The Dragon Queen Selection Chapter 58

CASSIAN

I left the library with Lira’s presence still clinging to me like a phantom limb.

I told myself I was relieved to be alone again. That it was easier this way.

The lie tasted bitter.

“Your Highness.”

I turned sharply. One of my men, Sergeant Halvek, stood at attention near the corridor arch, a leather folio tucked under his arm.

“Yes?” I said, schooling my voice into neutrality.

He stepped forward and opened the folio. “A report from the dragon keep, sir. As per your latest instructions.”

I took it from him and scanned the page as we walked.

The dragons’ violent outbursts had lessened. Fewer clashes. Less fire. Fewer casualties among the keepers.

I exhaled slowly. “So it’s working.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Halvek said. “Spacing them farther apart during feeding. Rotating the handlers. Reducing exposure. The keepers say the dragons seem… calmer.”

Calmer.

For creatures born of fire and instinct, calm was a fragile miracle.

“Well done,” I said. “Make sure the keepers know their efforts are recognized.”

Halvek inclined his head. “There is one more thing.”

I glanced up. “Go on.”

“Princess Aveline reports that while the violence has lessened, the dragons are growing restless in other ways. She believes it has to do with the approaching mating season.”

My jaw tightened. “Of course it does.”

“She requests your presence at the keep when time allows.”

“When time allows,” I echoed dryly. “Tell her I’ll come before the Sunwake Ball.”

Halvek hesitated. “Your dragon, Taheer...”

“I know,” I said quietly. “I feel him too.”

Halvek looked surprised, then nodded and took his leave.

I stood there a moment longer, the report still in my hand, before folding it and tucking it into my coat.

Taheer.

We were bonded in a way that even distance couldn't hide our feelings from each other. He missed me just as I missed him. It was a while since I’d felt the thunder of his wings beneath me, the raw clarity that came with being airborne. Everything fell away when I was with him.

I would go to the keep. Soon.

“Your Highness.”

I stiffened.

Lady Saphira stepped into my path, her expression tight, icy blue eyes bright with something sharp and unresolved.

I sighed inwardly. Of all the people...

“My lady,” I said coolly. “I’m occupied.”

“I need to speak with you,” she said. “In private.”

“No,” I replied without hesitation. “You don’t.”

Her lips pressed together. “Please.”

“Saphira,” I said, lowering my voice, “whatever this is, I can't.”

“You have to,” she snapped, then visibly checked herself as a servant passed nearby. She leaned closer. “It’s important.”

I looked around the corridor. It was free, for now.

“Say it here,” I said flatly. “Or don’t say it at all.”

She hesitated, clearly displeased, but finally nodded.

“I’ve… missed my monthly,” she said.

The words landed with weight, but not shock.

I studied her carefully. Her breathing was uneven. Her hands clenched at her sides. She looked fidgety.

“How late?” I asked calmly.

Her eyes flashed. “I'm never late.”

I folded my arms. “Are you certain?”

Her expression twisted. “Do you think I would lie?!"

“I think,” I said evenly, “that I’ve seen this situation before. Many many times. And panic often speaks louder than certainty.”

That angered her.

“So you do think I’m lying,” she said sharply.

“I think we need facts,” I replied.

“I don’t need a lecture,” she hissed. “I need you to take responsibility.”

“I will,” I said. “Which is why I want the royal physician to examine you.”

Her face darkened. “No. If word gets out..."

“It’s not a request. And don't worry. He's very discreet."

She stepped back as if struck. “I don't believe you."

“I think,” I said, holding her gaze, “that we have to be sure."

“If you tell someone else, the news would leak,” she snapped.

“You’ll be seen discreetly,” I said. “I promise. Cedric has kept many of my secrets."

She laughed bitterly. “You really don’t believe me.”

I softened my tone, just slightly. “Saphira. If this is true, it changes everything. For you. For me. For the selection. You have to understand that."

Her eyes filled, not with fear, but fury.

“You’re humiliating me,” she said.

“No,” I replied. “I’m not.”

She turned away sharply. She stormed down the corridor, pink skirts swishing after her.

“Saphira,” I called after her.

She stopped, but didn’t turn.

“When you’re calmer,” I said, “I will personally escort you to the physician. We will do this properly.”

She glanced over her shoulder, eyes blazing. Then she was gone.

I stood there longer than I meant to, tension coiled tight in my chest.

I was careful. I knew I was. But how sure could I be?

I knew accidents like these happen. But Saphira??

I rubbed a hand over my face and headed for my chambers.

Once inside, I dismissed the guards and locked the door behind me.

Silence.

I poured myself a drink I didn’t intend to finish and sat heavily on the edge of my bed.

Lira.

The thought came unbidden, unwelcome, and undeniable.

From the moment she’d stood before me with that infuriating calm, those sharp eyes that saw too much and said too little. I knew there was something about her.

Something I wanted to find out.

Someone I wanted to get to know better.

And I’d pushed it aside.

Because she wasn’t the right choice.

Because my parents wouldn’t approve.

Because the crown demanded sacrifice.

Evander didn’t care, he went for her anyway, knowing our parents would most likely disapprove of whatever was brewing between them.

And I, Crown Prince Cassian Valemont had hidden behind duty and called it wisdom.

I, who had shied away from my duty and cursed it many times.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror across the room.

“Coward,” I muttered.

All this time, I thought myself a rebel, but I followed the rules. Played the part. Buried every want beneath responsibility.

And for what?

A life I claimed I hated.

I exhaled slowly, setting the glass aside untouched.

“No more,” I said aloud.

No more hiding.

If I wanted something, someone, I would stop pretending I didn’t.

Even if it complicated everything.

Especially then.

Tomorrow, I would go to the dragon keep.

And after that,

I smiled faintly, dangerously.

I would stop running from what I truly wanted.