Dragon Throne, Part Two: A Dragon Rider Romance (Rise of the Dragon Master Book 5) by Stephany Wallace

Author:Stephany Wallace [Wallace, Stephany]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: S.W. Creative Publishing co
Published: 2023-03-13T16:00:00+00:00

21

“I rise in happiness and health for the Skyborne Princess and the Dragon Master!” The heartfelt wish came from a woman at the back of the dining room, and many joined it, cheering for us and lifting their wine cups in celebration.

“Thank you!” I offered in return, lifting my cup too while Evie smiled next to me, her hand resting on my thigh.

“I rise in prosperity and abundance for our princess and the Harbinger’s son!” A man added, joining many others who had expressed their “rising wishes” along the course of our lunch.

It was the first time I’d ever heard someone share their well wishes for a couple that way, and it was beautiful. In essence, the sentiment expressed our happiness, prosperity, or whatever they wished for us, would uplift their soul, because seeing us receive those gifts was a blessing to them.

“Yeah, well. I rise in healthy bellies and plenty of babes running around for the Skyborne Princess and the Dragon Master!” A young woman offered from the left side of the hall, making everyone laugh.

The other thing about “rising wishes” was that they became playful bets in a way. A friendly competition, so everyone tried to one-up each other in what they were wishing us. The best wish won.

Chuckling too, I glanced at Evie, grateful we could actually be ourselves out in the public now because everyone knew who I was, and that we loved each other. Hooking a finger under her chin, I pulled her closer and claimed her lips before the entire room, causing a new wave of cheers, hollers, and playful whistles to spread through the hall.

Our sisters and brothers clinked cups in celebration around us, wine spilling from them and splashing onto the wood table. Well, everyone except Willow and Kingston, who hadn’t been seen yet today.

Grinning, Evie stole one more kiss and leaned away enough to search my eyes. “Are you sure you are alright?”

The question brought back the phantom screams of horror that haunted me since I wore the Dragon Crown, and an involuntary shudder rocked my spine.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to remind you. I just—”

Shaking my head, I took her hand in mine and squeezed it. “It’s fine. I’m fine,” I lied, but I would be. I had to be. Anyone would be shaken by experiencing something like that. By tonight, though, I was sure I’d be totally fine.

“I just wanted to make sure you are okay. It was unnerving to see you like that,” she confessed.

“I know. I’m sorry.” Lifting her hand to my lips, I placed a calming kiss on her knuckles. “I’m sure that next time it won’t be that way.”

Her eyes widened in horror. “Next time?”

“I have to keep trying, Evie…”

“It’s okay to doubt this path,” she offered, the back of her fingers caressing my stomach while I still held her pinky.

Could I, though? The invisible, ticking clock in my core said time wasn’t on our side.

“Their souls were so distraught,” I whispered, my jaw clenching as the echo of their screams bounced around in my head.

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