Page 97 of The Dragon King
Her anger started to dim, but her discomfort was still obvious. She looked at her husband, who had returned to stand beside her.
He held her stare, standing perfectly straight with his thick arms by his sides, looking at her like he awaited a command.
“What are your thoughts, General?”
He inhaled a slow breath as he looked at her, staring at her as a husband, not a general of her army. “I agree with the Death King. We’re the only race that’s selflessly cared for them. The least they can do is share their gift with us—just during the battle. Knowing you’ll be protected by their scales and have the power of a dragon in your veins brings me comfort.”
“It’s not about me, General. It’s about?—”
“It is about you, Fleur Nia. My obligation is to our army and our people, but I’m not ashamed to admit that I put you first always. I need you to live. I need you to return to this forest and rule for centuries. This is a temporary arrangement. The dragons know that we would never maintain the fuse against their will. They can trust us without doubt.”
She stared at him for a while before she turned back to Talon. “I still don’t like this. But I want to free those dragons bound by evil magic. I want Macabre and the others to return home and live the rest of their days in peace. I want my people to be victorious. I want you to succeed, Talon.”
I knew Talon wouldn’t have convinced her of this plan if it weren’t for my uncle. He’d abandoned his role as general of Riviana Star and turned into a concerned husband who wanted his wife to live…even if he died.
“Then speak to Macabre,” Talon said. “I’m sure he will agree, and once he does, ask him if the others will as well. Pair the dragons with your best fighters. I suspect my uncle’s army will be no hardship for you, but we’ve learned from experience that the dark elves are a serious adversary.”
We stepped out of the forest and entered the plains, the dragons sleeping in the sunshine or soaring in the skies, hunting for game.
No matter how many times I saw it, I would always enjoy it.
Queen Eldinar took the lead, protected in her black armor made of Khazmuda’s scales, looking much different than she did in herall-white armor. An image of the Great Tree had been carved into her back, surrounded by a crest of flowers. Her long hair flowed in the breeze as she moved, her blades sitting in the scabbards at her hips.
Khazmuda landed before us, aware of Talon’s presence as he drew closer. His eyes were on the queen, and he lowered his head to get a better look at her appearance.You’re a fearsome queen, Your Majesty. All your enemies will tremble before your power and might.
“Thank you, Khazmuda,” she said with a slight smile. “And thank you for such a generous gift.”
You’re welcome, Your Majesty. My duty is to protect Talon in the battle, but I hope my scales will serve you in my absence.
“I’m sure they will,” she said. “May I ask you something?”
Anything, Your Majesty.
“You don’t have to address me as such. I’m queen to the elves, but to the dragons, I’m only a friend.”
You’ll always be Queen Eldinar to me.
She smiled. “You’re sweet.”
Ask your question.
“When you and Talon fused, who suggested it?”
Neither of us.
I could hear Khazmuda’s words in my mind as they spoke. I knew Talon could as well, but my uncle was unaware of the dragon’s side of the conversation.
“Then why did you fuse?” she asked.
Talon gave an unexpected sigh.
My eyes darted to him, seeing a hint of discomfort.
Khazmuda didn’t speak. His eyes flicked to Talon.
“It’s okay,” Talon said. “You can tell her.”
Queen Eldinar turned to look at Talon before she faced Khazmuda again.