Page 78 of Queen’s Gambit

My commanders left, each burdened with their own responsibilities. I stood in a field of flowers, listening to the clatter of tent poles and the grumbling of exhausted soldiers, and I felt so utterly alone.

‘I’d give it all up to see your radiant smile, my sweet Viper,’ I whispered to the stars, resisting the urge to call for a mage. There was no time for dreamwalking. I couldn’t afford to even think of her whilst forging onward.

You aren’t alone. I’m here, Reynard. Cin’s voice interrupted my darkening thoughts. The crimson beast, almost black in the dusk, landed gracefully in front of me. He lowered his massive head.

‘Cin,’ I murmured, stepping closer and pressing my cheek to his scales.

‘Yes, my soul?’ he asked, his body warming under my touch.

‘Nothing, I just…’ I was lost for words. The crown felt heavier than ever. Fear for my woman, for my people, and for those who trusted me to lead them weighed it down. And deep inside, I feared for myself because each day, I drew closer to crossing the border that separates a king from a tyrant.

You don’t have to talk. I can see your soul. I can see the darkness you’re so afraid of. You’re not a tyrant, Reynard. A tyrant seeks power, pleasure, and entertainment. You are fighting a battle, overpowered, betrayed, and still willing to sacrifice a part of your soul.

His long forked tongue slid from his muzzle, touching my cheek.

‘You make me sound so noble.’ My throat tightened at this tender gesture he usually reserved for Sana.

‘Oh, we aren’t noble, my rider. Those who guard the world cannot afford to be noble. That is for those we protect,’ he retorted, and despite the seriousness of the situation, I chuckled.

‘I should know better than to argue with you.’

‘Of course you should. A dragon always knows what he’s talking about.’

I roared with laughter, startling the soldiers.

‘Yes, O sage, wise one.’ I scratched his eyelid. ‘Go, rest in the currents.’

The camp was cleared with an efficiency only Ivar could muster. My stallion was waiting, fully saddled, pawing at the grass with his heavy hooves. I mounted and turned to the soldiers.

‘We have a day to reach the shore. I swear to the gods above and below you’ll rest on the Wind Master’s ships, but right now, for your families and this war-torn country, we march. Are you with me?’

The roar from thousands of throats was my answer. The earth shuddered when the army of Dagome set itself to move, and the dragons of Ozar blotted out the stars with their wings.

After the war, you can have it all. Sana’s voice drifted to me amidst the thunder of heavy feet. I held on to this thought with all I had.

Then I urged my horse into a canter, ready to finish this once and for all.

We arrived at the shore the next afternoon. The majestic Wind Master’s fleet, galleons with sails so white it hurt to look at them, stood anchored past the surf with boats ready to ferry us out.

My men could barely stand. Even the cavalry, sat atop the sturdy Erenhart horses, looked rough. The animals had foam on their flanks, their semiconscious riders slumped in the saddles.

Still, we’d made it.

I stood on the shoreline, supervising the embarkation.

Anything out at sea? I asked Cinared while Ivar took my stallion onto the boat.

Nothing. The seas are clear, and the storm is still raging around Wind Master Island. I think my brother is helping.

Vahin? That was possible. Orm’s dragon wasn’t titled Stormborn for nothing. A fact only discovered after Annika awakened Vahin’s mind.

Of course. He likes to show off, but you wait, and I’ll show you the reign of fire. Cin’s amused voice reverberated through my thoughts as he landed beside me.

‘Can you sense her?’ I dared to ask. There was nothing else for me to do, not until we landed in Tivalaran. So I allowed myself a private moment.

‘Her life essence? Yes. The Aether that binds us is coursing in my veins. She is alive and unharmed, that’s all I know,’ he answered, lowering his head, and I placed my hand on his eye ridge.

‘I can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong. That she’s in danger.’ I huffed. ‘Or maybe I’m just a paranoid idiot who wants to keep her in a padded room.’