Page 43 of The Death King

You have the blood of dragons—and you want to grow flowers?

“I want to get away from this asshole. That’s what I want.”

What happened?

I didn’t say. If I did, I would have to relive it, and that would be awkward. “Can I get a ride or not?”

He turned quiet for a while, just staring at me.

“You’re talking to him, aren’t you?”

He dipped his head and looked at me once again.

“Tattletale.”

He’s already been informed. He lowered himself farther, his stomach moving against the stone. I don’t have my saddle, but I’ll keep you safe.

“So…you’re going to give me a ride?”

Yes.

“Great! Let’s get the fuck out of here.” I moved to his side and began the slow climb, not having the ropes from his saddle to grip. I got to the back of his neck and gripped the first spike in front of me.

Hold on, little one. He pushed off the floor and opened his wings simultaneously—and we left the castle and soared in the sky, passing the clouds in less than a second. Then we were on top of the world, above the soaring wind, just flying under the sunlight.

I took a look around, taking in a sight no one else ever got to see.

Well, except King Talon.

The wind blew through my hair and stung my eyes as we soared. I felt like a speck on the enormous dragon, gripping the spike at the base of his neck, which wouldn’t help me if he were to flip upside down. So, where are we going?

My favorite place.

Ooh…that sounds intriguing.

The power of his muscular wings sent us soaring, crossing leagues in just seconds, the cloud bank covering our shadow below. He started to dip from the clouds, lowering so he could see where he was going.

We were near the base of the mountains, several days’ ride from the castle on horse. He straightened his wings and started to soar, slowly making his ascent, turning and gliding, moving over the mountains before gradually making his way down. There were no clouds here, so the sunshine struck the green hillsides.

He descended into a valley covered in orange poppies and then came to a gentle landing, careful that he didn’t knock me off or stop too abruptly and make me impale myself on his spikes.

I stayed on his back and looked at the tall grass, the view of the flat earth at the base of the mountains stretching outward. The castle was so far in the distance that it was a dot from where I stood. If there weren’t a shadow from the clouds, I might be able to see it better.

What do you think?

It’s beautiful. I climbed down and let my boots hit the soil. There were flowers everywhere, and I walked through their stalks and touched their soft petals with my fingertips. The air was cold from the winter chill, but the sun burned my flesh like a summer day. Without the wind, it actually felt nice.

I found a spot in the grass and took a seat, enjoying the view of the valley. It was just Khazmuda and me, along with a few rabbits and a family of deer far at the other end of the valley. They should have scattered at the sight of the enormous dragon, but they continued to graze like there was nothing to fear.

“They aren’t afraid of you.”

Khazmuda came closer before he lay on the grass, crushing the flowers beneath him as he settled on the soft earth. He lay flat and lowered his head to the ground, like a dog taking a nap in front of the fire. I don’t eat deer.

“Why?”

Too cute.

I smirked. “That’s sweet.”