Page 98 of The Dragon King
Talon suffered a fatal wound…and only a fuse would spare him certain death. The same wound on my body would be inconsequential, so I absorbed that damage so he would live.
“What kind of wound was this?”
A dagger to the heart.
I looked beside me again to Talon.
He stared straight ahead, determined not to look at anyone.
Queen Eldinar stared at him for a while. “This wound was self-inflicted…” She read between the lines, interpreted the change in the energy that surrounded us.
I looked at the side of Talon’s face.
Yes.
My heart squeezed so tight it almost burst.
“Is there a chance he did this in the hope you would fuse?”
No. He tilted his head slightly, as if put off by that question.Talon Rothschild tried to end his life because he hadnothing to live for. He wanted me to let him go, but I saved him for my own selfish reasons.
Queen Eldinar gave a slight nod in understanding. “What were those reasons?”
I didn’t want to be alone…and I loved him.
“It sounds like this was during a time when you didn’t know each other well.”
We were forever bound by the events of that horrible night. It’s hard not to love someone you pity so deeply. Talon didn’t show his best characteristics during that time, but I knew they resided deep below the surface.
“And you’ve remained fused ever since?”
Yes.
“Why?”
Because I never want to be apart from him as long as I live. No distance can sever our minds. Even if we settle down with our mates and have our own hatchlings, our minds will always be connected. That relationship will never change.
“So you can honestly say that this is something you want?”
Wholeheartedly.
“And if you asked him to unfuse, do you think he would?”
Yes. Why do you ask these questions?
She was quiet for a long time. “Because I’m about to ask your kin to fuse with us, and I want to understand exactly what I’m asking before I ask it.”
As long as it’s a question and not a demand, you have nothing to fear, Your Majesty. I’m sure some will agree, while others will not. As long as their wishes are respected, there is no offense.
“This is my final question. Do you think Ishouldask?”
Khazmuda stared at her in silence, deep in contemplation.I don’t understand your question.
“Do you think it would be beneficial to all if I were to ask?”
Talon can surround himself with a shield of the dead to fight for him. That makes him a formidable opponent because he’s untouchable. But without it, he’s no different from General Titan or Commander Luxe. He’s skilled with the blade, but so are his opponents. But with the strength I lend him, he’s one of the greatest swordsmen who walks this earth. It’s the reason he was able to defend your tree for as long as he did before you allowed him to call upon the dead. Having others with that power, even though they still won’t match Talon, will undeniably affect the outcome of the battle. In that regard, yes, I think you should ask.
“Then I will speak to Macabre—in private. I’ll respect whatever he decides.”