The Dragon Queen Selection Chapter 155

CASSIAN

"I never thought you did. I’m happy you are well.” 

She nodded.

Then she took her husband's arm and walked away.

\-——————-

Lady Isla approached me near the entrance to the ballroom.

She was wearing green, soft, pale, the color of new leaves, and her hand rested on her belly.

"Lady Isla." I bowed. "You look radiant. It’s wonderful to see you!” 

She laughed. “Are you sure? I think I look a little tired. But thank you."

"Where is your husband? I heard you married immediately after leaving the selection.” 

"Fetching me some fruit punch. I've been craving it constantly." She patted her stomach. "The baby is demanding."

"Congratulations. I didn't know you were expecting."

"Neither did we, at first." She smiled, warm, genuine. "But we're thrilled. Terrified, but thrilled."

"I'm happy for you."

"Thank you, Your Highness." She hesitated. "I won't stay long. We are only here because the Queen insisted and we had to make a long journey back into Aurelia. The physician says I need rest. So I'll dance once, and then I'll slip away."

"Of course. I’m sorry about my mother making you come all this way.” 

She curtsied, and walked back toward her husband, who had returned with a glass of fruit punch. 

I watched them for a moment.

They're happy, I thought. Really, truly happy.

They have each other.

They have a child on the way.

They have a future.

What do I have?

A kingdom that might burn tonight or tomorrow, depending on which evil attacked first.

\-———————————

The King and Queen were secured.

I had checked on them personally, twice. My father was in his study, reviewing trade agreements, oblivious to the danger. He might make an appearance at the ball, but if he did he would be heavily guarded. My mother was in her chambers, still being laced into a gown of deep blue, complaining about the fit.

They were safe.

For now.

Keep them safe, I told myself. Keep everyone safe.

That's your job.

That's all that matters.

\---

I stepped out of the ballroom.

The corridors were quieter here, just a few servants, a few guards, a few guests who had wandered away from the music and the dancing.

Captain Rennick approached me, his face grim.

"Your Highness."

"What is it?"

"We captured some men. In the tunnels. They were on their way here, they were armed.“ 

My blood went cold.

"Where are they now?"

"The dungeons. Discreetly. No one saw right?” 

"No one saw. We tried to question them, they won’t talk."

"Then keep trying. And post more guards at the tunnel entrances. If they sent men once, they'll send men again."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Rennick hesitated.

"Something else?"

"There were... more of them than we expected. The tunnels are extensive. If we haven't found all their entry points…” 

"Then we'll find them." I met his eyes. "We have to."

He nodded and disappeared into the shadows.

I stood there for a moment, thinking.

They're already here.

Already inside the palace.

The doors to the ballroom opened.

Light spilled into the corridor.

And I saw her.

\---

Lira.

She stepped through the doorway like she was walking onto a battlefield.

Her dress was silver, pale and shimmering, like moonlight on water. The bodice was embroidered with crystals that caught the light and scattered it across the walls. The sleeves were long and flowing, almost translucent, and the neckline… 

The neckline was lower than I remembered.

Her dark brown hair had been pinned in an elaborate updo, curls cascading down her back. Diamonds glistened around her throat, catching the torchlight, sparkling like stars.

She was breathtakingly beautiful.

Everything I wanted and couldn't have.

I couldn't tear my eyes away from her.

Didn't want to.

Stop, I told myself. Stop looking at her. Stop wanting her. Stop… 

She saw me. Her eyes met mine.

For one heartbeat, two, three, the world narrowed to just us. Just her. Just me. Just the impossible, terrible, wonderful thing that existed between us.

Then she walked toward me.

"Cassian."

Her voice was low. Urgent.

"Lira."

"I need to speak with you."

"I'm busy."

"It's important. It's about my brother. Please you have to save him. Help me please.”

Her brother, Callum. The one who had been helping Norwyn. The one who was planning the attack.

I glanced around the corridor. Guests were milling nearby. Servants. Guards.

"Follow me," I said.

\---

I led her to a small alcove, tucked away from the main corridor, hidden by a tapestry of the first Dragon Queen. No one could see us here. No one could hear us.

But before I could speak, before she could speak, I saw movement out of the corner of my eye.

Calista.

She was walking toward us, her red gown blazing like a warning, her golden hair piled high on her head.

She hadn't seen us yet.

But she would.

"You should leave now," I said.

"What? You told me to come here with you.” 

"Go." I stepped back, putting distance between us. "It’s too dangerous to talk now when someone can hear. Not here. Not now."

"Cassian…” 

"Go back to the ball."

Her face crumpled.

Just for a moment.

Then she turned and walked away.

I watched her disappear into the crowd.

And when Calista rounded the corner and headed towards me, I was alone.

\-------------------------

The corridor was empty. I had managed to avoid Calista's dull conversation and headed back into the ball.

I had just finished speaking with a delegation from the eastern provinces, boring men with boring concerns about boring trade routes, when Captain Rennick appeared at my elbow, his face pale.

"Your Highness."

His voice was low and urgent.

"What is it?"

"One of our men. He's been found dead."

The world narrowed.

"Where?"

"The left passageway in the first entrance. Throat slit. Clean kill. We've taken care of the body."

My blood ran cold.

They're here.

They're already inside.

"Soundless alarm," I said. "Get word to the men. Tell them it's time."

Rennick nodded. "And the ballroom?"

"Protect it. Protect the guests. No one leaves. No one enters. Not until we have this contained. Let the guests remain oblivious."

"And the King?"

I hesitated.

My father was in his study, alone, protected but absorbed in his trade agreements.

"Send another squad to the King's study. Guard the door. Let no one pass."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Rennick disappeared into the shadows.

I started moving.