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“Actually, I agree with her,” Wyetta grumbled. “The lands of the Haywarde estate are quite high and can be awfully hot in the summer. If given the choice between winter and summer, I would pick winter. Although I must admit, I love spring as well, because of the flowers.”

“That is it! I will have to have you both whipped for having such terrible opinions on the weather.” Geryon could tell he was jesting, but Wyetta’s back stiffened, like she perceived it as a real threat.

When Cecily turned her head to the side to inspect a painting, he could tell she was unbothered. She had worn the same face for most of this stroll: collected and bored.

“Whip me as much as you like, your Highness, but I would much prefer that than to bake in the summer heat with a three-layered dress on.”

Bradwick threw his head back with a laugh before he lifted a finger to shake it at her. Geryon knew he’d found humour in what she said, but this conversation was the first time she’d elicited a response from the king at all.

She was more interested in peering at the palace walls. Yet, she never missed a cue in conversation, like she was able to balance both.

“Here, watch this, ladies. I find Baron Cliffard quite hilarious,” he whispered. Then he shouted, “Cliffard! You lumbering sod!”

The nobleman started at being called so suddenly. His hands shook in reaction, throwing some of his ale down the front of his coat.

“Yes, your Royal Highness?” he asked after he coughed to catch his breath. He gave him a bow.

All except Cecily laughed – she didn’t even smile. Instead, she turned her head up, seeming irritated.I also do not find making fun of people entertaining.Bradwick often teased his subjects because they couldn’t retaliate.

“You did not find that humorous, Cecily?” King Bradwick asked with a frown.

“I was so curious about this painting that I did not hear your jest, your Highness. I hope I did not cause offense; it was just so eye catching, I was unable to concentrate on anything else.”

Geryon raised his brow.She is a pretty little liar.

The king stopped them all so they could admire it as well. The painting they were admiring was one of Geryon’s few favourites in the palace.

It was a large image of the fabled Pinnacle of Dragons, a place rumoured to once be their governing location. Dragons of different colours were depicted flying around it, heading over the ocean towards the mountain island.

Humans believed no such thing existed anymore, that the creatures they once thought of as gods were now extinct. Some ventured the seas to find its ruins, only to never return.

“If only the Dragons still existed, right, Geryon?” Bradwick said with a grin, his head turning to him with a certain twinkle in his eyes.

A small growl almost left his chest. He hated it when he made small, knowing jabs of truth towards him.That mouth of his will unveil me.Then Geryon would be forced to kill every single person inside this palace.

“They do,” Cecily surprised them all by saying.

“No, they do not,” Savannah sneered. “Everyone knows they were hunted into extinction years ago. Anyone who says they have seen one is obviously deranged.”

“Yes, and they left us humans to deal with the chaos they bred,” Wyetta added.She speaks of Witches.

“It is foolish to believe something as magnificent and powerful as the Dragons are extinct. I am sure they are out there, hiding from us.” Then, she turned away from the painting to give the four of them a smile, the first one she’d shared on this stroll. “My apologies. I must sound unhinged to hold such a fantastical opinion.”

“No, not at all,” Bradwick answered with a frown. “I share the same thoughts.”

“Me too. I think they are alive.” Charlotte cuddled into his arm so that her bosom pressed tight against it.

Geryon didn’t have the mind to roll his eyes at the silly noblewoman. No, he was too busy staring at Cecily.She believes in Dragons and thinks highly of them... I expected her not to have such childish thoughts of man.

She’d spoken it confidently, too, like she believed it was the truth.I am curious as to why.

“Well then! Say they really are still alive,” Bradwick started with an excited voice, the subject one of deep interest to him. “What would you do if you were able to meet one, ladies?”

“Most likely scream, since it will try to eat me,” Cecily answered. Her head turned to the painting one last time before the king dragged them away.

Geryon chuckled to himself.She has a fair point.

She peeked over her shoulder at the sound he made. He quietened, raising a brow in her direction since she was staring at him.