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I struggle in Raucharger’s claws, but they hold fast. My heart is thudding my chest as the new dragon and rider near us.

“What’s this?” Vladykar Jarogniew, still clinging to Astralux’s back as Raucharger keeps a hold of her, squints east, peering at the newcomers. “More Wards?”

Surprised, as I thought for sure that it would be more Vladykars, I feel my stomach flip-flop as I suddenly recognize the pale reddish-golden scales of the dragon, and the wolf-head of the rider:

It’s Prince Philander and his dragon.

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Thorn lifts the Verlassen banner, waving it in the air, and a tentative, confused cheer starts up from Riverton. Clearly, they aren’t sure what to make of two dragon riders that bear the Verlassen banner.

The Klevorian soldiers, however, seem less surprised and more anxious, and I hear the tumultuous shouting increase from their area.

“Hang on!” Astralux shouts.

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Staring in Prince Philander’s dark gray-purple eyes, his hand still outstretched to me, I swallow. I can feel the tension palpable all around me, everyone leaning close to see whether or not I accept Prince Philander’s offer of marriage and further secure the alliance between the Wards and Amenyl.

But I can’t. And I decide that the best thing to do is to be honest. It’s what Ariadna would want.

“I’m greatly honored by your request,” I say. “Thank you, your majesty. However, my heart is set on another man, and his on mine.” I pull out the ruby pendant Amon had given me, setting it atop my Wards uniform. “He has gifted me a betrothal promise.”

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Thorn and I follow the four generals of the Verlassen army down the tall hallway. Our steps are softened on the gold-gilded yellow and purple-patterned carpet runner beneath us, and my eyes take in the glistening gold vases on cherry-wood tables stationed perfectly every ten steps, Verlassen guards positioned in pairs between every three vases on either side.

The other thing that surprises me is how slow I feel like the generals are walking—and yet, theirs is no leisure pace. Being around other dragon-bonded has caused me to forget that we are faster. Even now, I remind myself not to make them feel rushed. Thorn seems more accustomed to the change in pace, and smiles a little as I take a couple of quick steps and then pause, trying to keep distance between myself and General Easton in front of me.

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“Sit.”

I stare at the two generals in the room as I take a seat in one of the thick, polished chairs at a round wooden table. If I weren’t so nervous that I’d been separated from Thorn—and far away from Astralux and Vitegadium—I’d have appreciated the beautiful paintings on the wall of military victories and still-life of the city of Remyssus.

As it is, my staff and dagger were taken, the rest of my equipment still on Astralux’s saddle, and now I look between the two men who continue to stand opposite of where I sit. Many other Verlassen soldiers have filled out the room, their yellow and purple-checkered uniforms quite bright in the many candle sconces that line the wall, giving ample light to the room, as does the large window behind me.

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From the depths of vibrant dreams of dragons, I realize I hear someone calling me: “Estelle? Estelle, please wake up!”

“Astralux?” I cough, my voice dry.

“Oh thank Ariadna,” Astralux says.

I manage one eye open, feeling groggy, as if I’d slept for a solid twelve hours and need another twelve to feel normal. I see Astralux’s face above mine, the furrow between her scaled brows relaxing slightly.

“Estelle?” I hear Thorn from nearby. “Where’s Estelle?”

“Over by Astralux,” Vitegadium says. “She’s just waking up too.”

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While we spend the morning flight on guard, expecting to see another Vladykar pair, there’s nothing else in the sky as Astralux and Vitegadium fly over the rolling plains except birds and, closer to the ground, butterflies. The beautiful summer day gets to me as the hours pass, and I relax, sighing as I hold out a hand, enjoying the wind rushing past my arm.

Astralux glances at me from the corner of one of her eyes. “And to think,” she says loudly, “you were once afraid of flying!” I grin sheepishly.

Vitegadium flaps his wings a little faster, raising himself. “Hey, what if we race?”

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“That looks like a good stopping place,” Thorn says loudly over the wind noise.

Astralux and I follow where he points to a small group of trees collected around a stream we’re loosely following south. “Agreed,” Astralux says.

Vitegadium, just ahead and to our right, dips his gold-tipped emerald green wings and banks toward the trees. Astralux waits a moment before following, arching more left to give plenty of room. Her wings beat heavily as we near the grassy ground. I wonder how she’s going to land with the rolling hills, but Astralux coasts until at last she drops at the base of a hill, using gravity to slow herself as she pads up the hill a few bounding steps.

“You’re a pro at this,” I say.

Astralux, panting heavily, laughs once. “What, landing? I should hope so! Falling when I land would be like you tripping on your own feet after you jump.”

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Chapter 5: Diplomatic Matters

“Well.” I peer around my suite in the Wards’ Palace, suddenly dreading this part. “I guess it’s time to go.”

Astralux’s claws click on the stone as she wriggles back and forth. “Isn’t this exciting?! We’re going on our first mission together!”

I smile and stroke the dragon’s nose, just above the nub at the tip. It’s a favorite spot for her. “That’s true.”

“And, we’re not going alone!”

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“Good,” Neil says. “Keep going.”

I sidestep Lyssa’s attack as she swings her wooden longsword at me. Gripping the staff in my hands hard, I drive it into the ground, propelling myself back even farther in case of a followup attack. But it’s not necessary—after so many hours of practice, I’m realizing just how much faster than Lyssa I am as a bonded. I circle around Lyssa, picking up speed.

“You’re doing great!” Astralux says from where she lays nearby. Finally out of the throes of the Spotted Fever, Astralux is still a little weak but at least well enough to leave our room and lay outside in the sunshine. She’s managing short flights now. Eclair and Giftigbun remain near her, perhaps both to make sure she’s okay and to make sure she continues to rest.

“Remember, Estelle.” Neil’s watching me very intently. “At some point, you have to make a move.”

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