Dragon Class (Riders of Jade and Fire Book 1) by Melanie Ansley

Author:Melanie Ansley [Ansley, Melanie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Writing Rooster Media
Published: 2023-10-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

They flew back at a leisurely pace, giving the tired dragons a chance to recover, and returned to their quarters by dusk. For the first time, Jin was grateful for her luxurious rooms. She parted with Rayshan and made straight for Meipin’s quarters, wanting nothing but a bed and sleep.

When she got there, however, Meipin was waiting. Her ears and hair dripped with pearls, and she wore a peach gown over a scandalously low green bodice that flattered her plump figure.

“The palace is abuzz with news that you came in first,” Meipin beamed like a child on New Year’s Day. Her excited voice meant Jin’s injured ear had no trouble hearing her. “Rumor even has it that the Royal Veil was so impressed he wants to recruit you!”

Jin’s stomach knotted. She had hoped the Royal Veil was a traditionalist and hated women like the minister of war did. That would keep her safe.

“Meipin, I just want a bath and then sleep.”

“But you can’t!” Meipin protested. “There’s a Dragon Class ceremony tonight, and all the initiates will be there.”

Jin groaned inwardly. She had forgotten. Refusing to attend would be unthinkable. All she longed for right now, though, was a bath to take off the grime of the day—not to mention to have a few moments to herself.

She noticed Meipin bowing low just then and heard muted footfalls behind her.

“Your Highness, we are humbled.”

She turned to find Prince Tai standing there in the doorway, and muffling a curse to herself, she bent to one knee. What a contrast she must be to Meipin, she thought. Bloodied and dirt caked.

Tai motioned for them to rise. “I am not callous enough to make the champion of the day kneel.”

Both of them stood, and Jin couldn’t read Tai’s expression. Curiosity? Admiration? Disgust at her ripped clothes?

“Congratulations on your coming in first, student Jin. You certainly know how to stage a great upset.”

She bowed her head. She had to admit she was glad to have defeated Madu. “I simply did my best.”

“Yes, and I’m here to pay my debt as the loser in the bet with Lady Meipin.”

Though she knew the bet was silly, part of her reveled in having made him lose.

“Your Highness clearly didn’t know who he was betting against!” Meipin said, rapping Tai playfully on the arm with her peach-colored fan.

Tai smiled and gave Jin a sideways glance. “I have been guilty of repeatedly underestimating Jin, it’s true.”

“Aren’t you going to ask what I want as my prize?” Meipin asked.

“Of course,” Prince Tai said. “A dog? A new polo horse, perhaps?”

Meipin pouted. “I was thinking more of a day with Prince Tai at the summer palace lake.”

Prince Tai bowed low. “But what a coincidence, that was the very prize I was going to ask for if I won!”

Meipin laughed. “Then it’s settled.”

The prince turned to Jin. “We should invite the champion to join us, since she’s the reason we had the bet.”

“You honor me, Your Highness, but I don’t think I have any days off.

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