Page 35 of Wild Bond

“If the numbers recorded in the archives are correct, then I calculate there has been a nearly forty percent decrease in the amount of dragon rider bonds in the last fifty years alone.”

I glanced over to see it was princess Mercedes who had spoken. Several others did as well.

She looked uncomfortable to suddenly have so many eyes on her, and anxiously adjusted the glasses on her face as she continued, “In my research, I have yet to come across another time in which a similar problem has occurred. I think—"

“That’s enough, Mercedes,” the queen cut in, waving her daughter off. “No one needs to hear about your outlandish theories. You’re not a rider. Go sit over there and let us finish our discussion.”

I watched the play of emotions on the princess’s face as she stood, obviously trying hard to mask her hurt and embarrassment at her mother’s words. But she said nothing as she moved away, and I couldn't help but feel bad for her.

Eventually, the conversation moved on to other topics, and I was able to make an excuse and extricate myself from the discussion.

Relieved to finally be free of the questioning stares of the other trainees and away from the discerning eyes of the queen, I made a beeline for the refreshment table. I didn’t care what anyone else thought, I was going to eat enough of those puffy, cream-filled pastries to make myself sick.

A few minutes later, I was thoroughly on my way to doing just that and thinking I needed to ask someone what these delectable things were called, when I noticed Princess Mercedes sitting in one of the chairs in the corner by herself, looking dejected. After being so thoroughly and publicly dismissed by her mother, it was a wonder she was still here at all. No one was even making an attempt to talk to her. My heart went out to her, and before I realized what I was doing, my feet had carried me over, and I was sitting beside her.

“Pastry?” I offered, holding out the little plate as she looked up, her eyes widening in surprise when she saw me.

“No, thank you,” she said with a tentative, fleeting smile.

Skye drifted down off my shoulder to nestle onto the empty chair cushion on my other side.

When I glanced back to the princess, she was studying Skye with something like longing on her face. Skye hadn’t noticed the princess’s scrutiny. She was more interested in the polished silverware on the refreshment table and wondering if she could sneak a piece out of here without anyone noticing.

You can’t, I told her through the bond. Though I could certainly sympathize with her. There were several decorative pieces in this room alone that I couldn’t help cataloging in my mind and thinking that they would each be worth several gold gents if I were to sell them on the street. I mentally shook myself. That was not who I was anymore.

Skye harrumphed in my mind.

“May I ask you something?” Princess Mercedes questioned, her voice hesitant.

Intrigued, I nodded. “Of course.”

“If it is too personal, you don’t have to answer, but . . .” She cleared her throat, and I could tell my answer meant a lot to her as she continued. “When you bonded with Skye . . . what did . . . what did it feel like?”

I was surprised at the question, but then I decided it wasn’t that odd, considering Princess Mercedes had never bonded with a dragon herself. It was only natural that she would be curious. I thought for a moment.

“It felt like discovering a part of myself that had been there all along. Like it was only waiting for me to find it.”

Skye chirped happily, as if in agreement.

“There was no pain?” Mercedes insisted.

I shook my head. “Only when Skye first touched me.”

“I see,” she said, looking almost as if my answers had disappointed her in some way. Then she sighed. “I’m sorry, Trainee Darrow, if I am a bit overzealous. Dragons and dragon riders—and particularly the bond—fascinate me. I’ve researched it extensively.” Her cheeks pinkened. “I’ve actually thought of writing a book about it someday.”

“Call me Rin, please,” I replied. “And that sounds like a wonderful idea.”

She gave me a slightly sad smile. “Well, you would be the first. Pierce dismissed the idea right away and said that no one would read a book about dragon riders that wasn’t written by one.”

I wanted to tell her that was because her brother was an insensitive jerk, but instead just said, “I don’t think that’s true.”

She shrugged, as if it didn’t matter. Then she met my eyes. “You’re kind. I wasn’t expecting that.”

“Why not?” I asked, trying to decide if I should be offended by the observation.

Her eyes widened as if she realized how what she said might be taken. “My apologies. I meant no offense”

I waved her off. “It’s alright.”

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