Page 15 of Wild Bond

The queen’s upper lip ticked in what could have been a smile before she said, “I’m glad to see you’ve finally bonded. Though I’m not surprised, given your parentage.” She glanced at the woman I had noticed before and a tall man that stood beside her. He wore no armor, but a dragon sat at his feet. “And your dragon?” she inquired of the girl.

“Her name is Nelees, my queen.”

The monarch nodded to the silvery dragon in respect, then looked back at Penelope. “I’m sure you both will serve our kingdom well.”

Penelope bowed again and the queen moved on to the little boy.

I fought to stifle a grin, as he was currently trying to remove his dragon from the top of his head, where it had become tangled among his brown curls. He finally succeeded, holding his dragon out in front of him, only to have it begin to lick his face. There were a few chuckles from the assembled crowd behind us.

This time I was certain there was a hint of the smile on the queen’s face and in her eyes. “And you are, young man?”

The boy looked up, and his big brown eyes widened as if he was shocked to see her standing there. He quickly sank into a clumsy bow. “Declan. I’m Declan Finley, milady,” he said. The queen didn’t comment on the incorrect form of address as the boy continued, holding up the squirming dragon, “And this is— well, I don’t really know what his name is yet. He won’t tell me. He just keeps showing me pictures of mice. I think that’s his favorite food. I’m just calling him Izzy for now, until I know for sure. That was my dog’s name before he died.”

I had a feeling the boy could have carried on for quite a while, but the queen finally got a word in, saying, “I’m sure you will find a proper name for him soon.”

Declan smiled up at her and nodded. “I hope so, milady.”

My heart pinched at that smile, that sweet, innocent expression. He reminded me so much of Lessa in that moment. He was about the same age she had been the first night she had been brought to Safan’s. Luckily, I had been there and was able to volunteer to show her the ropes. Otherwise, who knows what Safan could have done with her. The thought made me wonder for the thousandth time where Lessa was now. I couldn’t wait until I was well enough and could leave The Tower to search for her.

The queen’s shrewd gaze then shifted in my direction as she took a few steps toward me, stopping in front of me and Skye.

Her bright gaze took in every aspect of my person before drifting to do the same to the dragon on my shoulder. Then her sharp eyes returned to me. “And your name, trainee?”

“Corrine Darrow, Your Majesty,” I said as I bowed, fisting a hand on my heart. “But I go by Rin.”

She motioned to me, and I straightened as she stated, “My spymaster tells me you were one of my petitioners at the celebrations this year?”

I nodded. “I was, Your Majesty.”

Her eyes narrowed. “He also said that he pardoned you for the crime of theft.”

My eyes shot to Commander Rakim where he stood beside the dais. I hadn’t known that. He hadn’t told me I’d been officially pardoned. Rakim met my stare with that annoyingly blank expression, giving nothing away.

My gaze returned to Queen Elaide. And even though she hadn’t really asked a question, I confirmed, “Yes, my queen.”

“And is it true that the reason you were imprisoned was that you stole Queen Lethara’s Blade from this very castle?”

My heart was pounding in my chest now, and my face grew hot. Where was she going with this?

“Yes, Your Majesty,” I gritted out, fighting back the wealth of protests that wanted to accompany that statement. I met the queen’s stare then, refusing to look away.

To my surprise, a bit of humor entered her eyes. “I should like to hear that story one day.”

I gaped at her as there were a few titters from the crowd, thinking I couldn’t have heard her right. But the look she was giving me and what she had just said made me feel as if she almost didn’t care that I had stolen from her. And her making light of the matter in front of all these witnesses would no doubt lessen my guilt in the eyes of many. Gazing at her, I couldn’t help but wonder if that was her intent.

Before I could even begin to think up a response, she lifted one hand from her cane, waved it at me and sighed, “Do close your mouth girl, before you catch a fly.”

My mouth snapped shut with an audible click.

She then turned her consideration to Skye. “What is her name?” she asked, not looking away from the dragon. The queen had captured Skye’s complete attention, as well.

“Skye,” I murmured. “Her name is Skye . . . my queen.”

“Skye,” she repeated thoughtfully, as if trying the name out on her tongue. She nodded once. “Yes, I rather like that. Untraditional, but I suppose that is fitting for a rare bonding such as yours.” She bowed her head in the same sign of respect Nesenya had used earlier. “Welcome, Skye. I am glad to see the Jade Dragon has finally found her rider.”

Skye inclined her head, and I felt the oddest mixture of emotions coming from her. She felt a sense of pride at the queen’s acknowledgment, but also an intense curiosity as she studied the ruler. She was picking up on a sense of profound sadness coming from the queen, a sadness that was not apparent on the queen’s face. I would not have known it was there if not for my dragon’s keen intuition that allowed her to see something I could not.

I felt the tang of a question in the bond. Skye wanted to know why the queen was sad. I was about to respond that I had no idea, when all at once I remembered. Only one thing could cause a sadness that profound.

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