Page 31 of Kingdom of Ashes & Bone
Confused faces stared back at me until understanding dawned.
“Itwasa silver dragon.… I knew it looked different!” breathed one girl behind me, her eyes wide with shock.
Zephyr pushed himself forward, wincing as he limped forward. Shava was right behind him, pinning me with a glare. Something inside of me broke a little.
The bastard prince and I locked gazes, then glanced away.
I have something that might help.
Before I could respond, Zariah’s huge wings unfurled, and he took off into the air. I wanted desperately to ask Zion about what I was hearing, but he took that moment to step forward, his arms outstretched toward the refugees.
“Do not be afraid of the gold dragon. I am here, and the dragon tamer walks among you. Sleep easily and rest after your ordeal. We will make plans to move you somewhere safer soon.”
He gave everyone a winning smile.
Whumpf.
There were a few shrieks and squeals as huge chunks of meat hit the dirt, dropped over by Zariah. The golden dragon wheeled around in the sky and landed on the outskirts of the crowd, walking forward and putting his head down to nudge my hand.
The people eyed the charred carcasses with hunger and a bit of caution.
“Go ahead,” Zion encouraged them. “The dragon wishes to provide for you.”
Zephyr and Shava stepped forward, taking charge and separating people into groups to skin and gut the meat, tasking others with collecting sticks for spits.
Energized with purpose and the promise of a hot meal, the crowd dispersed in a flurry of activity, leaving Zariah’s golden frame, Zion, Zephyr, and Shava.
The bastard prince kept shooting worried glances at me. Shava looked ready to burst. I had to act first if I had any shot of keeping this from exploding in our faces, or anyone getting barbequed. Zephyr and I’s last meeting hung in the air between us like a rancid scent.
“Thank you for looking after my people,” I told Zephyr sincerely, my voice wavering a bit. He blinked, clearly not expecting that. Was he a sick bastard? Yes. Did some shriveled part of his heart actually think he was doing the right thing? Unfortunately, also yes.
“Oh. Um … of course. I brought the others out from the tunnels to join them,” he mumbled, gaze going to the ground.
I bit back a small smile, realizing he’d taken my advice about separating the turning Nobles from those who’d fled the Seat. He just didn’t want to admit to it.
“You’re just going to forget what she did?” Shava snapped at him.
Zariah growled at her sudden aggression, and Zephyr put himself between the massive dragon and Shava.
“Mari did what she felt was best. I was doing what I thought was best. We’realltrying our best,” Zephyr emphasized diplomatically.
Perhaps he was the one who should have been the heir,I thought wryly.
“But speaking of doing our best,” Zephyr continued, “Mari helped me realize the situation underground with the changing Nobles in untenable conditions.”
Untenable?What did that mean?
I tried to give Shava a pleading look, but her arms were crossed over her chest and she was steadfastly ignoring me. It would have hurt less if she’d been the one trying to kill me.
“What do you suggest?” Zion asked coolly.
It was odd seeing all three men (well, two men and a dragon) going toe-to-toe. Zephyr looked so similar to them yet more rugged and unyielding since his face and frame held none of the queen’s delicate features.
“I suggest that I lead the refugees away from here. We can cross the desert together, and find a new land to settle on. Let the queen have her corrupted, demonic court.”
Zion’s brow furrowed in thought.
And how is that supposed to work, exactly?boomed Zariah’s voice in my head.Wrap this up. I want to take Mari back to the cliff and—
