by T. A. White
She’d rather be considered arrogant than an easy target.
“You may rise,” Thaddeus said.
Tate stood, taking in the emperor in all his glory. Someone had arranged things so a beam of light shone down on him from the windows set high on the walls around them—as if the heavens themselves anointed him as the ruler.
There were two ways to lead people. Through fear or by making them worship you.
The first was easier. Anyone with a lack of conscience could beat down others, making them too afraid to stand against them. The flaw in that method was that you relied on a house of cards to maintain your rule.
Strangling other’s voices never worked out in the end. It only led to corruption and the eventual dismantling of your rule.
The second was far harder. Make your subjects love you. After that they’d follow you willingly. Go to any lengths to ensure your rule.
Of course, even with that method there would always be those who eyed your power and wanted to take it from you. Only that would be more difficult because others would raise an outcry at the first sign of trouble.
The truly smart used a mixture of both methods. The carrot and the stick. Reward and punishment.
Thaddeus’s light silently reinforced the idea he was where he was meant to be.
If Tate had been a different person, someone a little less jaded and a lot more innocent, it would have had the intended effect. She’d stand before it convinced on a visceral level that the empire was strong. That resistance and rebellion only led to death.
However, Tate was made of sturdier stuff. She could appreciate the emperor’s mind game even if it ultimately had no effect.
Thaddeus leaned his chin on his hand, regarding Tate and the rest with a lazy gaze.
Tate could see why Ilith always referred to him as the ‘shiny man’.
The emperor was a being who eclipsed his surroundings. The fur collar of his formal robe drew the eye to the sharp plains of his face. Keen green eyes didn’t manage to hide the predator he carefully kept hidden. The rest of his outfit was just as eye catching. A cream-colored jacket, complete with a gold sash and medals on his chest.
Tate’s gaze lingered on the crown perched on his head. This was different than the one she’d stolen. Heavier and larger with many more gems embedded into it.
Ilith purred at the sight. Greed rose from her dragon. So sparkly.
Those around the emperor—including Thora and Ryu tensed.
Tate shot them an innocent smile as if to say she was simply admiring its beauty. Distrust was on more than one face as Tate directed her attention back to the emperor. There was a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips when she met his eyes.
Steal it, Ilith prodded.
The pleasant expression on Tate’s face stiffened and threatened to fall. What would the emperor say if he knew that the thing he said in jest was in very real danger of coming true?
Don’t do it, Tate begged silently.
She was rather attached to her head remaining where it was.
A silent snicker and small chuff of amusement came from Dewdrop and Night as if the two knew exactly what paths her brain had strayed down.
You know you want to, Ilith wheedled.
Tate had no idea when her dragon had gotten so delusional.
He doesn’t need it. He has other crowns.
Tate ignored the dragon, her expression growing strained. If Ilith tried to wrest control, Tate didn’t care how rude it was, she was making a beeline for the closest exit.
“The trouble your presence manages to stir up without even trying is most impressive,” Thaddeus said, humor lacing his tone.
Tate fought to keep from scowling, knowing it probably wouldn’t go over well if the emperor and his subjects saw that expression.
She’d never been particularly good at kissing ass, but that was no reason to be deliberately insulting.
“I’m not really sure what you mean,” Tate said in as polite a voice as she could muster.
When all else failed, pretend ignorance. It had never once worked for her in the past but maybe this time would be different.
You’re pretty bold to lie directly to the emperor’s face like that, Night taunted. They’ll write stories of your hubris for centuries to come.
She flicked the hand at her side at him, the most subtle response she could think of right now.
The emperor’s grin spread as Tate snuck another peek at the crown, unable to help herself. Ilith’s desire was understandable. It really was an item worthy of a horde. If it was anyone but the emperor, she’d be tempted to let Ilith steal it.
“See something you like?” he asked.
Tate shrugged. “Nothing special.”
Thaddeus threw his head back on a laugh. “You’ll do nicely.” When his laughter died down, he eyed her with a serious expression. “I believe there are some words you owe me.”
Tate took a deep breath, knowing what he wanted. Roslyn had gone over the oath of loyalty with her the day before.
While the statement didn’t really reflect Tate’s personality or values, she could see why it was needed. There was an argument to be made for strengthening the emperor’s position. Especially with what Tate knew was on the horizon.
Tate had no problem with that—even if the method was a bit cringe inducing.
“Your majesty, I present to thee myself, Lady Tatum Allegra Winters, sacred bonded to the dragon Ilith, first to accept a dragon and holder of Jaxon Kuno’s will.”
Tate ignored the rising murmurs of the crowd’s reaction. Revealing these things was a calculated risk, one she’d taken after serious consideration. It would expose her existence to any of the ancient powers still left in the world.
Her true name was a bit famous. Those who heard it would have no doubt of who she’d been. Although many of her enemies already knew the name she went by in the current era, she wanted to make certain that any not affiliated with them would know of her existence.
This was a necessary action for her future.
She didn’t intend to reveal the full extent of her connection to the Saviors. Doing so would upset a balance that had taken centuries to obtain.
It was why she’d chosen each word with care and held back more than she revealed.
“I give unto thee my loyalty and swear an oath to protect those who call this empire home. Never shall I falter. Never shall I fail. Only death will part me from this promise. I pray the empire continues to prosper under your benevolent leadership.”
Tate bent into a bow, holding it amid the dismayed whispers.
There was a marked pause. “Those are quite the titles you’ve given yourself.”
Tate didn’t rise, holding the bow. Only the emperor could give her permission to stand and that probably wouldn’t happen until he accepted her oath.
“Your name is different than the one you gave before too,” Thaddeus observed. “I was told you didn’t remember your past.”
Tate wasn’t surprised that was the part he questioned. The other claims were already pretty much verified. The guardians had backed up her statement to being the first dragon-ridden. The Silva and Black Order probably suspected she’d earned something when she visited Jax’s pocket dimension.
Her true name, however, hid secrets.
Part of her was surprised Ryu never revealed it to him—or if he did, the emperor was doing a good job of pretending he hadn’t known beforehand.
“My trip to Jaxon Kuno’s sealed world unlocked part of my mind. I was able to recover a few memories as a result.”
A tapping sound came as the emperor drummed his fingers against the arm of his throne. “It seems I spoke too soon earlier. You did have a few dramatic surprises up your sleeve after all.”
Shivers raced down Tate’s spine despite the admiration she could hear in the emperor’s voice. It was never good when you drew the notice of someone in his position. Yet that’s exactly what her actions had done. Knowingly and willingly.
“You and your companions may rise,” he said finally.
Tate straightened, hoping she hadn’t made a mistake. She glanced up at the throne to find the emperor’s piercing gaze on her.
His lips quirked in a predatory smile. “Lady Winters, I welcome you to my Dragon Corps.”
Tate didn’t miss the possessive way he stressed the word ‘my’. If he ever found out she was a Savior, he’d probably be the first to come for her head. He wouldn’t allow for anyone to challenge his authority, doubly so for an existence that most would consider holy.
She wouldn’t blame him either. Allowing her presence could risk a civil war breaking out. Still, she rather resented someone laying claim to her without her permission.
Ryu sent her a warning look when her expression hardened.
Stay calm. He’s big game even I would have trouble hunting, Night advised.
There was movement behind Tate as the rest came to their feet.
Tate forced her fists to relax, knowing he was right. The Veles didn’t have fear in their vocabulary. Night and the others she had met were almost as arrogant and convinced of their own superiority as Ilith. If he said to exercise caution, it was advice worth taking.
It made Tate wonder what sort of sleeper was in Ryu and Thaddeus’s background.
“It’ll be difficult to beat that, but I’ll hear your oath nonetheless, Lady Minton,” Thaddeus said glancing toward Daisy.
She jolted, making a nervous sound.
Dewdrop reached out and gave her arm a squeeze sending her a reassuring look. “You can do this.”
Daisy moved to stand next to Tate, taking a deep breath before carefully sweeping into a graceful curtsy. Tate wondered who taught her that. Blaise or Jacob?
“I, Lady Daisy Minton, sacred bonded to the dragon Skye, give unto thee my loyalty, swearing to uphold the laws of this empire and protect those who dwell in it. This I vow even unto death.”
It was a shortened version of the one Tate had prepared but no less elegant.
At a silent signal from the guard standing at the base of the emperor’s throne, Tate and Daisy took two steps forward and one to the side before turning to face the crowd.
Tate didn’t pay any attention to the sea of faces, instead focusing on the three right in front of her. They were the only ones who truly mattered.
“I present to you Lady Tatum Winters, 44th of my Dragon Corps, and Lady Daisy Minton, 45th of my Dragons.”
The ballroom erupted into applause.
Dewdrop whooped, clapping madly. Night added his own voice, his roar nearly drowning out the rest. For the first time since they’d entered, Roslyn had a smile on her face as she joined in the clapping.
Tate sent her a grateful nod. She might have stumbled through this ceremony without Roslyn’s help, but she knew it wouldn’t have been as graceful or easy. She owed her a lot for paving the way.
The emperor stood and descended from his throne, his robe trailing behind him. He paused next to Tate. “I hope you enjoy the celebration we prepared for you.”
Tate inclined into a half bow. “I’m sure we will, your majesty.”
He smirked as he walked away, the crowd quickly swallowing him. Ryu’s shoulder brushed Tate’s as he followed in the emperor’s wake.
Tate straightened, catching his smirk.
“See you later,” he mouthed.
She nodded in agreement.
Daisy let out an explosive exhale beside her. “I’m so glad that’s over.”
“You did good.”
A brilliant smile spread across Daisy’s face. “Really?”
“Of course, you did.” Dewdrop strolled over to them with Night by his side. “No one could have asked for any better.”
Tate and Night shared a look, similar thoughts running through their heads. They wouldn’t deserve their roles as Dewdrop’s honorary siblings if they didn’t find a way to tease him about this down the road.
Night’s whiskers tilted forward as a crafty smile dawned on Tate’s face. This was going to be so much fun. The best part—Dewdrop didn’t even know it was coming.
Roslyn joined them. “You caused quite the stir, but then I assume that’s what you intended.”
Tate glanced at her out of the corner of her eye, pretending to be engrossed in studying the crowd. One side of her mouth tilted up. She’d always known Roslyn was smart. Her family didn’t realize what a gem they’d lost. They thought since Roslyn was unable to build an affinity with any of the ancient relics her family safeguarded it meant she was useless. Tate would rather have someone who was smart and observant; someone who could plan and think on her feet when the situation changed. A person like that was infinitely better in every way.
Their loss was her gain. The only thing better would be if Roslyn’s family realized what they’d thrown away so Tate could rub their faces in it. That would be the perfect retaliation.
The only issue was, Roslyn probably wouldn’t be that petty. On the other hand, Tate could sink to any depths. The pettier, the better.
“I suppose I’ll have to change the way I address you now,” Roslyn said, distracting Tate from thinking of a way to put her thoughts into motion.
“Call me whatever you like. Fisher, Winters, I’m the same person either way.”
It had taken her a long time to realize it, but a name didn’t make a person. Just like memories didn’t. She was still Tate whether she went by Fisher or Winters. She’d spent so much time chasing the past that she’d almost lost sight of what she had. She wouldn’t make that mistake again.
She liked this current version of herself. If she could avoid getting caught in any more of the emperor’s machinations, her life would be pretty damn ideal.
Dewdrop pointed at a corner of the ballroom where a long table with drinks resided. “I’m going to take Daisy to get something to drink.”
Tate thought a moment before nodding. “Daisy, remember what I said earlier. Make sure to stay close to Dewdrop or one of us at all times.”
“I won’t let you down,” Daisy said.
Tate’s expression softened. Daisy was a good kid. She could see why Dewdrop liked her.
Night’s tail flicked where he sat with his eyes partially closed. Bring something back for the rest of us.
Dewdrop scowled. “I’m not your errand boy. Get it yourself.”
Night’s eyes opened fully. Hmm. Perhaps that request was too much. I wouldn’t want to get in the way of your courtship, lover boy.
Dewdrop flushed a dull red as he sent the Veles a murderous look.
Tate eased back a step, not wanting to get caught between the two if a fight erupted. Common sense dictated she try to stop them, but Tate had no intention of interfering. She knew how that would end. Her, stuck in the middle like a human-shaped buffer, while they tried to get around her. Last time this had happened, Dewdrop ruptured her ear drum and Night misjudged an attack and ended up sinking his teeth into her ass. She was pretty sure she still had the scars.
As a result, she’d made a vow never to get between the two again. Even if it meant losing face in front of the emperor and his subjects. There was only so much a dragon could take.
No, thank you. They could settle this on their own.
“Shouldn’t we—” Roslyn started.
Tate caught her arm when she looked like she was going to step forward. “I’ve learned its best to stay out of their arguments. It’s safer that way.”
Roslyn stared at Tate with a flummoxed expression that she ignored. Daisy hovered over Dewdrop and Night as the two glared at each other.
Dewdrop looked away first, his eyes catching on a trio of figures. His expression brightened.
“Looks like I’m not the only one who will be courting tonight.” Dewdrop tilted his head at the woman on the far right.
Shorter and more muscular than her two companions, she wore a simple outfit comprised of a loose pair of pants and a fur lined vest. Leather cuffs adorned either bicep.
>
Furry, pointed ears and the thin covering of fur on her exposed arms indicated her heritage as a Veles.
She moved with a grace Tate had only ever seen in Night. Almost as if her bones were made of liquid. Everything about her screamed predator. From how she held herself, as if ready for anything, to the way she carefully watched the room.
Tate saw a lot of the same habits in Night as were in this woman. Though, Mia was more guarded than Night.
Night glanced in her direction before turning his back on her.
“What’s the matter, friend? Not going to say hi?” Dewdrop teased.
Tate shook her head. When was Dewdrop going to learn that teasing Night never worked out well for him in the end?
“I’d be careful if I was you,” Tate advised.
Night was sure to get his own back when Dewdrop least expected it. The more Dewdrop pushed this matter. The more inventive Night’s retaliation.
Dewdrop wasn’t deterred, sending her a mischievous grin. “Weren’t you the one thinking of inviting Gabriella and Mia for lunch?”
That little bastard. He was throwing her into the thick of the commotion he’d started.
Worse, he hadn’t even had to lie.
She really had been debating doing exactly that. Granted, she’d only come up with the plan after Night purposely dumped a pot of ink on her head. Of course, before that Tate had been responsible for dying his back leg and a good portion of his side red.
She’d come to her senses shortly after. Evidently, not soon enough if Dewdrop had caught wind of her plot.
Night’s unblinking stare didn’t move from Tate. Heh. I see you’ve been quite bored lately. Don’t worry, Tate. I’ll help you with that.
Tate’s stomach tightened. “That’s quite alright.”
I insist.
Tate shivered at the smile Night gave her. One full of fangs.
She glared at Dewdrop who pretended not to see.
“On second thought, Daisy, maybe having Roslyn with you as you explore would be a better decision,” Tate offered through gritted teeth. “Dewdrop has a habit of getting carried away and forgetting himself.”
Dewdrop’s temper flared. “That’s not true.”
“It sounds like you guys are having fun.”