Page 100 of Veiled Flames
Treacher looks as if he’s about to smack me right off my feet, but this is my last chance, my only chance.
“How many women have tried?” I ask with impertinence.
Treacher’s eyes narrow, the scars on his face become more prominent, and anger threatens to explode through his tightly clasped fists and the veins pulsing over his forehead. I’m going to die. Right now. With one swing of his powerful arm, Treacher is going to kill me.
Roule and Saxon step forward to flank Treacher, creating an intimidating wall of dragon masters before me.
“Your true name isRosomon?” Roule asks, and I nod.
“PrincessRosomon,” Saxon adds. “I recognize her now as the only daughter of the King of Achotia.”
Treacher’s gaze snaps toward Saxon, and I glare at him too. I’ve never felt so betrayed. Saxon has revealed far more than my gender.
“Rosomon,” Roule says. “Thus far, your performance in class and in training has been…exceptional.” He nods. “In fact, I had planned to recommend you to be the first of your compeers to attempt a mounting.”
Hope and pride nearly burst inside me.
“But your deceit changes everything.” Roule frowns, looking so disappointed in me that I want to melt into the ground. His disappointment feels worse than Treacher’s anger.
Tynan steps up beside me. “Why not let hertry?” he says. “She’d be risking death, while you three have nothing to lose.”
“Blasphemy!” Roule says at the same time Treacher shouts, “Absolutely not!”
“If the princess doesn’t wish to leave camp,” Saxon says, “if she prefers to turn recreant, certainly I can find her a suitable role here.”
Anger bubbles inside me. Saxon is trying to manipulate this, so I’ll end up as his courtesan. In a position where I’ll have no value beyond attending his cock.
“Go to your quarters,” Treacher yells, his tone pushing me back. “You are confined to chambers, until further notice. I’ll see that your meals are delivered to you there.”
“But—”
He raises his hand to cut off my words. I’m not even certain what argument I had left to make.
“The dragon masters will discuss your deception and blasphemy,” Treacher declares. “We will inform you of our decision soon.”
Thirty-Eight
Saxon
“It’s cruel to let her continue,” I reason with Treacher and Roule. “Tantamount to a death sentence.”
“Many candidates die at camp,” Treacher replies blankly. I can’t believe he’s even considering this. He was the first to call for her exile.
I’m glad I wasn’t the one to reveal Rosomon’s secret, but I’m glad that it’s out. Glad she has a chance of survival. I didn’t expect an argument with my fellow dragon masters about whether to let her continue.
“Certainly, many candidates die at camp.” I argue against Treacher’s reasoning. “But there is an upside to the risks the men take. Should they succeed, they become riders. We know the princess can never do that, so what’s the point of risking her life?”
My heart is thumping far too loudly, and I fight to maintain the outward appearance of calmness. No one can know how much I care about this. Care about Rosomon.
“Over history, has a femaleevermade an attempt?” Treacher asks Roule.
“No attempts have been documented,” Roule replies. “Not in the archive’s records.” He takes a step back. “I should consult the klericks.”
“No!” Treacher and I shout together.
“This is a matter for we dragon masters,” I add.
Treacher smirks at me. “This imposter is a princess. She’s of royal blood. How do you know she’s not your preciouschosenone?” He says the words with blatant mocking. He’s being argumentative to vex me. There’s no chance Treacher supports this.
