Page 69 of Dewpoint
Several turns and hiding as best as I could and we were in an alcove in a different wing of the castle that seemed more for storage? I wasn’t really sure, but Myriam appeared practically dragging Sagan with her who looked… Not like my Sagan. She looked beyond exhausted and just defeated.
There maybe was no other better word than defeated.
She opened her mouth to say something but then did a double take when she saw the strange woman. And that was maybe the first time I had fully seen Sagan completely drop all of her masks.
Sheracedto the woman and hugged her with all she had. The woman the media called cold and said had ice in her veins—all of the insults—broke down, silently sobbing and clutching the woman like her life depended on it. “You never came back for me. You never let me know you were even alive.”
“Oh, my darling, of course I lived and was fine,” the woman cooed as they slid to the floor. “You know how powerful I am.”
“They were so mad at you,” Sagan argued. “I worried.”
“My sweet, sweet girl, I am sorry. I would have made it known, no matter the price, if I thought you worried even once. I’ve been fine. Missing you and—I’m here now. Maple asked me to come because you are loved. You are so loved now, and I won’t leave you again.”
“I just wanted a life with you, not any of this,” Sagan admitted before letting out a painful sort of stunted whimper that affected both Maple and Myriam from the way they were wiping away tears.
I was too. It was so beyond clear that this was the only woman who had given Sagan any real love growing up—whatever her role had been. I’d always respected Rhys and Amelia, but now?
Now, I hoped they were being punished for their sins against their daughter instead of resting in peace. I really did.
Even if I wanted to keep watching, I left because she wasn’t in any danger and it was something too personal I wasn’t meant to see. I decided to swing by and see Raquel. She at least deserved to know her people were loyal with everything else going on.
But she simply smirked at me after I told her. “Always good to hear, but I know I have gossips, and if you were the right person who could help the queen, they would have told you. They simply want you gone, Mr. Conley. As do I.”
I ground my jaw, tired from my travel and everything I’d been doing, so I was less than cordial back. “You were wrong about Elira and you are again. Hopefully, you figure it out faster this time.”
She stood, the jab about Elira hitting her. “I fell for the sob story of a young, wounded girl I saw too much of myself in. I missed the signs because I watched her grow up and cared for her. You are a completely different matter. You’re a grown man who has a vision of what he can have if mated to the queen. That’s not what’s best forher.”
I wanted to snap at her, but then I paused. “You don’t think I’m doing this to repair my family’s name or fix our image? That’s what…”
She snorted. “I heard how many times you tried to pummel your nephew and your brother stepped in. The castle has eyes and the staff sees everything. You being a prospect has probably ruined your relationship with your brother. I know all of that. I just don’t think you’re the right fit for the queen. Even if you were perfect. You come with your family and the memories of Kole.”
She wasn’t wrong. She really wasn’t.
But I came with a hell of a lot more and it was time to show Sagan that.
Fuck the opinions of others. I just neededherto see that.
17
Sagan
Belinda arriving was the greatest surprise ever, and while it wouldn’t fix everything that had happened—and I was still struggling with—it was enough to help me push on. It really was.
And it meant help for Myriam which shocked her since it had been her idea all for me. I snorted and made it clear that there was no love lost between Belinda and my parents, so I didn’t need to worry about their reputation with her.
It was the rare time the somber ancient dragon gave a full laugh. Yes, “no love lost” was a huge understatement so… Yeah.
But the next morning I was surprised with another win, namely over three dozen tiger shifters sent by their king arriving. Thelevelsof surprise and people not knowing what to do were unreal.
And I was actually glad that Alpha Dray of Jade Creek was still there because this was delicate. Not that I needed the help but... Fine, help would be great.
“You’re pushing the limits of how much I can support you,” he muttered as I accepted a letter from the king.
“I can attest that this is entirely his goodwill and report on how happy he currently is with the queen’s help,” Onyx said from our left, his eyes only on me. “Myriam said she would update you.”
“You didn’t give me time,” Myriam drawled. “You flew right out when I wouldn’t let you talk to her.”
“Really?” I asked, glancing between them.
