Where Dragons Collide (Dragon Ridden Chronicles Book 5) Read online

  “Resources?”

  The word Ryu used was an important clue. The way he said it made Tate think he didn’t mean the empire’s citizens. That left one choice.

  “He’s waking sleepers, isn’t he?”

  Ryu’s nod was slow.

  With them, he could make an army. It seemed Nathan had an affinity for monsters. Made sense. As someone who’d switched sides to the Creators, he’d likely know how to control them.

  “That’s annoying,” Tate said.

  Ryu’s answering grunt held a hint of laughter.

  He reached over, catching her wrist and drawing her out of her chair toward him. There was a look in his eyes that said he was done talking.

  Tate felt an answering jolt, her gaze dropping to his lips and lingering there. Ryu’s eyes darkened as he pulled her closer. Tate sighed as his lips brushed hers.

  The kiss had no chance to deepen before there was a chiming noise from the other side of her bedroom.

  Tate froze.

  She knew that sound. It was one of many mirror communication devices Tate had in her house. It used to be she only had one, located in the foyer, but after she’d missed repeated summoning’s over the course of a week, Thora demanded she put one in every room of the house.

  Tate straightened from Ryu, sending an annoyed glare at the mirror.

  Ryu’s lips twitched. “Someone has interesting timing.”

  Tate climbed off his lap. “I’m so glad one of us finds this amusing.”

  She marched toward the mirror, touching the surface to activate her side of the call. Thora’s face took shape in the mirror’s depths.

  “What?” Tate snarled.

  Thora didn’t respond to the rude question, his gaze going over her shoulder and locking on Ryu. “You’ve been summoned by the emperor.”

  “Understood.”

  Thora grunted and cut the connection without another word.

  “That rude bastard,” Tate exclaimed.

  Ryu pressed a kiss to the side of her temple. “It looks like our reunion will have to be delayed.”

  Regret moved through Tate. It couldn’t be helped though. A summons by the emperor via the Dragon Corps commander couldn’t be ignored—even if doing so would fill her with an immense amount of satisfaction.

  “Rain check?” she asked.

  Ryu tilted her face up to his, dropping a kiss onto her lips that sent lightning darting through her veins. It was the sort of kiss that ravaged the recipient’s senses, leaving them craving more.

  Tate clung to him, wanting to wrap herself around his body and never let go.

  The intensity of the kiss waned until he pulled back, dropping one last kiss on her lips. His eyes were like molten lava as he stared at her. “Always.”

  He whistled and Rath flew to perch on his shoulder. He gave her a wicked smile as he exited through her windows, striding across the balcony. Between one step and the next, his form merged with Rath’s, and a dragon filled the space where Ryu had just been.

  Ryu’s dragon stretched out his neck, breathing on the glass. It fogged up. With a playful look on his face, Rath swiped his tongue over the glass.

  “You brat! I just cleaned those last week,” Tate yelled.

  The dragon rumbled as it crouched and took off into the sky.

  This is what happens when you side with the interloper, Ilith said without an ounce of sympathy.

  Tate would have to remember that for next time.

  * * *

  Dewdrop fussed with the stiff collar of his formal jacket. With his hair smoothed back from his face in a style that was popular with high society and dressed in an outfit that coordinated with Tate’s, Dewdrop looked incredibly dashing. If only he didn’t also look annoyed.

  “Why do I have to wear this?”

  Tate slapped his hands away, reaching out to fix the part he’d disturbed. “Stop that. You’ll wrinkle it.”

  Where Tate’s outfit was primarily a deep blue with silver accents, Dewdrop’s was the opposite. Silver was his dominant color with the blue serving to add a pop of interest.

  He held still, aiming an irritated frown at her that said he didn’t really care if he ruined the jacket. “It’s stuffy. I feel like I’m choking.”

  “Too bad. You’re not the only one suffering. We all are.”

  “Night isn’t.”

  They both eyed the Veles who appeared relaxed, sprawled outside the closed doors to the ballroom where the evening’s event would take place.

  At the mention of his name, Night blinked lazily at them and rolled onto his side. He stretched his back and front paws as far as they would go, exposing his incredibly tempting belly that just screamed to be petted.

  Even knowing it was a trap, Tate’s fingers burned with the urge to touch. Just one stroke. Maybe two.

  Only, if she acted on the urge, there’d be blood. Everywhere. All over her jacket. Strewn across this beautiful hall. To say nothing of how much she’d track through the ballroom when it came time for the announcement.

  At that point, it would be safe to say her first appearance at court would be a disaster.

  It wasn’t that Night didn’t have any accessories to make it clear he was part of their group. Ashwin had been rather insistent in the beginning that Night wear the bow tie she’d created out of the scraps from Tate and Dewdrop’s outfits.

  One look at Night’s obstinate expression and Tate had decided to let the seamstress fight that battle. She’d told Ashwin she was welcome to try to put the bow tie on him herself if she wanted him to wear it. He’d only needed to lift his lip to show a fang for her to back off.

  Sometimes Tate wished all it took was flashing her teeth for people to reconsider their plans. Unfortunately, her teeth lacked oomph. She’d have to be in Ilith’s form for that to work. Not something she could pull out anytime she wanted to.

  “I think you look handsome,” Daisy told Dewdrop.

  A faint red stained Dewdrop’s cheeks. Tate didn’t think it was her imagination when he rolled his shoulders back and stood a little taller in the process.

  Dewdrop wasn’t the only one who cleaned up nice. Daisy was always pretty but tonight she resembled her namesake. Sweet and innocent but with an unassuming charm.

  Far from her dress being some simple thing thrown together at a moment’s notice, it was apparent that care and thought had gone into its construction.

  It was the color of sunlight. The bodice waist and sleeves were a cheery white yellow before gathering into a full skirt that fell to her feet. The same color as the rest of the dress, the skirt also had a transparent fabric overlay that made it look like hundreds of tiny white flower petals had gotten caught in its depths.

  Thora was even more calculating than Tate had given him credit for to prepare something like that for Daisy in advance.

  Either he knew this was coming, or at least suspected it. Tate wouldn’t put it outside the realm of possibility if Thora had commissioned outfits for all the dragonlettes in case of emergency.

  She had to hand it to him. There was a reason he was the dragon commander instead of someone else.

  Roslyn’s nervous fidgeting distracted Tate.

  “It’s going to be fine,” Roslyn said, looking like she thought it would be anything but. “Totally fine. Nothing will happen.”

  Dewdrop eyed her. “How is she more nervous than us?”

  “Maybe she knows something we don’t.”

  Neither of Tate’s companions seemed overly worried about what was to come. To them, this was just another day and just another event to get through.

  Night was always like that, though. It must be the feline in him. Nothing ever really worried him. He took things as they came.

  As a former member of a Night Court, Dewdrop was experienced in such matters. If anything, the emperor’s court was probably less bloodthirsty than what he was used to. Not to say the Night Court didn’t have its own set of rules but they were a little looser down there.

&nb
sp; It was understandable everyone was antsy. It was approaching an hour since they’d been instructed to wait for their announcement. Much longer and her companions wouldn’t be the only ones she had to worry about. Tate, herself, was getting bored.

  Bad things happened when she was bored.

  The gold-plated doors blocked most of the hum of the crowd beyond but not all. Two guards in full armor stood on either side, waiting. They paid no attention to Tate and the rest, staring straight forward with expressionless faces.

  “How much longer?” Dewdrop asked.

  Tate shook her head. They were on new ground. She had no way of guessing.

  “We shouldn’t have to wait much more,” Roslyn said.

  Dewdrop grunted.

  Roslyn focused on Tate with a determined gaze. “You’re going to be fine.”

  “Of course, I am. If anything happens, I’ll simply have Ilith eat them.”

  Roslyn’s expression didn’t shift. “As satisfying as that would be, it’d probably be best if you don’t.”

  Tate shrugged. “If you insist.”

  “I do.”

  “Spoilsport,” Dewdrop said.

  Daisy looked between the three, appearing adorably confused.

  Seeing it, Dewdrop sent her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. Tate only does that when absolutely necessary.”

  Daisy’s forehead wrinkled. “I thought we weren’t supposed to use our dragons that way.”

  Dewdrop paused. “Tate’s a little special.”

  “The way you say that makes me seem like someone who has a few screws loose and doesn’t know right from wrong,” Tate grumbled.

  The boy can’t help it if his words hit uncomfortably close to home, Night said with his eyes closed. Maybe you should clean up your reputation if you’re worried.

  Tate scowled at him. “I don’t want to hear that from you, Mr. Ambush Predator who scared the delivery man enough that he’s too scared to step foot on our street anymore.”

  Night lifted his head. That was a misunderstanding.

  Tate snort held derision. A misunderstanding that had seen them banned from every delivery service in the city. It was an incredibly annoying inconvenience.

  One of the guards stepped forward, interrupting the argument. “It’s time. Please prepare yourselves.”

  “The way he says that makes it seem like we’re going into battle,” Dewdrop muttered.

  “You’re about to learn how accurate that statement is.” There was a grim expression on Roslyn’s face as if she was bracing herself for what was about to come.

  Night stood with a yawn and padded forward. I guess I’ll go first.

  Roslyn had worked out the order earlier. Apparently, there were rules around this sort of thing. To her annoyance, Tate was finding there were a lot of restrictions about court. Hopefully, this would be the last time her appearance was required.

  From inside the room, a man announced, “First of his kind, the Veles, Night.”

  Night disappeared through the doors as those beyond went silent.

  Roslyn sent Tate a serious look as Dewdrop’s turn came. “Remember, don’t let them see your fear or anger. Emotions are what they use to control their opponent.”

  “You don’t have to worry about that with Tate. I doubt anyone here could withstand her and Ilith’s rage if they ever provoke her.” Dewdrop grinned and waved at Tate as he stepped into the ballroom. “See you soon.”

  Roslyn shook her head. “I hope he’s right.”

  Tate expression turned serious. “Will you be okay?”

  It was only now that Tate felt a tiny bit of guilt for asking Roslyn to come here. It couldn’t have been easy stepping into the world she’d left behind. A world that looked glamorous from the outside but from how Roslyn acted, Tate could guess was cutthroat and vicious.

  “I’ll survive.”

  Sometimes that was all you could ask for.

  As the voice in the ballroom announced Roslyn, Tate stepped closer to Daisy and lowered her voice. “Stay close to Dewdrop and Night.”

  Daisy’s head jerked up. “Are you concerned about safety?”

  “These are powerful people. You never know what will happen.”

  There was a caution in Daisy’s gaze that hadn’t been there before. Tate squeezed her hand reassuringly. “It’s going to be okay. I’ll make certain of it.”

  Even if Ilith had to destroy a palace to do it.

  Daisy’s nod was uncertain. “Alright.”

  “It’s your turn,” the female guard said.

  “Yes, thank you.” Daisy lifted the front of her skirt and stepped into the doorway. She paused. “Tate, I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and my brother. I’ll do anything I can to repay you for the kindness.”

  She walked through the doorway before Tate could respond. Her motives for saving Daisy and the rest were selfish. She wouldn’t have been able to live with herself if she’d stood aside and done nothing.

  The time it took to announce Daisy’s entrance went by far too quickly. Tate stepped up to the doorway, taking a deep breath.

  This was it. All she had to do was avoid doing anything that would see her exiled or executed. No pressure or anything.

  “Lady, good luck,” the guard closest to her said.

  Tate dipped her chin in acknowledgment and stepped forward as every gaze in the ballroom locked on her.

  It was an intimidating feeling being the focus of all those people. Some curious, others neutral, a few hostile.

  The only thing that steadied her were the two standing at the foot of the steps waiting for her. It was reassuring to know that she wasn’t on her own. That she hadn’t been for a long time. Others had her back—even against the most powerful in the empire.

  Never alone, Ilith thought, sounding offended.

  I know.

  It was something Tate had never questioned. Without one, the other couldn’t exist. At this point, Tate wasn’t sure she’d want it any other way.

  She’d gotten a taste of what it would be like if Ilith ever disappeared. It was lonelier than she expected. There’d been a hole inside her in the shape of her dragon. She had no desire to ever repeat the experience.

  Ilith sulked. Will eat anyone who tries to harm us.

  Maybe try the less extreme options first before going that route, Tate advised.

  Ilith’s confusion reached her. Silly Savior, prey is meant to be hunted. Strike hard and strike first. That is our motto.

  Since when did they have a motto? Why didn’t she know about this?

  “Presenting, Lady Tate Fisher, dragon-ridden, bringer of peace to Silvain and protector of the empire.”

  Like Roslyn instructed, Tate paused, letting those assembled get a good look at her even while she studied them from her vantage on the upper landing of the double staircase.

  It was quite the dramatic moment.

  A silver runner ran down either staircase, traveling the length of the ballroom before stopping at the foot of the throne on the other side. The emperor waited there, sitting on a black throne that matched the dark floors. Ryu and Thora flanked him; their outfits similar to hers only their colors reflected their individual dragons.

  Ryu wore red, gold and black. Thora wore a lighter silver and brighter blue than Tate.

  Both men gave the impression of danger as they guarded the emperor’s side.

  Tate kept her gaze locked on the emperor as she descended the staircase. Before he’d left last night, Ryu had told her to focus only on the man sitting on the throne. That was exactly what she intended to do.

  The rest were unimportant players in a game she had no interest in. If worse came to worst, she’d take Ilith up on her offer to eat them.

  Feeling calmer and more assured, Tate marched across the ballroom, Night, Dewdrop and the other two flanking her.

  The crowd closed behind them, cutting off any chance of retreat. No backing out now.

  Tate’s gaze wandered to the man standing o
n the emperor’s left. An approving glint shone in Ryu’s eyes before his mask snapped into place, leaving only the impartial man she’d once been unable to resist defying.

  Tate reached the end of the runner and stopped.

  From behind her, Dewdrop raised his voice. “Lady Tate Fisher, Dragon-Ridden, gives her greetings to Emperor Thaddeus Aureous, second ruler of Aurelia.”

  Tate bent forward in a bow, catching the others dropping to one knee out of the corner of her eye.

  Unable to do the same, Night sat before stretching out to lay on his stomach. He lowered his head. It was the pose Night and Roslyn had settled on yesterday.

  As a Veles, there weren’t many precedents in formal court greetings. In this, Night was the forerunner.

  The emperor’s boots were the only part of him that she could see. They shifted, one of his feet lifting to rest on his knee as he slouched back in his throne.

  There was a pause as the ballroom fell silent. It stretched into an uncomfortable length.

  Finally, the emperor spoke. “Lady Fisher, I must say I was anticipating a much more dramatic entrance. No interest in stealing my crown today?”

  FIVE

  Whispers surrounded Tate and quiet titters filled the air. Of course, he’d bring that up. She’d probably be on her death bed still defending herself against that lapse in judgment.

  Why, oh why, couldn’t she have been one of the lucky ones who the emperor dismissed without feeling the need to engage?

  “Is that a dare, your majesty?” Tate asked, not lifting her head.

  It was probably not the wisest thing to say. Particularly when standing right in front of the throne and the dozen or so guards responsible for protecting the emperor.

  Tate simply couldn’t resist. If his intent was to make her uncomfortable, she would return the favor a hundred-fold. See how he liked that.

  Sometimes you had to bow, even when it went against your nature. Sometimes you had to return force for force. Backing down would only invite more trouble in the long run.

  She couldn’t afford to appear weak—even if it was the emperor in front of her. Too many others would take the first sign of blood as a signal to attack.