Years later, Adelina had been prepared to hate Ezaara—but the ignorant tear-streaked girl she’d met in the Queen’s Rider’s chambers, trying to put a brave face on for the world, had touched Adelina’s heart. Instead of her scorning Ezaara, they’d become good friends.
Earlier today, Master Derek had read Adelina’s name from his scroll. Master Alyssa had briefed them about imprinting protocol. They’d meet the dragons tomorrow.
She didn’t want to be Queen’s Rider anymore, but maybe she didn’t want to be a rider at all. Adelina had gotten used to Roberto and Erob being her only family. What if she imprinted and it changed things? What if she didn’t imprint at all? And, if she did become a dragon rider, would Zens target her too? He’d turned her father and her brother against Dragons’ Realm before. What if he caught her?
Adelina shuddered. She punched her pillow, then threw it against the wall. The truth was: she missed Roberto; she was worried about him; and every day that the council delayed made her anxiety grow.
Mind you, if she imprinted, she could go after Roberto herself …
Now there was a thought.
Someone rapped on her door. Adelina started guiltily. Silly, really, no one could hear her thoughts—although that would change if a dragon chose her as its rider.
Gret came in. “Oh? You’re going to bed? But it’s so early.”
“Uh, yeah, I’m tired.” She faked a yawn, hoping Gret would get the hint.
But Gret wasn’t that stupid. She sat on the bed next to Adelina and squeezed her hand. “I know you’re missing Roberto,” she said, as if all Adelina’s cheery smiles and reassurances over the past few days had been transparent.
“Miss him? Why, I’m as happy as a lark. Now there’s no big brother to boss me around.” She smiled brightly, but her voice trembled, giving her away.
Within a heartbeat, Gret was hugging her as fat tears rolled down her cheeks.
“That’s better,” Gret said, pulling back when Adelina stopped sobbing. “You can’t bottle everything inside you.”
“Why not? I did for years.” Adelina gave a weak smile. “I wish there was something I could do. It seems wrong, getting on with normal life while Roberto’s captive.” She sighed. “Why did you come to see me? Are you nervous about imprinting tomorrow?”
“No.” Gret’s brows were pulled into a frown and her mouth was grim. “I have bad news. Snake-tongue’s spreading rumors about your brother.”
Adelina rolled her eyes. “I heard her at breakfast this morning. She hasn’t been the same since Ezaara injured her. Not that I blame her. I’d be angry if the Queen’s Rider knifed me.”
“We both know it wasn’t Ezaara’s fault. Anyway, I think we should talk to Lars. It’s getting serious. There are rumors that Alban’s threatening girls who won’t side with Sofia against Ezaara.”
“We’ll need evidence.”
“I know. I’ll keep an eye out.” Gret stood. “Are you sure you don’t want company?”
“Thanks for the offer.” Adelina preferred being alone. It was easier to carry her grief without someone watching. She had too many hurts in her past to lump them all on a friend. Too many secrets. That’s why Roberto had given her a cavern of her own next to his when he’d become master of mental faculties and imprinting. She gasped. “Usually it would be Roberto’s job to test each imprinting bond ….”
“But he’s not here,” Gret said. “Don’t worry, Lars and the council will rescue him soon. And just think, tomorrow you may be a dragon rider.” Gret smiled.
“Thanks.” As Gret left, Adelina faked one last smile for her friend. That was why she needed Roberto. Her brother got her, because he was hiding the same dark family secrets.
§
Gret was nearly at the girls’ cavern when Sofia and Alban stepped out of the shadows.
“Visiting Adelina, were you?” Sofia sneered, her teeth glinting in the torchlight. Behind Sofia, Alban was a wall of muscle, oozing menace.
“None of your business.” Gret’s hand hovered near her sword hilt. She was an ace with a sword and everyone here at Dragons’ Hold knew it. That’s what came of being the Montanarian swordmaster’s daughter.
“I’m surprised you’d hang out with the sister of a traitor,” Alban said, his hand sliding to his knife hilt.
“Really, Alban? A knife against a sword? You’ve got to be joking,” Gret said scornfully. “And I didn’t pick you to be so stupid. Master Roberto was declared innocent. Fleur, Bruno and Simeon were banished as traitors, remember?”
“Everyone knows Roberto mind-tricked the council into letting him back.”
Gret laughed and pushed her way past them. Her back crawled. She had the urge to spin and parry, just in case. But she didn’t. Pa had taught her never to show a weakness.
“Gret,” Sofia called.
Gret turned.
“We were just kidding.” Sofia licked her lips, eyes darting. “Joking around. You know, like one of Kierion’s pranks.”
“No,” said Gret, “not like Kierion’s pranks at all—they’re funny.”
§
Tomaaz woke late. A candle burned in the sconce and the slave boy was fast asleep in the bed across from him—peacefully. Shards, he’d slept all day. How was Maazini? What about Lovina? He’d barely spoken a few sentences with her since he’d returned from Death Valley.
He threw back the covers, pulled his riders’ garb on and went into the infirmary. Pa was sitting, reading by torchlight. A couple of men were sleeping in the beds lining the walls.
“Good morning, Son,” Pa quipped. “Nothing like greeting the dawn.”
Tomaaz snorted. “Or the sunset, in my case. How’s
