The Dragon Queen Selection Chapter 62

CASSIAN

Princess Nadine stood beneath the awning of the outpost hall, her cloak pulled tight around her shoulders, dark hair escaping its braids despite her handmaiden’s best efforts. She looked exactly as I remembered her, sharp-eyed, proud, and entirely too perceptive for my peace of mind.

“The storm will worsen by nightfall,” the Norwyn Lord said, bowing slightly. “Travel back across the pass would be… unwise.”

“I agree,” I said, folding my hands behind my back. “You are welcome to remain here until it passes. However...” I paused, glancing toward the distant road that led back to Aurelia, “...the palace would offer far more comfort than Lord Merrow’s mansion, and better protection.”

The envoy exchanged a glance with Nadine.

“The palace?” she echoed, one elegant brow lifting. “How generous of you, Your Highness.”

“It would be discourteous to house Norwyn royalty anywhere less,” I replied evenly.

She studied me for a long moment, then smile, slow, knowing.

“Very well,” she said. “We will accept your invitation.”

The envoy bowed again. “We would be grateful for a few hours’ rest before continuing discussions.”

“Of course,” I said. “Arrangements will be made.”

As the guards moved to prepare the carriages, Nadine stepped closer, lowering her voice.

“I would like to ride with you,” she said.

“With me?” I repeated.

“In the carriage,” she clarified. “I find your dragon… impressive, but not conducive to conversation.”

Her gaze flicked pointedly toward Taheer, who stood at the edge of the outpost, massive wings tucked close, eyes like molten gold watching everything.

I exhaled slowly.

“Very well,” I said. “We’ll take the carriage.”

Taheer rumbled low in his chest as I approached him, resting my palm briefly against the warm scales of his neck.

Go on, I murmured silently. Back to the keep. I’ll come soon. I'll be right after you.

He huffed, displeased but obedient, and with a powerful beat of his wings took to the sky, disappearing into the darkening clouds.

Minutes later, I was seated inside the carriage opposite Princess Nadine, her handmaiden perched stiffly beside her. The door shut. The carriage lurched forward.

For a long moment, neither of us spoke.

Then I broke the silence.

“What do you really want, Nadine? You didn't answer me last time."

Her lips curved faintly. “Straight to the heart of it. Some things never change.”

I met her gaze. “Your father would have never sent you here on a diplomatic mission.”

She laughed softly. “You wound me. I can’t possibly wish to see an old… friend?”

“Try again.”

She sighed, leaning back against the cushions. “I heard about the Dragon Queen Selection.”

I stiffened.

“So it’s true,” she continued. “You’re taking a wife.”

“It is my duty,” I said.

Her eyes flashed. “That sounds strange coming from you. When have you ever cared about duty?"

“It governs everything,” I corrected.

“Two summers ago, you didn’t seem so governed by duty,” she snapped.

The carriage rattled over stone, the tension inside it thickening.

“We agreed,” I said carefully. “You knew the terms. We both agreed it was nothing serious."

“Yes,” she shot back. “We agreed it would be fun and we wouldn't ask anything of each other. That it would mean nothing. And perhaps for you, it didn’t.”

“That’s not fair.”

She leaned forward now, anger sharp in her voice. “You stayed. You laughed with me. You kissed me like you meant it. You let me believe..."

“I never promised you anything. You told me all you wanted was for me to warm your bed,” I said, more harshly than I intended.

Her face went pale.

“No,” she said quietly. “You just let me fall in love with you anyway.”

Silence fell heavy between us.

“You knew,” she went on, her voice trembling now. “You knew I was in love with you, and you carried on. You knew you could never marry outside your kingdom. And still you came to my bed."

I clenched my jaw. “I never meant to hurt you.”

“Intent doesn’t erase consequence,” she said bitterly. “You left Norwyn without even a goodbye.”

“I was recalled,” I said. “The council..."

“Always the council,” she scoffed. “Always the crown. Tell me, Cassian, does that excuse ever get old?!"

“You're right,” I said before I could stop myself.

Nadine stilled. “Oh?”

I didn’t elaborate.

Her lips pressed into a thin line. She looked away.

The carriage jolted to a halt as we reached a narrow bend in the road. I reached for the door.

“I think it's best you ride alone,” I said sharply.

“Running away again?” she called.

I stepped out into the rain without another word, signaling for a horse. Within moments, I was mounted and riding ahead, the storm soaking through my cloak as I put distance between myself and the carriage.

By the time we reached the palace gates, I felt a little bit better.

....................

The palace blazed with torchlight, banners of Sunwake already fluttering despite the weather. As Nadine descended from the carriage, the Queen herself stepped forward to greet her, composed and radiant as ever.

“Princess Nadine of Norwyn,” my mother said warmly. “You honor us with your presence.”

Nadine inclined her head. “The honor is mine, Your Majesty. And what a beautiful festival you prepare for.”

She glanced around, taking in the golden banners and lanterns.

“I think,” she added smoothly, “I would like to stay for it.”

My mother smiled. “Of course.”

Before I could excuse myself, her hand closed around my arm.

“Cassian,” she said quietly. “Walk with me. Please escort the Princess to her chambers Lord Eaton, she must be exhausted."

"Certainly, Your Majesty." Lord Eaton murmured.

My mother turned to me, she didn’t wait for agreement.

Once we were out of earshot and inside her chambers, her expression hardened.

“Lady Saphira,” she said. “Tell me what you’ve done.”

I stopped. “What did she tell you?"

“I’ve heard some troubling things,” she snapped. “She’s ill. Confined to her chambers for now. But it won't be long before the palace starts whispering your name."

I held her gaze. “I won’t lie to you.”

Her jaw tightened. “So it is true. You slept with her?!"

“I was reckless,” I admitted. “It won’t happen again.”

“That doesn’t undo what’s been done,” she said sharply. “Do you know what this could cost us?”

“When I spoke with her, she wasn't sure but I wanted her to see the royal physician. Is it confirmed?” I asked.

“He's with her right now,” my mother said. “And soon we’ll know if the rumors are true.”

My stomach twisted. “If she is with child..."

“You will do what?” she demanded.

“I will take responsibility,” I said evenly. “I will marry her.”

Her eyes widened. “You will not."

“It is my duty,” I said.

“Do not throw my own words at me,” she hissed. “You would upend the selection, humiliate the crown, and hand victory to a girl chosen by scandal? Have you forgotten how sneaky the Caelums are?! What if she planned this?!"

“I would do what’s right.”

She stared at me, as if seeing a stranger. “This, this honesty you’re so fond of now, will destroy us.”

“Even if the situation isn't ideal,” I said quietly. “It's the right thing to do."

She shook her head. “I pray,” she said coldly, “that this is nothing. Because if it is… I will not allow you to burn everything we’ve built.”