“Um, I’m having problems taking this off with one hand,” Roberto confessed.
“Here, let me hold the clasp,” Ezaara said, helping him.
Roberto held Anakisha’s teardrop high. It twirled on the end of the chain, flashing. “Ezaara wears this crystal, which was bequeathed to me by my mother, Lucia. It once belonged to my grandmother, Anakisha, the last Queen’s Rider and my mothers’ mother. I didn’t know who my grandmother was, until Master Tonio told me this morning. Some of you may not know that Anakisha’s children were scattered throughout Dragons’ Realm, in hiding, to prevent them from becoming targets. Apparently, Ma kept it a secret, not even telling us or my father, Amato.”
A shocked silence met his statement.
Then Sofia called out, “They’re hand-fasted. Bonded as one. Roberto’s Anakisha’s progeny, so the prophecy’s fulfilled.”
Roberto grinned, holding their tied hands high.
Lars blew his horn once more. “Yes, Anakisha’s prophecy is fulfilled.” Handel roared, shaking the stage. “Now, Roberto and Ezaara will have their first dance as a hand-fasted couple,” Lars said. “Let’s celebrate, dance, and enjoy this fine feast.”
Musicians struck up the lively hand-fasting tune.
Sathir rippled around them as Roberto placed his hand at Ezaara’s waist and swept her around the stage in time to the music. Enfolded in his strong arms, his eyes caressing her face, and his mind melded with hers, her joy was complete.
“This feels so right,” he melded. “I never thought I’d amount to anything after Amato and Zens’ abuse. Never thought I’d be able to give my heart to anyone. I was broken, nothing.”
“You’re everything to me.” Ezaara rested her head against Roberto’s shoulder, and he pulled her tight as they danced. “Everything.”
§
Lars was fetching another carafe from the drinks table as Tonio approached him. “Evening, Tonio. You happy with how things have turned out?”
“Very. That was a close thing. Roberto could’ve been killed by Zens, and Anakisha’s prophecy never would have been fulfilled.”
Lars took a sip of grape juice. “She could have married Urs or Lofty. They’re both Anakisha’s descendants.”
Tonio shook his head. “Neither of them are right for her. Roberto is. I shouldn’t have insisted on leaving him in Death Valley. I apologize for my terrible lapse of judgment. With his talents, he’s an asset to the council, but could have been a terrible weapon in Zens’ hands.”
“He’d rather be broken or dead than harm our people,” Lars replied.
“I think you’re right.” Tonio selected a bottle of wine and headed back to his table.
Lars stared after him, muttering, “That’s a good change. What in the Egg’s name has gotten into him?”
§
Leah tugged Mara over to a group of mages, all dressed in their fancy cloaks. “You’ve got to see this, it’s incredible.”
“I haven’t met any wizards before,” Mara said. “I’m not sure if they’re safe.”
Leah smiled. “They’re nothing to be scared of. Kierion fights tharuks with mages all the time. One of them is my friend.”
“Really?” Mara asked, round-eyed. “Your friend?”
“Yes, he even gave me flowers once.” Leah’s chest swelled with pride. “You might get some too, if you’re lucky.”
Mara just bit her lip.
A Naobian mage twitched his fingers, sending a line of mage lights spiraling down toward the dancers. He spread his fingers and the lights spun off in different directions, casting their green glow over people’s faces. The man stepped back, nearly bumping into Leah. “Oh, I’m sorry.” He smiled. “I’m Jael. Nice to meet you.”
Mara shrunk back, but Leah held herself tall. “Hi, Jael, I’m Leah and this is my friend Mara. Have you seen Fenni?”
“Sure, he’s over there.” Jael pointed to a row of wizards sitting in chairs along the back wall. Fenni was watching the dancers, his long legs crossed at the ankles.
“Thanks.” She dragged Mara over. “Hi, Fenni.”
“Lovely to see you, Leah.” He smiled. Flourishing his hands, he created a beautiful bouquet of flaming flowers. “Just for you.” The flowers exploded into tiny green stars and disappeared.
Leah grinned. “Thanks, Fenni. Could Mara have some too?”
His green eyes twinkled. “You were my first friend at Dragons’ Hold, Leah, so my flowers are just for you.” Fenni’s gaze drifted over Leah’s shoulder.
She turned. Gret was walking by, her long blonde plaits swinging.
“Ah, excuse me.” Fenni made a beeline for Gret.
“He’s nice,” said Mara. “You’re so lucky.” Her gaze followed Fenni. “Do you think he likes Gret?”
As Fenni whisked Gret into his arms, leading her around the dance floor, Leah nodded. “Definitely.”
§
In the corner, sitting on an overstuffed sofa, Giant John nudged Giddi. “See those two?” He waved his goat’s haunch toward Fenni, who was dancing with a tall girl, holding her as if she was fragile. “Maybe there’s hope for riders and wizards after all.”
John had always had an appetite to suit his frame, so Giddi ignored the meat waving about under his nose, and followed John’s gesture. Young Fenni was beaming at his dance partner—an athletic-looking dragon rider with long blonde plaits. She ducked her head shyly then glanced up at him, blushing. Fenni beamed.
“Hope?” Giddi snorted. “So, a rider falling in love with a wizard will make Zens go away?” he said, laying on his sarcasm, especially for John. “And Lars is going to welcome Mazyka back, is he? And the moon has turned a violent shade of pink? Hope, indeed. The only hope we have is in combating Zens’ new threat.”
“Or finding your two young mages.” Giant John speared a potato with his knife and ate it in one bite.
“Zens must’ve taken Sorcha and Velrama for a reason.” Giddi scratched his head. What, though?
Lofty danced by with a short girl in his arms. “Got a great reach, that one,” said Giant John.
“You mean with
