a sunny day or if this was just what it was like to be under its gaze. I admired the blue hues in the sky and the fluffy looking clouds.
“Have you ever flown through one?” I wondered out loud.
Dragons couldn’t grin, could they? Zariah flashed his fangs at me and nodded his head up and down. I don’t know why, but the thought of this massive beast frolicking through the soft, white clouds above me made me smile.
Zariah gave a comforting rumble, nudging me gently in the chest with his nose toward the latched door.
“Yeah, I know. Return as the dragon whisperer or whatever. You will come to me tonight to talk?”
He tilted his head to the side, looking sad.
“Zion, then?”
He gave a curt nod before flying away. His wings nearly clipped me as he took off in a huff.
I hefted the latch (which was unlocked) and descended the stairs, pulling it shut behind me. I jumped down, noting with bitterness that I was alone. Someone must have cleaned, because the floor was spotless despite two fireguards bleeding out on it. Now, where to go first? Should I make a grand disturbance in the main audience hall or go back to my rooms with the other girls?
Choices, choices …
A big scene would piss the queen off, and while that would be enjoyable for me, I didn’t need to taunt her into killing me outright. I needed to have my conversation with one of the dragon boys and figure out what was going on with this curse. Obviously, killing the dragon was no longer an option. Breaking the curse, however, was. If I found a way, the royal family would be indebted to me. I would force them to improve conditions in the mud district and actually feed my people. From what I’d seen of the Seat and the plump people who made up court, they could afford it.
Back to my rooms it was.
Assuming I could find them.
“There you are.”
I jumped a foot in the air and swore as Zion rounded the corner, leaning against the wall and crossing his arms over his chest. His eyes narrowed, lips pursed in irritation.
“What, can you two talk telepathically or something?” I grumbled.
The furrow in his brow only deepened.
“Great. Not only are theretwoof you, but you can also talk about me to each other in secret. Just wonderful.”
One dark eyebrow raised, so similar to his brother’s that my teeth ground together. “Look a little happier. You’ve just tamed a dragon, after all.” He reached out to put a hand on my shoulder.
I fisted my hands at my sides, trying to remain calm. Zion pushed all my buttons in a way Zariah didn’t.
I shoved him away. “Don’t touch me.”
