ora

my exit from the royal transport,

awyer family's livery stepp

looked me up and down, his gaze lingering on my plain

and shimmering scales of dragon-kin nobil

e one," I ans

ust enough for those nearby to hear. "This is a Sawy

uests. I was the evening's entertainment: the little D

y when a cold voice

is wi

ell comple

alcove where Alaric sat upon a high-

ing the royal signet ring on his thumb. Hi

white. He stared at me,

uld the Dragon King inter

ng for the steward's mockery. His sudden protec

rd would be a deadly insult to the crown. Accepting his shadow,

use this un

al Drake Guards approached the stewa

of his lips, I cou

l Guard wears bl

ealth, had been mistaken for a unifo

I gave the terrified steward a small,

erfect vantage point to see the whole ro

cent of a Dragon-born. His smelled of cedar and c

m to expect it. A strange, silent

schmoozing with a few minor Dragon Lords, while Cassia cl

broidered with gaudy dragon-flame patterns. It was a despe

en of noble dragon lineage. A Dragonless woman like Cassia wearing one was a violation

d always looked down on my declining family, w

ished! And Miss Cassia is so lovely.

As for the match, that still depends

e crowd with contempt, searching for me, hopin

sitting right there,

r. The charity aucti

e. The liquid glowed like a ruby

the smug, happy faces of the

last moment

name Sawyer will be the b

cold, intense gaze fro

the glass to my lips and dr

ire down my throat, igniting

s, and began to walk towa