Page 25 of Queen’s Gambit

Chapter 8

Reynard

You want me to race them? And lose? I pictured the plume of smoke from his amused snort. Reynard, I can bend time and reality. No one will believe I lost to those flying chickens.

The Wind Masters will believe. They’re immensely proud of their gryphons. Sana needs the Lumivitae distracted while she talks to Lily. I’ve also prepared a little surprise on Moroi Island, which I need the Wind Masters to find first. Unease built in my chest. Let’s give the dignitaries some entertainment. That’s all I ask, and be ready to help when I call, I added as I walked beside the Wind Master, my brother entertaining the other visitors.

You’re asking a lot, but there’s something…

Two dragons and three gryphons circled in the sky, flying over the palace and the landing field we’d just entered. The sun had already passed its zenith. Now its light reflected off dragon scales and gryphon feathers, turning their dance into a whimsical spectacle.

Well, it would be whimsical if the colourful display didn’t hide such vicious potential for death.

What do you want then? I asked my dragon as they all swooped down and landed.

I want to sleep with Sana. Vahin’s mate sleeps in his lair. Their bond… Something’s troubling you. I’ll go along with it if losing helps with whatever questionable thing you’re planning. In return, I want to watch over her during the night.

I sighed. Roksana would jump at the chance. My dragon and my woman shared a mutual adoration that baffled me, but I’d seen how distressed Sana was earlier, so I wasn’t sure she’d be available to indulge Cinared’s demands.

I’ll talk to her, but she might not be able to tonight. Something happened to her friend, and your Sanika can’t think of anything else right now.

The flash of anger and concern burned white-hot in my mind, but he didn’t comment, too busy manoeuvring between the massive body of Orm’s dragon and the smaller, more agile gryphons.

‘What do I get when I win?’ Ectheon asked after leaping atop his gryphon. The beast spread its massive wings, ready to fly.

‘What do you want, Wind Master?’ I didn’t want to bargain with him but…

‘A ride on your dragon and a dance with your woman.’ His smile grew. Neither request was excessive, but they weren’t mine to grant.

Cin, please, I asked, and the dragon shook his massive head.

Fine. I’ll give him a ride that’ll make him soil his pretty caftan, he grumbled, and the image he sent me made it a challenge to keep a straight face.

‘You’ve got yourself a prize, Wind Master. If I win, all I’m asking for is a conversation in private,’ I answered, heading to Cinared. If I still needed a conversation after today, it would mean I was mistaken about the elemental fae.

‘And what if I win?’ Orm bellowed, leaping onto Vahin’s back with practised ease.

‘You can ride my dragon and dance with Sana too.’ Vahin roared in protest.

‘I’ll pass, but I wouldn’t say no to accessing your private wine cellar. I hear you have some rare treasures there.’ The rest of my guests turned towards me, and I clutched at my chest in mock outrage, even if Ormond’s suggestion played straight into my hands.

‘In that case, win or lose, I’ll invite you all to share some wine and hopefully—’

The Clericus of Tangra cut me off. ‘Wine weakens the mind.’

‘Then I won’t force you to come.’ I shrugged before pointing to the barely visible island in the middle of the river. The island housed an abandoned mansion, decorated with peculiar but beautiful obsidian roses, each a miniature work of art, but their edges were sharp enough to cut the hands of the unaware.

It also contained a Void Cube, which the Brotherhood had discovered two days ago, leaving me no opportunity to retrieve it. Now it was the perfect piece for furthering my plans.

I described the roses in detail to the gathered men as I donned my riding leathers.

‘You’re thinking of using dragon fire?’ Ormond asked, raising an eyebrow.

‘Is it even a race without some burning feathers?’ I grinned.

The Wind Master scoffed. ‘You think you can challenge the wind, King Reynard? Be sure to hold on tight to your dragon’s back.’

I tied the leather cords of my vest, my heart racing. Was I right to expose him to such danger? Or was I going too far?