sie

s summoned to the Elder Coun

the myth of the First Dragon forging the world in fire. The air was thi

al other elders sat along the sides, all wearing dark robes woven with scale patterns that mar

ney leaned against Kile, looking pale and fragile,

tares pressed down on me. I walked calmly to the center of the room and offer

n. I assume Kile has explained the situation to you. For the harmony of the family, a

deed. For a Dragonless orphan like you to become a lesser consort

h. "Cassie, the elders are all here. Just no

sweep across the faces in the r

ed perfectly. "Cassie, please do not look at me like that... I am sca

ng was so flawless it was a trag

ide, I let my face crumble just enoug

ce to sound raw and broken. "Chief Elde

ned, clearly ann

Kile, do not push her. Let her think ab

her mouth felt like a need

ved his hand in dismiss

ief from Kile and Journey burning into my back. They thought I was j

d the door. The mask of the hea

istant peaks of the Richmond Mountains. The ma

egarding House Richmond's current desperation. I need to know if they are

harply and left. She was highly capable

could refuse it, allowing me to legally reject this concubin

d. My show was just starting. I just needed to

ping away fake tears, looking utterly devastated. I knew the reports of my misery

urned. She closed the d

ng for a bride to complete the ghost marriage for Lord Ayden. They need to appease his mother's side

dle on the table. A slow, genu