Chapter 126

  As the evening wore on, he left to speak with his father. I saw Lord Anterton’s eyes fall on me as they spoke. Seeing that I met his gaze, he smiled in a friendly way that reminded me of King Sterin. Their conversation expanded to include Prince Alaren, no doubt discussing the army, and Allician found herself excluded, so moved around the table to sit with me.

  “Alaren’s so handsome,” she whispered excitedly to me. “And just so interesting, Liera.”

  “That’s wonderful,” I replied absently, wondering how soon I could escape and go see my dragon, and whether Ashara was already there.

  “But I do need to speak to you,” Allician became serious and leaned closer. “About the dragon.”

  I stiffened, reacting to the tone. I had grown up with that tone; it was one that was used amongst nobility when someone was crossing the boundaries of propriety. “What about my dragon?”

  “Well, it’s not really… appropriate.”

  “Aurien is my dragon.”