Page 16 of To Sway a Prince (Tempting Thieves)

16

STABLE CONVERSATIONS

T he abrupt ending to the night left me reeling, yet somehow my sleep was peaceful. A warmth similar to the one that spread over me at the campsite the night Zephyrus left came over me as I rested, and it stirred a longing for family and home deep within me. The tang of magic on my tongue and in my lungs was not so unpleasant despite the sweet, dark flavor of plums when I woke.

Had I really told Ramiel so much of my past? It had been years since I had spoken to anyone of my family. When I was part of the Resistance, my family was spoken about mostly in generalities. They were images and symbols for inspiration, not the people with strengths, flaws, quirks, and oddities.

And Ramiel seemed to understand that. There had been no expectation from him when we talked. It was just…talking. The way people were supposed to.

And I wanted to save him even more than before. I flexed my fingers and tested my aura. The restoration of my own power was slower now than I liked, but it wasn't a sign of anything dangerous. Just fatigue. And that could be managed. Today I'd likely be testing my own limits if I pushed too hard on removing those cursed knots, but if I paced myself, perhaps I could finish this within four days.

For now, I needed to dress and prepare for the day.

When I reached into the wardrobe, a new garment brushed my fingertips. I drew it out, then smiled. It was a soft pink travel dress with a wrap-around skirt and matching leggings, the sash and inner lining a beautiful rich turquoise. Certainly not for blending in, and today I didn't want to blend in.

I dressed swiftly, braided my hair, and then slipped down to the stables, eager to see Zephyrus. The familiar scent of hay and dragons filled my nostrils as I pushed open the heavy wooden door, only to find Ramiel already there in charcoal riding leathers with dark blue accents. He spoke softly to Thalorion, stroking the ancient dragon's jaw.

My steps faltered, and a bolt of heated energy shot through me. I still didn't know what to say in response to last night, though I desperately wanted to. A shyness crept over me, something I rarely experienced. Should I perhaps leave and come back later?

Ramiel turned at my approach. A smile spread over his face, gentle and warm. The way it reached his eyes made my heart stumble. "Good morning. The dress suits you. It's good to see how well the wardrobe is fulfilling its role."

"Thank you," I said, fidgeting with the sash's embroidered edge. "I—about last night—I wanted to tell you how much it meant to me. I'm usually better with words, but I just—I wanted you to know no one has ever spoken to me like that. And I know I broke into your tower, but you have been so kind and courteous. More than I deserved. You aren't a frost fiend bastard, and I know that we have not known one another long, but I will do whatever I can to save you. Not just in removing the curse. But…beyond that."

My words felt so fragile and weak, incapable of conveying the depths of my feelings. I swallowed hard, trying to steady my voice. "I also wanted you to know that I think you deserve happiness and peace as well. And if your mate knew what you did for her—I think she'd be angry but only because her mate was someone who put her well-being so far above his own that he was willing to deny himself rather than cause her pain. But I also know she would forgive you for that as well because I would do the same."

His brow drew up. Those soft lines in his forehead deepened. "Astraia—" he started.

"And what I am asking is that you please don't give up on you," I said, rushing the words out. "I know that you have to remain steadfast. And you are. But please…know that you aren't alone."

The edges of his mouth pulled up. "I know that. I'm glad that you are here though. I did want to talk with you more." He stroked Thalorion's neck. "I need to travel the Seam of the Chasm today to check for weaknesses and see if I can spot the leviathan. This was what I wanted to ask you about. Would you care to join me? You could ride with me on Thalorion."

The invitation made my insides flutter. The thought of sitting behind Ramiel, arms wrapped around his waist as we soared through the sky...

A loud chuff interrupted my thoughts. Zephyrus was watching us, his amber eyes burning with unmistakable disapproval. He sat up straight in his cell, head canted sharply to the side. Thalorion gave a long sleepy yawn, then clicked his jaws shut, and shook his head. Another huff from Zephyrus followed.

I couldn't help but smile. "Someone's jealous." I started to cross over to him, then halted, remembering the pulseport. "I'm not saying I wouldn't love to ride with you, and, I know this is up to you, but…would it be possible for me to go with you and ride Zephyrus? It would probably be safer if we had two dragons with us as opposed to just one."

There it was. Perhaps one of the most important questions and one which could sour everything. I hadn't actually removed all of the cursed knots, and he might conclude I was trying to manipulate or trick him. Especially after that heartfelt confession. Had I known what he was going to ask, I'd have waited. But it was too late for that now.

He narrowed his eyes at me a little as if evaluating my request, then he set his arms akimbo. "Well…I suppose there is wisdom in that. In truth, I am curious to see how you do riding. Especially given your instructor. But…"

I braced myself for conditions, for demands of additional vows or proof of my trustworthiness. After all, I could easily break my word once the spell was removed. And he needed to protect his position, especially with the importance of weaver dragons for maintaining the Chasm.

He glanced between Thalorion and Zephyrus and then smiled. "Very well."

"Is that all?" My mouth fell open. "No other terms? Do you want me to bind or vow?—"

"No." He stepped forward, raising his hand. Silver light danced from his fingertips as he traced a complex pattern in the air. The magic shimmered around me, forming a long series of runes. They slid through the air and then coiled over my heart. The energy surged through me, dissolving the binding and filling my limbs with a pleasant sensation. "Don't make me regret it," he said, but there was a soft note in his voice. The way he looked at me made everything inside me spin.

I tried to stop a grin from splitting across my face. "My particular path of vengeance would be to rearrange your furniture and mix up your casting runes."

"I'm aware." His smile pulled a little higher. "Truly, I'm impressed you didn't start mixing the sands."

"I—I couldn't," I admitted, surprised to hear myself speaking the words. "It felt disproportionate. And wrong. Besides, I left you more than enough evidence elsewhere of my displeasure."

"So you did."

I wanted to say something witty in response, but the cell doors clanked open and Zephyrus's head appeared from the stable. "Zephyrus!"

I could barely get my arms around his neck at the base, but I flung myself at him nonetheless. He coiled around me and nearly flattened me with his snout in my hair and his scales scraping over me. Tears rolled down my cheeks. It had only been a few days, but at the beginning, I'd been so afraid of losing him forever.

He chuffed and then snorted. Another dragon call from within the stable made him lift his head. Before I could comment, he dropped his head again to nuzzle me. He snorted and huffed, checking me over with gentle nudges of his snout, examining my wrists and focusing on the one where the thread had cut me.

"I'm fine," I assured him, stroking the sensitive spot beneath his jaw. "Just a few scratches. Nothing serious."

He rumbled deep in his chest, unconvinced, then twisted his head to examine me from different angles with exaggerated concern. I laughed as he pushed his snout against my shoulder, nearly knocking me over. Then he nudged my wrist again.

"Do you smell something, Zephyrus?" Ramiel strode closer as Thalorion's cell opened. He slid his hand beneath my wrist and held it out.

Zephyrus growled again, then licked my wrist.

"What're you looking for?" I asked him, frowning. My wrist felt fine. I was still a little weary from yesterday's knotwork, but that was common.

He licked my wrist again, leaving a sheen of saliva. Grimacing, I tried to rub it clean. I glanced at Ramiel. "What's he looking for?"

"Not sure." Ramiel frowned as well. He put his hand on the side of Zephyrus's jaw, then shook his head. "It's something to remember. Pay attention for further signs. You're certain you're not in pain?"

"No, not at all." I didn't mention the fatigue. "Seems to me you both just worry." I leaned to the side, pressing my head once more to Zephyrus's scales. He still smelled like thunderstorms and the wild mountain air despite being in this warm stable.

He made a satisfied sound and settled, though his tail still twitched. Leaning down, he bumped my wrist again.

"Hmmm." Ramiel still appeared concerned. "Well, if you find any additional symptoms, tell me. It isn't wise to ignore a dragon's observations."

"I promise—I'm fine." I looked between both of them, quirking my lips. "I don't think I could hide it if I wasn't."

He gave another nod, then offered a small shrug. "I suppose it's possible he just enjoys the scent of jasmine and vanilla. It was certainly very pleasant last night. Especially with the cashmere."

My eyes widened. My scent had returned? I hadn't intended it. Hadn't even noticed it had returned. It had been years. My cheeks had to be blazing red now. "It is a pleasant scent…are we going to get flying?"

He chuckled. "Yes. But first…" He removed a small silver pendant from inside his surcoat. It held a series of runes etched into the pendant itself as well as the beads that formed the body of the necklace. "This is a Sentinel pendant. It's hard to hear much beyond the thunder of dragon wings and the roar of the wind in flight. So…we use these to speak into one another's minds. May I?" He gestured to my neck.

"Does it let us speak with the dragons?" I turned and lifted my braid, exposing the nape of my neck.

"No, it's just for us to speak to each other," Ramiel said, his voice low and close to my ear as he slipped the pendant around my neck. "I hope you don't find that too odious."

His fingers brushed against my skin as he fastened the clasp, lingering. A shiver ran through me that had nothing to do with the cool metal against my collarbone. He drew my braid back from my shoulder, his knuckles grazing the sensitive skin at the nape of my neck.

I barely repressed a shudder, hyperaware of his presence. His breath tickled my skin. That wonderful cologne of his made me want to back up against him and burrow closer. Knowing he liked my scent made it almost impossible to remain still. "No, that's not odious at all."

He adjusted the clasp once more, then circled to face me. "There. It's very simple. To make it work, all you must do is envision speaking the words to me. If that doesn't work, focus on imagining the words traveling through the pendant and to the person with whom you wish to speak. Now I'll be able to hear all your complaints about our flight."

I raised an eyebrow, suddenly aware of how close we stood and how delightfully warm he was. "Bold of you to assume I'd complain. I'll be far too busy showing off my superior skills."

His lips quirked up. "Is that a challenge, little gnat?"

"Only if you're brave enough to accept it," I replied. "Remember I learned dragon riding from an actual dragon."

"And I can't wait to witness your prowess, my lady." He spread his arms in a slight bow at the waist.

The heat spiked through me again. A delightful cacophony of sensations spread at the same time, and suddenly I didn't know where to put my hands or where to look. Had he really just called me that? I pretended to play into it, mirroring the bow but averting my face. "And I cannot wait to witness yours, my lord."

Zephyrus huffed and then nudged me, nearly toppling me. I shot him a glare and pushed my braid back over my shoulder.

Ramiel stepped back toward Thalorion as the elderly dragon emerged from his cell, stretching his massive wings and then tucking them back. The ancient dragon's dark green scales gleamed with silver-green patches in the torchlight.

"Ready for a morning flight, Old Man?" Ramiel asked, patting Thalorion's foreleg.

Thalorion's voice rumbled in his chest as he lowered his head for Ramiel to climb up. Though more subdued than Zephyrus's enthusiastic greeting, there was unmistakable affection in the way the old dragon watched Ramiel settle into position.

"Sounds like it's time," I said, looking up at Zephyrus.

Zephyrus lowered his head, and I climbed onto his thick neck, settling into the familiar spot just behind his horns. The dress and leggings were quite comfortable, the slits on the wraparound skirt allowing me to move with ease and the leggings protecting my thighs and calves. As soon as I was in position, he tossed his head, pretending to try to throw me off.

"Oh, hey now," I laughed, gripping tighter with my knees. "I didn't forget, all right? I know how to hold fast." That had been one of the early things he taught me. Was he worried about me and trying to mask it? Did he really think that not flying for a few days would mean I forgot everything?"

He chuffed and gave his head another shake. When I stayed in place, he rumbled his approval, straightened his wings, and moved back to let Thalorion pass.

Thalorion grunted in response, then stretched his neck up, reared onto his hind legs, and bumped the center of the ceiling.

With the heavy clicking and clacking of gears, a portion of the ceiling retracted, revealing a stunning morning sky. Soft lavender and peach clouds drifted across an expanse of perfect blue, and the morning light streamed down in golden rays. Fresh air rushed in, carrying scents of pine, distant mountains, and the crisp tang of high altitude.

"Let them get into position," Ramiel called, gesturing toward a circular platform at the center of the open ceiling. "They know what to do."

Zephyrus strode to the back spot on the platform, his tail straight and resting in a groove on the floor. Thalorion followed, positioning himself a little ahead of us with precision. The platform beneath hummed with hidden energy, the subtle vibrations reaching me even through Zephyrus.

I stole a glance at Ramiel, and my whole being ached. Sitting astride Thalorion, his silver hair catching the morning light, he looked every inch a regal prince. His back was straight, shoulders squared, one hand resting lightly on Thalorion's neck while the other rested on his thigh. No saddle, no reins. Just trust and skill. The confidence in his posture spoke of countless flights and pure trust between rider and dragon.

Metal groaned against metal as the hidden mechanisms engaged. The square platform we stood on shifted slightly, locking into position with a heavy thunk.

Looking up, I frowned at the opening. I'd made it before with the purple dragon, and that had been roomy enough. But neither Zephyrus nor Thalorion were small dragons. The space did look wide enough for them, but…just barely. There was no room for error.

Zephyrus huffed beneath me, completely unconcerned. Thalorion similarly showed no signs of worry, his ancient eyes calm and steady.

Ramiel glanced back and smiled. "Hold fast, Astraia," he said, voice clear through the pendant and in my ears. "It's an intense ride."

Before I could respond, the platform beneath us engaged, and all four of us shot up into the air.