Page 71 of Wild Flame

The dragon just blinked.

I sighed. Apparently, Malik had decided that the warriors outside weren’t enough.

“Fine,” I grumbled, pointing a finger. “But don’t scare my maids when they come in.”

The maids jolted when they entered a few minutes later and saw Azrun sitting there. Astrid and Hilde gave him a wide berth as they helped me dress and went about stripping the bed.

A servant arrived with a message from Malik saying he wanted me to come to his formal office as soon as possible. Once my hair was braided, Selasi and Yesh led the way, since I had no idea where Malik’s office was. And though I wasn’t surprised when Azrun rose to his feet and followed, it still felt odd to have the dragon walking beside me.

When we arrived at Malik’s office, he bid us enter right away. Azrun strode in with me, but my guards closed the door behind us, waiting outside. The office was exactly what I expected; a large, polished desk, bookcases filled with tomes both old and new, everything in dark wood and clean, masculine lines.

Malik himself was smiling at a cloaked figure that stood before his desk. Then his eyes shot to me and the smile widened. “Siren, I have a surprise for you.”

That was when I noticed the small golden dragon standing beside the cloaked figure, and then the figure turned.

“Helene!” I cried in shock.

My sister beamed as she rushed forward and clasped me tightly. I hugged her back and had to blink away tears from my eyes as I breathed her in. She always smelled like the sea and sunlight. She smelled like home.

“When—how did you . . .” I stammered.

Helene laughed and pulled back. She gestured to Malik. “His Majesty arranged it.”

I glanced at Malik.

“I knew you missed her,” he explained, “and I needed her at this meeting anyway, so I figured why not do both?”

“What meeting?” I asked.

“I’ll let your sister explain,” Malik said, moving around his desk until he stood in front of me. He gently tilted my chin and inspected my face. “How are you this morning?”

My heart leapt at the softness in his tone. “I’m fine,” I assured him. “Just tender.”

His eyes held mine for a weighted moment before he nodded and dropped his hand. I released a breath as he moved toward the door with Azrun in tow. “You’ll only have a few minutes to catch up, I’m afraid. The others should be gathered soon in the meeting room next door,” Malik said to Helene before taking his leave.

He had barely closed the door behind him when Helene spoke. “I take it from that look I just saw pass between the two of you that you’re not opposed to this betrothal arrangement?”

I met her assessing stare. “It came as quite a shock,” I hedged, “since he didn’t see fit to discuss it with me beforehand. But . . . no,” I realized as I spoke, “I am not opposed to it.” I knew if I actually was opposed to the match, she would fly me out of here. Kingdoms and alliances be damned.

Nova nudged my hand, and I bent down and greet her. She hummed as I stroked her smooth head.

“Good,” Helene said, her eyes missing nothing as I straightened. “I won’t be able to stay for the Marking Ceremony, though. I really can only stay for this meeting and then I have to get back.”

Disappointment clawed through me that she wouldn’t be staying, but I understood. “What is this meeting?” I asked, repeating my earlier question.

Helene sighed. “Your handsome betrothed has something he wishes to discuss. He wouldn’t say what in his message, except to say that it was a matter of utmost importance. It is my understanding that he has invited Councilor Rakim and Corrine Darrow as well. He says he wants each of the three kingdoms represented, but asked for us specifically.”

“Why?”

Helene tossed her blonde hair over her shoulder and shrugged. “Malik said he would explain everything when we were all together. It would seem he intends to include you as well.”

“Let’s see what this is about then,” I said. I made to turn away, but her hand on my arm stopped me.

Her eyes studied me, the split lip and the bruise there. “Malik told me about what happened.” The concern was evident on her face. “You’re sure you’re all right?”

I nodded and gave her a wan smile. “I’m fine. I’m harder to kill than I look.”

“What happened?” Rin gasped when she got a look at my face as we entered the room. The room was smaller than I was expecting. Intimate. A round table with eight chairs stood at the center.

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