“Good morning,” Zaarusha hummed. “Well done on your imprinting test.”
Ezaara gazed around. Zaarusha was nowhere to be seen. “I hope there won’t be any more tests.”
“Not like that one. Only tests of skill.”
“Skill? I’m sure to fail, then. I’m not good at much, except herbs.” Zaarusha should have taken Tomaaz as her rider instead.
“No, Tomaaz isn’t the right rider for me. You are.”
“Why me?”
Zaarusha appeared in the archway. “When my dragonet gave his life to bless your mother, some of his essence was passed to Marlies, for her progeny. I sense that you—and probably Tomaaz—have special talents, gifts from my baby.”
“It’s sad you lost your baby.”
“Yes, I was devastated, but it was a long time ago.”
Ezaara sat up. “So, what talents are you talking about?”
“These things take time to unfold. Be patient.” Snaking her long neck into the room, Zaarusha winked and opened her jaws, shooting a jet of flame along the edges of the metal tub. Soon steam rose from the water. With one last burst of controlled flame, she ignited the timber under the tub. “Now, relax and enjoy your bath. I’ll be next door in my den.”
Ezaara smiled. That was much easier than fetching boiling water from a hearth.
The cavern floor was cool beneath Ezaara’s feet. Clad only in her underthings, she shivered. Opening a drawer, she found clean underclothing. In another, dark jerkins and breeches like the masters had worn—dragon riders’ garb. A majestic closet held beautiful robes, embroidered tunics and breeches—all made of luxurious fabrics in gorgeous hues. Were these all hers? She stroked a blue satin tunic, then ran her fingers down a soft green dress. She’d never had anything this fine in Lush Valley.
Her family’s faces flashed to mind. She missed them: Tomaaz’s pranks, Ma’s understanding and Pa’s teasing. She’d left Lush Valley on an impulse, without a thought for them or a goodbye. She’d broken her vow to Tomaaz. No! Now her eyes were stinging. She squeezed them shut. The Queen’s Rider, crying? Surely Zaarusha deserved more.
Shoving her feelings aside, Ezaara strode to the steaming tub. On the wall above the bath were two crossed swords, ancient-looking things with ornately-carved hilts. One hilt was silver, the other, gold. Snarling metal-worked dragons—with tiny engraved scales—curled around the hilts. They were beautiful. She longed to hold one and test its weight, but she didn’t dare. They were obviously ceremonial—much too pretty to fight with.
Ezaara dipped her hand in the tub, warm water trailing from her fingers. A bowl of herbs was perched on a ledge. She sprinkled some into the water, a summery scent filling the air. Stepping out of her underclothing, Ezaara sank into the bath. She had to become a good Queen’s Rider. Develop her talents. She could do this. She had to. There was no place among these tough riders at Dragons’ Hold for petty worries or loneliness. She had to be strong. But the bath’s soothing warmth and herbal scent reminded her of home, washing away her resolve, and soon, her tears blended with the water.
§
Adelina hurried along the tunnel toward the Queen’s Rider’s cavern. Of all the favors Roberto could’ve asked! She had a million better things to do than babysitting an ignorant waif from Lush Valley. Why should she look after the girl who’d broken her heart and stolen Zaarusha?
Because Roberto had asked, that’s why. She’d do it, but she didn’t have to be gracious. Sighing, she knocked on the door.
No answer, but faint sounds came from within.
Adelina pushed the door open, turning on her charm, bowing low. “Good morning, Ezaara, Honored Rider of Queen Zaarusha.”
A blonde girl was hunched on the bed, head bowed, half wearing a gorgeous blue satin robe. Seeing the simple ties on the dress, Adelina rolled her eyes. The new Queen’s Rider hadn’t even greeted her. Couldn’t even dress herself. This girl was worse than she’d thought. If she’d been Queen’s …. She wasn’t. And Roberto had begged her help, insisting the girl was the true Queen’s Rider. She had to try. If not for this girl, then for Zaarusha, for Dragons’ Realm.
The girl sniffed.
Adelina had expected incompetence or ignorance, not someone melting in self-pity. “Excuse me, are you all right?”
Ezaara’s head shot up, cheeks flaming. “Um, yes. I’m fine.” She smiled too brightly, her lower lip wobbling.
Familiarity knifed through Adelina—she had a whole arsenal of smiles that masked pain. What was this girl’s hurt? At what cost had she come here? She smiled back. “I’m here to help you prepare for your first public flight.”
“Thank you, that’s kind of you.”
She had green eyes, this girl. Brave eyes, despite her sadness. “Here.” Reaching into the leather bag slung over her shoulder, Adelina passed Ezaara a bread roll and an orange. “You missed breakfast, but you’ll feel better after eating.”
“I’m fine, really.”
Adelina arched an eyebrow. “Right, of course you are. Especially after a tough imprinting test with a bunch of strangers in the middle of the night, far from home. Absolutely fine.”
Wiping her tears, Ezaara laughed.
Adelina had to grin. “I’m Adelina.”
“Someone else should be Queen’s Rider,” Ezaara said. “I don’t know how anything works around here. Not even this dress. I mean, I’d never seen a dragon before Zaarusha appeared. What if I fail?”
Obviously humble enough to learn, this girl wasn’t so bad after all. “You’ll be fine, with my help. Remember, you’ve already passed your first test.”
Ezaara shuddered. “It was hideous.”
Roberto had said Ezaara had the strongest bond he’d ever tested, and he’d know. “Master Roberto said you did well.”
“I’m surprised he had anything to say about me at all.”
“Tough, was he?” He did
