“He’s done a lot for us,” I said at last. “He got Aurelius out. He’s a good fighter as well, as he’s shown when helping me train. If things go…” I hesitated, uncomfortable with the truth. “If things take a bad turn, he’ll be a good ally in a fight.”
Cassius chewed on his cheek and glanced back and forth between Aurelius and me before he finally nodded to himself.
“It sounds like we’ve done as much planning as we can. Itruly wish I could join you, but, alas, a king must stay on his throne.
These aren’t the old days when kings and emperors would ride into battle with their armies.”
“That, and Titus would throw a fit if you even suggested it,” Aurelius said with a chuckle.
“This is true,” Cassius said, finally smiling again before waving us on. “Go on. You need to find your people and prepare. I’ll meet you on the roof for your departure.”
Our people were actually a few steps ahead of us. They’d already assembled in one of the antechambers near the topmost floor of the castle, brought together by Octavius. He’d been with us that fateful night at my family’s mansion. He’d lost several good men that night and had been thirsting for another chance to go against my brother and his men.
When we walked in, he was speaking with Sahalie, Achakos, and Kaskawan. They stopped speaking at our arrival.
“Is everyone ready?” Aurelius asked, glancing from Octavius to the others. Delphine and Freddy were on the couch, and Rasp and Vince were huddled in the corner, worried but determined looks on their faces.
“I think so,” Vince said. “No reason to put off bad stuff if it’s going to come no matter what you do.”
“A good sentiment.” Sahalie smiled at Vince. He grinned and quickly lowered his eyes when his cheeks flushed.
Titus entered the room behind us, looking pleased that we were all assembled.
“Good morning, everyone,” he said. “Are we ready to depart? The agreed-upon location is roughly an hour flight from here, so we do need to be on our way if you are to arrive on time.”
“I think we are,” Aurelius said, glancing around the room. “Any last-minute needs or requests?”
His question was met with silence and a few shaken heads. It seemed everyone was as stressed as I felt.
Titus led us up to the roof. Cassius was already there-a heavy fur cloak wrapped around him-to ward off the cold. Outside of the gala, I hadn’t seen him wearing anything that made him look like a king. He had a regal look on his face that hadn’t been there earlier. Most likely a show for his people so they didn’t see how worried he was.
Aurelius hugged his father, and they exchanged a few whispered words. Titus called over several servants who were laden down with coats, cloaks, and blankets. The Hikshil had requested to arrive at the meeting upon dragonback to show that they were aligned with House Decimus in more than words. They’d need warmth even with whatever magic they might be able to conjure for themselves during the flight.
After we were all dressed in warmer clothes, the four dragon shifters changed forms, and we climbed on their backs. Delphine and I were with Aurelius, Sahalie and Achakos on Vince’s back, and Kaskawan with Rasp, and Freddy with Octavius.
“Are you alright, little brother?” I called with a smile, watching the terror blooming in Freddy’s eyes.
He glanced up and visibly swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing like crazy. With wide, horrified eyes, he opened his mouth to speak, then closed it without making a sound. He nodded twice before reaching down and taking hold of the spines that lined Octavius’s back.
I chuckled and patted Aurelius on his head. “It’s okay. They’re really good at flying. If you fall off, he’ll more than likely be able to swoop down and catch you before you hit the ground.”
Freddy’s eyes bulged. “What do you mean?-“
Freddy never had time to finish his sentence because Octavius hopped off the castle parapet and took flight. The last thing I heard was Freddy’s terrified scream. Vince and Rasp took off behind him, and Cassius stepped forward to pat Aurelius’s inky black snout.
“Keep your promises, Aurey,” the king said. “I expect to see you again tonight. In one piece.”
Aurelius made a chuffing sound and nodded his huge head. When Cassius stepped back, Aurelius rushed to the edge and leapt out into open space. The strength and power of his dragon body always shocked me. Even with two adult women sitting on his back, he ascended into the sky effortlessly.
Delphine squeezed my midsection and pressed her cheek into my back.
“Tell me when we get there,” she shouted against the wind. “That’s when I’ll open my eyes.”
I chuckled and pulled the hood on my head down lower to block the chill. If nothing else, I’d get to enjoy the flight there. As terrified as Delphine and Freddy were of flying on a dragon’s back, I found it exhilarating. Along with everything else Aurelius had shown me, it was one of the things I’d grown to love about him and his world. If we were able to get out of this unscathed, I’d make him take me flying at least once a week. It was something good to look forward to. Something I wanted. I wouldn’t let my brother tear it away from me.
The meeting place was indeed an hour’s flight from the dragon castle. The clearing was in a forest in the middle of neutral land. Neither the dragons, wolves, nor any other shifter had claim to it. No one would have the upper hand there. We didn’t go directly there, though. That wasn’t the plan. Instead, we landed a few miles off in a concealed cove.
After climbing off Aurelius’s back, Delphine and I stepped back to give him room to shift. When he was in his human form, he stepped forward and took my hand.
“Are you sure you’ll be alright?” he asked, gazing into my eyes.
“I will. I’ll have Rasp and Vince with me,” I said, trying to sound as confident as Aurelius had that morning.
“And Octavius,” he said.
“Right,” I muttered. “Are you sure you can’t come?”
He shook his head. “No. The fact that Bastien is being so blatant in his lies tells me he has something up his sleeve. He knows he doesn’t have me captive. My guess? He thinks we’ll do what we did at the gala. Reveal me as the true prince to argue against whatever he has. That’s when he’ll spring his trap.”
Sighing, I gripped his hand tighter. The last thing I wanted was to face Bastien without Aurelius at my side.
“Do you think that’s really what he wants to do? Everyone will be watching. Would he truly do that with all those witnesses?”
“I wouldn’t put it past him.” Aurelius cupped my cheek, brushing his thumb over my jaw. “You don’t really know what he’s like now. He’s a maniac. All he wants is us-the dragons-gone. Once we’re out of the way, he can do whatever he wants.”
“But the fae?-“
“Aren’t strong enough. They have their own warrior class to go along with their shamans, but they don’t have the numbers. The magic helps, sure, but the sheer number of wolf shifters may still overwhelm even their best fighters.” His thumb moved to my lips, and the touch sent a hot current through me. “It’s all right. It’s overcast today. I’ll fly up above the clouds and circle the meeting point. I’ll only come low enough to keep an eye on things. Not to brag or anything, but I have pretty awesome eyesight. I can see things you wouldn’t imagine from that high. Like an eagle’s eye. Remember, I’ll be right there with you. Only a few seconds away. You won’t be able to see me, but I’ll be there.”
This was not an argument I wanted to lose, and I knew how it would end. Aurelius was dead set on this. I nodded and yanked him close, kissing him hard.
When he pulled away, he winked at me. “Don’t worry. I might have a few tricks up my sleeve if things go poorly.”
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