by Meagan Hurst
He continued to speak with her, but when she didn’t respond she felt the door open. Looking up, she noticed Crilyne appeared very formal and proper in his pale grey robes. They suited him, and Z was able to imagine him as he had been before he had become a Shade. He slid into the room and regarded her as his eyes widened. “Oh, Zimliya, there is absolutely no reason to be ashamed of that dress.” His black eyes ran up and down for a minute before he extended his hand to her.
She accepted his hand, but still tensed when he tried to usher her to the door. “Crilyne, he’s making a mistake,” she whispered.
“He is not—you are doubting your abilities. You will do fine, and before you mention that people won’t support this, let me remind you that they do. Those who have reservations have them because of Nivaradros, and I am certain he will win them over in a few centuries. He is not the Dragon he was.”
“No he is not,” Z sighed. She glanced down at the dress and grimaced. “Speaking of Nivaradros, where is he?”
“Greeting guests at the Mithane’s behest. When I informed him that you were hiding in your bathroom, he seemed to feel it would be advisable to have one of you present while everyone arrived. Nivaradros—to my surprise—wasn’t concerned to leave you in my care. He didn’t even threaten me. He did, however, request I bring you to him immediately.”
The desire to stay in her room warred with the knowledge Nivaradros still had a distrust and dislike for the Alantaions that could flare at an inopportune moment. Gritting her teeth, she nodded and let Crilyne lead her out of the room. When he didn’t take her immediately towards the door and instead began to take her back to her bedroom, she gave him a dark look.
“You require shoes,” the Shade observed. “And we might need to do something with your hair.”
It took another fifteen minutes for Crilyne to be satisfied with her hair and for her to manage to convince the wardrobe she actually did want the shoes. The handy thing about the wardrobe was it knew what you did and didn’t want and stocked itself with clothing based on those desires; the annoying thing about the wardrobe was the same. The shoes she was offered were simple and managed to be between boots and dress shoes. Relieved, Z strapped them on and allowed Crilyne to all but throw her out of her own rooms.
“It’s not like Alantaions care about the time of arrivals to these sorts of things,” she hissed as Crilyne made his silent disapproval felt.
“They may not have a concept of tardiness for meals or gatherings, but Nivaradros does and I know for a fact he is waiting for you with the upmost impatience.”
“He’s a Dragon. They are always waiting with the upmost impatience.”
Nivaradros was waiting outside the dining hall, and Z found his attire complemented hers. Like Crilyne he wore robes, but unlike Crilyne his robes were deep green with a hint of blue. Most remarkable, though, was that Nivaradros’s robes only covered one shoulder. His other shoulder had been left bare to reveal one of his many scars from the arrows that both he and she had almost died from. It was clear the seamstress, Hastinae, was making her people fully aware of everything Nivaradros and she had done recently for the Alantaions.
Nivaradros was looking her over and Z could tell he wanted to say something, but when his eyes met hers once more he merely smiled. “Come,” he said in a tone that told her he wouldn’t mention the dress until he received permission to. “The Mithane is waiting. And several Alantaions have already spoken of their desire to prove their loyalty to you—and oddly enough, me.”
“It’s to be expected; even immortals scramble to prove their new loyalties when the line of power changes.”
“This is not a normal power play, Zimliya. They actually mean it. I see it in their eyes. They want to support you because they know that working with you is not like working with some other ruler or ruler-to-be. You are a power beyond their measure, and although some still balk at the changes you have invoked, there are many who are likewise drawn to it. They wish to prove to you they are a part of it not because you have the ability to ask it of them, but because they offer it freely. Offering their loyalty to me is likewise proving their desire to be a part of the future instead of being grounded to the past. Immortals don’t like change, and you have brought a lot of it in a very short span of years.”
Z smiled. “Most of it was not done intentionally,” she remarked absently before grimacing. “Okay most of it was, but it was needed, Nivaradros.”
“Badly,” the Dragon agreed. “Come. I believe Crilyne has already taken his seat, which means the Mithane is most assuredly worried.”
“Oh not yet,” the Mithane interjected from behind them. “But that is because long term exposure to Zimliya has allowed me to adequately prepare myself for her continued attempts to delay her arrival to formal gatherings for as long as she possibly can. And that is an exquisite dress; you really outdid yourself.”
“It was a gift.”
“Yes, but you chose to wear it, which makes it even more impressive.”
She accepted the arm the Mithane offered to her and glanced at Nivaradros. “Why were you waiting outside the Hall?” she inquired softly.
“Because I was waiting for a guest to arrive, but I can wait just as well inside.”
The Dragon inclined his head to the Mithane and preceded them into a room that was filled with thousands of Alantaions. Unlike most mortal and immortal races, children were permitted to attend even the most formal of occasions; the Alantaions believed they had a right to be present and were firm believers that much could be learned merely from observation. Z was therefore unsurprised when there was a squeal of delight from one of the tables and a child who appeared to be about seven—but was actually in her thirties—ran until she collided with Z’s knees. Wrapping her arms around Z the girl began to talk rapidly and even Z couldn’t hide the smile that appeared.
“I knew you would be our ruler one day! I just knew it! I told everyone and no one believed me because you were mortal and you would die long before I was even considered an adult. But I knew it!”
The girl continued to jabber at her for a good fifteen minutes while another ten children snuck over and used more restraint as they crept closer. Five of them were far more attracted to Nivaradros then her, which caused her to check on him with a glance. To her surprise the Dragon was kneeling and listening with equal interest to the children speaking with him. He likely wasn’t enjoying it, but he wasn’t itching to escape either.
“Karlia, perhaps we can arrange another time to speak since many of the people here would probably like to eat.”
The girl nodded furiously, and then skipped off back to her table. It took another ten minutes to convince the rest of the children that she would in fact visit them, but once they were convinced she meant to keep her word, they likewise returned to their tables. Nivaradros slowly got to his feet and opened his mouth to speak to her when a familiar voice spoke before he could.
“Now that is something I would have never expected to see; Nivaradros entertaining an Alantaion hatchling without seeming irritated.”
Freezing—not wanting the speaker to see her in this outfit—Z hesitated to turn around and just waited to see what would happen.
“We all grow up eventually,” Nivaradros drawled. “Veilantras, thank you for coming. I did not expect to see you so soon.”
“I was in the area. There has been a lot of chatter going around about Zimliya and the Rangers lately, but none of us has been able to get full information regarding what occurred. Consequently, I was on my way inland when you summoned me. The Council—as I am sure you know—is furious about your response to their summons.” There was a pause and Z heard Veilantras sigh. “Oh do turn around, Zimliya. I am not going to disappear because you ignore my existence.”
Turning slowly to face the Dragon, Z cringed and waited for the Veilantras to register what she was wearing. To her relief the Dragon’s attention was focused on her dress. “Nivaradros, what in the world has been going on?” s
he wanted to know before her eyes narrowed and brightened upon seeing the ring on her right hand. “And when in the hells did that happen?”
“Recently,” the Mithane interjected. “And now—if you would be willing, Veilantras—I would like to get Zimliya up to the table, that she has managed to avoid for well over three hours, so this meal can finally get underway.”
Veilantras raised a brow and glanced at her former student. “Is this why you summoned me?”
“Part of the reason, I will explain the others later. It is a very long story and I am certain you will need to be in a room that is too small for you to shift in,” Nivaradros answered with a shrug before offering her his arm since Z was still holding on to the Mithane’s.
“I have a feeling I am better off not knowing,” Veilantras sighed.
Chapter 3
The meal went well. Z excused herself early and headed back to her quarters alone. Nivaradros chose to remain with his mentor and former teacher, and Veilantras remained with the Alantaions. It never failed to surprise Z just how comfortable Veilantras was with all of the races of the world; and how comfortable all of them were with her in return. The ancient female Dragon had watched the Dragon empire rise and fall and witnessed the growth of the world’s diverse population. She was one of the very few Dragons remaining of the originals; most had perished in the fight that had crumbled the empire, while others had died in various battles afterwards. With the exception of Wyenrtros, the few other Dragons who had survived from the time Dragons had arrived were not friendly or trustworthy. They kept to themselves and were watched with suspicion.
Veilantras, on the other hand, spent more time in her lesser form than all of the other Dragons—excluding Nivaradros—combined. She also had positive relationships with almost everyone who crossed paths with her. Although Z had recently had some reservations about the Dragon, she still trusted her, and she firmly believed Veilantras needed to know about Nivaradros’s condition. They needed an ally who could still fly as a Dragon. Plus, the issues that had arisen between her and Veilantras had occurred before things had changed. Z’s immortality and power would make Veilantras slightly less suspicious of Nivaradros’s intentions, and her new ranks would put the power in her hands for once. Granted she was certain Veilantras would hate that part.
Regardless, both Dragons had to show up before anything could take place. Z waited impatiently for them in the quarters that were officially hers, but as she was alone she didn’t bother to hide her impatience. The only one who would know outside of her was Arriandin and lately he had been extra kind to her; apparently guilt was something he felt keenly. Sighing as she paced the room, she wondered briefly what the wisest next move would be. There were still kingdoms to regain, still alliances, trade rights, laws, and reconstruction to handle in her kingdoms. She would have to form councils as well. Worst of all, she would eventually have to return to Tezérac and claim the position of power there if the kingdom slipped a second time. And she didn’t want that kingdom.
She never had. It was a memory of Tenia and all the pain and anger that kingdom had caused her. Over the years she had come to loathe its people for their stupidity, and though she had expended a great deal of effort to save them, she was never going to be comfortable with them. The Rangers had become her social ‘norm’ for humans, and none of the other human kingdoms had managed to meet her standards because of it, although they didn’t fail as spectacularly as Tenia. She was not, however, going to be ruling any of those kingdoms; she was going to be ruling what was left of Tenia. It was hers by birthright and blood, but it was also the kingdom she would have done anything to avoid accepting. You could only fix so much stupid. In all honesty she would have taken Midestol’s lands, people, and power first.
Before she could sink much further into her Tenian-loathing thoughts the door finally opened to reveal the two Dragons she had been waiting for. Something on her face caused them to pause, but while Veilantras’s eyes brightened with concern Nivaradros seemed to relax. “She’s fine,” he told his mentor. “She’s like this when she has too much time to think. Give it another century or two and I think it will start to fade.”
Amusement touched Veilantras’s eyes. “’Another?” she teased. “Nivaradros, she is only just over a quarter of a century old.” She gave Z a once-over and frowned. “You look better, but looks can be deceiving; how are you holding up?”
Trust Veilantras to start mothering her in light of the fact that there was clearly an agreement between her and Nivaradros. “I’m fine,” Z replied crossly. “And Nivaradros is fine.”
“Am I?” the Dragon drawled as his smile turned slightly dangerous. “I appreciate you answering for me.” His tone was entirely teasing, and his eyes danced to reveal his amusement. Veilantras’s attention went from Z to Nivaradros and her eyes brightened in surprise.
“You have mellowed greatly!” she declared in astonishment. “Just what have the two of you been up to? Besides Z gaining immortality and both of you trying to commit suicide in spectacular fashion—what else has occurred?”
Z exchanged a glance with Nivaradros, and she scowled at him. He obviously wanted her to start the explanation. She wouldn’t be able to tell Veilantras everything, but she was certain Nivaradros would step in when needed. Sighing, she began to explain; starting with her return to the world following her departure a few years previously. Thinking back on it was hard—hard because the memory of her desire to have stayed away from this world surfaced sharply and was just as strong as it had been. It worried her and she shoved it away quickly.
Her voice faltered when she got to the part of her sudden and quick descent toward death as the cost of awakening the Shades had caught up to her—well, along with the cost of a few other things she had added to it later—and Nivaradros took over with care. The pain he revealed on purpose caused her to stiffen in surprise. Despite all his proof and words, she still felt slightly uncertain of his attachment to her; this was harder to ignore or disprove. He likewise revealed his fear that nothing he did would have even the slightest effect on her as he spoke of the various ways he had tried to heal her—and then the many ways he had tried to prolong her life. He did not, however, mention Dyslentio or his people.
Here Veilantras held up a hand when there was enough of a break in the story that the female Dragon clearly felt she could interrupt. “You care for her,” Veilantras said quietly. All of her attention was fixed on Nivaradros. “You misled me when I confronted you in your lair; you told me you planned to kill her. How long have you been misleading me—all of us—about Zimliya?”
“Oh, not long; only since you introduced me to her,” Nivaradros replied with a careless shrug, and a cool smile. “Because you didn’t introduce me to her. I already knew her.” He waited for Veilantras to speak, but she appeared to be struggling to comprehend what she was being told. Raising a brow at his mentor, Nivaradros sighed and began to explain it in-depth.
It only added to Veilantras’s growing concern. “You murdered Baryaris while she was present, and she is still talking to you?!” Veilantras seemed unable to understand, and her eyes flashed dangerously as they fell upon Z. “And you’re okay with this?”
Z rolled her eyes and began to explain how she had viewed the whole adventure. The ancient Dragon fell silent and managed to listen to the whole tale, but her surprise could be felt even though it could not be seen. As this was something few people would grasp, Z tried not to resent Veilantras’s suspicion. When it was clear the Dragon was having a hard time understanding, Z stifled a groaned.
“He saved my life,” she said quietly. “And he appeared in mortal form, Veilantras. He was not—and never was—what everyone thought. The world created a vision of Nivaradros that wasn’t fact by a long shot, and he chose to uphold it because to argue against it would have cost him more in the end. I never labored under the illusion the world wove of Nivaradros. I believe it was one of the things that frustrated him the most about me.”
&n
bsp; “It was not; it was what drew me to you,” her Dragon inserted. Discussions like this didn’t generally happen between Dragons—or immortals at all—and it was clear he wasn’t sure what to make of it. After a long pause, Nivaradros began to explain things. “She saw me, Veilantras. As I was, not as I had been—or at that time was being—painted. She awarded me a title I wouldn’t gain for another millennium, and she refused to hold my actions against me. Even the death of her great-grandfather did not sway her. I knew then what she was and would be to me, but when you introduced her to me as her younger mortal self I was horrified and determined to test her. She passed,” the Dragon added dryly.
He continued the story. Speaking of how many forward steps had turned into backward ones and how often he had been convinced he was losing her. He spoke, even, of her mysterious visitor and of the moments he’d thought she had slipped forever beyond his reach instead of moving to a position that could be forever in his grasp. Veilantras was unreadable, but the softening of her posture said much; Z knew she had been correct to do this. Her Dragon was guarded when he spoke of his involvement in her ‘adjustment’ to immortality. He spoke briefly upon it and then equally quickly touched on his part in securing meetings between her and Midestol. Turning away from both subjects with speed, he turned to the battle that had almost ended them both, speaking of the attack that had been so close to claiming his life.
Veilantras flinched visibly at the reminder of that day. It had affected everyone, no matter their personal feelings about Nivaradros; it had been a major blow to the allied forces. It had certainly been a blow to Veilantras, who still seemed to consider Nivaradros almost kin judging by her open displays of affection.