Page 35 of The Flame King's Queen

“She looks well and says she is unharmed. I don’t know if she speaks the truth, but it’s all she wants me to know.” Her turquoise eyes are bright with anger. “I trust that she is able to protect herself.”

“I have no doubt that she is a formidable witch, but we will protect her as well. She’s not alone in the world anymore.”

“It pleases me that Kane has no more leverage over us or Ravenna. If he does show up, he won’t be able to blackmail her into returning with him.”

Which means that the only option left if Kane wants his mate back is brute strength and dragonfire. I hope the same thought has occurred to Stesha and he’s ensuring that the flare is prepared for an attack by Auryn and the other wild dragons. Auryn’s sisters looked vicious.

On the other side of the workshop, Sundra is having a piece of armor repaired. She smiles and comes over to us, greeting my mate with a respectful nod.

“Lady Isavelle, I’m very much looking forward to your coronation day.Ma’len, as you are to take a queen, have you thought about hosting the Dragon Games? I was a little girl the last time the games were held, and I have been itching to compete in them ever since.” Her smile is hopeful as she looks at me.

I had not thought about the Dragon Games. The last time they were held was when my parents were married, so of course I was not around to see them. I heard many tales of them over the years from the previous generation of dragonriders.

I get to my feet, energy and excitement bursting through me. “The Dragon Games? By the stars, you are right. We must host the biggest, most glorious Dragon Games that Maledin has ever seen. A royal wedding wouldn’t be complete without them.”

Sundra is practically bouncing on her toes as she hears this. “May I tell the other riders that we will celebrate the new queen with the Dragon Games? It’s been our dearest hope ever since you were mated.”

I should probably consult with my inner circle, but I’m tired of the endless meetings and weighing pros and cons. This celebration belongs to Isavelle and me. “What do you think,sha’lenla?”

“What are the Dragon Games?” she asks.

“They are an Old Maledin tradition.” Instantly I regret my choice of words as Isavelle tenses. The last time an Old Maledin tradition was brought back, she was nearly killed, I was sent mad by my rut, and we almost didn’t get to spend her first true heat together.

“A harmless one,” I hasten to assure her. “The games are held right here in the capital, and no one will attempt to separate us.”

“Well,” Sundra says, scratching the side of her cheek. “From what I remember, I wouldn’t say that they’re harmless…” She smiles at Isavelle. “But they are great fun, and they bring all the people of Maledin together.”

“There are risks every time dragons are competitive, but the events are about fun and extravagant displays more than anything else,” I assure my mate. “There will be events and games and a great deal of food and drink. The Dragon Games last many days.”

Isavelle smiles hesitantly. “It sounds like a carnival, and I always loved carnivals. Do people from the villages and towns come to watch?”

“Oh, yes,” Sundra tells her eagerly. “Many people travel from far and wide to watch the Dragon Games, and they camp in the fields outside the city. All were welcomed when the last king crowned his queen.”

“And they will be welcomed again,” I say.

Isavelle’s face brightens. “Then I think it sounds like a wonderful idea.”

That’s all the approval I need. I turn to Sundra. “Tell the dragonriders that we will host the grandest Dragon Games that Maledin has ever seen.”

“Yes,Ma’len,” Sundra says, with the biggest smile on her face, and she hurries out of the workshop to spread the good news.

“I will look forward to my coronation day now that I know a wonderful carnival will follow it. Dad and Anise will enjoy it. Especially Anise. She always loved games and competitions. Will you and Scourge take part?”

“Take part? We will best all the other dragons and win the golden laurels that will be bestowed by the queen.”

My queen looks thoughtful, and then she smiles at me. “Tell me, during the Dragon Games, does the queen also compete?”

Stesha’ssour face and dark glower greets me as soon as I step into the courtyard by the Great Hall that evening. I try to sidestep him, but he moves in front of me and blocks my way.

“Zabriel. I’m delighted that I was the very last to know that my dragons are going to be competing in the Dragon Games while all of Maledin gawks at them. Silly, dangerous games while we are still at war, and when we most need our dragons uninjured and fit. What an inspired idea.”

I grin and lightly punch Stesha on the arm as I move around him. “I’m glad you and I are in agreement, dragonmaster.”

There’s a huffy silence, and then Stesha follows me. “You might have consulted with me, or at leasttoldme that you’d decided to hold Dragon Games to celebrate your queen’s coronation. I felt like a total fool in front of our dragon army. Everyone knew about it except me.”

“I couldn’t contain the excitement. Word spread before I could speak with you.”

When Isavelle asked me if the queen herself could compete, I had to admit that she could if she wanted to, but I pointed out that it wasn’t necessary, especially seeing as she’s pregnant. She might prefer being the guest of honor than a more active role, but she replied that Esmeral would bite me if she was told she had to sit out. In that case, we must choose some safe events for smaller dragons and pregnant queens.

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