Chapter Five

THE CLIMB WAS STEEP, but they’d selected horses for this purpose, and they handled it with ease. Fyia luxuriated in the feel of Adigos’ muscled chest against her back, the flex of his arms as he held her, the press of his thighs against hers. He was concentrating hard on staying upright, so had taken only the smallest of liberties; a stroke here, a squeeze there, a brush of his lips on her nape.

Fyia was used to riding this way. She had an affinity with animals—even those not in her Cruaxee—that allowed her to sense their emotions. She gave Adigos the occasional caress, but was careful not to distract him. Aside from the possibility of him getting hurt, and pulling her off too, she didn’t want to risk delay.

They reached the mouth of the tunnel into the mountains as the sun dipped towards the horizon. The approach was a vast channel carved out of the rock, each side lined with circular cogs of various sizes. A portcullis blocked the entrance, but instead of metal bars, the structure was all whirling cogs, weights, and vials of suspended liquid. The barrier rose as they neared, every part of it seeming to come alive as needle-like points lifted free from the ground, steam rising from the holes that housed them.

Fyia had never seen this place for herself. She had to force her features into a calm mask, desperately wanting to gawk at everything.

A stooping man stepped under the portcullis, bowing low as he stopped before Fyia’s horse. ‘Welcome, Your Majesty.’

‘Thank you,’ said Fyia. She swung her leg over the front and slid to the ground, then took the man’s hand in both of hers. ‘What is your name?’

He looked into her eyes for a beat, seeming to search her soul. ‘I have many names.’

She smiled. Of course he did. ‘What should we call you?’

‘Your errand boy, I suppose.’

‘Is that what you would like us to call you?’

‘I’d like for you to leave this place and never return, but what I would like doesn’t matter, so why bother asking?’

With that, he turned and walked back under the gate, beckoning for them to follow. ‘Your guards and horses will be taken care of here,’ said the old man, pointing to the right, where three Fae’ch awaited them.

Edu nodded to the guards, who peeled off, only Adigos, Edu, and Fyia entering the mountain proper through a gaping black hole in the rock. By the time Fyia realized Rouel had tagged along—the only guard cocky enough to try his luck—they were all too preoccupied to send him back.

Fyia’s skin bristled, her senses telling her both to run, and that she’d been nowhere safer. All around them, thick forest appeared. The sound of running water filled the air, and birdsong, and laughter. Fairies flitted across the path ahead, their wings lit as though they were fireflies, sprinkling dust behind them as they flew.

‘Are you seeing this?’ Fyia whispered to Rouel.

‘If by this you mean an enchanted forest and literal fucking fairies, then yes.’

Okay, good.

‘Was it like this last time?’ she asked Adigos, who’d come up close behind her.

‘No. It was nothing but a stone tunnel when I was here before.’

‘So this is an illusion?’ Fyia asked.

‘What is an illusion anyway?’ said the old man. ‘I can touch, and smell, and taste this forest. If I eat the berries, they will kill me. Is that not real enough for you?’

‘I …’ Fyia couldn’t think of words to respond, then remembered she didn’t answer to this man.

They approached a large weeping willow that bowed over the edge of a lake, a small boat peeking out from under it.

‘The lake was here before,’ said Adigos. ‘It’s full of magical creatures. One nearly pulled me under when I got too close.’

‘Gods,’ said Rouel, stepping away from the edge.

They all eyed the water nervously as a sea of swirling lights came to life beneath the surface.

‘What is that?’ said Fyia, awed by the spectacle.

‘The children of the lake,’ said the old man. ‘Seems as though they like you. Come, we should not keep Axus waiting.’

‘Axus, not Isa?’ said Fyia.

The old man laughed. ‘Isa does not deign to speak with the likes of you.’

Fyia’s blood burned hot, but she heard the Spider in her ear saying, play the game. She gave a curt nod and followed the man, wondering what would happen if she pushed him into the lake. The surface of the water rippled sharply, suddenly punctured by … well … what punctured it, Fyia couldn’t really say, but water droplets showered them.

‘Gods,’ said the old man, ‘they haven’t done that in … since … well, I … come along.’

The forest fell away as they continued. They stepped out onto a rope bridge suspended across a chasm, which wobbled and groaned dangerously as they crossed.

‘This here last time?’ asked Fyia.

‘No,’ said Adigos, ‘although I’m not sure I came down this tunnel.’

Fyia wondered how many tunnels the mountain hid in its depths, where they all led, how many secret doors let Fae’ch or Black Hood spies into her kingdom …

They left the bridge behind and walked through an archway to where a series of large stones lay in an almost circular pattern on the floor. Smaller stones sat within the crooked circle, most with a shiny pebble on top, the pebbles a seemingly random array or colors. Lines of metal wire connected everything together, and Fyia moved towards the structure, her mind trying to make sense of it, but nothing seemed to fit.

‘What is this?’ she asked, admitting defeat.

The old man gave her an indecipherable look. ‘This way,’ he said, then led them through another arch. They found themselves in a chamber with a domed roof full of stars, mats laid out on the floor beneath.

‘Sit,’ said the old man. He disappeared behind a wide pillar of stone, a younger man appearing from its other side the same moment.

‘Welcome, Fyia Orlightus. Fire-touched, magic-touched, Cruaxee, and Queen of the Five Eastern Kingdoms,’ he said, with a half bow. ‘Your honor us with your visit.’

To the Fae’ch, her magical abilities were of far greater import than anything she’d done to make herself Queen.

‘Thank you,’ she said, inclining her head. ‘Axus, I assume?’

‘Correct.’

‘Isa’s consort?’ she said, probing for conformation of the rumor. The man was tall but reedy, with sandy colored hair, brown eyes, and pointed ears that marked him as fae.

The Fae’ch counted a plethora of magical creatures among their members, from the tiny, mean-spirited fairies, who traded magic dust for ear bones, to the regal winged fae, whose magic was largely unknown, to pixies and sprites and witches and dryads, and every other kind of magical being, who between them boasted all manner of magical faculties.

When the Five Kingdoms had outlawed magic, the magical had fled here, the only place they could find to call home … the only place they could make into a fortress and defend.

Some of the magic-folk had tried to fight back, but magic had weakened after the dragons disappeared, and their power hadn’t been enough.

Axus appraised her for a long while. ‘Isa’s deputy … among other things,’ he said. His lips twitched into a smile. ‘Sit, please.’

Axus and Fyia sat facing each other over an empty fire pit, which roared to life as soon as they settled on the ground. Edu, Adigos, and Rouel sat behind Fyia on the second row of mats.

Axus looked expectant, waiting for her to begin. Unlike most courts, the Fae’ch dispensed with pleasantries. No one would enquire about their journey, nor offer refreshments, unless they asked for them. No one would show them to their sleeping quarters, indeed, sleeping quarters would not be prepared until they requested them.

‘You know why I am here?’ Fyia asked, looking Axus in the eye and refusing to look away, holding his gaze in a way that many would find uncomfortable. Axus didn’t seem to notice, his fluctuating eye color the only reaction she could discern, and she had no way to decipher what that meant.

‘You seek the dragon egg,’ he said, tilting his head to the side, but still not looking away.

‘I do,’ she confirmed. ‘Will you show it to me?’

‘No, but I can assure you, it has not hatched.’ His voice was suddenly ethereal, and Fyia became uneasy, the hairs on her arms standing on end.

‘You’ve seen it yourself?’ she asked, forcing her disquiet away.

‘No one may enter the chamber, but we would know if it had hatched.’

‘How?’

‘Magic.’

Fyia paused a beat, reeling the conversation back in before it ran away from her. ‘Magic is tricksy, and can be fooled.’

‘You question Isa’s power?’ said Axus, his tone sharp.

‘Of course not … but, has she seen the egg since I united the Five Kingdoms?’

‘No one may enter the chamber, even Isa.’

‘You’re lying,’ said Fyia, knowing it to the very core of her being. Something in the magic she kept tramped down within her sensed his deception.

He laughed. ‘Your skills are quite good, considering your lack of training.’

‘I wanted nothing more than to be trained as a child. Alas, my family does not appreciate magic the way I do.’

‘I am aware.’

‘I’m not leaving the mountain until I see the dragon egg.’ The words were harsher than she’d intended, but discussion of Fyia’s magic irked her—magic she so desperately wanted to use, but did not know how. That the fae before her knew more about her own skills than she did … she put the thoughts from her mind; she wasn’t here to discuss magic.

‘Will you conquer our lands if we refuse?’ said Axus. ‘The way you took everyone else’s?’

‘I only took from those who refused to work with me.’

‘And if we refuse to work with you?’

‘The Fae’ch do not oppress their own people, at least, from the little I know of you.’

‘No. Your people are the specialists there.’ His tone was bitter. The fae lived to a great age … maybe Axus had experienced the violence of the Kings firsthand.

‘Not my people,’ said Fyia. ‘I welcome magic in my lands. I wish to bring it back into the open.’

‘But there are those who wish to overthrow you, who do not believe you rule by right, who hate magic, who are fearful.’

‘Which is why I must see the dragon egg,’ said Fyia. ‘With a dragon, I can improve things for everyone. Those with magic are already free to live anywhere in my kingdoms, and with a dragon, I can protect them … protect everyone who needs it.’

Axus let silence fall. It stretched until the men behind Fyia twitched with discomfort, but she wouldn’t give Axus the satisfaction of watching her fidget … she would sit here all night, still as a statue, if that’s what it took.

‘I’ll make you a deal,’ said Axus, his lips twitching once more. ‘We will throw a party in your honor. If you are still awake and in attendance at dawn, I will show you the egg.’

Fyia knew the deal to be fraught with danger. The Fae’ch had countless ways to put her to sleep: by drugging her food or wine, using the smoke from burning herbs, casting spells, putting her under a thrall. Most of it she could probably resist, and her own magic would help keep her safe, but she would have to avoid … well … everything.

‘Deal,’ she said.

A predatory smile crept across Axus’ face. ‘Good. The bells will lead the way.’

Fyia nodded. ‘Then I wish to rest before the party begins.’

Tinkling bells tolled through the bedroom Fyia had requested, waking her from a deep sleep. She had washed and eaten, then slept, needing all the respite she could get after the long journey if she were to stand any chance of staying awake until dawn.

The tinkling became insistent, and Fyia stood. She pulled on a clean tunic and close-fitting pants, the only kind of clothes she’d packed for the journey. She dragged a brush through her hair, tied it in a knot at the base of her skull, then headed out.

The living room was empty, doors to Adigos and Edu’s sleeping chambers wide open, no sign of them anywhere … the Fae’ch tricks had apparently started already.

She left their quarters and followed the bells through twisting passages lit by sparkling fairy lights and scented with jasmine. After many twists and turns, the bells stopped abruptly in front of a seemingly innocuous part of the wall, in a tall bit of tunnel. Fyia looked around, trying to work out what she should do next, when steam rose from the floor by her feet. She jumped back as a section of solid rock slid to the side, only the smallest of scraping noises accompanying the movement.

Fyia stared at the vast stone cavern now before her, filled with dancing Fae’ch, banquet tables, and musicians. She couldn’t hear the music, nor see any food, and the space was brightly lit, the attendants wearing ordinary clothes like hers.

The hole she looked through was halfway up the wall, with a good view of everything below, a platform and stairs leading down to the party only a step away.

She let her eyes roam across the strange scene, taking in the cogs set into the walls at seemingly random intervals, and the particularly large dragon clock perched above a set of ornate doors at the far end of the hall.

As she watched, the doors swung open, and three figures clad in black cloaks entered, their hoods up. Black Hoods? Fyia gasped and stepped forward, determined to find out what they were doing here, but, as she crossed the threshold, everything changed.

A ripple of magic flowed across Fyia’s skin, and the stone wall snapped closed behind her. Suddenly, everyone wore black cloaks, with their hoods up so she couldn’t see anyone’s face. The room had gone dark, lit only by flickering candlelight, enchanting music floating up to where she stood. Her clothes under her cloak were little more than scraps of cloth hiding her most intimate parts, her feet bare. Her hand went to her hair, feeling elaborate braids pinned up on her head.

The hall had transformed into an enchanted forest, filled with lush greens and delicate white and pink flowers. A blanket of mossy grass covered the floor, gnarled and twisted trees here and there, revelers chasing each other around them, or canoodling in their wide branches. Butterflies and fireflies flitted about, along with fairies sprinkling dust on those below.

Fyia moved tentatively down the steps, scanning for the group of Black Hoods, trying to remember details that might help her single them out. They’d been tall, and purposeful, and moving as a pack, but it was useless; the light was too dim to make out any details, and everyone looked the same.

Fyia descended the remaining stairs, dizzy on magic, the smell of frankincense filling her nose. She wanted to dance, sing, laugh … but she couldn’t wear herself out so early in the evening. The magic would keep her high for a while, and then her body would tire from the onslaught and crash. She should find a secluded vantage point and watch … conserve her energy.

She headed for the nearest tree, only a handful of paces away, when a tall fae man approached, offering her a goblet of wine. ‘Your Majesty,’ he said, in a rich, deep voice that made her shiver.

‘No, thank you,’ she replied. He nodded and stepped away.

She’d barely made it a pace further when a second figure approached. ‘Your Majesty,’ said a high-pitched female voice, ‘please accept a honeyed fig … my gift to you.’

Fyia shook her head. ‘I thank you for the gift, but I am not hungry.’

‘Not for food, at least,’ said the woman, in a singsong voice. ‘Smart of you to eat before the party.’ She clicked her fingers and disappeared.

After three further attempts to lure her, Fyia finally made it to the tree and leaned back against the trunk. Feet appeared in her eyeline. She looked up just in time to see a man jump down and land lithely. He claimed the remaining section of trunk, nudging her over a little to make room for his wide shoulders. By the time he’d made himself sufficiently comfortable, the whole side of his body pressed against hers.

She turned her head to look at him, finding his eyes already seeking hers. They were brown, and deep, and clever. His head was shaved, or at least, it looked that way from what she could see, her fingers itching to reach out and touch it. She clenched her fingers into fists, fighting the sensation—probably a side effect of all the magic, or maybe the Fae’ch were purposefully scrambling her emotions.

He reached down and took her hand, her breath catching at the unexpected contact. ‘We should dance,’ he said, in an unfamiliar accent, then tugged her away from the tree, towards an open area where others frolicked to the music.

She opened her mouth to protest, telling her limbs not to comply, but her feet seemed to move of their own accord … and it was a party after all.

The man slid a hand to the small of her back, and she placed her free hand on his shoulder, then looked up into his eyes. His features were mischievous as he whirled them across the moss-covered ground, bits of plant sliding between Fyia’s toes. His sure movements convinced her to trust him, so she didn’t fight his lead … she even let herself enjoy it.

They danced at a furious pace for … she had no idea how long, but when the music mellowed, and he slowed them, she was breathless, a beaming smile across her face.

‘You’re not what I expected,’ he said, with an enticing smile.

She cocked an eyebrow. Of course he knew who she was; everyone in this room probably did. Maybe she was the only one who saw the cloaks. Maybe everyone else was watching her dance in the clothes she’d donned in her room. The man spun her under his arm, and she laughed.

‘Who are you?’ she asked.

He only smiled and spun her again.

‘You know who I am, so it’s only fair.’

He pulled her close. ‘My name does not matter.’

‘You’re Fae’ch?’

‘No.’

She faltered. ‘You’re a Black Hood?’

He looked away. ‘Why would you assume that?’

‘You are,’ she said, the thrill of it overwhelming her senses, excitement stealing her breath. ‘I have so many questions.’

The music slowed further, and he pulled her flush against him. ‘What do you want to know?’ he asked quietly, his lips beside her ear.

She closed her eyes, giddy, almost drunk … all the things he could tell her. If only she could clear her mind … think. Her thoughts zeroed in on the feel of his breath on her skin, his smell … what was that amazing scent? It was like …

‘Fyia?’ The word was a low growl, and when she met his gaze, his eyes were smokey.

They stopped dancing. ‘Do you have a dragon egg?’ she said, her voice barely more than a whisper.

An almost severe intensity entered his gaze. ‘Do you?’ he said.

‘I asked you first.’

He put a hand on her cheek, then pressed his forehead to hers. She sensed the wild … frozen lands, towering trees, the scent of pine, the sound of running water close by. It was tranquil, but brutal, a harsh place where only the strong could survive.

A strange sensation pinged against her mind, and she panicked, pulling away sharply, breaking the contact. ‘What did you do?’ she asked, hating the edge of hysteria in her tone.

She didn’t know who this man was … What was he doing? What was she doing? Why had she let him get so close? Her wolves howled, and nearby eagles cried in her mind.

The man winced. ‘Gods,’ he said, staggering back a pace.

A figure dancing next to them turned, catching his arm. ‘Cal?’ said a woman’s voice. ‘Cal, are you okay?’

‘I’m fine,’ he said, pushing the woman away. ‘We should go.’

‘Wait,’ said Fyia. She grabbed the man—Cal—by the arm, but when their skin made contact, an animal’s roar filled her mind, so loud, so angry, she released him. She grasped her head with her hands, and eventually it ebbed, but when she looked up, Cal and the woman were gone. Gods damn it. Her one chance to speak with a Black Hood, and it was over before it began, and … what had he done to her?

This was why the Kings had outlawed magic from the Five Kingdoms. Why they’d taken such drastic action to rid their lands of the magical. Cal had successfully reminded her magic was dangerous; those who had no power of their own at the mercy of the magical.

Fyia had magic, and still she’d been vulnerable, with no education other than what she’d been able to teach herself. And what she’d taught herself was how to suppress her magic, so it didn’t break free and cause mischief, or hurt someone.

There seemed to be no lasting effects, but still, she’d been stupid; she’d let him get close enough to harm her, when she didn’t even know who he was. She’d trusted him, had let him press his forehead to hers … but then, maybe he’d used magic to achieve that too.

Fyia spent the rest of the party hiding in a tree. Not the most noble approach, but one that was sure to result in a favorable outcome. It also provided a good vantage point, not that anything of note happened, only Fae’ch revelry that became increasingly amorous at the night went on.

Fyia ran over the encounter with the Black Hood again and again. What had he done to her? Why had she heard her Cruaxee? Why had she heard a strange animal roar in her mind?

She would tell Edu what happened, and he would give her that look … he would be insufferable. She knew she’d been stupid, but the Black Hood had been so compelling, so intriguing, so very much in possession of bottomless brown eyes … he’d taken control, despite knowing who she was … a welcome change, a relief even.

By morning, Fyia was irritable. She breathed a long sigh of relief when the illusion shattered, the hall returning to a cavernous stone space, music ceasing, food disappearing, her own clothes returning.

The magic floated her to the floor, where she landed on her feet. Most of the Fae’ch disappeared in a puff, leaving only a few slumbering revelers, including Edu and Rouel, who were asleep under a table.

Adigos strode towards where she stood, worry written in every movement. He grasped her arms and looked her over. ‘Are you alright?’ he said, running his hands this way and that, checking for any sign of injury.

‘I’m fine,’ she said, batting him away, ‘and glad to say, awake. I’m impressed you lasted the night.’

‘Hey,’ he said, pulling her into a rough embrace, wrapping an arm around her head, ‘I spent the night searching for you, and fending off a never-ending stream of extremely enticing Fae’ch.’

‘You didn’t sample any delights at all?’

‘I learnt my lesson last time. It all seems wondrous on the surface, but underneath, they’re monsters … and anyway, I only have eyes for one woman,’ he said, looking down at her.

She lifted her hands to his waist and met his hopeful eyes. ‘I told you, Adigos, whatever happens between us can only be physical. You can fuck whoever you please.’

‘I know,’ he said, stroking her hair, ‘because you don’t think you can trust me … but I’m going to win back your trust.’

She shook her head in exasperation, and he took hold of her face. ‘You’ll see,’ he whispered. He ran his hands down her arms, stepping back as footsteps approached.

‘Edu,’ said Fyia. ‘Fun night?’

Edu’s cheeks flushed. ‘I’m sorry … I couldn’t find you.’

Fyia waved a hand. ‘We’ll assume they hid me with magic.’

Fyia filled them in about the Black Hoods, and Edu’s look of admonishment was moderate compared to what she’d been expecting. Probably embarrassed he’d been unable to find her …

‘I wonder why they were here,’ said Edu.

‘Maybe they come a lot,’ said Adigos. ‘Or maybe for a trade meeting, or simply because they were passing by …’

‘Or they got wind of us being here, and came to see Fyia in the flesh,’ suggested Edu.

‘I trust you had an enjoyable night?’ said Axus, his footsteps so silent they hadn’t heard his approach.

Fyia nodded in a non-committal way. ‘We’d love breakfast, if that’s on offer?’ she said.

‘Ah, yes,’ said Axus, with knowing eyes, ‘you must be hungry. Right this way.’

Axus led them through a door under a big metal cog, into a small ante-chamber packed with tables full of Fae’ch noisily gossiping over breakfast. The room went silent as they entered, the hairs on the back of Fyia’s neck standing on end. Axus led them to a table towards the back, a lone figure already seated there.

The figure turned and stood, his eyes meeting Fyia’s. She hesitated for only a split tick before rushing forward, throwing her arms wide. ‘Veau! Brother! It’s so good to see you.’

‘It’s good to see you too,’ he said, pulling back to bow, ‘Your Majesty.’

He looked well, his usually thin frame having filled out a little, the river of golden scales across his face seeming to shimmer, giving him a luster he’d never had before. His light hair was glossy, his grey eyes shone, and he looked happier than she’d ever seen him.

He stiffened as he lifted his gaze to the others. ‘Adigos, Edu.’ He clasped each of their forearms, then nodded to Rouel. ‘I hear you are partly to thank for my sister’s victory.’

‘Well, maybe not Adigos,’ said Edu, with a wink.

‘It was all Sensis,’ countered Adigos.

‘I won’t argue with you there,’ said Edu. ‘That woman is a marvel.’

Veau waved his hand, indicating they should sit, and a mouthwatering array of bizarrely mismatched dishes materialized: deviled eggs, honeyed cardamon swirls, rose water rice pudding, cheese on toast with anchovies, and a whole host of other random yet tempting delights. ‘Please, eat.’

Surprisingly, Axus left them, and the room’s other occupants returned to their own affairs, only the odd surreptitious eye flicking their way.

Fyia pulled the small metal ball from the inner pocket of her tunic and pressed it into her brother’s hand under the table. ‘Essa wanted me to give you this,’ she said, leaning in so no one else could hear. ‘I don’t know what it is, but I’m guessing you do?’

Veau nodded, squeezing her hand, the ball already gone. ‘Thank you,’ he said. ‘Now, tell me why you’re here. You’ve got five kingdoms to run, with goodness knows how many people plotting to kill you …’

‘You know why I’m here.’

‘The return of the dragons is a myth,’ said Veau, ‘nothing more.’

‘How can you think that?’ she said, rearing back from her brother.

‘Do you think every fairy tale is true?’ he asked. ‘Will the sea serpents return to wreck the ships of the damned, and the rivers turn to flame? Will the sky turn grey when the clocks turn black, and the fish throw themselves on the land? Will the north turn green as the ash rains down, when the dragons cast their shadows?’

‘Maybe not all of it …’ said Fyia, defensively. ‘Not every song verse speaks the truth.’

Rouel coughed.

‘Then why are you so certain the dragons will return?’ said Veau, his features set in a smug arrangement designed to enrage her.

‘Because I can feel them,’ she hissed. Her brother was the only being capable of bringing out her inner child with quite such aplomb.

‘What do you mean?’ he said, his features losing their teasing edge.

Fyia knew Veau was open to most things, including the return of the dragons. He was pushing her buttons on purpose, because that’s what brothers did, and she was reacting like a dream because she was tired and cranky, and preoccupied by thoughts of men with shaved heads.

But Veau had always fixated on her magic, magic that, like his, no one in their old lives had understood. If she could feel the dragons, her magic was surely at play, and that had piqued his interest.

‘When I sleep, I feel their scales under my fingers. Sometimes they’re angry, and I have to flee their fire, sometimes sad, seeking comfort. They don’t feel like normal dreams.’

‘It never happens when you’re awake?’

‘Sometimes, when I daydream.’

‘Is it like with your Cruaxee?’

‘No. I can control my Cruaxee. I can’t control the dragons. The one time I tried, they nearly roasted me alive.’

‘In your dream.’

‘Yes, but it’s visceral.’ She dropped her voice, so only Veau could hear. ‘I once woke after getting too close to the flames in my dream to find my skin red and blistered.’

‘I’ve heard of dream walking,’ said Veau, ‘but never like that … never in a way that could hurt.’

Fyia shrugged and reached for a cardamon swirl. ‘Maybe seeing the dragon egg will help.’

‘They’re going to show you?’

‘Axus said they would if I could stay awake through last night’s party.’

Veau stared at her a moment, then grabbed a swirl of his own.

They ate, Fyia mostly silent as Adigos quizzed Veau about his life with the Fae’ch. Veau was tight-lipped, saying only that he was learning a lot, his magic had calmed, and he was glad he’d found his true place in the world.

Fyia was dying to ask him about Essa, about what was still between them. What could be, now Veau lived here? But she knew he wouldn’t tell her. Even before he’d renounced his title and come to live with the Fae’ch, Veau’s relationship with Essa had been off limits.

They finished breakfast, and Axus came to collect them. ‘The dragon egg awaits, Your Majesty,’ said Axus.

Fyia sent him a flat look, trying to determine if he used her title out of respect, or if he was mocking her. Axus returned it with a smile that had Adigos stepping protectively to her side. Veau cocked an eyebrow, and Fyia avoided his gaze, following Axus through a small door into a dimly lit tunnel.

‘What was that about?’ Veau asked, holding Fyia’s arm to slow her, so they fell a few paces behind the others.

‘It’s none of your business.’

‘Are you and Adigos … after everything?’

‘No.’

‘Then why did he do that?’

‘Because he’s an idiot.’

‘Fyia …’

She rounded on him. ‘Don’t lecture me, unless you want to talk about Essa … What, in all the Seven Hells, is going on between you two?’

Veau shut down. He shook his head, then followed the others. She would never understand her brother, or the special kind of torture he and Essa put themselves through.

Axus led them along a labyrinth of passages, winding this way and that through the mountain. They descended and descended, the air becoming colder, damper, and Fyia shivered as a thick layer of magic coated the air.

‘Can you feel that?’ Fyia asked Veau.

He nodded, flicking wary eyes to Axus, and Fyia said no more, wondering about the dynamic between the two.

They eventually reached a stone door, which Axus unlocked using his magic, placing a hand on the stone. He heaved it open, putting all his weight into pulling it towards him, and as soon as it cracked, ancient air rushed out, ruffling their hair.

‘What was that?’ asked Edu, stepping towards Fyia.

‘That magic has been trapped inside for a long time,’ said Axus. ‘It wanted to escape.’

‘Where will it go?’ asked Adigos.

‘Wherever it wants,’ said Axus, stepping through the doorway.

They followed, and it surprised Fyia to find a maze of metal runners adorned the walls. A metal ball—presumably from the dragon clock above—slid down a section of runner, then disappeared into a trough of water against the wall. A raised circular pool full of shimmering amethyst-colored liquid stood in the middle of the room.

‘What’s that?’ Fyia asked. She turned toward Axus, who was playing with dials and levers set into the wall next to the door.

He ignored her, and a deep rumbling filled the air. Edu and Adigos closed ranks around Fyia, looking for the threat. Veau walked towards the purple liquid. ‘I wouldn’t get too close,’ said Axus, and Veau stopped in his tracks.

The rumbling became louder, rising through the ground beneath their feet. The noise was almost unbearable, and then three metal runners slid out of the pool, up into the air. They kept rising, lifting a copper platform through the liquid. It stopped just above the surface, then everything went silent.

Axus walked urgently to the platform, running a hand over the metal.

‘What’s wrong?’ said Fyia, stepping up beside him. ‘Where’s the dragon egg?’

‘The egg should be here,’ he mumbled, ‘on top of the platform. It’s … gone.’

Roaring filled Fyia’s ears. ‘Has it hatched?’ she asked, but Axus didn’t seem to hear her. He was casting about wildly, as though the egg might have fallen to the floor.

‘Could it still be down there?’ asked Adigos. ‘Maybe it came off the platform on the way up?’

Axus shook his head, then closed his eyes. A woman appeared, as though stepping through his body, wisps of white smoke obscuring her as she walked towards the platform.

Veau and Axus dropped to one knee, their heads bowed, eyes on the floor. Only one person could elicit that response.

‘Isa,’ said Fyia, unable to hide the awe in her voice. She was ancient … as old as the hills, if the legends could be believed, and powerful.

Isa ran her hand over the platform, standing still for several moments before turning to face the others. ‘The magic is still intact,’ she said. Her tone was wraithlike, seeming to be in the room, but also far away. ‘I do not know how …’

‘When was the egg last seen?’ asked Fyia.

‘No one has been in this room in more than a hundred years,’ said Isa. The smoke cleared long enough for Fyia to make out her short stature, long auburn hair and pointed ears.

‘Was the egg here then?’ asked Fyia. Frustration crept into her tone; she was in no mood for Fae’ch word games.

‘I do not know,’ said Isa.

‘When was it last seen?’ Fyia asked again.

‘No eggs have been seen for hundreds of years,’ said Isa. ‘It is time for you to leave.’

‘Why?’ said Fyia. ‘We need to work out what happened to the egg … where it could be … if it’s hatched …’

‘Leave,’ said Isa. She waved her hands slowly in front of her, palms up, fingers splayed.

Everything went dark, and when the world righted itself, Fyia, Adigos, Edu, and Rouel stood by the strange, closed portcullis, outside the mountain, surrounded by the belongings they’d taken inside. Fyia’s guards gathered around them, giving them strange looks.

‘They kicked us out,’ said Edu, eyeing the height of the sun in the sky. ‘Prepare the horses; it’s time to go.’

The group was ready to leave in less than a quarter turn of the clock. The Fae’ch had healed Adigos’ horse, and they rode as hard as they dared down the steep mountain path. They hoped to be out of Fae’ch lands by nightfall, and it was already past midday.

Fyia regretted not saying goodbye to her brother, and wished they’d had more time together. She dearly wanted to know about his new life: what he’d learned, if he’d made friends, all the wondrous things he’d surely seen during his time in the mountain. It was rumored many of the legendary sorcerers and fairies of old—those blessed with long life, anyway—called the mountain home.

They made it to the bottom of the mountain before nightfall, choosing a spot set back from the road as their camp for the night. Fyia’s wolves slinked out of the woods, rubbing their heads against her legs, looking up at her with begging eyes. She scratched each of them behind the ear, and a missing part of her slotted back into place.

‘The guards heard whispers of evil in the west,’ said Edu quietly, coming up beside Fyia. ‘There are rumors of a fight between the Emperor, and a group who have taken possession of his northern lands.’

‘Do you think it’s the Black Hoods?’ said Fyia.

‘I can’t imagine why they would pick a fight with the Emperor, but it’s possible,’ said Edu.

‘Maybe that’s why they were at the mountain,’ said Fyia, ‘trying to secure an alliance with the Fae’ch …?’

‘It doesn’t seem likely. The Black Hoods have never tried to expand their territory before …’

‘There’s a first time for everything,’ said Fyia. ‘Maybe the Spider will know more.’

They ate, then sat around the campfire, Adigos fighting the wolves for space by Fyia’s side. She eventually told them to move, and leaned into Adigos’ warmth as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, her Cruaxee lying at her feet. Fyia ignored Edu’s stern features, letting herself enjoy the comfort of Adigos’ firm muscles, and the way his whole being focused on her. If Edu preferred to abstain, that was his choice, but she saw no good reason to punish herself.

Rouel, who’d been subdued since Isa had expelled them from the mountain, played a mournful song. Somehow the sad tune seemed appropriate to Fyia too.

The King gave his blood,

Every drop he could spare.

It wasn’t enough,

The clocks needed more.

The King couldn’t do it,

But no one could help.

He drowned in a bottle,

The dragons, they fled.

Oh, dragons of Asred,

No longer fly through the air.

Oh, dragons of Asred,

Fled in the depths of despair.

They cast out the magic,

Every last trace.

They killed off the mages

And fairies and Fae’ch.

They outlawed the magic

And people with power.

Then sent dragon treasure

To five separate towers.

Oh, dragons of Asred,

No longer fly through the air.

Oh, dragons of Asred,

Fled in the depths of despair.

Adigos stroked Fyia’s arm as Rouel sang, and she leaned further into his embrace. She closed her eyes, and Adigos, the music, and the crackling fire lulled her to sleep. As she approached the delicious cusp of oblivion, the image of a bear entered her mind, running through a frozen forest. Fyia instinctively uncoiled her Cruaxee bond, reaching for the bear, and it crashed to a halt, turned to face her, then roared at her mind. Fyia dropped the bond and lurched awake, a blinding pain shooting through her skull.

‘What is it?’ said Adigos, shifting so he could see her face.

Fyia sat up straight, desperately pressing at her temples. It was the same sound she’d heard when the Black Hood had touched his forehead to hers. Why had she reached out to the animal? Bears weren’t a part of her Cruaxee … she’d tested them before … but it had felt right, normal, natural to do so.

The bear had rejected her, exactly as it should have. Had the Black Hood’s magic warped her senses?

‘Everything okay?’ asked Edu.

‘I’m fine,’ said Fyia, then told them what had happened.

‘You think the Black Hood did something to your magic?’ said Edu.

‘Maybe,’ said Fyia. She reached for the bonds with her wolves, then searched for a nearby eagle. They responded as normal, much to her relief. ‘My Cruaxee bonds seem fine. Maybe I’m just tired …’ She got to her feet.

‘Don’t even think it,’ said Edu, as Adigos made to follow. ‘You’re on watch.’

Adigos gave him an incredulous look. ‘I need to stay with her.’

‘I can stay with her,’ said Rouel. ‘I don’t have watch duties until later.’

‘Warrior’s balls!’ Adigos rounded on Edu. ‘Why are you so determined to keep me away from her?’

‘She only wants you for your body, and she doesn’t look in any state to do much with that tonight,’ said Edu.

Fyia considered intervening, but it would be better for them to blow off the steam, and she was interested to see how it would pan out.

Adigos grabbed the front of Edu’s tunic.

‘Bad idea,’ Rouel whispered to Fyia.

‘Oh, Brother,’ said Fyia, on an exhale.

Anyone watching would assume Adigos had the upper hand. He was an inch taller, and carried far more muscle than Edu, but Edu was in charge of Fyia’s personal protection for a reason.

Edu batted Adigos’ hands away with barely a blink, then connected his palm with the center of Adigos’ chest. It looked like nothing, but Adigos staggered back a pace.

‘I don’t want to fight you,’ said Edu, watching Adigos intently.

‘Then take it back.’

‘My words were true; I cannot take them back,’ said Edu, with a shrug.

Adigos growled, and Edu’s eyebrow shot up. ‘She doesn’t trust you,’ Edu continued. ‘You need to come to terms with your position in her court.’

‘You don’t speak for her.’

‘I’m repeating the words of my Queen, nothing more.’

Adigos balled his fists and took a step forward. Rouel sucked in a breath. Edu moved with lightning speed, punching Adigos in the chest hard enough to floor him.

‘Usually, you would have seen that coming,’ said Edu, as Adigos gasped for breath. ‘You’re letting your emotions get the better of you.’

‘You’re wrong!’ Adigos spluttered, rolling to his side, still struggling to breathe. He swung his head towards Fyia. ‘You can trust me, Fyia …’

‘Edu, no!’ Fyia and Rouel shouted together, and Edu’s fist halted a hair’s breadth from Adigos’ face.

Instead, he gripped the front of Adigos’ tunic and hauled his torso half a foot into the air. ‘What is wrong with you?’ said Edu, his voice dripping with disdain. ‘You’re a warrior; start acting like one.’ Edu dropped Adigos back to the ground, then stalked away.

Part of Fyia wanted to go to Adigos and comfort him, the part of her that was the girl who’d loved him. But now she was his Queen, and Edu was right, it served no one for Adigos to forget his place.

Chapter Six

ADIGOS DIDN’T TRY TO join Fyia in her tent, so her wolves kept her warm while Rouel stood guard outside. She woke at sunrise, and found the camp already a hive of activity, preparing for another grueling day’s travel back towards Selise.

Adigos was quiet, his ego bruised and battered from Edu’s convincing victory. Fyia brushed a hand across his shoulder, squeezing gently before accepting a plate of eggs from a guard. She dropped down next to Adigos, but left a deliberate space between them.

‘Anything to report from last night?’ Fyia asked.

‘No,’ he said, looking away.

Fyia’s wolves started to whine, sending an uneasy feeling through the bond. Fyia threw her eggs to the ground and jumped to her feet. ‘Edu! We’re under attack!’ she screamed. She used her wolves’ superior senses to pick up the strange humming sound that had alarmed them. ‘It sounds like … like it’s coming from the sky …’

The wolves snarled and circled, angry, but not understanding the threat. Fyia felt the same way … Archers. Projectiles. They needed things to fend off an assault from the sky.

‘Get the bows!’ she called, then reached out with her magic, scanning for eagles, praying some were in range. The Fae’ch mountains were teaming with eagles, and she prayed to the Mother some had roamed this way. She kept scanning as they got their first glimpse of the enemy, and Fyia struggled to make sense of what she saw.

She’d never seen anything like it … a flying boat? But the sails had been stitched together to form an enormous pocket that floated above the main structure. The hull and sail were attached together with ropes, the deck full of people scanning the ground, presumably looking for her. Essa had said the Emperor had flying machines, but Fyia hadn’t imagined anything so big.

Fyia finally found an eagle, then two more, and instructed them to fly for the airboat. She told the eagles to attack the occupants, but leave the machine intact. They reacted immediately, but it would be several long spins of the hand before they arrived.

Edu sent archers forward, towards the threat, so they could both attack sooner, and not give away the main group’s position. Edu gave the signal, and the archers fired. Their opening volley was lethal, every arrow finding its mark, their targets either falling from the boat or slumping back onto its deck.

The archers got three volleys off before retaliation came. Holes appeared in the boat’s side, and then cannons poked through. By the Warrior … The attackers fired, and a terrible boom filled the air, Fyia’s wolves howling at the sound.

There was no way of knowing if any of her guards had been hit, but her archers still fired, now from every angle, including behind. A pang of pride swelled in Fyia’s chest. Her soldiers were well trained; no one could argue with that.

Fyia urged the eagles to fly faster, and she felt them closing in, moving at breakneck speed. The boat fired another round from their cannons, the boom different this time, followed by a series of thunks as projectiles peppered the ground. From what Fyia could see, they looked like stones …

‘Run!’ shouted Edu. ‘You should already be moving. Adigos …’ But before he could complete his order, shadow wings appeared on the ground.

Fyia’s face split into a smile as the eagles swooped down and clasped Edu and Adigos in their giant talons. The third eagle distracted the attackers, giving the others a fighting chance of making it to the boat unscathed.

Fyia knew she should run, but she couldn’t tear her eyes from the fight. The eagles flew high and wide, making it to the boat. The cannons couldn’t point upwards … evidently the vessel’s designer hadn’t anticipated an attack from above.

Adigos and Edu dropped to the deck, their weapons drawn and ready. The eagles grabbed two enemy soldiers and threw them to the ground, as Adigos and Edu slashed their way through their opponents.

The third eagle wheeled away, diving towards the ground. It picked up one of Fyia’s guards and flew her to the boat, the other eagles following suit, adding two more to the fray.

Fyia’s archers slowed their volleys, not wanting to hit one of their own, but it didn’t take long for the fighting to die down.

Fyia breathed a sigh of relief when Adigos waved over the side to confirm their victory, and the boat began a slow descent. Fyia released the eagles, sending them thanks through the bond. She pushed aside the emptiness that filled her as she watched them go.

Fyia tracked the boat as it descended, Rouel by her side. Adigos had shouted they were looking for an open spot to land. They’d taken the crew hostage, including the pilot.

‘Urgh,’ said Rouel, shaking his hands as though to rid them of something nasty.

‘What is it?’ said Fyia, although, given his expression, she wasn’t overly concerned. ‘The attack?’

He shook his head. ‘I know Edu’s the best we have, but every time, my heart stops beating.’

Fyia smiled at his blatant admission of what she’d long suspected. ‘The sideline’s always the worst place to be,’ she said. They walked in silence for a few moments, watching the boat float down. ‘Why haven’t you ever written a song about him?’

Rouel’s face split into a grin. ‘I’ve written plenty, but Edu says they’re inappropriate for public performance.’

Fyia laughed, and then melancholy filled her. ‘Has anything ever happened between the two of you?’ Fyia knew it would be better to ask Edu; he was Rouel’s superior, and her friend, but now seemed like a good time. And aside from her general intrigue, she needed to know if she had a conflict of interest in her personal guard. She probably should have asked sooner.

A wistful look crossed Rouel’s face, and he shook his head.

‘Do you love him?’

Rouel gave her a strange look. ‘Of course … but not in the way you mean.’

Fyia cocked her head, not understanding.

‘I’ve accepted nothing can happen between us. Edu doesn’t see me that way … or, if he does, he would never admit it. You’re his only true love, and he’s devoted to you.’

Fyia screwed up her features. ‘Edu has no romantic interest in me …’ The very idea was jarring.

Rouel laughed. ‘I don’t mean like that. I mean, he believes in you. He loves your cause and your determination to see your mission through. He respects you, and values you more than the notion of a romantic relationship … with me, or anyone else.’

Fyia pondered that. It was sad in a way, but Edu was free to make his own choices.

‘Do you love Adigos?’ Rouel blurted, then looked sheepish. The question was impertinent, and Fyia should rebuke him, but she struggled to get her thoughts straight unless she spoke them aloud, and she trusted Rouel with her life.

‘Do I want to write inappropriate songs about him?’ she joked. Rouel gave her a look, and she smiled. Maybe she should promote him, so they could be true friends … he was so easy to talk to. She considered his real question. ‘I want to rip his clothes off—I can’t tell you how much I want to do that …’

Rouel chuckled. ‘If you’d asked me that about Edu, my answer would have been a resounding yes!’

Fyia laughed wickedly. She’d never had an interest in Edu that way, but could easily understand Rouel’s attraction. Edu was—objectively speaking—a very attractive man.

Fyia sighed. ‘I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have feelings for Adigos … I might even still love him. But my heart didn’t stop when he landed on that boat; it didn’t even falter. All I cared about was winning, and keeping us all alive.’

‘He thinks he can bring you around,’ said Rouel. He pulled back a branch and held it out of her way.

‘I know, despite what I’ve told him … despite what Edu tried to drum into him last night.’

‘Will you make a political marriage?’ Fyia’s wolves growled. ‘Sorry … I’ll stop.’

The wind whipped at Fyia’s disheveled hair, and she pushed the stray wisps back off her face. ‘No one knows what the future will bring,’ she said. ‘If I have to, I’ll make a political match, but it certainly won’t be with the Emperor, and marriage isn’t what I want.’

‘What do you want?’

Fyia stopped and looked at him. ‘I want to make my kingdoms prosperous and peaceful, and to do that, I have to bring back the dragons.’

And I want someone who makes my heart stop. She batted the surprising thought away. No such man existed for her now, and even if they did, she’d sworn to never be so foolish as to give her heart away again.

The boat eventually landed in a clearing by a lake. Edu jumped to the ground as soon as they touched down, striding over to give a full report. Adigos oversaw the tethering of the flying machine, making their captives show him how.

‘We killed most of them,’ said Edu. ‘None of them were warriors. The pilot seems willing to cooperate, along with the three crew members we left alive.’

‘Commander!’ a guard shouted from the boat.

‘What is it?’ said Edu. The urgency in her tone had him running for the flying machine.

‘We found a stowaway.’

A second guard wrestled a writhing, middle-aged woman into view, forcing her over the side, so she landed at Edu’s feet.

The first guard threw Edu a length of rope, and he tied the woman’s hands behind her back, then maneuvered her into a kneeling position, holding her in place.

The woman started laughing, a crazed, frenzied sound that sent a shiver of unease down Fyia’s spine.

‘You’re the Queen of the Five Kingdoms!’ the woman said, between laughs. ‘Look at you! You’re nothing … and you’ll never get the dragons, for we have them.’

Fyia’s pulse raced. She fought to keep her expression neutral. ‘Who exactly is we, and why should I believe a word from your lips?’ The woman seemed deranged …

‘The Emperor has the dragons,’ she said in a singsong voice.

Fyia shuddered. The woman watched Fyia closely with her mismatched eyes, one light green, the other golden, her wild, short grey hair flailing about in the wind.

‘You’re lying,’ said Fyia.

She cackled. ‘He sent me to tell you.’

‘Why would he do that?’

‘He knows you want them … that you search for them … and he has them.’ She gave a slow one-shouldered shrug, tipping her head so her chin met her raised shoulder. Her features contorted into an obscure expression that Fyia took to mean, obviously.

‘What do you mean, them?’ said Fyia.

‘Why, all five, of course.’

‘Impossible,’ said Fyia. ‘If you’d told me he had one, I might have been tempted, but all five? There’s no way.’

‘One hatched just recently,’ said the woman, barking out a laugh as soon as the words left her lips.

‘Show me proof.’

‘The Emperor will be happy to, when you visit him.’

Now Fyia laughed. ‘Gag her, lock her up, and watch her closely.’

The two guards jumped down from the boat, gagged the woman, then manhandled her back onboard.

Fyia exhaled a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding as soon as the woman was out of sight. She was unnatural, her presence … wrong.

‘They can’t have all five,’ said Edu, as though trying to convince himself. ‘How could they?’

‘But they might have one,’ said Adigos. ‘They could be bluffing about the other four, so you stop looking for the eggs and go to the Emperor.’

‘Or maybe they have nothing,’ said Edu, ‘and the Emperor is luring you so he can kill you and claim all five of your kingdoms for himself.’

‘Well, then the Emperor shall be disappointed,’ said Fyia, ‘because there’s no way in all the Seven Hells I’m going to visit him. But I am going to explore my new flying boat.’

They loaded the flying machine, taking everything save for the food and equipment the guards tasked with riding the horses back would need. The rest of them—including two badly injured guards, and Fyia’s wolves—would travel in the sky.

They buried the dead, interrogated the captured crew, meticulously searched the boat for anything nefarious, then took off with a rush of excitement. Fyia had flown plenty with her eagles, but this was new and exhilarating. She laughed as they cleared the forest canopy, then looked out across the horizon at her kingdoms. Her five kingdoms. She still couldn’t quite believe it was true.

The boat was luxurious. No expense had been spared in its making, which, the pilot told them, was because his sister had built it as a gift for the Emperor. She had apparently convinced him to commission an entire fleet to be used as machines of war. If the pilot spoke the truth, Fyia would need many flying machines of her own.

Fyia looked behind them as they floated south, searching for glimpses of the Kingdom of the Black Hoods beyond the Fae’ch Mountains. Her blood hummed when she caught sight of the frozen lands between two peaks, something in her urging her north.

She’d always felt a pull in that direction, but it was stronger now than ever. Was it because she was so close? Or because the Black Hood at the party had done something to her magic? His chocolate eyes flashed in her mind, but she dismissed them. She couldn’t go north. Her kingdoms needed her … needed flying machines. She had no choice but to deliver this one to Essa.

The others could do that, some part of her whispered, causing her wolves to look up in concern. She dropped down next to them on the deck, her back against the railing. They practically sat on her, neither of them thrilled at being in the air. Don’t worry, she thought, petting them. I’m not going anywhere.

Fyia invited the pilot, Opie Baralli, to dine with them. The boat had food to spare, given most of the original passengers were now dead, and they had their own rations also.

The boat had a decent sized galley and lavish dining room that occupied the whole middle section of the first floor below deck. Two of Fyia’s guards cooked, while Fyia instructed the others to rearrange the furniture into one long banquet table, which basked in the light of the setting sun streaming through the portholes.

‘How did you come to be a pilot?’ asked Fyia, tucking into the roasted venison from a deer her wolves had hunted.

‘The inventor of this machine is my sister,’ said Opie, with a shrug. ‘She needs someone stupid enough to test out her creations, and that task usually falls to me.’

‘There are more? Creations, I mean?’

Opie laughed, deep lines creasing the skin around his eyes. ‘She has more creations than I can count.’

‘Like what?’

Opie raised his eyebrows. ‘War machines commissioned by the Emperor, but also other types of flying machines, boats, contraptions to measure the wind and rain, and … I don’t know … many other things.’

Fyia peppered him with questions, warning him that Essa would be at least twice as bad once she got her hands on him. He laughed. ‘Sounds just like my sister,’ he said, sorrow in his eyes.

‘Is she loyal to the Emperor?’ asked Fyia.

‘She’s loyal, in the way of any normal citizen,’ he hedged.

‘Are you?’ She looked him in the eye as he took a moment to consider. He was plain to look at, of medium height and build, with weathered skin and dark hair, but he had a friendly magnetism that pulled Fyia to him.

‘I have no reason to be loyal to the Emperor, other than because he rules my homeland, which I hold dear.’

‘Is he a good leader? A fair one?’ asked Fyia, watching him intently.

‘He’s much like the Kings were here, I should imagine. He demands his taxes, lines his pockets, and whores extensively, if rumors can be believed. He has a close circle, whom he rewards handsomely. He’s certainly clever, from what my sister’s told me. He’s shrewd and relentless, and resolute when he wants something.’

‘Do the people love him?’

‘They don’t hate him,’ said Opie.

Fyia took a sip of her wine. ‘Who’s the woman he sent?’

‘I know not. I was told to fly her here to deliver her message, and nothing more.’

Fyia frowned. ‘Then why did you shoot at us?’

Opie gave her an incredulous look. ‘You shot at us first.’

She had to admit, that was true. ‘How did you know where to find me?’

Opie shrugged. ‘The Emperor told me you’d be in the Fae’ch Mountains … that’s all I know.’

It’s not like they’d kept their journey a complete secret, but it was still surprising the Emperor had found out so fast … unless … had Venir reached his court and sold her out? Had he betrayed her so openly … so soon?

‘What will you do with me?’ asked Opie, the tick of his jaw betraying his otherwise well-hidden unease.

‘I’d like you to speak with Essa, my inventor.’

Opie’s features pinched. ‘The Emperor may kill me for no other reason than because I allowed you to steal his airship. If I tell your inventor anything, I’d be writing my own death sentence.’

‘Then join my court. I can make it worth your while, and your sister is welcome too. I’m building a new kind of kingdom, where anyone can be prosperous, whoever they are.’

‘Forgive me, but I’ve heard rumors not everyone in your kingdom is happy with your methods. Peace seems a long way off, let alone prosperity for all …’

‘That’s true enough,’ said Fyia. ‘Change is hard … even harder for those who stand to lose the unfair advantage they hold dear. It’s impossible to please every one of my people, but it is possible to make the game fairer for all who play. I have that power, and I intend to use it.’

‘Even if it turns your kingdoms against themselves?’

‘It won’t.’

‘It might, without the dragons …’ Opie looked shocked at his words, then fearful. ‘I’m sorry, Your Majesty, I’ve overstepped. I am too used to arguing freely with my sister.’

Fyia waved a hand. ‘If I punish everyone who speaks their truth, my rule would be no better than that of the Kings before me. You’re right, my plan isn’t without risk, but nothing worth doing ever is. Uniting the Five Kingdoms wasn’t without risk either, but now I must make it mean something.

‘I won’t sit back and allow women to be oppressed, or turn a blind eye when market stall holders are taxed out of business. I won’t tolerate corruption and fraudsters, just because it would make my life easier. Of course I’d rather there were dragons, but I’ll damn well rule as I please, regardless.’

‘Even if that means years of unrest for your people?’ he said tentatively, obviously not quite believing her words.

‘There’s already unrest. Just because people aren’t fighting in the streets doesn’t mean a silent war isn’t underway. Only those on the side of justice have no army and much to lose. But now they have an army; my army.’

‘And you have much to lose.’

‘You think I should hoard my titles and wealth? Build a palace and sit on my throne until I die? What’s the point of everything I’ve achieved if I squander it? How would that make me any different from the tyrants I overthrew?’

‘Many would be content to live a peaceful life, surrounded by those who love them,’ said Opie, the entire room raptly focused on their back and forth.

‘Many would. Many are alcoholics, gamblers, liars, and cheats. Should I follow their example too? If peace and quiet were all I craved, I would not be Queen of the Five Kingdoms today.’

Opie regarded her with open astonishment. ‘You are certainly ambitious.’

‘You sound surprised to meet such a woman, yet your sister can’t be lacking in determination of her own?’

Opie laughed. ‘It has nothing to do with your being a woman. The Empire does not discriminate quite like the Five Eastern Kingdoms. I suppose I’m surprised to meet any ruler with ideas like yours, but then, I’ve never known a conqueror, only rulers born to their thrones.’

Fyia waved a hand in the air and hissed. ‘They care more about their bloodlines than their people; it’s drummed into them from birth. They’re like horses.’

‘The same wasn’t drummed into you?’

‘I was no warrior, and because of that—and other factors—my parents would have happily let the reign pass to a distant cousin rather than to me. Happily, in this case at least, they neglected my education.’

Opie shook his head, a look of disgust morphing his features.

Silence fell, and Rouel filled it. ‘A song, Your Majesty?’ he said, with a mischievous smile. ‘For I believe there is one you wanted to hear …?’ Rouel glanced at Edu, grinning broadly.

Edu’s eyes flicked from Fyia to Rouel, a look of horror freezing his face as realization dawned.

Fyia went very still. She pursed her lips and frowned, then firmly shook her head. They had a command structure for a reason, and she would not undermine it.

Rouel shrank back, embarrassment staining his cheeks as he realized he’d overstepped. Perhaps she wouldn’t promote him after all. ‘Something upbeat,’ she said tersely, ‘and never do that again.’

Fyia left the dining room and headed up on deck. She couldn’t get enough of flying, her soul drinking in the stars, the reflection of the moon on the river below, the peace that came with gliding through the air.

The only sounds were the whispering of the wind and the soft whir of the airship’s rotors, turned down low, given the breeze at their backs.

She stood at the chest-height railing in the stern and took deep, nourishing lungsful of air. Her inner eagle urged her to throw herself over, to truly fly, to feel the rush of freefall before pulling up inches from the ground. If only she could.

A door opened on the starboard side of the cabin that sat atop the deck, letting the light and sounds of inside spill out into the night. Down in the dining hall, Rouel was playing a slow, gentle, end of night song.

Adigos appeared through the door. ‘Leave it open a crack,’ she said. ‘I like the music.’

He did as she asked, then came to stand behind her, stopping so close she could feel the warmth of his body, even though they weren’t touching. Her pulse picked up, anticipation coursing through her as she waited to see what he would do next.

He slipped his hand inside her cloak, then ran his fingers up her spine, from the base all the way to the nape of her neck. Her heart skipped a beat as he used his other hand to push her hair to one side, the slide of his fingers causing an eruption of gooseflesh across her skin. The wind on her neck sent a shiver down her spine, then his lips brushed against the exposed skin, and heat replaced the biting cold. He kissed her over and over, up and down her neck, behind her ear, on the corner of her jaw. His hands found her waist, and he caressed her there too.

Desire pooled in her core, and she leaned into him, tipping her head back against his shoulder. He turned her, wrapping her in his cloak, and she pressed herself against him, pushing her hands under his shirt, sliding them to the hard ridges of his back. He swayed them gently in time with the music, and the movement lit a fire in her blood.

‘Adi,’ she breathed, looking up at him. He dipped his head, his lips finding hers, and she sighed at the relief. They hadn’t so much as kissed since the journey to the Fae’ch—Edu had seen to that—and her skin greedily absorbed the contact, demanding more.

The kiss deepened, and their lips parted, his tongue caressing hers. His hands slid over the curve of her behind, and his lips moved to her neck. She dug her fingers into his muscular shoulders, her eyes rolling back in her head at the rush of sensation.

She shivered, his cloak having fallen away, so she took his hand and tugged him inside. He followed without hesitation, and she led him to her luxurious bedchamber that occupied most of the bottom deck, where an enormous sunken bed awaited.

She closed the door behind them and leaned back against its frame, placing a hand on his arm when he tried to kiss her. She looked into his eyes, her free hand on his neck, caressing his skin, drinking in the intimacy. She didn’t want him to go, but she had to tell him … remind him. ‘This is just sex. You know that’s all I can give you,’ she said, quietly. ‘I need to know you accept that. Truly.’

He leaned forward, pressing his forehead to hers. ‘I love you, Fyia, but I know that’s not what you want … what you need from me. Even if this is all I ever get, I want it more than you know.’

Fyia’s chest split with warring emotions. She knew deep in her soul she would never give Adigos what he really wanted. A part of her still loved him, but she could never go back. Maybe that meant she should walk away … spare his feelings … but she wanted things too. She wanted his body to cover hers, to feel the hard contours of his war-trained muscles pressing her down, to relinquish control … if only for a night.

She knew Adigos could be commanding; she’d seen him that way countless times. Most feared and revered him as a warrior, a leader, and he was a grown man, capable of making his own decisions. Who was she to patronize him, and deny them both pleasure? Who was she to second guess his words? To presume she knew his feelings better than he?

He must have sensed the shift in her, or become tired of waiting, because he spun her around, so her chest pressed against the door, and urged her legs apart.

‘I know you want this too,’ he said, sliding a hand around her waist. He pulled up her tunic, then tugged at the laces tying her pants.

Fyia’s heart thundered in her ears. She did want this. In this moment, she wanted nothing more. She wanted him just like this … teasing … demanding … in control.

‘Tell me you want me,’ he said. His fingers played with the sensitive skin below her hip, and he pressed his arousal against the base of her spine.

‘I want you,’ she said, his words fanning the flames of her desire.

He slid his fingers to her core, and she sucked in a breath, his deft movements chasing away any lingering doubts. He growled into her ear, and she bucked against him. He chuckled, then nipped her neck before licking where his teeth had been. She moaned as his fingers made tantalizing circles, then he pulled down her pants and undergarments.

She unfastened her cloak, then spun, lifting her tunic over her head, so she stood before him in only a worn silk brassier.

He reached for her, tugging at the only scrap of clothing she had left, but instead of ridding her of it, he pulled the laces tighter, forcing her breasts higher, plumping them until they threatened to spill free.

He re-tied the laces, then traced the seam of the brassier, where it pressed into her trussed up flesh. She watched him intently as he lowered his lips, sucking her through the fabric, licking a circle around her peaked and sensitive nipple. She gasped and arched her back, offering herself up to him.

He pulled back, watching her with hooded eyes as he yanked down the fabric on one side, so her breast popped out of its binding. He palmed it, rolling the nipple between his thumb and forefinger.

She reached for his hips, but he grasped her arms and pushed them behind her back, holding them with one hand, sliding a finger through her sex with the other. She moaned and tried to rub against him, but he held her in place, then moved his hand back to her breast, kneading it, then sucking her nipple.

‘Adigos,’ she gasped. He moved his mouth to the breast still covered in fabric, worrying it through the silk, still squeezing the other with his free hand.

He released her hands and grabbed her backside, pulling her against him, then lifted her, carrying her to the bed. He lay her on her front, undressed himself, then knelt over her, running a finger down her spine.

He halted when he reached the small, golden scale nestled just above her tailbone. He skirted his thumb back and forth across it, and Fyia growled with impatience, turning her shoulders so she could see his face. This was not where she wanted his fingers.

His expression was one of wonder as he raptly examined the evidence of her fire-touch. ‘Adigos,’ she purred. His eyes met hers, then dipped to where her fingers pulled at the strings fastening her brassier, her breasts still half-contained.

His eyes went dark, and he lunged forward, batting her hand away. ‘No,’ he said, rolling her onto her back. He sat across her thighs, pinning her to the bed, leaning over her. She gave a breathy laugh as he captured her lips, his hand cupping her breast once more.

He covered her with his body, and she spread her legs in welcome, exhaling as he settled his weight and nudged against her core. Fyia thanked the Gods the women of her lands had retained enough magic to make contraceptive spells, showing defiance in the face of the ridiculous rules of the Kings. Not that the Kings had minded. The hypocrites had been happy to whore with no consequence, turning a blind eye to the presence of magic when it suited them …

Adigos’ skin was hot and soft, his muscles hard, sculpted ridges. Fyia explored him with greedy hands as he continued to tease her with his cock, and torment her with his lips.

‘Adigos,’ she moaned, tipping her hips. He chuckled, then pushed inside her. She gasped at the delicious shock of it, hooking her hands around his shoulders and wrapping her legs around his waist.

He moved with a lazy, infuriating rhythm, and she clawed at his skin. ‘Adigos … I need …’

‘I know what you need,’ he breathed into her ear. He moved faster, thrusting harder, and she moaned, pressing her head back and grabbing handfuls of the bedding.

‘Warrior,’ she whispered.

‘You’re right, I am a warrior,’ he said cockily, finally removing her brassier, laying her round breasts bare. He went up on his knees and lifted her hips, a hand wrapped under her back as he pounded into her. She moaned, her hands above her head as his movements pushed her back and forth. He spun her, pulling her up so they were both on their knees, her back to his chest, and he entered her once more.

His hands covered her breasts, kneading them as he moved his hips. She arched, and he growled, dropping a hand to her core. He sucked on her neck, and she lifted a hand to grab his hair, crying out his name as his fingers circled. She bucked, but he held her in place, working her harder. And then it hit, a cry escaping her lips as she convulsed around him.

Adigos huffed out a laugh and pinched her nipple, still pulsing his hips. She gasped as her body clenched harder. His movements became jerky, and he dug his fingers into her hips. ‘Goddess,’ he groaned, then stiffened.

When the pleasure had passed, he lowered her onto the bed. She tucked into his side, and Adigos stroked her back, lulling her to sleep. This was exactly what she’d needed … release at the hands of someone who knew precisely what they were doing. She was glad she’d finally gained some benefit from his extensive practice with the maids.

Chapter Seven

THEY ARRIVED BACK IN Selise the following day. Fyia had summoned an eagle and sent it ahead with a message for the Spider, so the guards wouldn’t shoot the airship down as soon as it came into view. The city walls were packed as they approached, cheers going up when Fyia waved.

They landed on the piazza in front of the council building, Edu and Adigos flanking Fyia as she walked up the steps, making sure the crowd didn’t get too close. They needn’t have worried; the onlookers shied away from her wolves, who snarled in warning.

A ball released from the clock as Fyia approached the top. She watched its journey before stepping through the entrance.

The Spider, Starfall, and Essa awaited in the council chamber. They stood and bowed, saying, ‘Your Majesty,’ as one.

Fyia nodded. ‘Sit,’ she said, taking her own seat. ‘Anything I should know?’

‘Venir confirmed the flying machines are real,’ said Starfall, with a smirk.

‘No,’ said Fyia.

‘Essa’s found a location for your new palace,’ said the Spider.

Fyia looked to Essa, who nodded in confirmation. ‘And I have a layout for your review.’

Fyia smiled. She could always rely on Essa.

Fyia told them of their trip to the Fae’ch, including the attack on the journey there, and the one on the way back.

‘We’ve heard grumblings from a few corners about your changes to the markets and guilds,’ said Starfall. ‘There could be more attacks.’

‘Any word from Sensis?’ said Fyia. She had, after all, insisted on the most radical changes in the Kingdom of Moon, where she’d sent her closest friend …

‘Last we heard, all was going well,’ said the Spider, ‘and Sensis took several squadrons with her. The university and guilds are reluctant to admit women, but they’re not resisting … not overtly, that is.’

‘Good,’ said Fyia.

Silence fell for a moment before Starfall said, ‘What will you do about the dragon eggs?’

Fyia paused, looking her aunt in the eye as she considered her response. ‘Do you believe the Emperor?’ she asked.

Starfall laughed. ‘Not for a tick. He’s a lying ball of slime; there’s no way he has five dragons.’

‘Do you think he has any?’ said Fyia.

‘No,’ said Starfall, resolutely.

Fyia looked to the Spider, who shrugged. ‘The Emperor has seeded rumors he has dragons, but nobody has actually seen them, if they exist.’

‘But do you think he has them?’

The Spider inhaled deeply. ‘If he has—especially if he has five—it’s strange he hasn’t shown them off. He’s an exhibitionist, yet he hides his most prized possessions? And there are no accounts from his staff; no singed curtains or scratched floors, no new area constructed to house them. And the Emperor hardly ever leaves the palace, so if he’s keeping them elsewhere, he never visits.’

‘If he had even a single dragon, he’d have it draped over his arm, present at every dinner and court function,’ Starfall said with complete conviction.

‘So he’s lying,’ said Fyia, sitting back in her chair.

‘Even if he’s not,’ said the Spider, ‘you can’t enter his territory as he’s requested; you’d never make it out alive.’

‘At least not unmarried,’ said Starfall, with a taunting smile.

‘Then I have to go north,’ said Fyia, ‘to the Black Hoods.’

‘Why?’ said Starfall.

‘Because they have a dragon egg,’ said Fyia, sending Starfall a questioning look.

‘Spider,’ Fyia continued, ‘we heard of attacks in the north of the Kraken Empire. Do you think it’s the Black Hoods?’

‘No,’ she said. ‘Venir is convinced the Emperor’s being attacked by his own people. The Emperor wants to dig up the north, and the people there don’t want him to. Venir says the north is rich in mineral deposits, and the Emperor wants to mine them. The people believe the minerals contain magic that protects the world. They keep destroying his mines.’

Fyia laughed. ‘Nice to hear I’m not the only ruler being attacked by my own people.’

Starfall chuckled. ‘Maybe you should marry him; you’ve got things in common.’

Fyia sent Starfall a warning look, which only made her laugh harder.

‘But what about the egg in the south?’ said Starfall. ‘Why not go there?’

Fyia rounded on her aunt. ‘The egg in the south?’

‘Queen Scorpia’s egg,’ said Starfall.

‘What?’ said Fyia.

Starfall turned to the Spider. ‘You didn’t know?’

The Spider pursed her lips and shook her head. Fyia would have smiled if she wasn’t so frustrated. ‘Where exactly is Scorpia’s egg rumored to be?’

‘In the Temple of the Whore,’ said Starfall.

‘The what?’

‘One of the seven temples?’ said Starfall, looking around at the sea of blank faces.

Fyia gritted her teeth. She waved her hand irritably, motioning for Starfall to continue.

‘My Gods, your parents really did teach you nothing. The seven temples of the seven deities?’

Fyia shook her head, suppressing her rage. Did her brother know this stuff? ‘Tell me,’ said Fyia, taking comfort that everyone else in the room seemed as clueless as she.

‘Back when the Five Kingdoms were united under the Dragon King, the people worshiped seven deities: the Gods of the Dragon, Brother, and Whore, and the Goddesses of the Night, Sea, Warrior, and Seven Hells. They built one magnificent temple for each deity, spread across the world. When the dragons disappeared, and the kingdom split into five, those deities fell out of favor for some, while others added more.’

‘Wait, the Warrior’s a woman?’ said Adigos, his forehead furrowed.

‘I’ve often wondered why no one cares about the anatomical inaccuracy of the expression Warrior’s balls,’ said Starfall.

‘But Queen Scorpia’s lands aren’t part of the Five Kingdoms,’ said Fyia. ‘Why is there a temple there?’

Starfall shrugged. ‘Maybe our ancestors had a sense of adventure …’

‘Do you know the location of the other eggs?’ Fyia snapped.

‘No,’ said Starfall.

‘And you didn’t think to mention this before I went to the Fae’ch?’

‘I really thought you knew …’

‘You didn’t think it strange I chose the Fae’ch as my first port of call?’

‘Not really; they’re closest, and your brother’s there. I thought you secretly wanted to see him.’

‘I did want to see him, but …’

‘How is he?’ said Starfall.

Fyia’s eyes darted to Essa, whose back had snapped straight, before returning to Starfall. ‘He’s fine; don’t change the subject.’

‘Well, anyway,’ said Starfall, as if her words were of no consequence … as if they hadn’t spun Fyia off her axis, ‘now you have a lead.’

The way she said it, like it was all trivial … Fyia stood abruptly. ‘We’ll take the airship to the Scorpion Lands,’ she said.

Fyia was halfway to the exit before she remembered her captives. ‘Oh, we came bearing gifts,’ she said, opening the door.

Members of her bodyguard stood waiting outside, guarding Opie, and the deranged woman the Emperor had sent.

Fyia ushered them in. ‘Essa, this is Opie. He’s a pilot. His sister invented the airship. Spider, the woman is for you.’

Fyia took the airship to the Scorpion Lands. She made her wolves stay behind, much to their disgust, but they weren’t suited to the climate, or the airship.

The island housing the Temple of the Whore was a long way south, the weather hot and humid, tropical forest bursting from every speck of free land. Fyia had sent an eagle, so the island would know to expect them, and Queen Scorpia had sent a message back, saying that, in a piece of good fortune, she was currently in residence on the island, and would look forward to meeting The Conqueror Queen.

The Conqueror Queen. Fyia wasn’t sure how she felt about that. She was less conqueror and more liberator in her own mind, but it was better than other names she’d been called …

They flew in, and landed on a crystal-clear lagoon, because apparently the airship could also float on water. Fyia really needed a fleet of these things.

A welcoming party awaited them, most staring open-mouthed at the flying machine. Fyia disembarked, prowling down the gangplank, those waiting on the sand casting nervous looks between her and Edu, who strode menacingly behind. She made the others stay on the boat, Adigos grumbling under his breath as she left.

Fyia wore a long flowing blue dress, her hair braided, pinned up on her head. Starfall had warned her about the weather, so she’d dressed appropriately, but still had her dagger strapped to her leg, just in case.

Fyia approached an ornate, open-sided tent on the sand, rugs and a chair set out underneath the canopy, the chair occupied by a withered old woman.

The woman stood as Fyia entered. She also wore a long, floaty dress, her grey hair also pinned back, but, unlike Fyia, gemstones adorned every inch of her. Gold chains inset with stones clanked around her wrists, neck, and ankles. Her ears and nose were studded with bright gems, and her hair housed a riot of color.

‘Queen Scorpia,’ said Fyia, giving a small bow.

‘Queen Fyia,’ said Scorpia, doing the same. ‘Welcome to the Island of the Whore. Come …’ Scorpia held out her hand, motioning towards a path into the jungle, then took off with surprising agility, considering her advanced years.

They entered the jungle, and after only twenty paces, came to a large clearing covered by a canopy of leaves. Mottled light filtered through the greenery, and in the middle of the space stood a single elephant.

‘I do not have a Cruaxee,’ said Scorpia, ‘but if I did, I am sure it would be the elephant. Sanya and I have been together since we were young. We may be old, but we still function quite well. Will you ride with me to the temple?’

The elephant’s back was bare. ‘I’d be delighted,’ said Fyia, fascinated and excited. She could see Edu tense out of the corner of her eye, but Fyia was sure it was safe.

They approached the great grey beast, and the elephant stroked Scorpia’s back with her trunk. ‘This is my friend, Fyia,’ said Scorpia, as though the animal could understand her words. The elephant—Sanya—reached out with her trunk, and Fyia laughed as she ruffled her hair.

‘Pleased to meet you too,’ said Fyia.

The elephant dropped onto one knee, and Scorpia scaled her leg, climbing lithely up onto Sanya’s back. ‘Coming?’

Fyia didn’t have to be asked twice, and followed Scorpia with lithe movements of her own. The elephant stood, lurching them forward and back, but Fyia balanced easily, used to riding with no saddle. She heard a laugh, a delighted, child-like sound, then realized it had come from her own lips.

‘She’s quite something, eh?’ said Scorpia, somehow directing the elephant towards a path deeper into the jungle.

‘She certainly is,’ said Fyia, staring in wonder.

‘Just watch out for snakes,’ said Scorpia, ‘and pretty much anything else that moves; it’ll all kill you.’

‘How reassuring,’ said Fyia, although she couldn’t find the will to care, entranced by both the elephant and her surroundings.

They passed trees with incredible, blooming flowers, brightly colored birds making all manner of strange noises, and then a tiger strode across the path in front of them, pausing, staring with eyes of liquid gold.

‘Beautiful, isn’t she?’ said Scorpia, the elephant not seeming to notice the cat.

‘She is,’ said Fyia. She’d only ever seen tigers in paintings, and they’d failed absolutely to capture this majestic animal’s brutal beauty.

Fyia reached out with her Cruaxee bond. The tiger snarled, but Fyia felt intrigue alongside the cat’s wariness, even if there was no synchronicity between them … tigers, alas, were not a part of her Cruaxee. It wasn’t surprising. That she had a Cruaxee at all was remarkable. Having two animals was virtually unheard of, even throughout history. Three would have been downright greedy. The tiger moved on, melting into the jungle.

The land tilted upwards as they continued, and they climbed beside a tall waterfall, the water misting the air as it hit the plunge pool at the bottom.

They kept ascending until a stone building suddenly popped out of the trees, and they came to a halt by a pair of stone pillars that marked the entrance.

The jungle had claimed the temple, vines running up the pillars, branches reaching over, casting it in shade, plants poking out from cracks in the steps and walls. The temple had a tranquil beauty that took Fyia’s breath away, despite the ruin—or maybe because of it—and the feel of the place was overwhelmingly calm.

‘I can see why you like it here,’ said Fyia, as she and Scorpia dismounted.

‘You ain’t seen nothing yet, girl,’ said Scorpia, with a wicked smile.

Scorpia took off up the steps, once again leaving Fyia with no choice but to follow. They entered an atrium with a large bathing pool in the center, people sitting in the water, chatting, playing board games, lying back and floating. Dappled light illuminated everything, from the day beds to one side, to the pool, to the walkway that led deeper into the temple.

Unlike the temple where Starfall had lived, nothing about this place was sexual. Men and women both shared the water, some even giving each other massages, but it wasn’t charged, it was … plutonic, companionable.

‘I thought this was the Temple of the Whore?’ said Fyia, quietly.

‘It is,’ said Scorpia. ‘It’s full to the brim with recovering sex workers. You thought it would be like the Temple of the Night?’

‘The Temple of the … The Temple of the Goddess, you mean?’

‘Is that what your people call it these days?’ she said with a scoff. ‘It’s the Temple of the Night Goddess, and always has been, as surely as this place is the Temple of the Whoring God.’

Fyia was going to have words with her aunt. Starfall had failed to divulge the temple she’d called home was one of the original seven. ‘You’re right, it’s not what I expected.’

‘Come,’ said Scorpia, leading her past the pool, into the temple’s depths.

Scorpia led Fyia into the very center of the temple, to where an enormous tree grew from the middle of a circular space. It punched through a perfectly round hole in the roof, its large canopy shading the room below. Vines had crept in, wrapping the pillars that circled the tree, each pillar itself encircled by a small channel of water.

‘You have a clock?’ said Fyia. She approached the small, almost hidden mechanism set into a pillar. She watched as a ball zigzagged down the tiny runners, then plopped into the water.

‘Of course,’ said Scorpia, giving Fyia an odd look.

‘Only one?’

‘We’re at the end of the world. One was all we needed.’

Fyia raised an eyebrow, not sure what she meant. She walked the perimeter, running her hand across the pillars, their carvings mostly hidden by vines. ‘What is this place?’ said Fyia.

‘It’s a place of healing and protection,’ said Scorpia. ‘Healing for those who need it, and protection for …’

‘… the dragon egg?’ said Fyia.

‘No,’ said Scorpia. ‘The clock.’

Fyia stopped in her tracks. ‘Why would the clock need protecting?’

‘My dear girl, this is a kingdom built on clockwork. If the clocks fall, we’re all doomed. What could be more important?’

Fyia shook her head in confusion. ‘I don’t understand …’

Scorpia frowned. ‘What do they teach you in those lands of yours?’

‘That trade is important and magic is bad, if I had to summarize.’

Scorpia barked out a laugh. ‘What of history?’

‘What of it? The Five Kingdoms were once united under the Dragon King. He went mad, or became an alcoholic, depending upon which reports you believe, and the dragons died out. The kingdoms were split between five greedy Kings, but the dragons left five eggs. The eggs will hatch when a worthy ruler reunites the kingdoms.

‘The descendants of the Kings, who’d always been wary of those with magic, took advantage of their diminishing power, and ousted the magical from their lands. As time went on, magic waned further, and our lands began to cool. The end.’

‘What of the clocks?’

‘What of them? They’re an amazing feat of engineering, demonstrating our prowess to the world … I have to say, I’m surprised you have one here.’

‘Why?’

‘I thought they were only in the lands of the Dragon King. It surprised me to see one at the Fae’ch Mountains too, but I assumed it was because the Fae’ch helped set up the magic when the clocks were built.’

Scorpia’s face morphed into something between incredulity and humor.

‘What?’ said Fyia, feeling as though a stone dropped through her stomach.

‘I thought it was strange you didn’t bring gifts.’

Fyia gave her a blank look. ‘I brought gifts …’

‘Not big ones.’

‘Scorpia, what are you talking about?’

‘I assumed you were here to ask for an alliance, to unite our kingdoms.’

‘Why would I do that?’

‘Because the Dragon King’s kingdom was significantly bigger than the five kingdoms you have conquered so far.’

Everything inside Fyia dropped towards the floor. ‘What do you mean?’

‘My lands, your lands, the Fae’ch Mountains, the Kingdom of the Black Hoods, and the Great Glacier … they were all the domain of the Dragon King.’

Scorpia’s words landed like a hammer blow, and rushing filled Fyia’s ears. ‘If what you say is true, how is it possible my people think otherwise?’

‘Five selfish, greedy, egotistical Kings divided up your kingdoms between them. All they cared about was trade, riches, and proclaiming their excellence to the world. They wanted their own people to believe their five kingdoms were all that mattered, that they were all that mattered. Their descendants were no different.

‘And the Emperor’s ancestors were a tribal people, too busy killing each other to care about much else. They knew little of the Dragon King, other than to fear him. The Black Hoods and the Fae’ch shut themselves off, and I doubt anyone still lives on the Great Glacier. My own ancestors couldn’t see much point in falling out with our neighbors, so stayed out of their domestic affairs. I must admit, until now, I didn’t realize how bad the lies were.’

Fyia felt sick. Everything she’d ever known was a lie, and there could be no hope of the dragons hatching now. She hadn’t, in fact, united the Five Kingdoms. She hadn’t even come close. She sat heavily on a stone bench and covered her face with her hands, staring at the insides of her eyelids for several long moments. Endless thoughts rushed through her mind, endless emotions: anger, intrigue, embarrassment, dread.

Fyia looked up. ‘So you thought I’d come to unite our kingdoms, because unless I do, the dragons will not return …?’

Scorpia shrugged, a hint of compassion breaking through her regal exterior.

‘And you weren’t against the idea?’ Fyia asked. Despite everything, she could smell opportunity.

‘Ha!’ said Scorpia, clapping her hands. ‘I wasn’t against it, but I’m not for it either, especially given how little you know.’

Fyia supposed that was fair. ‘Why are we all doomed if the clocks fall?

‘When the clocks doth strike thirteen, the dragons shall return. But if the clocks do fall before, then fire will reign supreme.’

‘Do you believe that?’ said Fyia. ‘That if the clocks fall, our world will burn?’

‘Yes, I do believe it,’ said Scorpia.

Fyia stood and approached the tree, trying to process the barrage of thoughts hammering her brain. Had her parents known about the five true kingdoms? Had her brother? That thought made her nauseous. She trusted him. They’d worked together when he’d given up the throne …

Her people would hound her to marry if they found out the truth, even more than they already did. They’d think her weak, naïve, and certainly they’d consider the dragons lost to time, never to return. For if she proclaimed she could reunite the five true kingdoms, they’d think her mad. Even so, she knew she could. Maybe that meant Scorpia’s revelation had already tipped her into insanity …

But the Fae’ch egg was missing … that couldn’t mean nothing. She turned towards Scorpia, surprised to see the old woman rushing towards her. It looked as though Scorpia were calling her name, telling her something, but Fyia couldn’t hear her words.

Fyia’s fingers brushed against the tree’s bark … for some reason, she needed to feel the rough surface before stepping away …

The moment her fingers made contact, she was jolted backwards, upwards, hurtling into the sky. She came to an abrupt halt when she reached the tree’s canopy. She didn’t dare look down—or move at all—lest she fall. There was nothing below but stone, and falling would mean death.

Whatever force held her in place—magic, presumably—moved her upwards once more, tilting her so she faced the ground. But she couldn’t see the ground. She could see tree, and, as the magic lifted her higher and higher still, the top of the temple, which, to her amazement, was entirely clear of vegetation. And … Gods … was that a map?

Fyia forgot she floated a hundred paces in the air. Forgot that if the magic let her fall, she would die, and greedily drank in the details painted in astonishing detail on the temple’s roof. The tree occupied the space where the Kraken Sea should be, the Dragon King’s Five Kingdoms outlined around it. The details were sparse, the map showing only seven circles, and a mass of lines—perhaps the waterways—connecting everything together.

Five circular gems the color of fire were set into the roof, each of them inside a circle, except for one, which sat atop the Fae’ch mountains. The circles, Fyia assumed, depicted temples, the gems dragon eggs … they had to be.

One was here, at the Temple of the Whore, one in the Fae’ch Mountains, one in the Black Hoods’ lands, one on the Great Glacier, and one … what in the Seven Hells …? One at the Temple of the Sea Serpent in her own lands. That couldn’t be …

Something lurched in Fyia’s chest, and whatever had supported her disappeared. She hurtled towards the ground, narrowly missing branches and the temple’s roof as she dropped through the hole. She grabbed at the tree, trying desperately to slow her descent, but when she touched the bark, the world went black. Only the sensation of falling remained, down, down, down.

It got hotter as she fell, an orange glow reaching up towards her. It became unbearably hot, Fyia’s nerves screaming at her to run. But she couldn’t run, she could only fall.

Just when she thought the heat would set her on fire, something yanked her backwards, her head and limbs snapping forwards with such force her joints hurt and her brain smashed against the inside of her skull. It pulled her back to the circular room, and she fell to the floor of the temple, landing beside Scorpia’s unconscious body.

‘Scorpia!’ said Fyia, forcing herself to move, despite the protests of her scorched flesh and battered limbs. ‘Scorpia, are you okay?’ Fyia took hold of her shoulders and gently shook, then lowered her ear to the old woman’s lips. She took Scorpia’s wrist, feeling for the pump of her blood. She was alive—thank the Gods—and suddenly came around, shoving Fyia back with strength she shouldn’t possess.

‘What were you thinking?’ said Scorpia, rolling to her feet.

‘I … what do you mean?’

‘I told you not to touch the tree!’

‘I didn’t hear you …’

‘You didn’t hear me screaming from across the room?’

‘I … no.’

‘Whoring magic,’ said Scorpia.

‘What happened when I fell?’

‘You grabbed the tree—like an idiot—and it pulled you inside.’

‘It got hot …’

‘Fire will reign supreme, remember?’

‘You mean there’s fire under our feet? Like, right now?’

Scorpia muttered an impressive string of expletives.

‘Is the dragon egg down there too?’

‘What does it matter? You haven’t yet united the Five Kingdoms, and you never will with this reckless stupidity.’

‘The Fae’ch egg is missing.’

‘Ours is warded.’

‘So was theirs.’

‘Damned Seven Hells. This is my retreat from the stressful realities of running a kingdom …’

Fyia let Scorpia rant, waiting for silence before she met her gaze. Scorpia had had hopes for this meeting that Fyia had obviously not met, but the fact she’d had hopes at all gave Fyia strength. ‘Are you going to show me the egg?’

‘How could I not, after that revelation?’

Scorpia’s façade of annoyance was a thin one. She wanted to see the egg as much as Fyia did, but … why? Was it merely because she was old and wanted to satisfy her curiosity? Or did she believe in Fyia … that she was the one of legend?

‘Stand behind me, and whatever you do, do not touch the tree.’

Scorpia led Fyia from pillar to pillar, rummaging in the vines, twisting a hidden cog here, pressing a piece of carving there. Once they’d made a full circuit of the room, Scorpia stamped on the ground, and a deep humming filled the air.

‘What is that?’ said Fyia.

‘Sush, and don’t move.’

Fyia watched in amazement as the ring of ground directly in front of the pillars began to spin, the floor twisting open to reveal a gaping hole that extended at least a hundred paces down, to where an orange glow emanated from the blackness. A stone walkway was all that remained of the floor, stretching from where Fyia and Scorpia stood, across the void to the tree.

Fyia looked down, feeling the heat from below. ‘How is a hole like this possible? We’re at sea level …’

‘Magic,’ said Scorpia, before setting off across the walkway. She didn’t bother to look down, as though there weren’t a death drop on either side. ‘Come along.’

Fyia followed, her steps filled with caution, her heart thundering as she tried not to consider the imminent threat of death.

Scorpia reached the tree and held up her hands. ‘If you touch the tree again, I won’t be able to save you.’

‘You pulled me back before?’

‘Why else do you think I passed out?’ Scorpia gave Fyia a scathing look, then turned her attention to the tree. She hovered her hands over the bark and closed her eyes, muttering words Fyia couldn’t quite make out.

A creaking noise filled the air, and Fyia shuddered, hoping the walkway would hold. A whoosh of energy pushed her back a step as the creaking turned to a thunderous cracking sound, and fear careened around Fyia’s insides. She hoped whatever came next wouldn’t push her over the edge, but before she had time to consider a tactical retreat, the sounds ceased, and the room became eerily quiet, unnaturally still.

Fyia started in surprise at the great fissure in the tree’s trunk. She could see daylight through the middle, and, hovering, suspended in the space inside, was a small, round metal ball.

‘Warrior’s tits,’ said Scorpia, snatching up the ball. ‘What the Gods-damned hell is this?’

Fyia gaped. It was an exact match for the ball Essa had given her. The one she’d given to her brother. Her mouth went dry and her brain went blank. They’d lied to her … tricked her … betrayed her.

‘Well?’ snapped Scorpia, as though Fyia should know something of note.

‘That’s where the dragon egg is supposed to be?’ said Fyia.

Scorpia scowled, and waved a hand across the space in front of the tree. The cracking noise filled the air once more. ‘I’d get a move on, if I were you,’ said Scorpia. ‘The walkway is about to collapse.’

Adrenaline shot into Fyia’s blood, wrenching her back from her thoughts. She spun and sprinted back to the safety of the pillars. Scorpia was right behind her, although it took another spin of the hand for the tree to close fully, and only then did the section of stone nearest the tree fall away. The rest of the walkway followed, falling into the depths.

Fyia peered over, trying to see how far it fell, but the floor made a scraping noise and abruptly snapped shut.

‘Damn,’ said Scorpia. ‘How could this have happened?’

‘Who else knows how to access the egg?’ asked Fyia.

‘It’s hard to say. My parents sent me here to learn when I was young. Back then, an order of sorts existed to protect it. To my knowledge, no one has opened the floor in my lifetime, but I suppose anyone could have … we don’t guard the place.’

‘Did they show you how to reset the wards?’ asked Fyia, her voice full of wonder.

Scorpia laughed. ‘My dear, I have only the barest lick of magic, same as most people. They taught me how to open the wards, no more. They reset themselves after each opening. Those with the skill and knowledge to wield such impressive magic are scarce indeed.’

‘Did your ancestors banish those with magic too?’

‘No. We would never have done anything so stupid, but few of the magical folk ever wanted to live in our lands. I don’t know why … maybe it’s too hot for them here.

‘When the Five Eastern Kingdoms outlawed magic, those remaining couldn’t risk being so far from the rest of their kind, especially given your kingdoms sit between the Scorpion lands and the Fae’ch Mountains. A handful of them stayed, a few here in the temple, a couple in the capital. They’re all dead now.’

‘Can I see the ball?’ asked Fyia. Scorpia didn’t hesitate. She put it in Fyia’s hand, and Fyia studied it from every angle, rolling it around her palm. ‘Have you seen one of these before?’

Scorpia shook her head. ‘It’s reminiscent of the balls from the clock, of course, but never this size, and … it’s a strange color.’

It was a strange color: gold, but not yellow-ish, maybe with a hint of pink, and with shimmering streaks of metallic blue and green as it caught the light. It was perfectly smooth, and round, and weighty. In other words, identical to the one Essa had given her.

‘You’ve seen one before?’ asked Scorpia, watching Fyia closely.

Fyia considered lying, but the tension in the air told her Scorpia already suspected, and she needed Scorpia onside if she were to reunite the real Five Kingdoms. The thought depressed her … she’d momentarily forgotten about that little fly in her ointment … ‘Yes, I have. My friend gave me one, and asked that I take it to my brother. She’s an inventor—always coming up with strange new objects—so I thought little of it, and her relationship with my brother is … complicated. I thought it best not to dig too deeply.’

‘Where could she have got it from?’

‘I don’t …’ But she did know. The map on the temple’s roof had shown the locations of all five eggs. There was no way Essa had been to the north, but she could have visited the Kingdom of Sea Serpents while Fyia was at war.

‘What is it?’ said Scorpia, impatiently.

‘Did you know there’s a map on the roof?’

Scorpia went still, raptly interested in Fyia’s revelation. ‘Of what?’

‘Of the known world. I think it depicts the seven original temples, and five gemstones are set into the roof too.’

‘You think they represent the dragon eggs?’

‘It would make sense, don’t you think? There was a gem set into the Fae’ch mountains, and one here, and one in the Kingdom of the Black Hoods.’

‘Where were the other two?’

‘One was on the Great Glacier, the other in the Kingdom of Sea Serpents.’

‘In your own kingdom?’ Scorpia said distrustfully.

Fyia nodded. ‘I had no idea.’

‘Ha! You expect me to believe that?’

‘You can believe what you want, but it’s the truth.’ Fyia already felt stupid enough, and had little desire to be lectured by a foreign Queen.

‘And you think your friend—Essa—took the ball from the temple there?’

‘It’s only a theory.’

‘Did you find a ball in place of the egg at the Fae’ch Mountains?’

‘No,’ said Fyia. She shook her head, then added, ‘But I wasn’t close. It’s possible Axus made it disappear before I could see, but that’s tenuous at best. I must return to my lands and speak with Essa.’

Fyia left the temple and found Edu waiting outside, pacing back and forth.

‘Thank the Gods,’ he said. ‘I had a bad feeling … what’s wrong? Are those burns?’ His eyes settled on the bare, red skin of her arms.

‘We’re leaving. I’ll explain on the way.’

‘Are we in danger?’ he asked, having to stride out to keep up with Fyia’s brisk pace.

‘No.’

Try as he might, Fyia refused to give him further details as they hurried the short distance back to the airship. They boarded, and Fyia barked orders, instructing Opie to get them in the air as quickly as possible … to set a course for the Temple of the Sea Serpent.

‘What the Gods happened?’ Adigos asked when they were underway, surprised they had returned so soon.

Fyia led Adigos and Edu to the dining hall, where she made herself a sweet cup of tea. She told them all that had happened, including why they were heading for Sea Serpent.

‘Is Scorpia not angry your visit was so brief?’ asked Edu. He rummaged around in a drawer, then pulled out a glass jar filled with ointment.

Fyia smirked. ‘Scorpia practically ran me out of the temple. She said I was welcome to stay for the usual pomp and ceremony, but if she were me, she’d already be in the air.’

‘She sounds like a riot,’ said Adigos.

‘That she is,’ said Fyia.

‘She has a pet elephant …’ said Edu. He handed Fyia the healing balm, and she began smearing the foul-smelling stuff on her blistering flesh.

‘I knew I should have snuck ashore,’ said Rouel, carrying a tray of clay mugs out of the galley. ‘A song about Queen Scorpia and her elephant … now that would be a hit.’

‘You can still write it,’ said Fyia.

‘Not with the same authority,’ said Rouel, with a flounce.

‘You’ll see her when we return,’ said Fyia.

‘When we return?’ said Edu.

‘To unite our kingdoms,’ said Fyia with a grin, her chest swelling with the possibility of it all.

‘When we what?’ said Adigos. ‘You can’t seriously …’

‘I can seriously, and Scorpia isn’t against the idea, or so she said as she pushed me out of the temple. Although obviously there are a great number of things to agree.’

‘That’s an understatement,’ said Adigos.

‘What will you do about Essa?’ said Edu.

‘Go to the temple, find out if it’s true, and then speak with her. Maybe there’s an explanation besides treachery …’ Her insides roiled as she said the word. If she couldn’t trust Essa, or her brother, then was there anyone at all she could?

Adigos stroked Fyia’s arm as they lay in bed. She barely noticed, endless questions racing through her mind.

His hand paused. ‘What is it?’ he said. ‘What preoccupies you most?’

She lifted her head from his chest, turning to look up at him, hair falling about her shoulders. ‘All of it: Essa, my brother, the balls, the missing eggs. Who took them? What do they want to achieve? And now I must unite another five kingdoms … just … all of it.’

‘You can’t be serious …’

‘About which …’

‘… you haven’t had enough of war?’

Fyia didn’t appreciate his tone. She gave him a warning look, but he pressed on regardless.

‘Can’t you be content with what you have? You already have five kingdoms, people who love you, enough work to keep you busy for ten lifetimes …’

‘Essa and Veau betrayed me.’

‘They didn’t.’

She sat up straighter, wincing as she pressed too hard on her healing flesh. ‘How can you know that?’

‘I know your brother, and he would never do that to anyone, let alone you.’

That’s what Fyia had thought too, but … ‘What if the Fae’ch have changed him? What if they’ve turned him against me?’

‘This is what I mean,’ said Adigos, running his fingers into her hair, cupping her nape. ‘You’re driving yourself mad … becoming paranoid. You could choose to be happy, to live contentedly for the rest of your days with what you already have. Start a family …’

She pulled his hand from her neck. ‘With you, you mean?’

He turned away. ‘Don’t do that.’ He rolled out of bed and paced to the window, looking out at the black sky. ‘The legend could be nothing more than a dream … something made up by a bard, embellished over the years. Maybe there never were any dragon eggs, only some useless metal balls … a wild goose chase … a joke.’

‘It’s real.’

He rounded to face her. ‘How can you know that?’

‘I just do.’

‘How?’ He paused, waiting for her reply, but she said nothing. ‘If you want us to come with you on another conquest, then at least tell us why?’

‘Us?’

He closed his eyes. ‘Me. Tell me why … please …’

‘Just sex, Adigos; that’s all this is. You should go.’

He shook his head, but headed for the door without protest.

She would unite the Five Kingdoms, and she’d be damned if she explained herself to anyone.

Chapter Eight

FYIA STRODE INTO THE Temple of the Sea Serpent, the fabric of her flimsy tunic billowing out behind her, buffeted by the crisp sea breeze. The others waited outside, only women allowed inside these walls.

Priestesses rushed to her side, half bowing as they hurried to keep up. ‘Your Majesty,’ said a priestess, ‘this is a most welcome surprise. May we show you to the High Priestess? She’d be delighted to offer refreshments in her rooms.’

‘No, thank you. Have her meet me in there.’ Fyia pointed to one of several tunnels on the other side of the open expanse of temple floor. The opening was carved in the shape of a sea serpent’s mouth, stone teeth jutting menacingly into the tunnel.

‘Your Majesty, we mean no disrespect, but only the High Priestess may go into the mouth of the sea serpent.’

Fyia was undeterred, keeping up her brisk pace. She took a deep breath, steeling herself before stepping carefully between the serpent’s teeth into the blackness beyond.

She let her eyes adjust, and gooseflesh fired across her skin. Making an enemy of the priestesses wasn’t a smart move, but it was too late to think about that now.

She started moving again, inching her way along the dark corridor towards the barest chink of light at the far end. The floor was so uneven, she almost fell twice, but she eventually reached the light.

Her relief turned to dread at what she beheld. The tunnel spilled out onto a circular platform, open to the elements, a sheer drop to the sea on the far side. The platform had a hole in the middle of the floor, and steam poured through, the ferocious wind sucking it out to sea.

Fyia took a step back, scared the wind might knock her off, sending her to her death on the rocks below.

‘Terrifying, isn’t it?’ said a soft female voice from behind her.

Fyia whirled around to find a tall, dark woman with mismatched eyes—one brown, one green—watching her.

‘It is,’ said Fyia, honestly. ‘You’re the High Priestess?’

‘I am, Your Majesty,’ the woman said with a bow.

‘You know why I’m here?’

‘Because of the ball?’

‘There was no egg?’

The High Priestess gave a short laugh. ‘There was never an egg. A dragon clock used to sit in that hole in the ground. It was damaged by storm after storm, until eventually it fell into the heat below. That happened years ago, before my time. The High Priestess found a small metal ball lying next to the hole. She hid it, and passed it to me before she died.’

‘Why did she hide it from the King?’

The priestess scoffed. ‘The Kings have never been friends of ours.’

‘Did she know what it was?’

‘No.’

‘Did she try to find out?’

‘If she did, she never told me.’

‘Did you?’

The priestess laughed, the sound a light tinkle that seemed to blend with the wind. ‘Where would I look? And anyway, we’re more concerned with replacing the clock and closing the hole. It took years just to find a female engineer qualified to survey the damage.’

‘Essa.’

The priestess nodded. ‘I showed her the hole and the ball. She took the ball, then left. I haven’t seen or heard from her since, and every day the smoke worsens. Will you help us close it, Your Majesty?’

‘You can’t use your magic?’

The priestess laughed. ‘Much as we appreciate your making magic legal once more, ours has withered and all-but died. I’m scared even to try. Small healing magics and the like are all we can manage.’ The priestess took Fyia’s hand, then muttered a few words Fyia couldn’t make out. The burns on her skin disappeared, her aches vanishing.

‘Thank you,’ said Fyia. She flexed her fingers, examining the healed skin, barely able to believe it.

The priestess staggered back against the wall. ‘You see?’ she said, breathing hard. ‘Even that small working has left me frail and feeble.’

‘I’m sorry,’ said Fyia. ‘I wish there was more I could do. I’ll speak with Essa, certainly, but … what’s down there?’

The priestess held Fyia’s gaze for a beat. ‘Fire of the Seven Hells, Your Majesty.’

Fyia sat back in her chair, glad to be reunited with her wolves, whose familiar weight pressed against her legs. Her Small Council stretched out along the table before her—all except Lord Eratus Venir, who was still across the Kraken Sea.

‘Starfall,’ said Fyia, ‘if you’d be so kind.’

Starfall raised an eyebrow. ‘Everything’s going about as well as can be expected,’ she said, with her characteristic nonchalance. ‘The market owners delayed until the last tick, but they complied with your new laws. They’re enforcing fair pay … for now, at least.’

Fyia looked to Lady Nara for confirmation. Nara inclined her head.

‘What of accessibility?’ said Fyia.

‘Lord Fredrik and I have implemented a new system to allocate market stalls,’ said Nara. ‘It’s still not perfect, but it’s better than before.’

‘Good,’ said Fyia. She was pleased to see they’d made progress, despite the reluctance of many influential loud mouths.

‘The Spider and Essa have appointed a new university chancellor, as well as new leaders of the guilds,’ said Starfall.

‘Any backlash?’ asked Fyia.

‘Of course,’ said the Spider, ‘and we’ll see more.’

‘Such as?’

‘Protests, barricades to prevent women from entering buildings, there’s even been an assassination attempt on the new chancellor.’

‘Who’s behind it?’ said Fyia.

‘Too many to name, although I’m keeping a close watch on Lord Antice, and Sensis has deployed troops on the ground.’

‘It’s true,’ said Sensis, ‘which has slowed progress on training at the military academy.’

‘Are they resisting too?’ said Fyia.

‘Some did,’ said Sensis, ‘but most of the ringleaders left of their own accord. Unfortunately, they’ve joined the troublemakers. We’re making progress; those who stayed want to learn. Our tactics bested theirs, after all. We’ve also recruited three new intakes, many of whom are women.’

‘Good,’ said Fyia. ‘What do you suggest we do about the troublemakers?’

‘Stay the course,’ said Sensis. ‘The protests will run out of steam eventually … assuming they don’t get a big win before that happens.’

‘You’ve put security on all the new leaders?’ said Fyia.

‘Of course,’ said Sensis.

‘What about the woman we captured from the airship?’ asked Fyia. ‘Has she revealed anything?’

‘No,’ said the Spider and Starfall together.

‘We’ve tried everything we can think of,’ said the Spider, ‘but she’s refusing to answer a single question.’

‘She cackles and babbles and tears out chunks of her hair,’ said Starfall. ‘We tried hypnosis, light and art therapy, aromatic scents, coercion … we tried it all, and none of it worked.’

The doors at the back of the chamber clunked and whirled as they swung inwards, and Lord Venir—uncharacteristically disheveled—stood in the doorway. Fyia covered her surprise as he strode to the table, then bowed low, no sign of his previous pretense of being hampered by age.

‘Your Majesty,’ he said, without his usual sneer. ‘I came as fast as I could, bearing bad news. The Emperor has taken your silence as a snub. He believes you question his word …’

‘You’ve seen the dragons?’ said Fyia.

‘No. No one has. The Emperor is on the warpath. He’s sending troops.’

‘When?’

‘A few days at most. I came as soon as I heard. They have a fleet of airships … it won’t be long.’

‘Where will they attack?’

‘I didn’t have time to find out.’

‘Get Essa,’ said Fyia.

‘She’s outside,’ said the Spider, already halfway to the doors.

‘Essa,’ said Fyia, as she appeared with the Spider, ‘the Emperor is sending airships to attack; we must prepare our defenses. Sensis, where should we focus our efforts?’

‘Depends what he wants,’ said Sensis. ‘Venir, any ideas?’

‘He wants the Queen; he’s obsessed with her.’

‘Then he’ll come here,’ said Sensis, ‘assuming he knows that’s where you are.’

‘Why?’ said Fyia, looking at Venir. ‘Why does he want me?’

‘Because you’re the most powerful woman in all the world, and he can’t have you.’

‘My parents aren’t behind this?’ said Fyia.

‘Doubtful,’ said Venir. ‘The Emperor’s court does not hold your parents in high regard, despite what they tell people.’

A deafening boom filled the room, coming from outside, shaking the glass in the windows, and then the air went still. They hesitated for barely a tick of the clock before springing into action. Fyia jumped to her feet, Edu and Adigos flanking her as she ran for the door, nearing it by the time the second boom sounded.

‘Impossible,’ said Venir, ‘they can’t be here already.’

‘Protect the Queen!’ shouted Sensis, as they ran into the corridor.

‘Sensis!’ Essa shouted over another great boom. ‘Protect the clock!’

‘What?’ said Sensis, rounding on Essa. Sensis looked to Fyia, who’d also stopped in her tracks.

‘There’s no time to explain now, but we have to protect the clock,’ said Essa.

She had no time to think, only to act. ‘Do it,’ said Fyia.

Essa disappeared as a guard sprinted down the corridor towards them. ‘Report,’ said Sensis.

‘Bombs going off all over the city,’ he said.

‘Any airships?’ asked Sensis.

‘No.’

‘Soldiers?’

‘None so far.’

‘We have to get you out of here,’ Edu said to Fyia, his tone brooking no argument.

‘We’ll search the rest of the building,’ said Sensis.

‘Use my wolves,’ said Fyia, the larger of the two running after Essa. ‘If there’s a bomb, they’ll find it.’

Edu took Fyia by the arm and dragged her down the corridor. The Spider, Starfall, and other members of the council hurried behind them, escorted by Fyia’s guards.

Edu reached the end of a seemingly dead-end corridor and twisted a wall sconce. A section of wall slid aside, revealing a dark corridor beyond. Edu quickly lit the waiting torches, then led them inside.

They all but ran through the tunnels, Adigos scouting ahead, while Edu stayed glued to Fyia’s side. They made four or five turns, Fyia losing track of how many and which way, then hurried down two long flights of stairs. The air became damp and cold as they descended, sludge adorning the walls.

They reached a barred gate, and Fyia worried they were trapped, but Edu pulled out a flat circular disk with grooves and divots carved into its surface. He pushed it against the wall and twisted, and a clunking filled the air, the gate rising to allow them through. Edu pressed the disk against the wall on the other side, and the gate rattled closed behind them.

The tunnel here was dank and musty, a canal taking up most of the space. Fyia knew underground waterways ran across the city, but she’d never been down to see them. Rats scurried out of their way as they headed towards the light at the end of the tunnel, but, much to Fyia’s disappointment, they didn’t go out into the sunlight. Instead, Edu pressed another disk into the wall fifty paces from the tunnel’s end.

The wall pivoted inwards, another dark and uninviting tunnel appearing beyond. Adigos led them, hurrying through the twists and turns until they reached a split.

‘You,’ Edu said to Fyia’s bodyguards and council members, ‘that way.’ He pointed to the righthand path.

Fyia didn’t hear the rest of his words, as the Spider was already ushering her, Starfall, and Adigos down the left fork. The smaller group moved even faster than before, and Fyia marveled at the speed the Spider’s aged legs could travel.

After more twists and turns, the tunnel ended abruptly at a dead end. The Spider motioned for silence, then slid a panel in the wall aside, looking through the spy hole she’d revealed. ‘Clear,’ she said, pulling out a metal disk and twisting it against a stone. The wall slid silently open, and they all stepped through into a large and well-appointed kitchen.

‘Where are we?’ said Fyia.

‘Safehouse,’ said the Spider. ‘One of many linked from the council building.’

‘I sent the others to a different one,’ said Edu, who’d caught up with them. The wall—wood paneled this side—slid closed behind him.

‘How did you know about the tunnels?’ Fyia asked Edu.

‘The Spider briefed Adigos and I when we were here last,’ said Edu. ‘They extend all across the city, using the waterways as well as tunnels in the buildings themselves. There are spy holes everywhere.’

‘Who else knows about them?’ said Fyia.

‘Hard to say,’ said the Spider. ‘Safer to assume they’re not a secret, but Essa’s been replacing the lock mechanisms to make them more secure.’

A boom shook the air, and Fyia rushed to the front of the house. She flew up two flights of stairs, searching for a window that would give her a view of the city. She found one, and almost wished she hadn’t. Her view was limited—the safe house surrounded by other buildings—but smoke billowed across the sky.

Fire bells rang out, and scared men, women, and children ran through the streets, some dragging the injured behind them. Fyia couldn’t tear her eyes from the desolation.

‘The Emperor couldn’t have pulled off something of this scale … not so quickly,’ said Starfall.

Another boom caused the windowpanes to rattle, and Edu pulled Fyia back. ‘Away from the windows,’ he said.

She went willingly, turning to discover the window was in a library, the walls lined with books. She moved back into the room, and the others took seats on the stiff, upright furniture.

‘You think it’s my own people?’ said Fyia.

‘They might be your people now,’ said Starfall, ‘but they haven’t been for long.’

‘And you’ve hardly pulled your punches,’ said the Spider. ‘Your changes have been met with much disagreement …’

‘My changes are needed,’ said Fyia, hotly.

‘Nobody’s disputing that,’ said the Spider, ‘but you’ve made one or two people angry …’

‘We need Sensis,’ said Fyia.

‘I sent Rouel back to get her and Essa,’ said Edu. ‘Once they’ve secured the council building, they’ll come here.’

‘If they secure the council building,’ said Starfall.

Fyia gave her a disapproving look, then turned her attention to the scene through the window. ‘Whoever’s behind this, they’ll be looking for me.’

‘They won’t find you,’ said Edu.

‘Unless they know about the tunnels,’ said the Spider.

‘When the bombs stop, we’ll move to a safe house outside the city,’ said Edu.

‘They’re destroying their own city,’ said Fyia, shaking her head. ‘Why would they do that? It hurts me, yes, but it hurts them more.’

Adigos was uncharacteristically quiet. He leaned against the window’s shutter, staring outside.

Fyia brought her fists down on the back of a couch and shrieked. Being caged in here was making it worse. They needed to do something. They had to find whoever was responsible, and stop them from causing more destruction. They had to help the wounded, deal with the dead, give aid to those who needed it … and yet, the smart move was to wait.

She closed her eyes and took two long breaths, forcing calm into her veins, banishing the fury that longed to burst free. ‘We need to get word out that I’ve fled the city, and make sure the Emperor’s airships hear that news. Otherwise, as soon as this is over, the city’s going to be hit again.’

‘Where’s the pilot?’ asked Starfall. ‘What’s he called again? He should know how to find the Emperor’s forces.’

‘Opie,’ said Edu. ‘He’s with the airship in a warehouse on the outskirts of the city. He’s doing maintenance …’

Starfall’s face scrunched in disbelief.

‘Guards supervise his every move,’ said Edu, with a scowl of his own.

‘I’ll get him,’ said the Spider. ‘I’ll go through the tunnels.’

‘Adigos would be quicker,’ said Fyia.

‘You’re not young anymore,’ said Starfall, with a wicked smile. ‘That’s what she’s really saying.’

The Spider ignored Starfall. ‘Adigos will get lost in three ticks’ flat. I’m the only one who knows the way, and am perfectly capable of making the journey, despite my great age.’

Fyia held her breath, then exhaled loudly. ‘Okay,’ she said. ‘Let’s just hope it’s not already too late.’

The bombs stopped, and they waited. And waited. Staying put was sensible, but Fyia longed to be out there, helping. To do something. ‘Rouel will be fine,’ Fyia said to Edu, who paced by the door.

Edu scowled. ‘Of course he will. Like all your guards, he’s an accomplished soldier, and well trained. Don’t worry about him.’

Wasn’t that why Edu was worried? She could sense the emotion rolling off him in waves, but she couldn’t comfort him … didn’t know how. Her parents had subscribed to the tough love school of raising children, which mostly involved ignoring them, or telling them to do better, their best never quite good enough. The closest thing she’d had to love was from a puppy, and her brother …

Finally, as the sun was dipping behind the spires and towers of the city, Fyia heard a clatter from below. She flew towards the stairs, but Adigos grabbed her around the waist, and Edu stepped in front of her, blocking her way.

‘I’ll check it out,’ said Edu.

But before he’d reached the first step, Starfall called up from the kitchen, ‘Sensis and Essa just arrived, and they brought a … guest.’

Fyia rushed to the kitchen, along with Adigos and Edu. ‘Thank the Gods,’ said Fyia, relieved to see Sensis and Essa in one piece. ‘Did my wolves make it out?’

‘They ran,’ said Sensis. ‘They helped bring down our friend here, and then pursued his accomplices.’

Fyia nodded. Her wolves could take care of themselves.

‘Who is he?’ said Fyia. She looked down at the big man kneeling before her, his dark hair speckled with grey. Blood splattered his face and clothes, and his nose was bent at an odd angle. His hands were tied behind his back, Sensis’ hand on his shoulder, a not-so-gentle reminder he was at their mercy.

‘We caught him helping plant a bomb in the council building,’ said Sensis. ‘There were three of them. The others escaped.’

‘Has he told you anything?’ said Fyia.

‘Please,’ said the man. ‘They made me do it. They said they’d hurt my family if I didn’t help them.’

‘Who?’ said Fyia.

‘I don’t know, Your Majesty. One had stars tattooed below her eye. They talked about support for their cause … but … that was all I heard.’

‘When did they approach you?’ said Fyia.

‘A span ago—five days. They threatened my son. Please, Your Majesty, he’s only four.’

‘What did they ask of you?’

‘I was to help them get into the council building. I’ve worked there for years as a caretaker. I was to show them a way in through the tunnels. I didn’t know they intended to bomb the city …’

‘No?’ said Starfall, scornfully. ‘What did you think they intended? Merely to kill the Queen?’

The man went white. ‘No. No, of course not. I swear. I didn’t know … I just … I had to protect my family!’

‘Where is your family now?’ asked Fyia.

‘They fled the city. I had to get them away from those people … in case they went back on their word.’

‘Convenient,’ said Starfall.

‘Please … you have to believe me!’

‘Where are the others?’ said Fyia.

‘I … if I tell you, they’ll kill me.’

‘And what do you think will happen if you don’t tell us?’ said Starfall.

The man cast his eyes around wildly.

‘Nobody needs to get hurt,’ said Fyia. ‘Tell us where these people are—and anything else that might help us. If you do, I’ll reunite you with your family. I might even give you a reward.’

The man looked from Starfall to Fyia and back again. ‘I … I need protection; they’ll kill me if they find out.’

‘That can be arranged,’ said Fyia, ‘but only if you tell me everything you know. Right now.’

‘They planned to return to Moon,’ said the man.

‘They told you that?’ said Fyia.

‘No. I overheard …’

‘Really …’ said Starfall.

The man started spluttering … about how he was loyal to his Queen, would never really betray her … how he’d had no choice.

‘Where were they staying in the city?’ said Fyia.

‘I don’t know, Your Majesty,’ he said. ‘They came to my house. They never said … Please, that’s all I know.’

‘We need to move,’ said Edu. ‘Now. If they know about the tunnels, we’ve been here too long already.’

Fyia nodded, and Sensis pulled a hood over the man’s face.

‘I need to go back to my workshop,’ said Essa. ‘My assistants, and the things I have there … I need to make sure it’s all safe.’

‘You’re coming with us,’ said Fyia. ‘Sensis will stay here and see to the rest.’

Sensis nodded.

‘And keep this man in a cell until the Spider returns.’

Sensis nodded again, then hauled the man to his feet. If what he’d said was true … if those responsible for the bombs were truly from Moon, then her problems were worse than she’d wanted to admit.

She’d always known it would be difficult to unite five disparate kingdoms. Each one of her lands was fiercely independent, with an identity that was unique and firmly rooted. Each kingdom was proud … trusted their neighbors only so far as they had to, for trade and mutual benefit. What she was asking, for them to come together as one, would take time to accomplish. It seemed the dissenters had taken the lead in that regard, for members of Moon planting so many bombs could not have gone undetected by the people of Selise.

And Fyia was not a man. She was not a warrior. Her people did not respect her, and they wouldn’t … not until she gave them a reason so compelling they had no choice. Not until she had dragons.

Chapter Nine

FYIA BATHED IN A large pool in their new safe house. It was heated by hot springs, and Fyia mused that hers seemed more like a kingdom of water, rather than a kingdom of dragons, with the heated springs, aqueducts, and canals that carried the stuff everywhere. Maybe dragons liked water …

Starfall sat opposite in the ornate stone bath, and Fyia voiced her thoughts.

‘Yours is a kingdom of ash,’ said Starfall, ‘and yet, you do nothing about it.’

‘I know there’s work to do,’ Fyia said hotly. ‘I’m making changes, which, I might add, is what got me into this mess …’

‘You’re off chasing shadows, rather than leading your people. You leave me to do the hard work while you dart around the world, obsessing over myths and legends.’

There weren’t many whom Fyia would let speak to her this way, but she needed Starfall. And what Starfall needed was to blow off steam; she’d been antsy since they’d arrived at the safe house. ‘It’s too much for you?’ Fyia said, splashing water over her shoulder.

‘Don’t goad me, child.’

The corners of Fyia’s lips twitched in irritation. A good argument was exactly what Fyia needed too, to banish the cyclone stirring her blood, and prepare her for Essa.

Essa’s betrayal still cut like a knife … her brother’s betrayal, and arguments with her aunt were like a storm in a teacup, brutal, destroying everything they touched, but short-lived and carefully contained. There was no harm in it.

‘How dare you accuse me of chasing shadows? You deny the existence of dragons?’

‘They existed once, long ago. They exist no longer.’

‘They do exist,’ said Fyia. Echoes of her dragon dreams rubbed across her skin.

‘You hope they do,’ said Starfall. ‘But that is all you have; wishful delusions.’

‘I know they are real, and you know I must find them, or I will forever have to look over my shoulder … will always have enemies within my lands.’

‘Stay and fight,’ said Starfall, leaning forward. ‘Give them a reason to believe in you.’

‘I am giving them reasons … have killed five kings. But there are those for whom only dragons will ever be enough.’

‘Those like you, you mean?’

Fyia slapped the water. ‘Yes, Gods damn it, those like me. Those who dare to step outside the boundaries others have laid down. I thought you, of all people, would understand that.’

‘We’re not talking about me,’ said Starfall, her voice soft, but with a razor edge.

Fyia cast her eyes up to the ornate ceiling. A scene of water nymphs playing in a pond was painted there, and Fyia wondered if nymphs would ever return to her lands.

‘You know my options are limited,’ said Fyia, still looking at the ceiling. ‘If I stay, they will undermine me every step of the way. I will be forced to defer to convention … to the rules of others.’

‘You should marry,’ said Starfall, her words purposefully inflammatory.

Fyia laughed cruelly as she met her aunt’s gaze once more. ‘And hand over everything I’ve accomplished? To become a trophy, good for nothing but bearing heirs?’

‘So instead, you chase dragons in the hopes of greatness, letting everything you’ve fought for slip through your fingers …’

‘I have already accomplished greatness,’ said Fyia. Her aunt looked away. ‘I will find the dragons, but I do not seek them for my reputation. Our lands will never be whole until they return.’

Silence settled, the only sounds the trickling of water as it flowed in and out of the pool.

‘You know there are those who believe dragons bear the souls of all the fire-touched who came before?’ said Fyia.

Starfall sent her a disbelieving look. ‘You want to find them, so when you die you can live on? As a dragon?’

‘No. I want to find them because they are part of who we are.’

‘You’re chasing a myth.’

‘I am chasing the future my kingdoms deserve.’

Footsteps halted at the doorway, and Fyia looked up to see Adigos, his features hesitant. ‘You called for me?’ he asked. ‘I can come back …’

Fyia had called for him. He’d been unusually sullen since she’d reminded him their relationship was sex and nothing more. Starfall stood, water streaming from her naked body, and Adigos shifted uncomfortably, averting his gaze.

Fyia stood also, wrapping herself in a robe as Starfall stalked from the room, with the barest nod of deference.

‘Come,’ said Fyia, leading Adigos to the couches where refreshments awaited. Her argument with Starfall had been disappointing, not giving her the release she’d sought, and her chest coiled tight with frustration.

She stopped abruptly beside a couch, and felt Adigos halt behind her. She reached for his hands, pulling him forward until his back was flush against her, then placed his hands on her breasts. He hesitated, so she reached back and stroked him through his breeches. He huffed into her shoulder.

‘Fyia … I,’ he said, his lips brushing the delicate skin of her neck. His words were reticent, but his hands began kneading her breasts.

She spun and looked up into his burning eyes. It was all she needed to see—he still wanted her—and she pounced, her feral mouth crashing into his, the knot of tight angst in her chest spurring her on. They devoured each other, their kisses deep, the rough scrape of his tongue over hers sending bolts of electricity to the base of her belly.

He pulled the flimsy material of her robe apart, and she released him from his breeches. He grabbed handfuls of her backside, hoisting her against him. She lifted her leg, and he wrapped it around his waist, supporting her as she guided him inside.

He moved, but it wasn’t enough, so she urged him faster, clawing at his back. He lifted her, and she wrapped both legs around him, crying out as he pressed her back against a pillar.

He thrust into her with frantic movements, and she dug her hands into his hair, moaning and gasping.

‘Gods,’ he choked, ‘Fyia …’

She convulsed around him as his thrusts became erratic. He groaned, making small pumping movements, and then stilled, panting, holding her to him.

He dropped her back to the floor, and the air went taut; something between them had changed. She pulled her robe closed, and he avoided her gaze as he re-buttoned his breeches.

‘Adigos …’

‘I love you, Fyia,’ he said.

‘Adi …’

‘I want us to be together.’

‘No.’

Fyia’s mood took a turn for the worse. She should never have let him into her bed …

‘Fyia …’

She let out a growl of frustration. ‘This is over,’ she said, forcing herself to meet his gaze, so he knew she meant it. ‘You could have your pick of any woman … any but me. They swoon and bat their eyes as you walk by. And not only vacuous women, but intelligent, formidable ones too. Pick one of them to make you happy, for I will not marry you. I will not marry anyone.’

‘We don’t have to marry,’ said Adigos.

Fyia barked out a cruel laugh. ‘You would be my concubine?’

He scowled. ‘Your consort,’ he said, biting out the word.

‘I told you from the beginning, this was physical, nothing more. You said you understood.’

‘I do understand, but that doesn’t mean I accept it.’

Fyia threw up her hands. ‘I am going north. You are not.’

‘Fyia … please.’

‘I recommend you use the time without me to find a woman who actually wants to be your wife.’

Adigos had made Fyia’s mood worse, and by the time she’d dressed and was sitting in her temporary study, it was a deep dark shade of black.

Fyia studied Essa—her supposed friend … a dear friend, and her brother’s former betrothed.

Essa stood on the other side of the large alterwood desk, her spine ramrod straight. Ordinarily, Essa wouldn’t have waited for Fyia’s invitation to sit, but today she did. Either she sensed the tension in the air—how could she not—or someone had tipped her off. Maybe both.

‘I won’t waste our time with pleasantries,’ said Fyia, when she’d let the silence stretch to discomfort.

Essa said nothing, her eyes cast down towards her feet. Coward.

‘You betrayed me.’

Essa’s eyes finally flicked up from the floor. ‘No, Your Majesty.’

‘Yes, Essa.’ Fyia held Essa’s gaze, daring her to interrupt again. Essa’s eyes returned to the floor.

Fyia stood, then moved to a bookshelf behind Essa with the sole intention of making her uncomfortable. ‘You used me to take that ball to my brother, who I need not remind you resides with the Fae’ch—a group with whom my kingdoms are not on the best of terms.’

Essa remained silent, and Fyia returned to her seat, summoning her wolves to her side. They’d arrived at the safe house not long before, and she petted them, taking comfort from their presence, and reminding Essa she could easily lose a limb.

‘Tell me everything,’ said Fyia. ‘Leave nothing out.’

Essa nodded, and briefly met Fyia’s eyes. She looked away as she collected her thoughts, her formidable mind taking a moment to prepare her words. ‘Your brother and I still write to one another. We were both devastated when he … chose a life with the Fae’ch. Neither one of us wanted to let go.

‘His letters are sporadic, but he often sends hints about things I should try … how I could improve an invention, or infuse my ideas with magic one day. I was grateful, and he never asked for anything in return … even though, if the Fae’ch found out, they could exile him.’

‘He never asked for anything in return, until he did …’ said Fyia, prompting her to get back on track.

Essa sucked in a breath, shaking herself. ‘A letter arrived, asking me to go to the Temple of the Sea Serpent and deliver what I found to your brother. I didn’t hesitate, and the High Priestess handed over the metal ball without question. She assumed I was there to help fix the hole left by the fallen clock.’

‘Were you planning to help them at least?’ asked Fyia. ‘Or were you content to steal from them, and damn their welfare?’

Essa’s face blushed a dusky pink. ‘I plan to help them,’ she said, hotly, ‘but don’t know how to close the hole. I’m researching the clocks … I believe them to be important.’

‘Why does my brother want the ball?’ said Fyia, interrupting her. ‘What is it for?’

‘I don’t know,’ said Essa, ‘but whatever it is, it’s linked to the clocks.’

‘Not the dragon eggs?’ said Fyia, leaning forward.

Essa shrugged. ‘I must conduct more research … the texts now available at the university, and in the guilds of Moon, are beyond anything I could access before. But I’ve had limited time to explore … I have other duties … appointing a new chancellor, designing your palace, and now replicating the flying boat …’

‘I ask too much?’ said Fyia, her tone derisive.

‘Of course not, Your Majesty. I merely sought to explain …’

‘Then explain why you betrayed me? Why you tricked me into smuggling something precious to those whose intentions we do not understand? Tell me …’ Fyia broke off and looked out of the windows at the darkening skies. ‘Tell me why my brother lied to me … took the metal ball and said nothing of its origin, then gave no hint of what had transpired?’

‘I cannot speak for Veau, but I acted as I did because …’ She hesitated, folding in on herself. ‘Because I love him. I did what he asked and shut my mind to the omission, because I believe in my heart he would never act against you. I believe, with certainty, whatever he’s doing, he’s doing for you, to help you. He loves no one in this world more than you …’

Not even me. Essa’s unsaid words echoed in the air between them.

Veau had chosen a life with the Fae’ch, clearing the path for Fyia to be Queen of their home kingdom, or so the world believed. The truth was more complex, but the best rumors were often simple things. Never mind he’d hated his life, and the expectation that he—because of the river of golden scales across his face—would be the one to bring back the dragons. Never mind he couldn’t control his magic, and was becoming a danger to others and himself … to Essa. Never mind he craved a simple, solitary life away from the eyes of the world. He’d understood the burden of leadership, and had not wanted it. He’d been relieved when he’d handed the mantle to Fyia.

Did Essa know all that? Fyia hadn’t pried into Essa’s relationship with her brother because she’d respected their friendship. Maybe she was a friend no longer …

‘You believe me responsible for my brother’s departure?’ said Fyia.

Essa went very still, then shook her head. ‘It was his decision.’

‘And yet your loyalty is to him, rather than your Queen?’

‘It’s not like that,’ said Essa, a flash of defiance in her eyes. ‘Veau is trying to help you.’

‘Then why not tell me the truth?’ said Fyia, her voice spiraling upward.

‘Because Veau asked me not to.’

Fyia slammed her hand on the desk. ‘You think that is good enough? Should I accept that as an excuse from all who wrong me? I’m sorry, Your Majesty, but Starfall asked me not to tell you? I’m sorry, Your Majesty, but Sensis asked me not to tell you?’

Essa said nothing.

‘Well?’ Fyia demanded. ‘Should I smile sweetly and pity you, because my brother chose his own path? The path that was right for him, and not what you—in your selfishness—desired he do?’

‘That is not fair,’ said Essa, her words hard despite the tears pooling in her eyes. The sight of them emptied the well of Fyia’s temper, and guilt filled the hole where it had been. She’d never seen Essa cry, not in all the years she’d known her.

But what should Fyia do? Let Essa walk free? Let her go unpunished? If she did, and others discovered Fyia’s weakness …

‘Leave,’ said Fyia. ‘I will think of an appropriate punishment. And in the meantime, prepare a report on the clocks and metal balls. I want to know everything you’ve found.’

Essa bowed, then spun for the door. Fyia rubbed her face in her hands, then screamed in frustration. She couldn’t lose all those she held dear, for if she did, what was the point of any of it?

Fyia kicked off her shoes, threw open the doors to the patio, and ran down the steps. Her wolves flanked her as her feet raced from the harsh stone to the green grass of the rolling lawn. She ran away from the formal gardens into the woods, needing the energy she could only get from the wild.

She shouldn’t be out without guards, even on the grounds of the safe house, but she wanted to be alone.

Fyia’s shoulders dropped as soon as she crossed the tree line. Her heart pumped loudly in her ears as she sprinted along a game path, skirting ancient oaks, walnut, and chestnut trees, scaring rabbits and squirrels and birds.

She ran so fast her body screamed for air, her legs burning, her chest aching, but she pushed herself further, faster, leaping a fallen tree that blocked her way in tandem with her wolves.

They reveled in the exercise as much as she did, Fyia feeling their spirits soar as they hurtled through the undergrowth. And Fyia’s spirits soared too, finally feeling the release she’d sought … the release she needed.

Fyia slowed, but kept running, sucking in long breaths, giving her body the air it craved. How she wished she could stay in the woods and never return … she tried the lie on, but it gave her no comfort, so she batted it away. The only thing she wanted was to find her dragons … prove to the world she was worthy … improve things for all. Although she did wish finding them didn’t require more war and heartache, and that those she relied on could have some small respite before sacrificing themselves again.

Fyia’s wolves sensed movement to the left, and then to the right, and Fyia took off at a sprint once more. Couldn’t she have a single moment of peace?

She raced through the woods, her lungs protesting, using the senses of her wolves to guide her, but not two spins later, a pond blocked her way. A beautiful, reed filled thing with water lilies and dragonflies. She stopped abruptly, bending, her hands on her knees as she caught her breath.

‘Oh, don’t be so smug,’ Fyia said to the trees. ‘You caught me. Now, tell me you brought refreshments, because I am parched.’

Sensis and Edu stepped out of the trees, one on either side of where she stood. ‘As a matter of fact, I did,’ said Sensis, ignoring Edu’s scowl of disapproval.

‘That’s why you went inside before following her?’ said Edu.

‘I know my Queen,’ said Sensis, shrugging and pulling the stopper from a leather flask. Sensis took a swig, then said cheerfully, ‘Doesn’t taste poisoned to me, Your Majesty.’ She handed the flask to Fyia with a mock bow.

Fyia took the flask and sat on a rock. ‘The others think I should stay put and fix my kingdoms,’ said Fyia, throwing a stick into the water.

‘Adigos, you mean?’ said Sensis. She dropped to the ground, a smile on her lips. ‘So you can get married and have babies?’

Fyia rolled her eyes. ‘So he can be my consort …’

Sensis barked out a laugh.

‘Starfall wants me to stay too … says she doesn’t believe in the dragons.’

‘Starfall needs to get laid,’ said Sensis. ‘Send her a courtesan—or better yet, two—and she’ll be happy once more.’

Fyia raised her eyebrows; it wasn’t a terrible idea. ‘I sent Adigos away … told him to find a wife.’

Edu laughed, and Fyia could see relief in his eyes as he snatched the flask. ‘Did he fall at your feet and beg like a puppy?’

‘Harsh …’ said Sensis.

Unusual for Edu. ‘Why do you dislike him so?’ said Fyia.

‘I don’t dislike him, and as a warrior, there are few I’d rather have at my back … at least when our interests align. But I can’t trust him. Not after he killed King Milo, an act for which he seems to believe he has atoned.’

‘You think I should’ve been harsher with my punishment?’ said Fyia. ‘I sent him away for the rest of the war … I made him travel to the Fae’ch around the perimeter of the Five Kingdoms!’

‘Then took him to your bed the minute he returned,’ said Edu, the look on his face daring Fyia to contradict him.

Fyia filled her lungs, then exhaled a long sigh. Edu rarely spoke up like this, but when he did, he didn’t mince his words … and he was usually right.

‘My bed has been empty for a long time,’ said Fyia, ‘and a courtesan isn’t an option for me.’

‘It’s not not an option,’ said Sensis. ‘We could find you someone trustworthy.’

Fyia shuddered. ‘The idea of you two vetting my next sex partner is creepy.’

‘Oh, I don’t know,’ said Sensis. ‘It would be fun …’

‘Only if I get to vet yours,’ said Fyia. ‘Actually, that would be fun. Would you like a man, or a woman? Or both?’ She gave a salacious flick of her eyebrows.

‘We were talking about you,’ said Sensis.

‘It’s more fun discussing you,’ said Fyia, ‘and I need a distraction. And don’t think I’ve missed the way people look at you, Edu … I’m sure we could find you a few willing candidates.’

‘Please,’ said Edu, ‘don’t make me sell your location to the Emperor …’

‘From what I hear, the Emperor’s had enough practice to give even the most dedicated of courtesans a run for their money,’ said Sensis.

‘The largest harem in all the world … isn’t that what he calls it?’ said Edu.

‘Selling me off might finally make my courtiers happy, although I doubt for the same reasons as you two,’ said Fyia.

They laughed, then sat in companionable silence, sharing the flask of wine as a breeze rippled the water in the dying light of day.

‘Well, anyway,’ Fyia said after a time, ‘I’ve sent Adigos away.’

Sensis frowned. ‘He’s still at the safe house.’

Of course he was. ‘Well, when Edu and I leave for the north, he won’t be able to follow.’

‘You’ve decided then?’ said Sensis. ‘You’re going north?’

‘You think I should stay too?’ said Fyia, alarm coursing through her. It was one thing for Starfall and Adigos to want her to stay, but something else entirely if Sensis and Edu thought she was making the wrong choice.

‘No, of course not,’ Sensis said with a firm shake of her head. ‘You have always been clear about what you want. I won’t lie, I had hoped for some brief respite, or that the dragons would puff into existence once you killed the last King. But when was life ever so easy?’

‘What about you?’ said Fyia, looking at Edu, who had reclined on the grass, leaning back on his arms.

‘Dragons,’ said Edu. ‘That’s the mission. I have no interest in guarding a palace all day and night. I’d much rather be out exploring the world with you.’

‘Do you think it’s selfish of us?’ said Fyia. ‘I mean, right now, the Emperor’s airships could be preparing to lay waste to my lands, but honestly, I care more about going north.’

‘And why is that?’ said Sensis.

‘Because I want to find the dragons.’

‘Because?’ Sensis pressed.

‘To make our lands whole,’ said Fyia, ‘and to prove I’m the one from the legends,’ she added, with a cocky smile.

‘Then no,’ said Sensis, ‘I do not think we are selfish. And your people won’t either, when the frozen north melts, and the growing season lengthens, and dragons bring ash to fertilize the fields … when you reunite all five of the great kingdoms in a peaceful, prosperous alliance.’

‘When you put it like that,’ said Edu, ‘how could anyone disagree? Going north is the only sane choice.’

‘Then hope the legends are true,’ said Fyia, ‘and that we are the ones to find the dragons.’

‘You doubt it?’ said Sensis.

‘No,’ said Fyia, as the purple light of the setting sun streaked across the sky. The echo of a dragon dream scratched a talon across her skin. ‘I do not.’

‘Spider, it is good to see you,’ said Fyia. She took a seat in the building’s magnificent orangery. It was heated by the hot spring, and filled with exotic plants from the south and west that wouldn’t have a hope of survival in the climate outside.

Fyia leaned back in her woven seat as Essa and Starfall joined them, Sensis and Edu already helping themselves to tea and sweet treats.

The Spider bowed her head. ‘Likewise, Your Majesty. I come bearing news.’

‘Please,’ said Fyia, waving her hand to indicate the Spider should go on.

‘Opie got word to the Emperor’s flying fleet. He took the airship—packed with an entire company of your guards below deck—found the fleet, and told them you had fled north.’

‘Did it work?’ said Fyia.

‘It is unknown. Opie’s instruction was to return the airship as a matter of priority, so he slipped away shortly after he imparted the news.’

Fyia nodded. ‘I plan to leave for the north in the morning. When I do, Essa will go to the airship, and draw up plans for ships of our own. Spider, find carpenters—the best we have—and send them to her. Adigos will accompany Essa, as her guard.’

The Spider bowed her head, as did Essa, but not fast enough to hide her look of surprise. Adigos would be her guard in more than one sense of the word, keeping Essa safe, but also watching for another betrayal, or even worse, a defection.

‘Now,’ said Fyia, moving them on, ‘it has become clear that uniting the five kingdoms I have already conquered is not enough to bring back the dragons.’

The Spider’s sharp eyes widened a fraction, but Fyia continued, keeping it matter of fact. ‘It never was enough, as they will only return when the Five Great Kingdoms reunite, not my Five Eastern Kingdoms. Thus, we still have work to do.’

Fyia paused a beat.

‘You’ve decided then?’ said Starfall, rolling a leaf in her fingers. ‘You’ll abandon your kingdoms when they need you most?’

‘She’s not abandoning anyone,’ said Sensis. ‘We all knew what this was about from the start. You expect Fyia to be content sitting on a throne?’

‘So her people are to suffer?’ said Starfall, ripping the leaf from the plant’s stalk.

‘They won’t suffer when we return with dragons,’ said Edu. ‘Quite the opposite, in fact.’

‘And I already have the southern lands on side. Scorpia is keen to reunite, if it means the return of the dragons.’

‘Why?’ said Starfall. ‘How does that benefit her? More likely, she’s happy for you to go off on a wild chase, so she can ramp up the taxes she charges us on exports.’

‘She has her reasons,’ said Fyia, although she didn’t know what they were … ‘and I trust her.’

Starfall ripped the leaf to pieces, then scattered the shreds to the floor, but Fyia knew her aunt would come around … she always did.

‘The Fae’ch are not hostile,’ said Fyia, ‘nor are the Black Hoods, so I have hopes of uniting on friendly terms. Which leaves only those on the Great Glacier … unfortunately, an unknown entity.’

‘None of them will give up their sovereignty,’ said the Spider.

Fyia nodded in agreement. ‘I’m not asking them to. I’m merely asking that they unite with me in my quest to find the dragons, as part of a peaceful alliance.’

‘But is that enough?’ said Essa. She looked shocked she’d voiced her thought.

‘We shall see,’ said Fyia. ‘Unless you have information to share with us on that score?’

‘No,’ said Essa, wringing her hands, ‘and I … I suppose the legend says the Five Kingdoms must be united, not that one ruler must rule them all.’

‘Even if it is enough, the ruler must still be worthy,’ said Starfall.

‘Helpful,’ said Sensis, dryly. ‘Thank you for your contribution.’

Starfall flicked her fingers at Sensis.

‘I am worthy,’ said Fyia, her tone brusque and businesslike, ‘and I will unite the kingdoms. I will find the dragons, and I will ride one for the rest of my days, not sit upon some gilded throne.’

‘Assuming the dragon eggs still exist,’ said Essa.

Fyia’s eyes flicked to Essa’s round face. She wasn’t being antagonistic, but scientific, and Fyia sensed there was more to follow. ‘Go on,’ she said.

‘You’ve visited the location of three out of five of the eggs,’ said Essa, ‘and all three eggs were gone.’

‘Missing, yes,’ said Fyia. ‘Your point?’

‘What if all the eggs are missing?’ said Essa.

‘Or were never there to begin with,’ said Starfall.

‘Or were destroyed,’ said Essa.

‘You can’t destroy dragon eggs,’ said Fyia, with a dismissive wave of her hand.

‘Why do you say that?’ said Essa.

‘Because, how could you?’ said Fyia. The dragons in her waking dreams endured temperatures hot enough to melt stone. The eggs would be the same, impossible to harm.

‘So they must be somewhere?’ said Essa. ‘That’s your theory? Even if they’ve all been taken from their hiding places.’

‘Exactly,’ said Fyia. ‘It’s just a case of finding where. But first, I must discover if the other two eggs are where they’re supposed to be.’

‘And while you’re at it, you can sound out the Black Hoods, and the people of the Great Glacier,’ said Edu, ‘to see what it would take for them to join us.’

‘Assuming anything will work,’ said Starfall.

‘Exactly, Edu,’ said Fyia, ignoring her aunt. ‘Two birds with one stone.’

‘What do you require of us in your absence?’ said the Spider.

‘Selise is once more secure,’ said Fyia. ‘I’d like you and Starfall to keep it that way, and assess the damage, so we can rebuild.’

‘The rebels quickly disappeared when my soldiers entered the city,’ said Sensis. ‘I will leave soldiers to help you, but I must return to Moon, to ensure training at the military academy proceeds as planned, and to weed out those leading the rebellion—with your help, if you are willing, Spider?’

The Spider nodded. ‘As my Queen desires.’

‘Of course,’ said Fyia, ‘although, if the Emperor’s fleet attacks, that plan will have to change. I would like to know more of the Emperor’s plans …’

Sensis nodded. ‘I have checkpoints along the coast, watching for any sign of attack. Hopefully, they will turn north to look for you, or return to their home across the sea. We have plenty to deal with without the Emperor adding to our troubles.’

Fyia watched Starfall pluck another leaf from the hanging plant beside her. ‘Starfall, there are few with the skill to keep my council in line, especially with the likes of Venir undermining me at every turn, and with rebels in the streets …’

Starfall nodded as she wrapped the leaf around her finger. ‘Supporters of the status quo.’

‘Supporters of the way things have been for too long,’ said Fyia. ‘I will bring about changes within my kingdoms, and there will continue to be those who do not like it.’

A sharp rap sounded from the door, and a guard entered, carrying a wax-sealed letter. ‘This just arrived from the city, General.’ The guard bowed low to Fyia, then held out the parchment to Sensis.

‘News from a checkpoint,’ said Sensis, ripping open the message.

The blood drained from Fyia’s face as she waited for Sensis to read the words, dread shredding her guts.

‘An envoy from the Emperor is approaching Selise in an airship,’ said Sensis. ‘They’re demanding an audience with the Queen.’

Fyia exhaled the breath she’d been holding. ‘No,’ she said. ‘Edu, we will leave immediately.’ Fyia paused, her thoughts spiraling as she considered their predicament. ‘I will bond some eagles for your use. Starfall, please return the woman we took hostage from the Emperor’s airship. Tell them it’s a sign of our good faith … that we have no interest in war …’

‘And that you have no interest in marrying the Emperor?’ said Starfall, a wicked look on her face.

‘Yes,’ said Fyia, ‘that too, but find a way to soften the blow …’

‘Pretty words aren’t my strongest suit …’

‘I’m sure you’ll manage. And Essa,’ said Fyia, halting on her way to the door, ‘don’t think I’ve forgotten about your report. I will expect it upon my return.’

‘Of course, Your Majesty,’ said Essa, with a dip of her head, ‘I will continue my research.’

Chapter Ten

FYIA NEEDED SPEED ON her journey north, and stealth, so they took the airship, much to Essa’s chagrin.

The journey was strained, even though it lasted only two days. They’d brought horses, and the quarters were close, with Fyia’s full bodyguard on board. Fyia’s stallion did not like flying. He stamped and snorted and bit out at anyone—horse or human—who got too close, and the guards grumbled that they had not joined Fyia’s guard to become stable hands.

Opie landed the far side of the Fae’ch mountains, where they unloaded, continuing on horseback. Opie had warned against taking their only airship further into unknown territory. It was, after all, the only model they had to copy, and risking it would be foolish.

It was with a heavy heart that Fyia waved Opie goodbye. Even though his true motives and desires were uncertain, she liked the pilot and enjoyed his company. He was deferential, but not scared or sycophantic, his mind and wit sharp, his dry remarks often making her laugh.

Fyia turned away from the departing airship and breathed in the frigid northern air. She pulled her furs closer as she urged her horse along the narrow track north.

They knew not where the Black Hoods lived, nor did they understand the rules of this foreign land, but they headed for the temple, where Fyia hoped she would finally set eyes on a dragon egg.

Fyia surveyed the frozen land as they travelled, moving at a steady pace that afforded time to take in the snow-covered trees, white rabbits, and bold chipmunks. There was little else to distract, aside from a clearing every now and again. The path they travelled was well worn, tufts of grass poking through the blanket of snow.

‘They must know of our presence by now,’ said Edu, spurring his mount up beside Fyia’s.

‘And yet they let us continue,’ said Fyia.

‘If I were them, I would lay a trap, and have us walk straight into it.’

‘It would be the wise thing to do,’ agreed Fyia. ‘Get us to do the hard work for them, while they sit back and watch … but what choice do we have?’

A bird called in the distance, and Fyia and Edu shared a dark look. ‘Apparently we’re getting close,’ said Edu.

‘Tell the guards not to fight,’ said Fyia. ‘We must demonstrate our peaceful intentions, even if they attack us.’

‘It is already done,’ said Edu, although he looked uncomfortable. It was no small thing, asking her guards to stand down in the face of an attack on their Queen.

Fyia had made her wolves trail them for the same reason. It was a shame, as her wolves could have provided valuable information about the whereabouts of the northern people. The terrifying, fear-inducing Black Hoods, who might kill their party without even stepping from the trees. Fyia pushed the thought away. They wouldn’t.

The Black Hoods she’d met inside the Fae’ch mountain had seemed reasonable, not to mention curious … surely they would be intrigued to know why the Queen of the Five Kingdoms had ventured into their lands, uninvited and unannounced.

Although, of course, they already knew. Fyia hadn’t been shy about declaring her intention to find the dragons. If they didn’t want her to do that … well … then there could be trouble.

If the Black Hoods locked her up, half of her own people would probably rejoice. Sensis would come looking, to be sure, but invading the north to retrieve her would be a fool’s game … her army wouldn’t stand a chance. The Black Hoods would probably attempt to ransom Fyia, but would her kingdoms pay?

It was dangerous, coming like this … but it wasn’t the most dangerous thing Fyia had done, and risks were sometimes necessary. If she wouldn’t put her own neck on the line, then why should she expect anyone else to?

A figure in a black cloak, their hood up, stepped onto the path ahead. ‘Halt,’ said a bored male voice.

Edu and Fyia gave each other a look that conveyed so much, and then they smiled, because now the fun would begin.

They reined in their mounts, Fyia and Edu at the front. ‘We mean no harm,’ said Edu, his calm voice carrying far. ‘My Queen requests an audience with your leader, that is all.’

‘And yet you sent no word of your visit,’ said the man, ‘nor request to enter our lands. You merely … invaded.’

Fyia laughed. ‘Sir,’ she said, ‘I hardly think a party of twenty counts as an invasion. Or if it does, it is a foolhardy one.’

‘It is foolhardy to ride into the lands of another with no warning, and without permission,’ said the man. His words weren’t hostile. He seemed to be testing them.

‘And yet here we are, and I am no fool,’ said Fyia. ‘As my guard said, I merely request an audience with your leader.’

‘Come to ask for his hand in marriage?’ said the man.

‘Ha!’ said Fyia. ‘Marrying the King of the Black Hoods is the very last thing I intend.’

‘You insult my King?’ said the man. His body morphed from a relaxed stance into something altogether more deadly.

‘Of course not,’ said Fyia. ‘I have not met your King. I know him not, even by reputation … the Black Hoods conceal themselves so admirably. But I do not plan to marry anyone, despite the many proposals I have received since uniting the Five Kingdoms. Marriage is the furthest thing from my mind.’

‘This way,’ said the Black Hood. A horse stepped out of the trees, and the man swung up into the saddle, then spurred his mount into a canter.

Fyia was glad to increase their pace. A run was exactly what she and her horse needed, and if they were headed for a trap, at least she’d die with exhilaration in her veins.

They rode for no more than a turn of the clock, but the ground became more treacherous with every passing pace, the trees sparser, the air cooler, the freeze harder.

The Black Hood slowed his mount to a walk as they approached a small town. It was a strange mix of wooden huts and stone buildings, but whereas the huts sat atop the snow, the stone buildings were half submerged, some so deeply that upstairs windows were now at ground level and being used as doors.

Fyia gaped.

‘Close your mouth,’ Edu said quietly in her ear.

She snapped out of it and pulled herself up, so she looked regal on her impressive steed.

The Black Hood led them to a building in the center of the town. Fyia assumed they were in the town square, although it would’ve been more obvious before the dragons had disappeared and the north had frozen.

She’d never given much thought to what it would be like up here. Her own homeland, which had once enjoyed a temperate climate, now had long and arduous winters, but nothing like this.

‘Leave your horses and guards here,’ said the man. ‘They will be looked after.’ He nodded to a stone building to the left—a tavern. ‘They will have rooms there.’

Fyia inclined her head. ‘Most generous,’ she said, ‘thank you.’ The tavern looked nice enough, at least the part she could see above the snow …

Fyia dismounted, and handed her horse to a guard. She slid a reassuring hand over the beast’s sweaty flank before following the Black Hood inside. Edu trailed behind her, and she could feel her wolves in the woods, wary, but not alarmed—a good sign.

‘Wait here,’ the man said to Edu. Fyia nodded as the man climbed deftly through a window, then she followed, trying to make it look as easy as he had—trying to maintain her dignity—unsure who watched from within.

The window led to a hall, her feet landing on a stage of sorts, and the Black Hood headed for a set of steps off to one side.

Fyia paused, casting her eyes over the large open space, with its flagstone floor, beautiful vaulted ceiling, and stained glass windows—at least the ones above the snow line, the ones below were covered with boards.

At the far end of the room, a fire raged in a hearth big enough to stand in, a circle of comfortable-looking chairs beside it. Two of the chairs were occupied, the occupants teasing a litter of four fluffy puppies with tidbits. The Black Hoods laughed at the puppies’ adorable exuberance, and Fyia couldn’t help but smile.

‘Your Majesties,’ said the Black Hood escorting Fyia, ‘may I introduce Queen Fyia Orlightus, the fire-touched ruler of the Five Kingdoms.’

The two in the chairs looked up—one man and one woman, both around thirty years of age. Fyia didn’t have time to dwell on the use of fire-touched in her title. Did that engender respect in these parts? Maybe it had once in her own kingdoms too, but those days had long since passed.

The man got to his feet slowly, his eyes raking over Fyia’s travel-ravaged form. She hadn’t stopped to wonder what she must look like—or smell like. She was disheveled, and no doubt reeked of horse. Edu had suggested she wear courtly clothes, so as to be prepared for any eventuality, but she hadn’t listened.

She watched the man as he took her in, his form pleasing, with short dark hair, stubble-covered jaw, and curious countenance. He was tall and muscular, although not overly so, and had a weathered look about him that implied he pulled his weight, not relying on others to do all the hard work.

Their eyes met as they finished their respective appraisals, and her chest fluttered, then went tight. They stood like that for a beat, two, something about him niggling at her consciousness.

‘It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Your Majesty,’ said the royal woman, interrupting their joint reverie.

Fyia hadn’t even realized the woman had stood, but she didn’t miss the provoking look the woman sent to the man—the King, presumably. Was she his sister? His wife?

‘It is a pleasure to meet you too,’ said Fyia, inclining her head. ‘Forgive me, but I do not know your names.’

Fyia’s escort cleared his throat. ‘This is King Atlas …’

‘Yes, yes,’ said the King. ‘And this is my cousin, Princess Zhura.’

‘Distant cousin,’ said the slight woman, sending him a testy look. She had long, dark hair and a way of moving that hinted at power. ‘Like … so removed I’m sure everyone else out there in the snow is also a princess by the same measure.’

The King rolled his eyes. ‘She does not appreciate her title.’

‘If you’re such a distant relation, then why do you have a title at all?’ said Fyia.

‘A good question,’ said Zhura, with a half-smile.

A puppy rushed to Fyia’s feet, and she scooped it up with a laugh. ‘Oh my word, these are the most adorable …’ The puppy licked her face, and she held it away. ‘Urgh, no licking.’ She set it back on the floor and crouched to pet it there instead.

She looked up to find the King watching her, something indeterminate about his lips, and she straightened.

‘Why are you here?’ said the King. His directness took her by surprise, although she wasn’t sure why.

‘You do not know?’

‘I have my suspicions, although I prefer not to jump to conclusions.’ His tone was hostile. Had she offended him? Was he angry she’d waltzed into his territory without an invitation? Or had her picking up the puppy been some kind of transgression … people could be touchy about their animals …

‘I am here, Your Majesty, because I believe there is a way to restore prosperity to your kingdom and mine.’

‘We are prosperous enough,’ he said hotly. Although, a shadow of something less certain crossed his cousin’s features.

‘I don’t doubt it. The Black Hoods are revered throughout the known world as a formidable force, but what if we could do more? What if we could melt the ice? What if we could make it easier on your people and mine?’

‘You truly believe returning the dragons will do that?’ he said, his tone scathing.

Fyia stood still for a moment, holding her ground. ‘Yes.’

‘The dragons are gone,’ he said, dismissively, ‘and even if they were not, you will never unite the Five Great Kingdoms.’

Fyia took a moment to collect herself … of course he knew the true legend. She supposed it had been arrogant to assume it applied only to the Five Eastern Kingdoms … although, in her defense, that was what she’d always been told. ‘And why is that?’ said Fyia.

‘You will never unite the Five Kingdoms, because I will never unite the Five Kingdoms. You and your people cannot be trusted. You are a force of destruction, and oppression, and discrimination. That is why the Fae’ch—all magic users—were run out of your lands. That is why … well, that is why your lands are like they are. I would never align my people with yours; it would be a grave injustice against them.’

Fyia’s temper flared. ‘How can you say that, when I am a magic user? Fire-touched, magic-touched, and with a Cruaxee? The very purpose of conquering my kingdoms was to bring about change … to put an end to the things that so offend you … that so offend me! Do you believe a land cannot change? Will you judge me by the actions of those I have overthrown?’

‘Have you though?’ said the King.

‘What do you imply?’ Fyia said quietly. His words stole the wind from her sails. ‘Speak plainly, so we may not misunderstand one another.’

The King gave a short, derisive laugh. ‘I imply nothing. You have held the reins of power for not even three cycles of the moon, and yet already your people—the people you seem to believe you can change—rebel in your streets. If you cannot control your own lands—your own people—how do you expect to form a union with mine?’

‘A union can be many things,’ said Fyia.

The King raised a suggestive eyebrow. ‘Indeed, it can.’

Fyia’s heart thudded in her chest. ‘And my people rebel against the very changes you deem desirable. They rebel because I have invited magic-wielders back to my lands, because I have allowed women into the university and guilds, and outlawed the stranglehold a small, privileged minority have on trade. They rebel because I am a woman, and they can’t comprehend that I have bested five Kings—five men!’

‘Not single-handedly, from what I hear,’ said the King.

Fyia went still. ‘You seek to diminish my achievements?’ she said. ‘You think that the most productive use of our time? To be in the best interests of your people?’

‘I am sure you must be tired after your journey,’ said the King. ‘Aaran, please see our guests to their quarters in the tavern.’

Her escort bowed his head to his King, then held out an arm, directing her back towards the window.

The tavern? He was putting her in the tavern? Was he slighting her, or was that the best his kingdom could offer?

‘You seem to have made quite an impression on the King,’ said Edu, looking around her sparse room. It was below ground and lit by candles, the tavern’s bar upstairs. It was cozy, with furs on the bed, and rustic wooden furniture. Edu’s room adjoined hers, and looked much the same from what she could see through the open door.

‘I’ll admit we’re not off to the best start,’ said Fyia, sinking into an armchair. ‘Do you think they were the Black Hoods at the Fae’ch party?’

‘I couldn’t say,’ said Edu, ‘seeing as you’re the only one who met them.’

Fyia thought back to the man with deep brown eyes and shaved head, to Cal. The King had something of that man about him, but his eyes had appeared green in the dim light of the hall. Not that she’d been close enough to see for sure, but his hair and name were different.

She supposed the woman at the Fae’ch party could have been Zhura. Fyia hadn’t got a good look at her that night …

Fyia shrugged. ‘The Fae’ch magic changed all of us … maybe the man at the party wasn’t really a Black Hood at all—just a Fae’ch trick—and I’ve felt no hint of the magic Cal used on me.’ She reached for her wolves, their presence reassuring. ‘And my wolves seem happy, rabbiting in the woods.’

Edu nodded. ‘Good, because we’re not equipped to deal with a magical attack.’

‘No,’ agreed Fyia. She longed for the day she would find someone who could help her understand her abilities … to teach her to use them properly.

Music started above, and a familiar voice drifted down. Edu and Fyia passed a look of understanding between them, then hurried up the stairs.

Rouel was on stage, lute in hand, singing of Fyia’s might and prowess. Fyia inwardly cringed as all eyes in the room swiveled to her. They seemed amused, rather than angry at her guard’s presumptively taking over their stage, so she gave a non-committal smile and headed to the bar.

The tavern was typical, with a large fire, rowdy men and women guzzling amber colored liquid from thick glass tankards, the warring smells of stale ale and stewed meat filling the air.

Rouel’s song came to a close, and as he started up again—this time playing a fast, well-known tune—a man at a nearby table began banging on the wooden floorboards in time with Rouel’s beat. Fyia tensed ever so slightly, but relaxed when a couple jumped up from a table near the stage. They took to the open area in the middle and began an energetic jig.

A smile took hold of Fyia’s face as she watched them, and then, to her surprise, a hand drum joined Rouel’s lute, and a soprano voice joined his baritone. Fyia could barely believe her eyes when she realized it was Zhura who’d joined him on stage. Not the usual pastime of a princess …

‘Zhura won’t be outdone,’ said the King, coming up beside her.

‘She does this a lot?’ said Fyia, a little wary given their earlier interaction.

‘She’s our most celebrated entertainer … although, she’s handy with a sword too, so don’t make the mistake of underestimating her.’

‘I rarely underestimate women,’ said Fyia. ‘I leave that to the men, and Rouel is one of my guards. I trust his skills with a sword as much as I enjoy his music.’

The King downed his beer and signaled to the bartender for two more. He held one out to Fyia, and she looked at it for a beat before accepting. She cared little for beer, but the King would surely mock her if she said so.

‘Do you live in this tavern too?’ she asked. She had to raise her voice to be heard, the floor now heaving with bodies. It was a wonder the floorboards held.

‘No,’ he said simply. ‘The accommodation is not to your liking?’

His words were light, but Fyia sensed something beneath them. ‘I care little for plush surroundings,’ she said. ‘My home has been a war tent for as long as I can remember. I am merely intrigued … would like to understand you and your people. That is why I’m here, after all.’

‘Oh, is that the reason? I thought you’d come for my hand in marriage …’ He laughed at her shocked features. ‘That is one way to unite our kingdoms, is it not?’

Fyia shook her head; brutal honesty was one way to communicate … ‘I can assure you, that is the last thing on my mind, Your Majesty. And if I must eventually marry, it will not be to you.’

His face contorted in mock outrage. ‘You wound me, Your Majesty. I had all but planned our nuptials.’

She rolled her eyes. ‘I’m sure.’

The music changed again, and the King’s face split into a broad smile. It was alarming how quickly he morphed from very-pleasant-to-look-at into a thing of shocking beauty. Something in her own features must have betrayed that she’d noticed, because he leaned in close. ‘Care to dance?’ His words were a dangerous purr, little more than a whisper.

‘No,’ she said firmly. He had no qualms about using his looks as a weapon then … good to know. Did he think he was the first man who’d tried to sway her with a pretty face and easy flirtation? Or was he goading her? Or simply trying to cause her discomfort?

‘Shame,’ said the King. He stood and pushed away from the bar, his smile turning mischievous. He snagged the hand of a passing woman, and pulled her to the dancefloor. ‘I suppose I should count myself lucky,’ he said, loud enough for those around him to hear. ‘They say east-kingdomers struggle to hold a beat …’

Fyia scoffed. ‘An untruth my guards are amiably disproving,’ she said. Four or five of her guards were merrily swinging each other around the floor, not to mention Rouel and his efforts on stage.

‘Yes, you’re right,’ said the King. ‘Maybe it’s only the highborn of your lands who can’t dance …’

Several of her bodyguard were highborn, but Fyia didn’t give him the satisfaction of an answer. Instead she shrugged, as though he could be right, then turned back to her drink, not wishing to watch his no-doubt flawless movements.

Edu sat beside her. ‘What a strange place this is,’ he said.

‘They have no regard for refinement, that’s for sure,’ said Fyia. ‘Imagine if I hosted a royal guest in a tavern … my courtiers would have a fit!’

Edu chuckled. ‘Starfall would approve.’

Fyia laughed. ‘You’re right, but I can’t see Lord Venir warming to the idea.’

‘Lord Venir will warm to no idea not of his own making, unless it is advantageous to him,’ said Edu, darkly.

‘Yes,’ said Fyia, ‘he will need to be replaced, but for now, I’m keeping my enemies close.’ She took a sip of beer, having to force it down, fighting the urge to gag. ‘By the Goddess, this stuff is truly foul,’ she hissed.

Edu laughed again, but then faltered, a look of concern contorting his features. He quickly tasted her beer, and Fyia held her breath. ‘It tastes like beer to me …’ he said, some of the tension leaving his face.

‘Well, I cannot drink it.’

‘The King will be delighted,’ said Edu. ‘Another slight to use against you.’

Fyia scowled.

‘But if you were to dance,’ said Edu, ‘and leave your beer unattended, I could not allow you to drink it upon your return.’

Fyia gave him a long look. ‘The King wins either way.’

‘What’s worse? Dancing, or drinking beer?’

That was easy, for Fyia loved to dance. She did not love to drink beer. ‘Come on then,’ she said, grabbing Edu’s hand.

‘No, not with me!’ said Edu. ‘I’m your guard. I need to keep watch …’

‘You can keep watch from the dancefloor. And don’t argue, it’s an order.’

Edu rolled his eyes. ‘Of course, Your Majesty,’ he said dryly, offering her his hand.

They took to the floor, and Edu punished her with spins so fast she almost lost her footing. Fyia laughed, her heart pumping wildly as they careered around the floor at a furious pace.

‘Your Majesty,’ said the King. He cut in so smoothly, Edu had little choice but to relinquish her.

‘Your Majesty,’ Fyia reluctantly replied.

‘It would appear the rumors are untrue …’

‘A great shock, I’m sure,’ she said, her words dripping with sarcasm.

‘Indeed,’ he said, then spun her under his arm.

She tried not to give him the satisfaction of a smile, so she smirked instead. ‘You’re not too bad yourself,’ she heard herself say.

He inclined his head. ‘Most kind,’ he said, then pulled her into a tight hold, and set off around the floor.

Edu was happy to retreat to the edge of the room. From the shadows, he could watch openly, and listen to the revelers’ unguarded drunken words.

‘I was sure he was gay!’ said the woman the King had pulled to the dance floor. ‘He only ever dances with his cousin.’

‘Trying to impress the Queen,’ said an old man, knowingly.

‘Why?’ said a second woman. ‘Not like we need the likes of her …’

‘Probably taken a liking to her …’ said the old man.

‘How will Mama Bear like that?’ said the second woman.

‘Spells trouble,’ said the first woman.

‘He has to marry sometime,’ said the old man, then, seeing her sullen face, added, ‘What? You thought he’d marry you?’

The second woman laughed.

Edu moved on, nearing the stage. Zhura put down her drum, accepting a drink from the man the King had called Aaran.

‘What is he doing?’ said Zhura. Her voice was too low to hear, but Edu could read her lips well enough.

‘Flirting, I believe,’ said Aaron.

‘Flirting …’ said Zhura, incredulously.

‘Trust him,’ said Aaron.

‘I do … but …’ Zhura shook her head, then surveyed the dancing. She watched Fyia and her cousin, their bodies pressed together in a way courtiers considered most inappropriate in Fyia’s own kingdoms. ‘We’re being watched,’ said Zhura, as her eyes flicked to Edu’s.

Edu held her gaze, unembarrassed at having been caught. They’d let their guards down … they should be embarrassed. Although, it was surprising Zhura had spotted him at all. Edu was well versed in stealth and concealment.

Zhura brought her hand up to her mouth and continued her conversation, shielding her lips from view. Edu inclined his head and moved on.

Fyia’s second dance with the King came to an end, and she was about to take a seat, to turn away and remove his arm from her back, when the door to the tavern’s window-sized entrance banged open. She wondered why they’d gone so far as to replace the window with a door, but hadn’t made the opening itself bigger, so they could just walk through. But before she could ask, the room went quiet, and a big, broad man with a shaggy beard swung his legs through the window.

‘Cal!’ the man boomed, looking directly at the King. ‘Nephew!’

The King hesitated, his eyes seeking Fyia’s as the word echoed around her mind. Cal. The Cal from the Fae’ch party?

The King’s hand brushed her bare arm, and Fyia’s Cruaxee magic jolted to life in her mind. Eagles screamed, and her wolves snarled, racing towards her. What in the Seven Hells? Had he done something to her magic again? Was she in danger?

Edu stepped between Fyia and the King, and a dangerous stillness descended, all eyes watching as Fyia’s guards formed up around her.

Her wolves sprang through the window, snarling and snapping their teeth, and the room erupted in fright, stools clattering, glasses smashing, the drunken crowd scrambling to get away.

‘Call them off,’ said the King, his voice low and urgent.

‘I …’ said Fyia. Pain lanced through her mind, her vision becoming a tunnel rimed with black. She looked wildly around, seeking some kind of clarity.

‘You don’t want to do this,’ said Cal. ‘Call. Them. Off.’

She didn’t know how. Her wolves had come to her … she hadn’t summoned them.

‘Fyia,’ said Edu. She swung her gaze to him, her mind swimming. ‘We have to get out of here.’

She nodded. Edu was right, they had to leave … regroup …

‘Call them off,’ the King hissed, trying to step towards her. His countenance was cold and commanding, no hint of the flirtatious rogue from moments before. ‘Before this gets out of hand …’

Edu held the King back. ‘Don’t …’ he said.

‘I …’ said Fyia, as the pain in her head intensified. Her wolves feigned attacks, keeping the northerners away.

‘Fyia,’ Cal said, his voice icy but imploring, ‘stop.’ The King’s green eyes were all she could see now, blackness having stolen most of her vision.

She closed her eyes, shaking her head back and forth, trying to escape the pain. And then a bear roared through her mind, and everything went black.