The Dragon Queen: The Eldrasian Chronicles, #3

Elinta marched down the entry hall of the White Palace, shoulders back and chin high, and wished she could be with the dragon who had just dropped her off outside rather than on her way to another meeting with the royals. Zhayra had tuned into her ears and eyes the moment she’d entered the ruined palace, but this time Elinta didn’t look around for the dragon to absorb the sights. All around her were people: people who looked at her with hardened eyes or, very rarely, curiosity.

So, Elinta kept her newly whitened, slitted eyes—a mark of her bond to Zhayra—facing forward. And she tried not to think about … anything. Not the sting in her many wounds. Not the damage to the palace, not the fake deal Prince Mazen of Liyarna had offered to spare her people in exchange for her and Zhayra, not Blaine.

Blaine.

She’d buried him earlier that day outside of the city. Lorrin, Tamir, Niles, and Zhayra had all been with her, but that was all she allowed herself to remember. That and Lorrin’s hand in hers. A lifeline.

Her brother’s body belonged in Kethmere, but there was no time to return there. Now he rested near the city he’d died in. A stab of pain went through her heart.

Elinta shook her head to clear it, stuffing the pain down deep inside her to look at another time or maybe never, focusing on the walk to the queen’s tea rooms instead. The palace had been damaged by dragon fire during Mazen’s attack on the city, and it had been decided that the ground floor was safest. She hadn’t been back to her room on the third floor yet, but she’d been told it had survived. Her feet sped up as she turned onto the last hall, wishing that the grey marbled floor would pass by more quickly, and she even offered the man coming from the other direction a small nod in greeting.

Civilians who’d lost their homes in the battle had been allowed to sleep in the palace overnight, and this man’s ruffled, dirty appearance marked him as one. A smear of blood had turned the left sleeve of his shirt crimson. His eyes reminded her of her own. Empty.

He stepped out to block Elinta’s way, and she startled at the coldness that settled in those eyes as they raked over her. They lingered on her own eyes and the sword at her hip. His lip curled. But he said nothing. Instead, he drew back his head and spat on her. The glob landed on her shirt, and the man walked on as though nothing had happened. Elinta didn’t say anything. She didn’t move. Perhaps she’d deserved that. Not because she was Zearla lurai, kin of the dragons, but because she’d let her brother die.

Elinta.

She turned numbly, following the voice to find Ford Mayes, the palace historian, his dark green cloak billowing behind him as he strode up the hall. He was young for someone in his role, looking to be in his early-to-mid-thirties, a fact that had always intrigued her. Elinta had never seen Ford angry, but a flicker of rage lit his dark eyes as he passed the man who’d spat on her. Zhayra’s own anger, a fire in her large belly, calmed as she saw Ford through Elinta’s eyes.

You didn’t deserve that, he said as though he’d read the thoughts going through her mind. He stopped in front of her, pulling a tissue from his pocket and handing it to her. She dabbed at the patch.

Are you coming to the meeting? she asked, shoving the dirty tissue into her healer’s satchel.

She hadn’t seen Ford since the meeting the royals and their advisors had held in his house the day before. After the battle. She’d been there and she’d spoken to them all about Zhayra and their bond, but she couldn’t remember much of it. Perhaps that was a good thing.

No, I was only at the last one because it was my house, he said, a self-deprecating chuckle hiding in his words. She’d actually attended another meeting since then, one earlier that morning, but she knew what he meant. Elinta had wondered where he’d been.

Ford pushed a bit of hair back from his forehead, revealing a small cut, and Elinta scanned him quickly. She’d tuned into her dragonsight as soon as she’d awoken this morning, allowing her to see everything with the strength of Zhayra’s eyes. She felt safer with it on. Relief spread through her as she noted only a couple other minor cuts on his body. He’d fought well yesterday. Very well.

Will you come with me, anyway? she asked.

Ford had helped her in many ways since she’d come to Nevira, and she valued his advice and opinion. If the king and queen couldn’t see what an asset he was, especially with his knowledge of dragons, well, then that wasn’t her problem.

Ford tilted his head, a lock of his dark hair sliding down his forehead again. Of course.

She led them down the hall in silence. Something about Ford’s presence made her feel a little stronger. It was like, perhaps, she was now more prepared for the meeting she was about to face. At least there would be one more person on her side at the table. As they neared the tea rooms, Prince Lorrin ducked out from within, his blue eyes lighting as he saw her and Ford. He didn’t say anything about the historian joining them, but he did nod with approval.

Is everyone here? Elinta had purposely arrived at the palace right as the meeting was due to start so that she didn’t have to spend time in the company of anyone other than her friends. Especially Shae, one of the king’s advisors, who had always hated her. Even before knowing what Elinta was.

Yes, Lorrin said as they drew level with him. His walk revealed the small limp from an injury received in the battle; she knew it would heal well with time. He glanced at the room behind him.

Elinta had been to the tea rooms many times before as a guest of the queen. But that felt like a lifetime ago. A whole other person ago. Looking at the rooms now, she felt a spark of nerves.

Ford, Lorrin said, clasping hands with the man.

Your Highness.

Lorrin’s eyes landed on the wet patch on Elinta’s shirt, but she didn’t say anything of what had happened.

Are you ready?

Elinta flicked her eyes to his and instantly felt a sliver of calm trying to wash over her. She took a deep breath.

Yes.

He held her eyes a moment longer before reaching out and opening the door. He led the way into the room.

Everyone was already there, just as Lorrin had said, and Elinta fought the urge to turn and disappear. A long wooden table had been moved in and Mira’s small, rounded one taken out. The table was at odds with the brightness of the room. She resisted the urge to look out into the palace gardens, a place she’d been only last night with Lorrin and Niles. The place she’d been after the battle—when she’d told them about Blaine—and instead studied those gathered.

At the table, already seated, were King Aldon and Queen Mira. Niles’s father, General Sonnen, his face bruised and his arm in a sling, sat to their left, and General Nash sat a seat down to their right. Niles and Tamir, both with wounds of their own, and Shae (noticeably unharmed) were all there as well.

All eyes had turned to Elinta as she’d entered, and she fought the urge to run her hands over her shirt to smooth out any real or imaginary crinkles.

Elinta, welcome, King Aldon said, only a hint of strain showing at his shoulders. He was wearing a crown today, a thin illayas band that sat low over his brown hair. And Ford, we did not expect to see you.

I asked him to come, Elinta said, picking up the question in the king’s words. Ford’s knowledge may be useful.

The king’s blue eyes locked on hers. She’d never been particularly close to him though she’d found him nice enough. Even yesterday after the battle and finding out about Zhayra, he’d been reasonable with her. Distant, but not unkind. Perhaps she needed to be careful not to push him too far, but she didn’t have it in her to monitor her tone. After another moment, the king nodded.

Please take your seats and we can begin.

The king and queen were at the head of the long table, and Lorrin returned to his seat directly to their right. Elinta took the empty seat next to Niles, thankful that he’d saved it for her, and moved her satchel out of the way as she did. She felt, rather than saw, Ford take the seat by Tamir on the other side of the table.

General Nash, Lorrin’s aunt, offered her a small smile before she turned to the others. She had a minor cut above her eyebrow from the battle that looked rather painful. To Elinta's surprise, the general dove right in, not even beginning with any pleasantries.

Whilst we need to discuss Mazen, there is a more immediate concern. The palace isn’t safe for us to stay in anymore, not until it can be repaired. Tentative estimates put re-habitation several months away.

King Aldon nodded, the heaviness in his eyes suggesting he already knew or suspected as much. There’s nowhere in Nevira that would be suitable for us to live in and defend, and I would not want to stay here anyway. The people need time to repair their own homes and I doubt Mazen would give it to them if we remained, he said bitterly.

Might I suggest Tremass, Your Majesty? Shae said, her voice deceptively gentle. Elinta knew what hatred simmered under there for her, the dragons, and even the Asali. Mayor Harlan has been a good friend of yours for many years.

General Sonnen slowly shook his head. Too far, he grunted. Mazen would pick us off before we arrived. We’d be making it easy for him.

General Nash tilted her head thoughtfully. What about Culmar? The mayor’s home there is big enough for his advisors and their families. The city is well defended on land and sea due to the trading through there. It’s close enough that Mazen wouldn’t have time to muster an attack while we’re on the road.

General Sonnen and Lorrin both nodded. For the moment Elinta was happy to remain quiet, as were Niles, Tamir, and Ford, it seemed. Though, she found herself wanting to argue against Culmar, a heavy ball settling into her stomach at the very idea of going there. Where he was.

Being right by the sea has its appeal when fighting dragons too, King Aldon said slowly. He turned to General Nash. Have a message sent to Culmar informing Mayor Cyril of our immediate departure for his city. I would ask Harlan to join us as soon as he is able as well.

The woman made a note on the paper in front of her.

Elinta’s heart froze at the decision to go to the port city. Her father had gone there. His last words to her echoed through her mind. I don’t have any children. It had always been Blaine’s dream to go to Culmar and run his own horse business there. Now her father would try his best to start anew there. Without Blaine. Without her. The ache in her heart sharpened. Elinta couldn’t remember what it had been like when her mother had died, a fact she was grateful for in that moment. If it had been like this, she wouldn’t have survived it as a small child.

Zhayra’s chest tightened in response to the growing ache in Elinta’s. She didn’t have it in her to whisper to the dragon that she was OK. She wasn’t.

What about the people here? Lorrin asked, drawing her from her ruminations. She forced herself to focus on him and not the thoughts that threatened to drag her down.

They’ll be safer once we’re gone, King Aldon said, exchanging a glance with the queen. However, those with nowhere to stay are welcome to come with us. Only a quarter of the soldiers are to stay behind. The rest will be needed in Culmar.

Shae tsked. We need to find out why Mazen is doing this, once we satisfy his demands— she looked pointedly at Elinta, —he might leave us alone.

Lorrin opened his mouth, anger flashing in his eyes, no doubt about to remind Shae of the decision they’d all made yesterday not to hand Elinta over. The king had recognised that Mazen couldn’t be trusted to uphold his own bargain. Elinta cut across Lorrin, her anger rising like a tsunami, unbidden. Shae had been nothing but a thorn in her side since she’d come to Nevira, and the woman wouldn’t stop. She was sick of it. She had enough problems without the woman contributing to them.

We know why Mazen is doing this. The others looked at her curiously, and Elinta found herself wondering why she’d opened her mouth after all, but she dove on. The dragons are a whole race of beings, and we drove them away with bloodshed. Mazen’s bonded to one of those dragons! He wants them to come back and to be safe here.

And you agree with him, don’t you? Shae asked, her voice turning venomous, a light gleaming in her beady eyes.

King Aldon remained quiet, his gaze sliding between them.

No, Elinta said. Not with his methods. She turned away from the woman, dismissing her as she’d done to Elinta so many times before. I need to go back to Liyarna, she told the king, telling rather than asking. There’s someone there who can offer some insight into Mazen, maybe even help me work out how to stop him.

King Aldon shifted in his seat. And if they are working for Mazen?

To Elinta’s right, Tamir moved as though to speak, but Ford spoke first. I don’t believe they are, Your Majesty. The Liyarnans have long believed their prince to be dead. Elinta’s report that he no longer has a claim to the throne seems accurate with what we saw here yesterday. The Asali fighting in the city were hardly a dent in their overall population.

Tamir nodded, shooting Ford a thankful look. Had Ford known the king would be more likely to listen to him than Tamir? A satisfied grin threatened to break through Elinta’s blank expression. Bringing Ford had been a good idea.

Aldon, General Nash said, her tone drawing Elinta’s gaze. She sometimes forgot the general was the king’s sister. Now is the time to send a delegation. We can’t afford for them to change their minds and join him.

I agree, Your Majesty, General Sonnen grunted.

Something small and unknown lit inside Elinta’s heart, something she saw mirrored in Lorrin’s eyes as his father finally considered what they’d tried to convince him of for months.

The king looked around at the people seated at the table, taking in their faces.

Very well, he said after a long moment. I am willing to agree to a temporary alliance if it will stop them from joining Mazen.

I’ll lead the delegation, Lorrin said quickly. It was clear what he was thinking; it would be disastrous if someone like Shae went. As I’ve already spoken to the council on the matter, they might be more receptive to me.

King Aldon shot his son a look, one shared by the queen and both generals. Yes, but this time, guards will be coming with you and Elinta.

But Elinta shook her head. It would take time to gather the men to escort them, and then the trip itself would take at least two weeks with a larger group. She needed to be there now.

I can’t wait that long. Elinta looked out the window at the afternoon shadows stretching across the gardens. Zhayra and I will leave in the morning.

When she turned back, Lorrin held her gaze with his. He didn’t want to leave her, but she could see he understood. That, perhaps, he had understood he’d be going after her before she’d even said anything. He nodded. Elinta managed to crack a small smile for him, one she hadn’t known she had in her still.

I will come with you, Tamir said. I can prepare the council for Lorrin’s arrival.

I’ll go with Lorrin, Niles said after a moment. We’ll meet you both there. Zhayra would fly faster with just two, a fact he seemed to realise.

Queen Mira looked uncertainly at Tamir. The royals had refused to speak with him about the Asali or the council when Elinta, Lorrin, and Niles had first brought him back to Nevira with them. Elinta could already hear what the woman would say.

Perhaps it would be best if you didn’t speak with them, Tamir, the queen said, her green eyes studying him. Your interest does belong with your people, after all.

Tamir tilted his head, his dark grey eyes revealing nothing.

I need him, Elinta said. She didn’t, really. She could get by in the city without him, though his presence would smooth over her interactions with the council. But she wanted him with her. Not only that, but the Asali would be able to heal Tamir’s wounds, and his wife was in Liyarna, waiting to see him. He should be allowed to go home whenever he wanted. He should be allowed to see his family.

Elinta and Tamir are the best people to go ahead of us, Lorrin said. If it’s important that Elinta gets there as soon as she can, then that’s the way it’ll have to be.

Elinta fought to keep her eyebrows from raising. Lorrin had never spoken like that to his parents. It didn’t go unnoticed by King Aldon, but there was almost a spark of pride in his eyes as he looked at Lorrin, even if he’d made his opinion on the Asali clear.

You’ll follow on behind them in a couple of days. Jaida, the king said, turning to General Nash, I would like you to join them.

Of course.

There is one more thing that needs to be addressed, Shae said, her tone as though what she had to say was deeply important. She hadn’t acknowledged anything that had been discussed about the Asali. Your cousins will be on their way here, Your Majesty.

Yes. The king waved his hand. A messenger will have to be sent out to them to return home. It won’t be safe for them to join us in Culmar.

There wasn’t much more to discuss after that. Everyone there had things they needed to do, and the meeting had been called to make some quick decisions so they could all get back to work. Elinta was the first to rise from her seat when the king dismissed them, and Lorrin caught her eye. They and Niles and Tamir would need to talk now. Elinta nodded but hurried from the room. She’d wait for them in the hall.

Elinta waited a few metres away from the double doors in the hall, leaning against the stone wall. To anyone else, she would seem to be staring unseeingly at the floor, but she was actually looking through Zhayra’s eyes. She knew the dragon had been listening to the entire meeting in the tea rooms, and she’d even whispered to the dragon that she had to meet with Lorrin and the boys. But she’d taken the moment to check on Zhayra, to see where she was and that she was OK.

Zhayra had returned to the woods outside the city by the Afonlin river while she waited. It was the place she’d been hiding in for months. And while everyone knew about her now, it wasn’t safe for her to be in the city. Not that it was likely anyone could hurt her, since there were only a couple of illayas weapons left. But her presence would lead to problems from the people who had just been attacked by other dragons.

You alright, kid? a gruff voice sounded nearby, startling Elinta as she was still gazing into the river with Zhayra.

She pulled back, letting the image of Zhayra’s reflection disappear, and focused on the man who’d spoken. Yes, she said, meeting General Sonnen’s gaze. Just checking on Zhayra. She didn’t elaborate.

General Sonnen’s lips twitched. You’ve had a dragon all this time?

Yes.

My son and Lorrin always knew, he said, a spark lighting in his eye. Elinta considered his words. It was a statement, confirming what he and the others had learnt yesterday after the battle. But Elinta still felt the need to confirm it.

Lorrin always knew, but Niles has known for a long time.

Hmm. He tilted his head, his greying hair falling around his face. He nodded and moved to walk past her. But he turned back after only a few steps. Your brother was a brave man, Elinta.

She swallowed the thickness in her throat, unable to respond as the general walked away. Not for the first time, she wondered about that deep, twisted scar trailing from behind his ear and down his neck.

Elinta turned her attention back to the tea rooms as Lorrin, Niles, Tamir, and Ford all emerged together. Ford and Tamir were talking quietly behind the boys.

We’ll need to find somewhere to talk about your trip, Lorrin said, stopping beside her. She could already see his mind working behind those blue eyes.

The king and queen walked by them, offering only the barest of acknowledgement as they hurried to their next meeting.

The gardens? Elinta offered. It was still the most peaceful place in the city, even with the memories that it now held, and it would offer them some privacy.

The boys turned in that direction, but Ford stepped forward. I’m afraid I have work to do, but I would like to speak to Elinta first?

Of course, Elinta said.

Lorrin, Niles, and Tamir moved further away to give them some space and instantly began talking, their voices a soft buzz in the hall.

Ma arin iri, Ford said in a low voice. His use of Asalin startled her for a moment that it was a full beat before she tried to translate his words. Be careful, with the future tense. Be careful—in Liyarna.

Elinta looked at him, stunned, but caught a glimpse of Lorrin over his shoulder. She’d wondered who had taught the prince Asalin. Perhaps it had been the mysterious history teacher. His dark eyes were fixed on her.

I will be. Elinta looked over him again, seeing him differently. She’d guessed Ford had known about Zhayra for some time, though they’d danced around it. He hadn’t treated her any differently when the dragon became public knowledge, or when her pupils became slits and her irises