The Dragon Queen Selection Chapter 71

CASSIAN

I left my mother’s chambers with my jaw clenched so tightly it ached.

The doors slammed shut behind me, the echo chasing me down the corridor like an accusation. I didn’t slow. If anything, I walked faster, my boots striking the stone with barely contained fury.

I cleaned your mess, she had said.

As if Saphira were a stain to be scrubbed away.

As if what had been done could be undone with silence and power.

My hands curled into fists.

I didn’t know what frightened me more, that she had done it so easily, so easily wiped all traces of Saphira or that some part of me had expected it.

I turned sharply toward the palace exit. I would see Saphira myself. I didn’t care if she had been dismissed. I didn’t care if it broke protocol or ignited another argument. I needed to hear it from her. From her own mouth.

I had taken no more than a dozen steps when a familiar voice cut through my thoughts.

“Your Highness?”

I stopped.

Calista stood near one of the marble pillars, her posture flawless, her smile bright and carefully rehearsed. She wore a pale gold gown this morning, hair pinned just so, as if she had known she might run into me.

“May I have a moment?” she asked softly. “Alone?”

“Unfortunately,I can’t,” I replied without hesitation. “I’m in a hurry.”

Her smile faltered only slightly. “Really? I fear we haven't had time alone in ages. It feels like I haven't seen you since the Sunwake ball.”

“I have pressing engagements.”

I moved to step past her, and then my eyes caught on something that made my blood go cold.

Pinned at her shoulder was a brooch.

Red and black enamel, shaped like a stylized wing.

The same colors the poison seller had described.

My steps slowed. Then stopped entirely.

"I do have time for a little chat though. That's a lovely brooch you have there."

Calista followed my gaze and touched the brooch absently. “Oh this? It belonged to my grandmother.”

I turned back to her fully now. “It’s… unique.”

Her face lit up. “Isn’t it? I adore brooches. I collect them. This one is my favorite.”

“Really? I haven't really seen it on you. How often do you wear it?” I asked, keeping my tone casual.

She laughed lightly. “Whenever I can. I think it gives an outfit character.”

“It does,” I said. “It does stand out."

She smiled wider, clearly mistaking my scrutiny for interest. “I didn’t realize you paid such close attention your Highness."

“I try to,” I replied evenly. “Especially during the selection.”

Her cheeks flushed. “And what do you think so far?”

“I think,” I said slowly, “that everyone is eager to be seen.”

She nodded eagerly. “Of course. This is an opportunity of a lifetime for most. They need to give it their all."

“Indeed,” I said. “Tell me, how are you finding the Selection?”

She launched into an enthusiastic account of the challenges, the ball, the attention. I listened without listening, my mind turning the brooch over again and again.

“Calista,” I interrupted gently.

“Yes?”

“I have an important meeting to attend. But when I return… I’d like to speak with you. Privately.”

Her breath caught. “Truly?”

“Yes.”

Her excitement was unmistakable. “I would like that very much.”

“As would I,” I lied smoothly.

She swept into a graceful curtsy as I turned away.

Only when she was gone did I allow my expression to harden.

Did she poison herself?

Or was Lenora never the target at all?

Neither answer sat well.

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

The Caelum residence loomed stark and unwelcoming against the gray sky. I was lucky to reach there in the day time, especially with how busy the capital was. The guards at the gate crossed their spears the moment they saw me.

“No visitors,” one said firmly.

I had half expected that, given everything that had happening lately.

I didn't move to remove my cloak, I didn't want to draw unwanted attention. Instead, I lifted my hand,, the royal ring catching the light.

Their eyes widened.

“My apologies, Your Highness.”

They opened the gates at once.

I stood in the waiting room and waited until a maid called Saphira down, fortunately her parents weren't home. I could speak to her alone.

She came down wrapped in a pale shawl, her skin washed of its usual color. When she looked up and saw me, her eyes widened, not with joy, but shock.

“Your Highness, you shouldn’t be here,” she said immediately.

“I know,” I replied. “But I am.”

She turned away. “It's too late now. There's nothing to do."

“It's not. I want to know what happened. The real truth.”

She let out a brittle laugh. “Now?”

I took a step closer. “I’m sorry I wasn't there to protect you."

She went still.

“Why?” she asked quietly.

“For not believing you when you first told me. For not protecting you. For leaving you alone."

Her shoulders trembled.

“After you left, somehow the Queen heard I was missing lessons due to illness. She had me taken to the royal physician. He told me I wasn’t pregnant,” she said suddenly. “The physician looked me in the eyes and told me it was just a fever.”

My chest tightened.

“But I knew,” she whispered. “I knew something was different.”

She turned back to me then, tears streaking her pale cheeks. “I told you. And you said you wanted to be sure.”

“I didn’t think....”

“I drank the tonic because they told me it would help,” she continued, her voice breaking. “They forced it into my hands, Cassian. Said it was for my health. I didn't know..."

I felt sick to my stomach

“And then,” she said, swallowing hard, “the pain started.”

I didn’t interrupt. I couldn’t.

“They dumped me back into my room,” she went on. “Hours passed. I bled and screamed into pillows so no one would hear. No one came. When the pain got too much, I attempted to crawl out of my room, I was in the passageway when Lira found me.”

Lira.

“She helped me. cleaned me. She stayed, she kept my secret,” Saphira said. “And then the servants only returned. Not to help. To pack my things.”

My hands shook.

“They eliminated me before I could even stand properly,” she said bitterly. “And your mother, she came to me. Told me to stay quiet. Told me no one would believe me. She said I would be ruined if I ever said a word."

I whispered, “She threatened you.”

Saphira nodded. “And now rumors are spreading anyways. That I was involved with a courtier. My parents are frantic. They’re trying to marry me off before it gets worse.”

“To whom?” I asked, dread pooling in my gut.

“Lord Harwick.”

My vision went red. Not only was the man old, balding with rotting teeth, he was also one of the most meanest man on earth. He's been married at least four times, with all his wives dying before him no matter how young they are.

“That man is four times your age,” I snapped. “He’s a vulture.”

She laughed hollowly. “He has a title and influence. That’s all that matters now."

“No,” I said sharply. “You will not marry him.”

She looked at me sadly. “I don’t have a choice. I wrote you so many letters, I tried to call for you when the physician held me, but they never reached you."

“I'm so sorry Saphira, but I am here to help."

She shook her head. “You don’t understand. It's worse enough that these rumours are spreading, now people think I was eliminated from the Dragon Queen Selection because of them. No respectable Lord will marry me."

I stepped closer. “Then let me help you.”

She looked up at me then, truly looked. “Why?”

Because I had failed her. Because my crown had blood on it. Because silence was no longer an option.

“Would you,” I asked carefully, “allow me to find you a husband?”