Page 37 of Queen’s Gambit

‘That’s impossible. Only men can bond with dragons.’ It was impossible. Annika was bonded to Vahin, but she was a conduit mage.

‘Dragons can bond with anyone. We bond with men touched by Wild Magic because it’s our life’s blood. We bond with our riders because when we lose them, their magic becomes a part of us. It breaks our hearts as we take them to the skies one last time, and the Aether accepts them into its embrace.’

That was a world-shattering revelation I wasn’t sure I was ready to hear. However, curiosity drew a question from my lips.

‘And with a woman?’

‘It is different. Your spirits connect in different ways. We are proud, foolish beasts, and asking for such a bond… Vahin changed much for dragonkind, showing that love isn’t just strength; it’s softness. However, nothing could have prepared me for the light of your soul. Now I crave it so much, my Sanika. Would you be willing to bond with this stubborn dragon?’

‘What about Rey? How will it affect the bond between you? I don’t want to hurt him,’ I said, and Cin’s purr deepened.

‘Then ask him. I’ve waited aeons for you. I can wait a little longer for your answer.’ He laid his head so close his breath coated me with warmth.

It was so tempting, even more so because he wasn’t pressuring me. Still, I wasn’t sure if I could make any decisions right now. Instead, I closed my eyes, letting his purr relax me.

‘Thank you,’ I whispered, stroking the dragon’s snout while my mind drifted away.

Gods, it’s so hot. I rolled onto my side, throwing off the covers, but they wouldn’t budge, and the heat intensified. I was encased in a warm cocoon that vibrated each time I moved.

‘Cinared, that’s enough. I need Sana back at the palace,’ came Reynard’s voice. I opened my eyes, surprised by the crimson light filtering through the membrane of the dragon’s wing.

‘Lower your voice. She’s still sleeping. After yesterday, she needs her rest.’ Cin’s tone was so subdued I swore he was trying to whisper.

‘I’m not sleeping. Cin, you’re as hot as an oven. Do you want me cooked and served for breakfast?’ I jested, yelping when the dragon uncoiled in a sudden rush, sending me rear-first onto the floor. ‘Ouch, what was that for?’

‘I’m sorry, it’s his fault. Are you all right?’ The rustling of Cin’s scales filled the grotto as he offered a claw to help me up. He glared at Reynard. ‘You shouldn’t have come here. I told you she wasn’t ready.’

‘It’s you who wasn’t ready. It’s almost noon. You scared away all the servants, and Sana needs to dress for the ball. You don’t want her looking dishevelled in front of our enemies,’ Rey scolded, helping me up.

‘Will you two stop it!’ I snapped. ‘Cin, I need to go, but I promise it won’t be our last night together. You are the comfiest bed a woman can ask for. Don’t spoil it by arguing the toss when you know Rey is right.’

The sheepish look the dragon gave me made me shake my head.

‘Come, Viper. The entire palace is one angry beehive, and I need your help taming at least some of the guests.’ Rey frowned when I leant towards the dragon and stroked his eyelid.

‘I’ll come by later, I promise.’ I picked up my clothes and dressed before rushing after Reynard.

‘What’s going on? Why are you so on edge?’ I asked as we walked to the landing field.

‘Niersen is missing. The rat must have sensed the turning of the tide. Iasno’ta was clueless, just as Lilliana said. The prince attempted to detain him so the issue could be addressed after they returned to Lumivitae, but Niersen disappeared.’ Rey sighed before turning and grasping my shoulders. ‘I need you to entertain our allies while I search the city. He’s too dangerous to leave unchecked.’

‘And Lily?’ I asked, worried Niersen had done something to her.

‘Protected by the best assassins this kingdom has.’ Reynard smiled for the first time since I awoke in Cinared’s grotto. ‘Irsha isn’t taking any chances, and I can’t fault him for that, even if it means a band of killers in my bedroom.’

‘She’s still there?’

‘I saw no point in moving her as you were elsewhere. Then there was the forest you created…’ He laughed as he led me to the room where he’d kept me prisoner. ‘I was thinking of keeping it. It’s kind of charming.’

‘I’m sorry,’ I said, hesitating before bringing up another subject. ‘Cin wants to bond with me. He said it would help me stabilise my magic. I didn’t say yes; I wanted to know what you thought first. I don’t want to disrupt your bond with him.’

Reynard opened the door, motioning me inside. He was quiet. Too quiet. Anxiety tightened my chest, and I began fidgeting with the stone he’d given me. When Rey turned towards me, his eyes widened, and I schooled my expression.

‘What do you want, my light?’ He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around me. ‘Don’t think about Cin and me, just tell me what you want.’

‘I feel a connection…’ I started, but Rey placed two fingers on my lips.

‘Sana, what do you want?’ Such a simple question. Except it wasn’t simple at all. The dragon was possessive, but so was Rey, and I liked the feeling I belonged with them.