Page 26 of The Dragon King

I sigh, a soft laugh spilling from my lips. “I guess I’m not sure.”

The corner of her lips lift slightly, and a mischievous look passes over her eyes. “I was headed to the training room. Would you like to come?”

My brows lift with interest. “Yes! That would be great, thank you.”

She nods with a smile. “Arvun.”

“Nice to meet you, Arvun. I’m Tatha.”

“Yes, I know. Nice to meet you.”

And … my blush is back.

Arvun sweeps her arm toward the castle doors, and I step forward. She falls into step beside me. “I’m sorry about your father.”

A pang of sadness claws at my chest, but it’s not as sharp as it was yesterday. “Thank you. He was ready. He was at peace.”

“That is good. It is a sad occasion, but I always find the Elevation ceremony deeply beautiful.”

“As do I.”

We travel slowly through the castle, Arvun occasionally pointing out areas and rooms, giving me a tour along the way. It is small compared to my Mountain home, but Kem’s castle is much larger than I first thought. The soaring ceilings and nearly endless glass windows and doors give the building an airy open feel that my cave can’t match.

As we turn a corner, a curving staircase leads downward, but Arvun slows. A smile lifts her face, and her pale skin pinks at her cheeks. I follow her gaze, landing on a woman walking our way.

I thought Arvun was beautiful, but this woman is beyond that. She’s stunning. She’s luminescent. A thick braid of emerald green hair crowns her head, trailing down her back, leaving her delicate face on display. Her eyes shine like gemstones, and her smile is the kind of smile that could devastate kingdoms.

And that smile is aimed at Arvun.

The emerald woman draws to a stop before us. “Arvun. I was looking for you, but here I find you with another woman”—her eyes travel over my body, but there’s laughter in her voice—“and quite a beauty at that.”

I hold up a hand, ready to set the record straight, but Arvun laughs. “Knock it off, Ziza. This is Tatha.” Arvun turns to me. “Tatha, may I introduce Ziza, my wife.”

I try to keep my face neutral, but I feel my eyes going wide. Ziza chuckles, shrugging a shoulder. “Ah, I see the King told you the story. Yes, I’m that Ziza.” The smile slides from her face. “I’m lucky to be alive, and I have Raelyn to thank for my life.”

Arvun steps forward, tucking her finger under Ziza’s chin, lifting her gaze. “It’s in the past. You have to let it go.”

A sad smile spreads across Ziza’s face. “I’m trying. It was a big blunder.”

My fists clench as Arvun caresses Ziza’s face.

Our second day in the Mountain, Kem did tell me about Ziza. This emerald dragon is the one who Challenged Raelyn, the Seelie queen. She did so in an act of rebellion against Kem, and I can’t help the flutter of anger that tightens my chest.

Ziza shrugs off Arvun’s touch, her eyes finding mine. “I am sorry.”

I don’t know why she’s apologizing to me, but Arvun grips her shoulders, pulling Ziza’s attention back to her. “The King knows you’re sorry. He has forgiven you. Raelyn has forgiven you.” She presses a kiss to Ziza’s lips. “Time to forgive yourself.”

A sliver of my anger drains away at Arvun’s loving words. There was no resentment or lingering anger in Kem’s voice when he told me the story. He has forgiven Ziza.

Ziza sighs, stepping back from Arvun. “I’m working on it. But we don’t need to burden Tatha with my moods.” She glances over her shoulder toward the stairs. “You headed to the training room?” Arvun nods. “Then I will leave you to it.” She turns to me, bowing slightly. “Have fun, my Lady.” Ziza smirks at Arvun. “I have a feeling the one fated for Kemremir will have an unexpected fierceness, so good luck.”

Arvun glances at me. “Indeed.”

I smile at the women, holding my hands out at my sides. “I have been known to ‘throw down,’ but I’ve never fought in this form.”

Arvun places a hand on my shoulder, nudging me toward the stairs. “Then let’s go see what you’ve got.”

Ziza turns, calling over her shoulder. “See you at dinner. Tatha, if the King’s business takes his time into the evening, feel free to join us.” She turns the corner before I can respond, but I have a feeling, no matter what, Kem will find time for me tonight.

---