Page 85 of Blood of Dragons

“That’s merely speculation?—”

“The Wastelands haven’t attacked us in a millennium—but you insist it’s a coincidence?”

His eyes shifted back and forth between hers before he looked at me. “Calista, could you please excuse us?—”

“I have nothing to hide.” Her wild eyes remained on his. “The Death King comes for her. That demon doesn’t let anyone go. I warned you it was only a matter of time before he came for her.”

“He has no idea where she is?—”

“He clearly does.”

“He would not employ monsters to serve him when he has his own army and a dragon?—”

“The army can’t cross the White Mountains, so he found a new army to serve him.”

“Fleur Nia?—”

“Don’t you dare call me that as I command you as Queen of Riviana.”

“What would you have me do?” He lowered his voice. “I can’t respond to an attack based on assumptions.”

“They want Calista—so give her to them.”

“Again, you assume?—”

“I know. I’m sorry that she’s your niece, but the people of the forest are my children, and I will not sacrifice the many for the one.”

He stared her down, his eyes flicking back and forth in silence.

She held her ground, her spine harder than the steel of his blade.

“If I’m what they want, I will surrender myself.”

Ezra was the first one to look at me.

Queen Eldinar turned a moment later, her eyes dulled in their wrath.

“The forest has been my home for a short while, but its beauty has already pierced my soul. Your people are kind and generous, and I would rather lose my life than see it fall. I will sacrifice myself if that’s the cost of your perseverance.”

Ezra’s eyes were heavy with a terrible sadness, but he didn’t argue.

Queen Eldinar finally sheathed her anger. “Go, General Ezra. The front line needs you.”

He turned back to her, his eyes still broken.

“If they ask for her, I will escort her personally,” the queen said.

He inhaled a deep breath, held it for a moment, and then released it. “Yes, Your Majesty.” He bowed his head slightly and turned away.

“Protego Nia.”

He halted and slowly turned back to her.

“Coreno Amore Nia,” she whispered.

He stared at her, his breaths coming in deep and heavy, and then he marched back to her, grabbed her by the face, and kissed her hard on the mouth.

I felt like I was in a moment where I didn’t belong, so I moved down the stairs and stepped away.