Page 22 of The Nightmare Queen

Felix returns to the paperwork next to him, “you still smell like dragon Eveera.” His nose scrunching as he turns the page.

“Well, that’s because you gave me fifteen minutes to be here after a day-long trip on VadaandAx, O, and M all decided to occupy my room for their own leisurely endeavors. Soexcuse mefor not smelling like fucking roses Felix, dear.” My hand flags over another staff member who hands me a second goblet. My eyes peer over the rim, while Mousy looks like he might throw up, the Prince is holding back a smile.

“A-hem well, I won’t ask for you to explain that.” Felix remarks.

“I’m guessing that’s my cue to be diplomatic then?” He doesn’t acknowledge my comment so I turn my attention to our guests. “So, are the terms suitable for you, princeling?”

“We found no issues to note.” Polite answer while he cuts into the food in front of him, he’s the picture of propriety, while I manhandle a roll.

Things settle into an uncomfortable quiet with only the sounds of chewing present.Oy here we go.“Since, I am playing the part of the diplomatic queen, I should ask if you have any questions.”

“Questions?” Mousy squeaks.

I huff out a sigh. “Yes, questions.”

The prince angles his body towards me, dabbing the corners of his mouth lightly with a napkin. “What had you and your dragon in such a rush earlier?”Wrong question.I should have clarified, I didn’t even know he’d seen me fly off.

I narrow my eyes. “Nothing.” “Not up for discussion.” Felix and I both answer at the same time. “Just village issues.” My answer is curt giving up very little.

“Village issues?” The disbelief is plain on his face and to my chagrin he presses on. “Village issues require a dragon?”

My lips thin, the smile tight. “I like a show of force. Keeps them in line.” I say, pushing my plate back and rising to my feet. “Well, I’m just stuffed. Tomorrow, same time as this morning. You’ll be meeting the army you came here for.”

Armond and Axel are both at my doors, waiting for me after dinner. “What? No sleepover this time?” I mock.

“What? Wearing your own clothes this time?” He mimics, but his voice has some hardness in it. From what I know, he is from the south side villages with family still there and each time the outer lands press in it throws him on edge. It’s probably why he chose to avoid his job and sleep while I was gone.

I think back on Vada’s words suggesting that she must have left someone alive. Regret of not making her burn out the woods instead of the village fills my stomach, like lead.Hopefully there were no Vada related Mecham family casualties tonight,the voice inside my head comments.

I lean into him, “youcango check on Vernilla if you need to. Use Armond, you’ll get there quicker. Maybe she’ll be better today, therecould be cakes!” He stiffens at her name, the soft reminder of how she used to be not helping.

Years ago when he first became my guard, his mother used to send him to the castle with blood orange cakes. I’ll admit I had a bit of an affinity for them, and demanded I meet the woman responsible. He was hesitant at first and only kept refusing me, because I allowed him to. But finally, my more petulant teenage side won out and I stopped taking no for an answer. It wasn’t difficult to figure out what his hesitancy around me meeting her was.

She was a Sight, it’s a rare Wield that takes more than it gives.

The cakes were a hyper fixation for her that kept her lucidity at the forefront of consciousness. Butthenthe cakes stopped coming and Axel stopped visiting her as much. When that happened I moved her closer into Oriya. The affects of Sight have left both her and Axel vulnerable and the threat of the outer lands has only made things worse for him.

His stance softens again and his fingers curl around mine. “Thank you, E. But no. I’ll stay here.” His eyes betray him. I know it kills him to see her decline and that he’s avoiding her. His anger is both at her and their Wield. Unfortunately for me I already know that his worst nightmare will come to life when he loses her from this plane.

I give his hand a squeeze. “Armond, call for James to be posted outside my passageway door. I don’t want any visitors tonight.”

Once securely in my room my body sinks to the floor.

What will they do while I am gone?Will Vada be enough?The worry crawls into my subconscious, burying itself there. There’s only one answer that I can come up with.She’ll have to be. And the cost of gaining my help will have to be worth leaving them behind.I think.Too bad the prince didn’t ask what the price was — his kingdom’s king and queen formy help in winning him this war. I hope he’s not as close to his parents as I was mine.

Rorin

“Village issues” -what village issues entail a dragon I wonder.

My thoughts refocus when Will looks me up and down and asks, “did you sleep at all?”

“Like a baby.” I snark, patting his shoulder and grabbing my military jacket from the wardrobe.

He trails after me out into the hallway, voice low, “you’re not regretting signing the contract are you?”

I shake my head, “No. I’m not. She was our only option left.”

“Just remember, this is what you asked for. This is what you wanted. We will have to get used to the unpredictability.” I nod in agreement. Leave it to Will to be rational at the moment.

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