Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 235897 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1179(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 786(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 235897 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1179(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 786(@300wpm)
“Straight to business?” I feel the weight of his stare as he studies my profile. “You aren’t going to ask how I’ve been? My brother’s missing, you know.” He sounds exactly zero percent worried.
“Is he?” I fold my arms. “Or did Cam just need some space from your ego?”
Both Caroline and the fire wielder fly backward, landing on their asses before sliding to the edge of the mat.
“What made Second Squad’s assault effective was the use of mindwork,” Garrick reminds the First Wing squad. “Quinn and Cat worked together to fuck with my head, giving Sorrengail enough time to strike.”
“Not that she needed it,” Trager calls out, and he’s right. I could have struck at any moment. I simply waited until I could be certain of my accuracy.
A smile quirks at the corners of Xaden’s mouth.
“Seriously, though.” Halden tsks. “No hello? Not even a compliment on the tailoring of my uniform? Or the fresh haircut? I’m heartbroken, Vi.”
“You’d have to own a heart to break it,” I immediately counter. “And the only hair I remember is your professor’s covering your face when I walked in on her riding you. It was auburn, right?”
The next batch heads up, this time armed with fliers as Xaden changes position, moving slightly to the left.
“Ouch. You wound me.” Halden rubs his chest. “Yes, I cheated, but you have to remember, I was still suffering from the loss of my twin. I was…”
“Stupid? Thoughtless? Cruel?” I suggest. “Grief doesn’t excuse any of that. Never did.”
He sighs. “And here I thought you’d thank me for offering to step in and agree with you in regard to your upcoming mission.”
“How so?” My brow scrunches.
He reaches into his uniform pocket and retrieves a missive bearing the broken wax seal of Viscount Tecarus. “Here. Grady is taking too long and has yet to present a clear path that satisfies my father. I like this option.”
I take the parchment, and my eyes widen. “It’s addressed to me.”
“Don’t get caught up in the details.” He shrugs unapologetically.
My mouth tightens as I open the folded parchment.
Cadet Sorrengail,
As per our agreement, here are your requested tomes. I’ve also handpicked a selection from my personal library I hope you’ll find educational. In regard to your search, King Courtlyn of Deverelli has agreed to a single meeting—noble blood only—for the reasonable price of the Amelian Citrine. Queen Maraya has agreed to gift the gem to him but will not be responsible for its retrieval from its display in Anca.
Please let me know when you have the citrine in hand so I can schedule our visit.
In service,
Viscount Tecarus
“You’re doing a library exchange with the man first in line to the Poromish throne? Guess you didn’t leave the scribes entirely behind,” Halden muses as I finish reading.
“You shouldn’t be reading my messages.” I fold the parchment and tuck it into an empty dagger sheath along my ribs.
“Lucky for you I am.”
“Lucky? You’re kidding.” I scoff as Garrick sends another rider flying.
“I wouldn’t kid about your upcoming mission. Or you.” He looks my way. “I did some research—”
“You mean had someone do your research?” I counter.
“Same thing.” He smirks. “The Amelian Citrine is a lesser-magic amplifier worn by one of the members of the first drift. If you’re willing to retrieve it, I’m willing to order Grady to change courses.”
“It’s not that simple. Anca is in occupied territory.” I’m just not sure if it’s still occupied, or one of the cities they drained and moved on from. Either way, it’s beyond the wards, and even going there is a risk to Xaden.
“Like I said, if you want to go, I’ll step in on your behalf. I owe you at least that, and title overpowers rank every day.” He clears his throat. “Tell me, is it true what they say? You and…Riorson?” He says Xaden’s name with cringe-worthy disgust.
“If you’re asking if I’m in love with him, then the answer is wholeheartedly yes.” I glance Xaden’s way and find his eyes already on me. “If you’re prodding to see if we’re still together, then let me assure you, we’re adhering to the Code of Conduct in the way you never bothered to do. You can report that to your father.”
“I wasn’t asking for my father, Vi. I was asking for me.”
“You what?” I forget all pretense of watching the sparring match, giving Halden my full attention.
“I never told you I was sorry.” His face softens, and his gaze skims over my face like he’s noticing every detail that’s changed. “And I should have. If you’re not with Riorson—”
“I am in love with him.” I bristle. “I haven’t so much as thought about you in years. Don’t chase just because you like a challenge. You’ll lose.”
Halden scoffs. “Anyone who’s ever dated a rider knows their first priority—their first love—is their dragon. Once you accept that, another man hardly feels like a challenge.”