Page 41 of To Sway a Prince
I barely repressed a shudder, hyperaware of his presence. His breath tickled my skin. That wonderful cologne of his made me want to back up against him and burrow closer. Knowing he liked my scent made it almost impossible to remain still. "No, that's not odious at all."
He adjusted the clasp once more, then circled to face me. "There. It's very simple. To make it work, all you must do is envision speaking the words to me. If that doesn't work, focus on imagining the words traveling through the pendant and to the person with whom you wish to speak. Now I'll be able to hear all your complaints about our flight."
I raised an eyebrow, suddenly aware of how close we stood and how delightfully warm he was. "Bold of you to assume I'd complain. I'll be far too busy showing off my superior skills."
His lips quirked up. "Is that a challenge, little gnat?"
"Only if you're brave enough to accept it," I replied. "Remember I learned dragon riding from an actual dragon."
"And I can't wait to witness your prowess, my lady." He spread his arms in a slight bow at the waist.
The heat spiked through me again. A delightful cacophony of sensations spread at the same time, and suddenly I didn't knowwhere to put my hands or where to look. Had he really just called me that? I pretended to play into it, mirroring the bow but averting my face. "And I cannot wait to witness yours, my lord."
Zephyrus huffed and then nudged me, nearly toppling me. I shot him a glare and pushed my braid back over my shoulder.
Ramiel stepped back toward Thalorion as the elderly dragon emerged from his cell, stretching his massive wings and then tucking them back. The ancient dragon's dark green scales gleamed with silver-green patches in the torchlight.
"Ready for a morning flight, Old Man?" Ramiel asked, patting Thalorion's foreleg.
Thalorion's voice rumbled in his chest as he lowered his head for Ramiel to climb up. Though more subdued than Zephyrus's enthusiastic greeting, there was unmistakable affection in the way the old dragon watched Ramiel settle into position.
"Sounds like it's time," I said, looking up at Zephyrus.
Zephyrus lowered his head, and I climbed onto his thick neck, settling into the familiar spot just behind his horns. The dress and leggings were quite comfortable, the slits on the wraparound skirt allowing me to move with ease and the leggings protecting my thighs and calves. As soon as I was in position, he tossed his head, pretending to try to throw me off.
"Oh, hey now," I laughed, gripping tighter with my knees. "I didn't forget, all right? I know how to hold fast." That had been one of the early things he taught me. Was he worried about me and trying to mask it? Did he really think that not flying for a few days would mean I forgot everything?"
He chuffed and gave his head another shake. When I stayed in place, he rumbled his approval, straightened his wings, and moved back to let Thalorion pass.
Thalorion grunted in response, then stretched his neck up, reared onto his hind legs, and bumped the center of the ceiling.
With the heavy clicking and clacking of gears, a portion of the ceiling retracted, revealing a stunning morning sky. Soft lavender and peach clouds drifted across an expanse of perfect blue, and the morning light streamed down in golden rays. Fresh air rushed in, carrying scents of pine, distant mountains, and the crisp tang of high altitude.
"Let them get into position," Ramiel called, gesturing toward a circular platform at the center of the open ceiling. "They know what to do."
Zephyrus strode to the back spot on the platform, his tail straight and resting in a groove on the floor. Thalorion followed, positioning himself a little ahead of us with precision. The platform beneath hummed with hidden energy, the subtle vibrations reaching me even through Zephyrus.
I stole a glance at Ramiel, and my whole being ached. Sitting astride Thalorion, his silver hair catching the morning light, he looked every inch a regal prince. His back was straight, shoulders squared, one hand resting lightly on Thalorion's neck while the other rested on his thigh. No saddle, no reins. Just trust and skill. The confidence in his posture spoke of countless flights and pure trust between rider and dragon.
Metal groaned against metal as the hidden mechanisms engaged. The square platform we stood on shifted slightly, locking into position with a heavy thunk.
Looking up, I frowned at the opening. I'd made it before with the purple dragon, and that had been roomy enough. But neither Zephyrus nor Thalorion were small dragons. The space did look wide enough for them, but…just barely. There was no room for error.
Zephyrus huffed beneath me, completely unconcerned. Thalorion similarly showed no signs of worry, his ancient eyes calm and steady.
Ramiel glanced back and smiled. "Hold fast, Astraia," he said, voice clear through the pendant and in my ears. "It's an intense ride."
Before I could respond, the platform beneath us engaged, and all four of us shot up into the air.
17
INTO THE SKY
My stomach dropped as we shot toward the opening. I instinctively flattened myself against Zephyrus's neck, gripping with my knees and digging my fingers in the ridges along his horns.
Ramiel and Thalorion remained perfectly poised, arrow-straight as we rocketed upward. Neither moved a muscle, completely at ease with the violent ascent. The walls blurred around us, uncomfortably close but never touching.
Then suddenly—we burst into open sky. The brilliant morning light washed over us, momentarily blinding after the dimness of the stable. I gasped at the exhilarating sensation of being launched into the heavens, loving the rush and the pressure. I let my eyes slide shut.
