Page 65 of The Flame King's Queen

There’s a smattering of uncertain applause and surprised murmuring throughout the crowd. The yellow dragon is on the far side of the assembled dragons, looking fierce and unapproachable. I wonder if she understands that she’s earned a place and she should be proud. I hope her rider is able to explain it to her.

“In second place…”

Zenevieve nudges me with her elbow. I’m still looking at Aurissa, and I turn back with a gasp. “Did she say Esmeral? What place are we in?”

“You and Esmeral are in second place,” Zenevieve says with a laugh, joining in the applause that has erupted around us.

From behind the Temple Crone I hear an ear-splitting whistle, and I see Zabriel with two fingers at the corners of his mouth. When he has my attention, he waves at me, grinning, and I wave back.

“And in first place, Nilak and our dragonmaster.”

The sky is filled with white and blue streamers. People are stomping their feet. As the applause and cries of congratulations wash over Stesha, he slowly inclines his head in thanks. Whatever was making him so agitated before the event doesn’t seem to bother him now.

My fellow dragonriders cluster around me and Esmeral offering their congratulations and clasping my wrist. The faces are filled with surprise and respect. They weren’t expecting the smallest, youngest dragon and the pregnant queen to earn a place.

Behind them all, basking in my success as if it’s as delightful as his own, Zabriel is gazing at me and grinning.

As soon as he’s able to reach my side, he pulls me into his arms. “Did you see everyone’s faces? They all underestimated you and Esmeral.”

I can’t stop smiling, and I’m bouncing on my toes, but I remind myself not to get carried away. “It’s just one event.”

“There are more to come, and all but one favors smaller, agile dragons. The little Omegas will do better than the Alphas.”

“You sound pleased about that.”

He kisses me. “I’m thrilled. It’s your coronation games after all. I’m so proud of my queen.”

“It’s not like Esmeral and I will win the Dragon Games.”

“No, but you could take a place. Second or third, which some of these Alphas are coveting for themselves.”

Under Zabriel’s proud gaze, I feel myself grow a little proud as well. Esmeral and I aren’t merely being good sports by entering the games. We might be good at this. We might be a threat. I wasn’t expecting that.

I reach up and place my hands on my mate’s chest, and say to him earnestly, “Can I tell you something, Zabriel? Esmeral and I didn’t enter these games just to make a good impression in front of the people of Lenhale. We want to be thought of as a dragon and her rider.”

“You are,sha’lenla. How could you not be?”

“A dragon and rider who go into battle.”

Zabriel regards me in silence for a moment. Carefully, he says, “You and Esmeral were there at the southern barrier, and you helped support the injured riders and soldiers.”

“Yes, but you know that supporting the riders and soldiers is not the same thing as being a real battle dragon and rider.”

“You led the mission to get the lost villagers back.”

“The ethereal plane mission wasn’t a battle. Well, it was for you.” I touch his side where he was injured. “Esmeral saved your life, but she only managed to do so because she wasn’t going to leave her Alpha’s rider unprotected, not because she was given specific orders. We want to be given battle orders.”

Zabriel cups my cheek and leans down and presses his forehead against mine. “I understand. You are thinking of future threats by Emmeric and his undead army. But, Isavelle…”

His palm rests on my belly, and I cover it with my own. “I know. Not while I’m pregnant. I won’t always be pregnant, but there will always be threats against Maledin, won’t there?”

Zabriel’s red eyes gaze into mine. “There is a place for you and Esmeral in the dragon army. I will try to temper my concerns about your safety with your wishes. Though it will be hard for me, knowing how dangerous battles can be.”

“I worry about you just as much as you worry about me.”

He kisses me. “That is true.”

Past Zabriel’s shoulder, Aurissa rises into the air, moving off in a northeasterly direction.

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