The Dragon Queen Selection Chapter 55

CASSIAN

The council chamber was colder than the rest of the palace, by design if my father had his way. Stone walls, narrow windows, and a long obsidian table that seemed to absorb sound rather than reflect it. It was meant to sharpen the mind, to remind every man seated here that comfort had no place in governance.

It wasn’t working on me.

I sat at my father’s right hand, my posture impeccable, my expression composed, while my thoughts stubbornly refused to stay where they belonged.

Lira.

I clenched my jaw and forced my attention back to the table just as my father finished speaking.

“Our patience is thinning,” my father said, his voice even but edged with steel. “The eastern border skirmishes cannot continue under the guise of simple misunderstandings.”

Lord Gareth Harthwell leaned forward, fingers steepled. Calista’s father was the most powerful man on the council after my family, and he took great pride in that. “The Kingdom of Norwyn has always tested boundaries,” he said. “They see restraint as weakness. If we do not respond with equal force, they will continue to push us.”

“Force invites escalation,” countered Lord Ravenshade, head of the treasury. “Trade between our kingdoms has already slowed. An open conflict would be bad for both sides."

Gareth scoffed softly. “Aurelia is not some fragile state. We don't need to depend on their favour."

“No,” my father agreed calmly. “But we aren't foolish enough to lose coin either. Perhaps we try diplomatic means."

My gaze drifted, unbidden, to the tall windows. Beyond them lay the gardens, sunlit and deceptively peaceful.

I wondered, absurdly, if Lira was there. They had some of their lessons outside these days. And the girls always took a walk in the gardens during their break.

“Cassian.”

My father’s voice snapped my attention back so sharply my fingers twitched.

“Yes, Father,” I said immediately.

“You’ve been quiet,” he observed, eyes narrowing just a fraction. “What is your assessment?”

Every man at the table turned to me.

I straightened. “Norwyn’s recent actions suggest posturing, not preparation for war. As we know, war is expensive, they have no reason to fight us now. They're testing us, seeing how we respond. I also believe the issue can be resolved diplomatically."

Lord Gareth tilted his head. “And who would you send as this envoy, Your Highness?”

The question was loaded. Everything with Gareth was.

“Someone in a position of power,” I replied coolly. “Someone respected, firm, and measured.

“You, then?” Gareth pressed.

I met his gaze without flinching. “Not unless absolutely necessary. But my brother or my sister are also equally capable."

A flicker of irritation crossed his face before he masked it. My father, however, gave a slight nod.

“Good,” the king said. “We’ll proceed cautiously. I’ll have them notified of our visit."

The meeting continued for another hour, money, troop movements, grain reserves, but my earlier lapse had left me wary. I forced myself to stay present, to listen, to speak only when needed.

Still, beneath it all, my mind remained on her. The way my brother had defended her. I knew Evander, I could tell he liked her.

I couldn't understand why I was bothered by the thought of him liking her.

When the meeting finally adjourned, chairs scraped back and cloaks were gathered. My father rose.

“Cassian,” he said quietly, “walk with me.”

We moved together toward the side exit. His stride was steady, measured.

“You were distracted at the meeting today,” he said without looking at me.

“I apologise your Majesty,” I replied carefully.

“So you agree?" he asked. “You were distracted."

I said nothing.

After a moment, he stopped. “Whatever it is, do not let it compromise your judgment. You are Crown Prince first. Everything else is secondary.”

“Yes, Father.”

He studied me a moment longer, then nodded and continued on alone, his guards falling in step next to him.

I exhaled slowly.

“Your Highness.”

I turned to find Lord Gareth standing a few paces behind me, his expression tight.

“Lord Harthwell,” I said coolly.

He wasted no time. “I want to know how the Dragon Queen Selection is progressing.”

I raised an eyebrow. “That hardly seems council business.”

“My daughter is involved,” he snapped. “That makes it my business.”

I folded my hands behind my back. “Lady Calista remains a contender.”

“And the poisoning?” he demanded. “Have you found who tried to murder her?”

I stiffened. “Lady Lenora was the one harmed.”

“You know very well who the intended target was,” Gareth said sharply. “My daughter is not safe in this palace.”

“She is under royal protection,” I replied. “As are all the candidates.”

“Protection that failed,” he shot back. “If this were handled properly, someone would already be in chains.”

My temper flared. “Be careful, Lord Harthwell.”

He stepped closer. “Or what? What exactly could you possibly do to me?"

I leaned in just enough for him to hear me clearly. “Your daughter’s position in this selection depends on you as much as it depends on her. Do not test how much influence you truly have.”

His face darkened. “Is that a threat?”

“It’s a reminder,” I said evenly. “I am working on finding the person who tries to kill your daughter.”

He stared at me for a long moment, then turned sharply and strode away.

I stood there, anger buzzing under my skin.

I needed air.

The gardens were quieter than I expected, sunlight filtering through the leaves in dappled gold. I walked without direction, letting my thoughts settle.

Laughter reached me.

Soft. Familiar.

I stopped.

Ahead, near the rose bushes, Evander stood with Lira. My brother was leaning casually against the stone railing, his expression open, amused. Lira stood opposite him, smiling, truly smiling in a way I had not seen before.

Something twisted unpleasantly in my chest.

I stepped forward.

“What’s so funny?”

They both turned.

Evander grinned. “Brother. Didn’t hear you coming.”

Lira’s smile faded, though she didn’t step back. “Your Highness.” She bowed a little.

I ignored the formality. “You seem very entertained.”

Evander shrugged. “I was telling her about my last trip. Apparently my misery abroad amuses her.”

“That’s not what I said,” Lira replied lightly. “I said you were being quite dramatic.”

Evander laughed again.

My jaw tightened. “Do you think this appropriate?”

Evander’s brows knit. “What exactly are you implying?”

“I’m implying,” I said sharply, “that you seem very comfortable with Lady Lira, a lady of the Dragon Queen selection."

“With a simple conversation?” Evander shot back. “Don't be ridiculous."

I turned to Lira. “Shouldn’t you be in lessons?”

Her eyes flashed. "They ended a while ago. I'm waiting for Elora."

“Still,” I pressed, “it’s unwise to...”

“Enough,” Evander cut in. “What exactly is your problem?”