Page 8 of The Dragon Queen
I bowed my head, knowing I would never get the answers I sought. I just had to accept his reasoning had nothing to do with his love for me—and perhaps not knowing was a blessing rather than a curse.
“This isn’t how I want to spend our final days.”
I lifted my chin and looked at him again.
His eyes were full of quiet desperation. “I want to kiss you. I want to love you. I want to cherish this time together…like it’s all we have left.”
Chapter 3
Talon
I stood at the wheel and looked up at the stars. It was a clear night, not a cloud to be seen, and I read the sky like a map. It had been summer when my father taught me how to read the constellations, how to find the North Star so I would never lose my way. The evenings were still warm from the heat. I could still hear the crickets…
You’re happy one moment. Sad the next. Over and over.
I stared at the dark sea ahead, hoping that my navigation was true and we wouldn’t crash into something.
Why do you feel this way?
Because I’m about to go into battle and get everyone killed. Did you think of that?
You fear we’ll lose.
I fear a lot of things.It was getting harder to talk to Khazmuda. The secret was easy to contain when the consequences were so far into the future. But now, they were here…and I couldn’t hidemy emotions. He could feel them as well as his own. He could feel my distance, sense the weight I carried.
You shouldn’t fear what hasn’t come to pass. Otherwise, you suffer needlessly.
I knew exactly what I would suffer—and I would suffer that alone. Forever.Easier said than done.
We will win, Talon.
We have no idea what we’re up against.
Once we investigate, we’ll know. And then we’ll become prepared.
Perhaps…
Is it just stress that weighs your chest, or is there something more?
My hands stayed on the wheel even though a sailor was there to relieve me. It was hard to let go. A part of me wanted to sail away from my problems, but there was nowhere in the world I could hide from Bahamut. An invisible hook was in my back, and I was caught on his line.Yes…that’s all it is.
Calista lay on my chest, her hair slightly matted from the sweat.
My arms were around her as I leaned against the headboard, one of my knees propped up as I looked down at her. I ran my fingers through the soft strands of her hair and gently pulled them from her face. Her cheeks were so soft, still tanned like she continuedto work outside every day in the desert. I watched her eyes grow heavy as I continued to caress her.
“You’ll make me fall asleep…”
“Then fall asleep.” My mouth dipped to her head, and I kissed her.
She closed her eyes and breathed a sigh of satisfaction, like any touch I gave her made her melt. “But if I fall asleep, I’ll wake up and you’ll be gone.”
I kissed her again. “We’re almost there. Just another day.”
“I’m not sure if I’m looking forward to a pirate island.”
I smirked. “You’re feisty and ornery. You’ll fit right in.”
“I find that deeply offensive.” She tried not to smile, but a hint of it was on her lips.