Page 60 of Queen’s Gambit

His tail whipped forward, and its tip rubbed the small of my back, holding me in place. His pupils contracted and dilated as if he were having a conversation.

‘Are you talking to Reynard right now?’ I asked, and he tilted his head away from me, giving me my answer. I sighed. ‘You could just ask me.’

‘I could, but how would I know what he’s going to do about it?’

‘And what did Rey tell you?’

‘Unfortunately, my rider is too stubborn to lock you in a tower and forbade me from trapping you within my lair,’ Cinared answered before adding, without a hint of guilt, ‘I would happily ignore him.’

‘Cin, you’re a bloody menace. I need to go. Rey knows this, and now both of you will know exactly where I am and what I’m doing. All you need to do is ask,’ I said, but he shook his head.

‘The distance will make thoughtspeech difficult. Let me fly you there. I’ll burn the fae castles to the ground or break down their gates,’ he pleaded, but I shook my head.

‘No, we have to go there undetected if we’re to succeed. I’ll meet you in Tivalaran, and together we’ll burn Ernesto’s castle to ash.’ I stroked his nose.

‘I could keep you here,’ he threatened when I folded my wings, willing them back into my skin.

‘Yes, you could, but you won’t.’ I brushed my finger along the rim of his eyelid. ‘There’s no point in issuing a threat when I can see your heart,’ I said, wishing I could stay longer, but I had to pack and get some sleep. Knowing Irsha, it would be a strenuous ride. I stepped onto the golden floor of the grotto, now solid enough to walk on, and inclined my head.

‘Guard Rey for me, will you?’ I asked, and he nodded solemnly.

I have to go. I scolded myself as I lingered, everything in me protesting leaving Cinared. Finally, I moved my legs. One step after another, I walked away from the fire that now pulsed in my soul. Cin’s mind was heavy with worry. He shielded the rest of his thoughts from me, but his distress still trickled through like molasses.

Nature blasted me with an icy wind as I left the protective shelter of his grotto. ‘I can’t go back. I can’t,’ I muttered, but feeling his concern made everything so much harder.

The king’s bedroom was dark when I entered. Unease tightened my chest, rivalling my disappointment in Rey for not waiting for me.

‘It’s better this way. Easier to prepare alone,’ I said to break through the stillness of the night.

‘Are you wishing me away, My Queen?’ Rey’s voice came from the corner.

I yelped, whipping around. His dark silhouette blended into the stone walls. And he was holding something.

‘How did you… Damn it, I’m getting old. Irsha would have my hide if he knew you surprised me like that.’ I forced out a laugh, holding a hand to my chest. My heart fluttered, and I was glad darkness hid the colour that tinted my cheeks.

‘It’s also my room.’ He pushed himself off the wall and approached me. ‘I wanted to send you off, or maybe use this last chance to change your mind. Still, if a dragon couldn’t convince you, what chance does a man have?’

Rey reached for my hand and placed the bundle of fabric in my grasp.

‘What’s this?’ I asked, even though the fabric felt familiar.

‘Dark Brotherhood apparel. I had it made from shadow cloth and layered with spider silk. There’s also a cloak and your mask.’ Rey dropped his head and stood silent for a moment, his hand clutching mine before he exhaled and stepped away. ‘Fuck, this is tearing me apart. Go change. The horses will be ready for you and Irsha. They’re the best Erenhart stock—obedient as dogs and twice as fierce.’

The bundle landed on the table as I crossed the room and caught hold of his shirt. My lips landed on his with a ferocity that silenced him.

Rey breathed me in, his arms wrapping around me, giving himself to me. Love was too simple a word to describe what I felt for Reynard. I wanted to kiss the frown from his forehead, wash away the fear from his heart, and tell him how much I treasured him. I wanted to tell him that in a world where men often made the rules, he respected my choices.

Then tell him, and accept his gifts. He’s protecting you the only way he can. The voice in my head startled me mid-kiss, and my teeth clamped down on Reynard’s lower lip.

He hissed in pain when I pulled away.

‘What the…? Rey, I’m sorry.’ I pointed to my head. ‘Cin.’

A droplet of blood beaded on his lip. Rey swiped it away with a smirk. ‘I’m guessing our dragon just gave you unsolicited advice. I’d say you’ll get used to it, but I don’t know when it will happen. I’m still trying.’

‘I love him, Rey. I have no explanation for it, only that sometime between Piran’s Swamp and today, a dragon I barely know stole a piece of my heart.’ I bit my own lip. It might have been a mistake to confess this right before my departure, but I didn’t want to leave with anything unsaid or with secrets between us.

‘I know, and I’m happy. I truly am, Sweet Viper.’ He pushed me towards the table. ‘Why don’t you try on the outfit? I need to know if my measurements were correct.’