Page 79 of Song of the Dragon Rider
“You heard me. I need a week. Have you realized there’s one major person missing from this gathering?” I motioned to everyone standing and gawking in the courtyard.
Thorne looked around for a moment before realization dawned. “Lord Zacharia,” he murmured.
“Bingo.” I pointed at him. “I cannot leave without saying goodbye to my dear father. Filial piety, and all. I also have other things to settle before—”
“You mean Damien,” Thorne blurted.
I didn’t think he’d mention him in front of everyone. My eyes widened. “Uh…”
“No matter what plan you devise with him, Lady Arya, it won’t change a thing,” Thorne stated. “From this moment on, you’re mine.” He said it calmly, not in an aggressive way at all. But I wasn’t fooled. I’d already seen several different faces of Thorne.
I smiled up at him and batted my eyelashes, then reached for his collar and pulled him close to me. “Now, Thorne, what makes you think I belong to anyone?” I whispered, brushing my lips against his cheek and ear. “No one owns me. Not you. Not Damien.No one.”
Thorne stiffened at my touch, and his eyes narrowed slightly as he gauged my sincerity. “Charming,” he murmured, pulling back with a hint of a smirk. “But this isn't a negotiation, Lady Arya. It's a decree from the emperor himself. One you would do well to heed.”
“But nowhere in the decree does it say I have to leave right away.” I grinned and crossed my arms over my chest.
Thorne eyed me warily, his gaze assessing as he pondered my request. “A week, Lady Arya? You drive a hard bargain.” His tone was a mix of amusement and skepticism.
“I do,” I replied with a smile, maintaining my stance. “I need time to prepare, both mentally and practically. There are matters I must attend to before leaving everything behind.”
He took a deep breath, clearly contemplating the implications. “And what’s to stop you from simply vanishing in that time? You’re asking for a lot of trust on my part.”
I was. Because if there was a thunderstorm approaching, I didn’t care what Damien said, I would jump into the River Elara so fast, if you blinked, you’d miss it.
“You have my word, Thorne. Plus, I think we both know disappearing would only bring more trouble my way,” I lied, hoping to ease his concerns.
“True,” he conceded, then paused, looking me directly in the eyes. “One week, Arya. But this isn’t just about giving you time—it’s about ensuring a smooth transition. Any sign of resistance or deception, and the deal is off.”
“Understood.” I nodded, feeling the weight of his words. “One week, and I’ll be ready to proceed as promised.”
Thorne’s expression softened just a tad. “I’ll hold you to that. I’ll have the formalities prepared, and we’ll set everything in motion from there.”
“Thank you, Thorne. Really.” I gifted him with a genuine smile. “I appreciate the flexibility.”
As he nodded and turned to leave, a wave of relief crashed over me, quickly followed by building pressure. I had one week to figure out my next move. One week to change the course of my future.
The countdown had begun. Every moment counted.
23
CAT
As I paced back and forth across my room, the thick carpet muted my agitated steps. Maeve, ever the watchful confidante, observed me with both concern and curiosity.
“Are you truly considering going through with this marriage?” she finally broke the silence, her voice tinged with worry. “If you do, you know that means you'll never return to your world. And what about therealLady Arya? You promised you’d bring her back!” she scolded.
I stopped pacing and turned to her, flinging my hands up in exasperation. “Maeve, do Ilooklike someone who’s planning a royal wedding? No! I obviously can’t marry Thorne, but I had to agree in front of everyone so I could buy some time. Right now, we need to figure out how to communicate with Damien without alerting all of Elaria.”
Maeve nodded, her expression solemn. “You think we’re being watched?”
I snorted. “This place might as well have a neon sign saying ‘Under surveillance’. And The Gilded Serpent is no safer.Thorne’s men are likely watching it as we speak, in case Damien shows up there. We need to throw Thorne off our scent.”
Maeve pondered for a moment before suggesting, “What about Garrick? He could—”
“No,” I cut her off, my tone firm. “I can’t involve Garrick more than I already have. If the emperor finds out he’s been aiding us, it’s his head.” Silence hung between us as I wracked my brain for a solution. Then, fate smiled. I snapped my fingers and a grin slid across my face. “I’ve got it! Maeve, prepare a carriage. We’re going on a little trip to the Southern District.”
Maeve raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching into a grimace. “And what exactly are we going to do in the Southern District?”
