Page 11 of Wild Bond (Wild Bond #1)

T he following day during combat training, to the surprise of everyone, a castle messenger arrived and the dozen or so women in our class were invited to Graystone Keep for a private luncheon with the queen and her daughter.

I had been sparring with Nesenya at the time and asked her, “Does the queen often invite trainees to the castle?”

“No,” she replied, her brow knitting in confusion. “Not since I’ve been here, at least.”

The royal messenger—a short, self-important looking man who reminded me of the steward from my hearing in the square—looked around at all of us and wrinkled his nose. “The carriages will pick you up from The Tower courtyard in an hour. I trust that will give you all plenty of time to bathe and change. You can’t go before Her Majesty and Her Highness dressed as you are.”

With a final disdainful glance, the man was off. I was tempted to yell after him that the queen had been a dragon rider once and no doubt owned a pair of fighting leathers herself, but I refrained.

It was then I had turned and noticed the pale look on Nesenya’s face. I had never seen the stoic woman look like that. She so rarely showed any emotion at all.

“Nesenya?” I inquired cautiously.

“I don’t have anything else.” Her normally steady voice was almost breathy with panic. “I don’t own a dress. What am I supposed to wear?”

“Don’t worry,” I told her soothingly. I looked her up and down. “We’re about the same size. You can borrow one of mine.”

She looked at me in surprise and relief. “You’d do that?”

I shrugged. “It’s not like I can wear two at once.” I didn’t mention that I actually had several gowns hanging in the wardrobe in my room. Millie had told me it was standard for all trainees “without means” to be given a few outfits for formal occasions.

The other woman nodded and sincerity rang in her voice when she said, “Thank you.”

We walked back to the barracks together, each returning to our rooms to get cleaned up. I quickly used the tiny pitcher of water and the wash basin Millie had fetched for me. Stripping down and washing the sweat from my body, I then donned the undergarments, chemise, and dress Millie laid out.

The dress was pale blue, simple with long sleeves and a square-cut neck, with a light shimmer to the fabric. It was probably the nicest thing I had ever worn, basic as it was.

Brushing a comb through my hair, I decided that wearing it down would have to do for time’s sake. Then Nesenya arrived.

Millie helped her into one of the other gowns, one of deep mauve that looked amazing against her dark skin. We rushed out to the courtyard just in time to meet the carriages.

Now, we were standing before the doors to the queen’s formal sitting room. Several of the other women looked nervous, one girl looked downright terrified. I found myself surprisingly calm at the prospect of having lunch with royalty. Maybe it was the fact that Skye, where she currently perched on my shoulder in her favorite spot, was calm, and I couldn't help but absorb some of that through the bond. Many of the other women’s dragons flew around the ornately appointed corridor we waited in, but Nesenya’s dragon appeared just as calm as Skye. Daisha and her two friends were also cool and collected. I guess since all of them were descendants from noble families, being around the queen was commonplace.

Just then, the same stuffy servant from before opened the doors and ushered us inside.

The room was spacious, with several small low-backed chairs set around the edge of the room and in central clusters. A large tea service and an assortment of finger foods and sandwiches sat waiting off to one side.

Queen Elaide and Princess Mercedes were already there, seated at the head of the room. The princess sat in a seat slightly lower than her mother’s and looked just as uncomfortable as when I had first seen her at the ball. The queen was just as imposing with a stiff, no-nonsense expression and her ever-present cane clutched in her hand.

The servant opened his mouth as if to announce us all, but the queen waved him off before he could.

“Enough of that, enough of that,” she dismissed. “You may go.”

The servant bowed and backed out as the queen proclaimed, “Come in ladies. Take a seat or help yourselves to refreshments. Don’t dawdle out in the hall.”

Everyone skittered to do what the queen commanded, and in no time, the room was filled with quiet, murmured conversation. A few of the women were even brave enough to sit near the queen, probably in hopes that she would speak with them.

No one knew why the queen had called us here, and as the minutes ticked by, and it didn’t appear she would be volunteering that information, everyone began to relax. Even the dragons, who took their cue from their riders, seemed to relax as well. Most stayed with their riders, though, either perched on their shoulders, hovering above them, or in their laps.

Not sure what to do with myself, I decided I might as well try the food. I had never liked tea the few times I had tried it. It tasted like dirt to me. So, I steered clear of that as I approached the elegantly decorated table that was covered in delicate little morsels of food that couldn’t possibly hope to truly feed anyone. Intrigued despite myself, I grabbed a small glass plate that I was instantly afraid I would somehow break and began filling it with one of everything on offer.

There were small sandwiches made of soft bread, little pastries filled with cream, tarts topped with glazed fruit, and crackers you were supposed to smear with some kind of green paste.

I had never dreamed of getting to try such things. Before living at The Tower, I had only ever eaten stale, hardy breads the bakers threw out, or meat pies or gruel and the like. Life-sustaining things that were filling and stuck in your gut for days, with only the occasional sweet or fruit thrown in that I had been able to steal.

I took a bite of the pastry with cream, and as the light, sweet flavor burst on my tongue, I quickly popped the rest in my mouth and went back for another. I offered one to Skye, but she just gave me a look that even without the bond I could tell meant she thought I was dense.

I chuckled and had just taken another large bite of the creamy goodness when the queen’s voice rang out from across the room.

“Corrine Darrow, come here, girl. I wish to speak with you.”

I froze then lowered the treat from my mouth as a dose of trepidation filled me. Why would she want to speak with me? I swallowed the bite in my mouth, nearly choking on it in my haste. Mourning the pastry’s loss, I set the plate back on the tray of a passing servant and hurriedly scrubbed at my mouth before turning.

The eyes of the room were on me as I made my way over to where the queen and princess sat. Nerves assailed me as I curtsied, almost positive I had done it wrong, and bowed my head.

Queen Elaide motioned for me to rise, and I noticed she now had a cup of tea in her hand as those keen eyes regarded me. Her cane now rested against her chair.

After an awkward pause where I wondered what, if anything, I should say, the queen finally spoke. “Well, sit down,” she commanded.

I jumped slightly but did as she bid, taking a seat close to where the queen sat. Daisha and one of her friends sat close as well. Their dragons glared at me from their spots on the floor.

“We were just discussing how training was going in preparation for the trials,” the queen explained.

“Uh, oh?” I responded, pretending like I was totally comfortable in the current situation and not like I was internally wishing to be anywhere else.

A servant girl who had been standing against the wall rushed over to pour me a cup of tea. I nodded my thanks as she handed it to me.

Daisha turned to me with a bright smile, not a hint of the normal distain or disgust I was used to seeing anywhere in evidence as she said, “I was just telling Her Majesty that everyone in our group is eager for the trials. I myself feel more ready than ever. I only wish the trials were sooner, not several months away.” There was a practiced pout on her face before it transformed into a look of fake concern. “I’m just sorry you will not be competing with us, Rin.” She reached over and patted my arm in consolation. “There’s just no way you would be ready. Especially knowing the prospective riders from Zehvi and Halmar will be there as well.”

I tried not to give her an equally fake smile in return. In the bond, Skye was contemplating burning her face off, and I was inclined to let her. “Don’t trouble yourself,” I replied. “I have no intention of competing in these trials. I never did. As you said, I just began training and would be woefully unprepared.”

“I hear my spymaster volunteered to train you,” the queen interjected. “Is that correct?”

I had no doubt she knew the answer, but I answered anyway.

“He’s been teaching me to fly, yes.”

“It’s not like him to take an interest in any of the trainees,” she mused, sipping her tea. “He’s far too busy.”

It wasn’t a question, but it sure felt like one. I flushed, thinking of the discussion I had with Rake the other night. I wondered if Rake had told the queen about the dragon we found. But then I could feel Daisha’s gaze boring into me at the queen’s words and decided that wasn’t important right now.

Luckily, the queen continued before I could respond. “Any idea why he decided to break with tradition and take a special interest in you?”

“None, Your Majesty,” I said, and it was the truth. Rake hadn’t really answered my question. Swallowing down a sip of tea to give myself something to do, I had to fight a grimace at the awful taste.

“Hmm,” she said eyeing me closely. “And how is your training with him going?”

“Ra—I mean, Commander Rakim, is a wonderful teacher,” I stammered, correcting myself at the last moment. “All of my instructors have been. Skye and I are learning a lot, and living at The Tower has been a great opportunity.”

“Much better than your previous accommodations, no doubt?” Daisha commented. Several of the other women hid smirks behind their hands.

I shot Daisha a look, but she simply arched an eyebrow in response.

Trying to just ignore the jab, I found myself answering honestly. “Yes. I’m very fortunate to have bonded with Skye.” Absentmindedly, I reached up and stroked Skye’s tail and could feel her contentment as I continued. “She saved my life that day in more ways than one. Without the bond, I could very well be back on the street or in a cell. I will always be grateful to Skye and the gods for allowing me to bond with such an amazing creature and giving me a chance at a life and opportunities that I never would have otherwise dreamed of.”

Everyone was silent for a moment after my little speech, and I tried not to feel self-conscious. I wasn’t ashamed of what I had said or admitted. It was the absolute truth.

“And what makes your bond so unique, do you think?” the queen inquired, her gem-like eyes studying me closely. “So unique that you were able to bond with a fully mature dragon at your age?” Some of the other talk seemed to quiet around the room at the question, and I could feel several of the other women listening intently, waiting curiously for my answer.

“I honestly don’t know, Your Majesty. I wish I did.” The number of times I had asked myself that very question since bonding with Skye were too numerous to count, and I was still just as perplexed as ever. I had even asked Skye, and she had only shown me a series of images by way of answer that didn’t make sense. The best I could figure was she recognized me as hers, and that was enough for her. The why didn’t matter.

The queen sat back in her chair. “The bond between a rider and their dragon is a sacred thing,” she pondered aloud, her voice lowering, almost as if she were speaking to herself, “something unique to each pairing. Something I would do anything to experience again.”

My heart panged along with a note of sympathy from Skye. It wasn’t until moments like this that I even remembered our sovereign was Hollow. She hid her pain well.

Then, like a candle being blown out, the queen seemed to snap out of whatever melancholy she had momentarily sunk into and leaned forward again. She set down her teacup and grasped her cane, then thumped it once on the ground. “Even after all these many centuries, we still are no closer to discovering what it is that triggers a bonding. Rider numbers are dwindling more and more every year. How will we defend ourselves if Baldor is no longer producing dragon riders? Our peace with Zehvi is already tenuous. Rakim’s spies tell me this phenomenon is being experienced in Halmar and Zehvi as well, but no one has the faintest idea why.”

The queen’s words were sobering and unexpected to say the least, and it was obvious this issue had been weighing on her for some time. I had had no idea such a trend was even occurring, at least not to the degree she was implying.

“If the numbers recorded in the archives are correct, then I calculate there has been a nearly forty percent decrease in the amount of dragon rider bonds in the last fifty years alone.”

I glanced over to see it was princess Mercedes who had spoken. Several others did as well.

She looked uncomfortable to suddenly have so many eyes on her, and anxiously adjusted the glasses on her face as she continued, “In my research, I have yet to come across another time in which a similar problem has occurred. I think—"

“That’s enough, Mercedes,” the queen cut in, waving her daughter off. “No one needs to hear about your outlandish theories. You’re not a rider. Go sit over there and let us finish our discussion.”

I watched the play of emotions on the princess’s face as she stood, obviously trying hard to mask her hurt and embarrassment at her mother’s words. But she said nothing as she moved away, and I couldn't help but feel bad for her.

Eventually, the conversation moved on to other topics, and I was able to make an excuse and extricate myself from the discussion.

Relieved to finally be free of the questioning stares of the other trainees and away from the discerning eyes of the queen, I made a beeline for the refreshment table. I didn’t care what anyone else thought, I was going to eat enough of those puffy, cream-filled pastries to make myself sick.

A few minutes later, I was thoroughly on my way to doing just that and thinking I needed to ask someone what these delectable things were called, when I noticed Princess Mercedes sitting in one of the chairs in the corner by herself, looking dejected. After being so thoroughly and publicly dismissed by her mother, it was a wonder she was still here at all. No one was even making an attempt to talk to her. My heart went out to her, and before I realized what I was doing, my feet had carried me over, and I was sitting beside her.

“Pastry?” I offered, holding out the little plate as she looked up, her eyes widening in surprise when she saw me.

“No, thank you,” she said with a tentative, fleeting smile.

Skye drifted down off my shoulder to nestle onto the empty chair cushion on my other side.

When I glanced back to the princess, she was studying Skye with something like longing on her face. Skye hadn’t noticed the princess’s scrutiny. She was more interested in the polished silverware on the refreshment table and wondering if she could sneak a piece out of here without anyone noticing.

You can’t , I told her through the bond. Though I could certainly sympathize with her. There were several decorative pieces in this room alone that I couldn’t help cataloging in my mind and thinking that they would each be worth several gold gents if I were to sell them on the street. I mentally shook myself. That was not who I was anymore.

Skye harrumphed in my mind.

“May I ask you something?” Princess Mercedes questioned, her voice hesitant.

Intrigued, I nodded. “Of course.”

“If it is too personal, you don’t have to answer, but . . .” She cleared her throat, and I could tell my answer meant a lot to her as she continued. “When you bonded with Skye . . . what did . . . what did it feel like?”

I was surprised at the question, but then I decided it wasn’t that odd, considering Princess Mercedes had never bonded with a dragon herself. It was only natural that she would be curious. I thought for a moment.

“It felt like discovering a part of myself that had been there all along. Like it was only waiting for me to find it.”

Skye chirped happily, as if in agreement.

“There was no pain?” Mercedes insisted.

I shook my head. “Only when Skye first touched me.”

“I see,” she said, looking almost as if my answers had disappointed her in some way. Then she sighed. “I’m sorry, Trainee Darrow, if I am a bit overzealous. Dragons and dragon riders—and particularly the bond—fascinate me. I’ve researched it extensively.” Her cheeks pinkened. “I’ve actually thought of writing a book about it someday.”

“Call me Rin, please,” I replied. “And that sounds like a wonderful idea.”

She gave me a slightly sad smile. “Well, you would be the first. Pierce dismissed the idea right away and said that no one would read a book about dragon riders that wasn’t written by one.”

I wanted to tell her that was because her brother was an insensitive jerk, but instead just said, “I don’t think that’s true.”

She shrugged, as if it didn’t matter. Then she met my eyes. “You’re kind. I wasn’t expecting that.”

“Why not?” I asked, trying to decide if I should be offended by the observation.

Her eyes widened as if she realized how what she said might be taken. “My apologies. I meant no offense”

I waved her off. “It’s alright.”

Her shoulders slumped even further, and her gaze drifted over the women that surrounded us. “Most riders,” she swallowed, “they . . . don’t think much of me. Don’t get me wrong, they are civil to my face and never openly rude, but I know they see me as someone of little consequence. If I wasn’t a member of the royal family, they would dismiss me outright. That’s why I read and study and research, I suppose,” she mused softly. And I wondered if the princess was even really talking to me anymore. It was as if she had retreated into herself as she spoke. “I’m not a rider, so I had to become this,” she finished, gesturing to herself.

It was at that moment I realized the queen had stood and was making her exit. The rest of the women slowly began to trickle out after her. Nesenya, I noticed, left almost immediately, looking relieved to be able to escape.

I couldn’t tell if the princess’s smile was forced as she stood, too. “Thank you for answering my questions. I’m sure you have a busy day. I won’t keep you.”

“Not at all, Your Highness,” I replied.

Without another word, the princess swept from the room behind her mother. The two guards left stationed at the doors followed after her.

Skye’s attention darted back to the silverware longingly. Mindful of the few remaining servants stationed around the room, I shook my head at her before she returned to my shoulder.

I smiled and thanked the servants before stepping out into the corridor. To my surprise, there was no one in sight. Backtracking, I asked directions from a servant on how to find my way out. She was all too eager to direct me, but a few minutes later, after several turns and descending a staircase, I knew I was lost.

I walked carefully down a few hallways, but they all looked the same to me, and I had yet to come across another servant to ask for directions. Wasn’t this a castle? Shouldn’t there be servants everywhere?

Sighing in frustration, I began heading down a corridor with fewer paintings and tapestries, when I came upon a room with an open door. I shot a fleeting glance inside and came to an abrupt halt, pausing in the open doorway.

The room was large, with a wooden table at its center. It was covered in glass vials filled with dark liquid and oddly shaped instruments I couldn’t even begin to guess the purposes of. Something bubbled in a pot hanging over a hearth in the corner. Herbs and plants hung from the ceiling and shelves filled with jars and jars of labeled ingredients, some grotesque, some ordinary, lined the far wall. A tall bookshelf bursting with large tomes sat against the other. It was obviously a workshop of some kind. The shutters to the one small window were closed, leaving the room in a dim, musty light.

I found myself taking a step inside, utterly fascinated. The scent of something pungent and not altogether pleasant hit my nose, and I almost gagged. Skye hissed at the offensive scent and tucked her face into my hair.

Taking a closer look, I realized there was a dead animal of some kind that looked as if it was in the process of being dissected on the far end of the table. The sight was unsettling, but weirdly enough, the source of the awful smell actually appeared to be coming from whatever concoction was boiling in the pot.

A sense of unease overcame me, and I decided I’d lingered long enough in the creepy space.

I turned to go—and nearly jumped out of my skin.

A man in long dark robes now stood in the corner, having emerged from a back room that I hadn’t noticed on my first inspection.

The man was older, with pale hair, a gaunt face, and a pointed nose. For a moment I couldn’t place him, but then I remembered I’d seen him at the Exodus Ball standing with the prince. I had never learned his name, though.

“What are you doing in here?” he demanded, his face a mask of anger and annoyance. “No one is allowed—” His words cut off and his eyes widened to near owl-like proportions when he noticed Skye poking her head out from under my loose hair.

His face broke into a sickly smile, revealing slightly yellowed teeth as he bowed slightly. “My apologies, Rider,” he stammered. “I did not realize anyone would be visiting me today.”

“I’m a trainee,” I found myself saying for some reason, “not a rider. Not yet.”

“Of course, of course,” he simpered, coming to stand on the other side of the table across from me. “My name is Mordrick. I’m the castle alchemist and apothecary. What can I do for you, Trainee . . .?”

“Darrow. Corrine Darrow,” I supplied. “And oh, no, thank you. I was just curious . . . and the door was open,” I finished lamely.

He smiled as if I was a pet who had done something cute, and for some reason that made a chill go down my spine. “Yes, I know who you are. Who hasn’t heard of the girl who bonded with the Jade Dragon? And at the age of twenty, no less?” He began slowly walking around the table towards me. I moved with him, always keeping myself facing him. “Such a mystery,” he continued. “What makes you so special, do you think?”

I couldn’t help but think how similar his question was to the one the queen asked me earlier.

“Why were you able to bond with a dragon at your age when no one else has?” There was an almost manic light to his gaze now as he regarded me. Skye’s hackles rose as he stopped so close that I could smell something sour on his breath, or maybe his clothes.

“I-I don’t know,” I said, taking a step back.

“Are you certain?” he pressed. “No inkling as to what makes your bond so different?”

I swallowed, feeling truly uncomfortable now. Skye was seconds from pouncing on the man to get him to back off. “N-no, I—”

“Mordrick, what is she doing here?”

The sharp question came from the doorway, and I turned to see Prince Pierce standing there, clearly unamused, his white dragon at his feet.

The alchemist instantly stepped back, bowing low. “Your Highness, I’ve been expecting you. Come in. This is Trainee D—”

“Yes, we’ve met,” the prince spoke over him, eyeing me like I was mud on his boot as he turned back to Mordrick. “As I said, what is she doing here?”

The man was instantly flustered. “Well, she was just—”

“I was just leaving,” I hastily excused myself, making to move around him.

But the prince grabbed my arm, his grip almost painful as he glared down at me. “Why are you wandering around the castle unaccompanied?”

Skye released a low growl, but I shot her a warning in the bond, and she quieted. I could feel how tense she was, though.

“I was just at tea with Her Majesty and got turned around. It was my mistake.”

He regarded me with suspicion for a moment more, then released my arm. “See that it doesn’t happen again. The last thing we need is a thief lurking about.”

Anger sparked at his words, but I pushed it down and simply nodded. Unaccustomed to the flowing fabric around my legs, I nearly tripped on my dress as I made a hasty exit from the room and down the hall.

Thankfully, it was only a few minutes before I found my way outside and back into the familiar city streets. I breathed in the sunlight and open air, trying to leave the stuffiness of that room and the cold chill of that strange meeting behind.