By the time she woke up, Kane was gone. She lay there, staring up at the ceiling, reminding her of the countless times she did that in Broiia. After a moment of replaying everything Kane had told her about the trial, she sat up and walked into the bathroom.

This time, she didn’t revel in the soothing brook of her wash. She was quick, in and out, and dressed in record time. She was just about to leave through the doorway when a knock sounded. Emory paused, wondering if it was one of the elders calling for Kane. The gentle knock came again, and she walked out of the bedroom to the living room to answer it. The closer she got, the louder the heartbeats outside the door grew. Four females, their scent peculiar, and if they were coming through this door to the Gersentu Tower, they were residents of Qaelasyn and dragons.

Emory pulled the door open to find four similarly dressed women standing there. Their eyes were an explosion of colours—pink, blue, and purple. They dipped their heads in a bow, curtseying elegantly in a way that made Emory cock an eyebrow. Her mind fixated on the colour of their eyes. Why did the dragons have such beautiful eyes?

“Your imperial highness,” they chorused.

“May I help you?” she asked, still holding onto the door knob.

“I believe it is the other way around, imperial consort. Lord Varyn sent us to be your wait staff,” the purple-eyed woman said.

Not this again. “I didn’t think anyone was allowed in the king’s lair,” Emory mused.

The woman with pink eyes smiled gently. “We have special permission from the elders, imperial consort. We’ve taken the oath of servitude before the crimson wing, your imperial highness. Our duty is to ensure your comfort and to assist you in any way necessary.”

Emory sighed inwardly, trying to adjust to this new reality. “Alright, come in then.”

The women entered gracefully, moving with an almost ethereal elegance. Emory watched them, still amazed by their striking eyes and the way they carried themselves. She closed the door behind them and turned to face the group.

“So, what exactly are your duties?” Emory asked, folding her arms.

The blue-eyed woman stepped forward. “We are here to assist with your daily needs, prepare you for ceremonies, and provide any information or support you might require.”

Emory nodded. “I see. Well, I’m not used to having wait staff, so you’ll have to bear with me as I adjust.”

The purple-eyed woman smiled warmly. “Of course, imperial consort. We are here to serve you.”

Emory glanced around the room, taking a deep breath. “Alright, let’s start with breakfast. And please, call me Emory.”

The women exchanged glances, and the pink-eyed one stepped forward. “Your Imperial Highness, we are forbidden from addressing you by name. It could mean our heads.”

Of course, the formality, and rigidity was the same way with the wolves. She suspected it was worse with the dragons. “That seems” excessive. But if those are the rules, I suppose we’ll have to manage.” She paused, considering their expressions. “What are your names?”

The women looked at each other, a flicker of uncertainty passing between them. Finally, the purple-eyed woman spoke. “I am Liora. This is Nerys,” she gestured to the pink-eyed woman, “and those are Elara and Thalia,” she finished, indicating the blue-eyed women.

“It’s nice to meet you all. If you don’t mind me asking, your eyes are stunning. Do they mean anything for the dragons?” she asked, curiosity piqued.

“Our eyes are the same colour as our fire,” Liora answered.

Emory’s eyes widened. “Your fires have” colours?” That was incredible. Although that would mean Kane’s fire was gold, but his fire hadn’t burned gold when she saw him use it. Did that mean he could wield any colour?

“Indeed, your imperial highness.” Nerys smiled. “Blue is one of the common colours. Red and green are quite rare, mostly found within the Crimson Wing and the imperial lord’s warriors.”

Emory nodded, absorbing this new information. The dragons were even more extraordinary than she’d realized. “That’s fascinating. Thank you for sharing.”

The women smiled, their eyes glowing with a hint of pride. “It’s our pleasure, imperial consort,” Thalia said. “We’ll prepare breakfast immediately, imperial consort.”

They dashed off into the corridor toward the area of the lair she had not actually explored. She figured it was a living maze. Now she was curious about what the kitchen looked like but made no attempt to follow them. She had meant to meet with Dairdat to discuss Rahl, but that would now have to wait again. But did it? Did she really need breakfast?

Well, considering she hadn’t had anything to eat for the past day or two, it wasn’t exactly a bad idea.

As she listened to them busy themselves with preparing breakfast, Emory couldn’t help but think about the trial ahead. What truly rattled her was that she had no idea when it would happen, only that it would be before the unification ceremony. She felt the weight of the glyphs on her skin and slipped her right sleeve up to look at it. It glowed gold, pulsing like lava, and she found it more fascinating than terrifying.

The aroma of food filled the living room, and she walked over to the dining area to sit. There was so much to do in so little time, and she, like everyone had said, was at the epicentre of it all.

“Lady Chav’re, may we serve you now?” Thalia’s voice jolted her from her thoughts.

“Sure, yes.” Emory nodded, watching how they always had their hands clasped in front of them. The bland gray frocks they wore made them almost blend into insignificance in the room of vibrant emerald and red. “Who chose that dress and colour?”

“Lady Lyra, your imperial highness. She is the elder responsible for the queen’s welfare, so she hand-picks your wait staff and warriors,” Elara explained.

She remembered the female elder, and it was good to now know her name. “That has to be the most insipid colour and style to grace these walls. Lair, change their outfit to something more appropriate and in the colour teal,” Emory ordered.

In an instant, the lair responded. The gray frocks shimmered and transformed into elegant teal dresses that complemented the women’s striking eyes. They looked down at their new attire in awe, smiles spreading across their faces.

“Thank you, imperial consort,” Nerys said with an excited shrill, her eyes shining with gratitude. “We’ve heard of the imperial lord’s powerful lair, but never dreamed we would ever be appointed to serve his queen or witness its power.”

Emory smiled. “Much better. Now, let’s have breakfast.”

The women served the meal, and Emory marvelled at the assortment of dishes they whipped up in such little time. Fresh fruits, pastries, and delicately seasoned meats filled the table. Was all of this always there in the kitchen? She took a bite, savouring the flavours, and felt a surge of energy course through her. It was exactly what she needed to prepare for the day ahead.

“You’re not just going to stand there and watch me eat, are you?” she asked them when they remained at attention in front of her.

“No, Lady Chav’re. We will tidy the lair and run your errands,” Elara curtsied.

“I mean, there’s no way I could possibly have all this. Sit, join me.” She waved them over and watched the fear fill their eyes as they gawked at her.

Nerys looked at the others, then back at Emory. “We couldn’t, imperial consort. It would be highly improper.”

Emory sighed, understanding their hesitation. “I understand tradition, but consider this a new tradition. I’d like to share a meal with you. Please, sit.”

The women exchanged nervous glances before cautiously taking seats around the table. Emory could see the uneasiness on their faces but also a flicker of excitement.

“Thank you, Lady Chav’re,” Liora said softly, her eyes still wide with amazement.

Emory smiled warmly. “You’re welcome. Now, let’s enjoy this meal together. You made it so it’s only fair you enjoy it too.”

As they ate, Emory found herself relaxing in their company. The women, despite their initial reservations, began to open up. They spoke of their lives in Qaelasyn, their families, and the pride they felt in serving the imperial household. Their stories were filled with vivid details of dragon culture and history, painting a picture of a world Emory was still getting to know.

The conversation flowed easily, and as she listened more than anything, she felt this was exactly what she needed to learn about the dragons. It was a small step toward bridging the gap between her new role and the people she would come to rely on and even rule over.

After breakfast, Emory felt she knew more about them, and one singular victory was learning all the names of the elders.

“Thank you for joining me,” Emory said as they began to clear the table.

Nerys smiled. “Thank you, Lady Chav’re. It was an honour, and it is our honour to serve you. You are very kind, and we couldn’t ask for a better queen.”

“Imperial consort, in dragon culture, your green eyes make you a noble. It’s no wonder you’re the imperial lord’s mate,” Elara whispered to her.

“Really? Green eyes mean royalty?” she asked.

Elara nodded, her blue eyes sparkling with sincerity. “Yes, imperial consort. It’s a rare trait among our kind, symbolizing power and leadership. Your green eyes signify that you were destined for this role.”

“Thank you, Elara. That means a lot to me,” she said with a smile.

The women finished clearing the table efficiently. Emory watched them, appreciating their dedication and the bond they were beginning to form. It reminded her of Kirsten and suddenly she felt a desire to return to Kedar to check on her brother’s mate.

“I have much to do today,” Emory said as she stood. “Thank you again for sharing this meal with me. You can go about your day how you would like until I return.”

Nerys, Elara, Liora, and Thalia all nodded. The doorway appeared beside her, and she walked through to meet with Dairdat. This time, she found him by a serene lake, smiling at a lovely woman with brilliant pink eyes. As soon as he saw her, his smile slowly faded to his usual stoic expression.

“Lady Chav’re,” he said in a wry tone.

“I didn’t think you were capable of smiling, Lord Dairdat,” Emory said as she walked closer to them.

“Good heavens, your imperial highness,” the woman with him bowed, and Emory wondered how she knew she was Kane’s mate. Was there a mark on her head?

“It is a luxury I save for my mate.” Dairdat grumbled.

Emory couldn’t help but smile at his gruff demeanor. “I see. And you must be Lady Dairdat?” she asked, turning to the woman.

“Yes, imperial highness. My name is Celeste.” The woman’s pink eyes sparkled with warmth as she straightened.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Celeste. Please, don’t let me interrupt,” Emory said, feeling a bit out of place.

“Nonsense,” Dairdat replied, though his tone remained formal. “What brings you here, Lady Chav’re?”

“I needed to discuss the trial,” Emory said. “And not the one by fire.”

Dairdat’s expression softened just a fraction. “What other trial is there?” he asked, feigning ignorance. Emory could tell he knew exactly what she was talking about, but maybe he was pretending because of Celeste’s presence.

Celeste stepped forward to her with a compassionate. “I hear the divines have chosen to test you.” She reached for Emory’s hand but hesitated, looking at her with an expression that seemed like she was asking for permission.

“I am not a stoic follower of rules, Celeste. Titles and the formality they force mean little to me as well. Please feel free around me. I insist.” Emory smiled.

“Have you met my mate? It’s hard to be anything else,” Celeste said, and Emory shared a brief laugh with her while Dairdat grumbled yet again.

“So, you’ve heard,” Emory said to Celeste. “The universe seems intent on throwing every possible challenge at me.” She took a breath. “Dairdat, this is about the Lycan king and’”

“We have to head back to the king’s court. I will be back home shortly, my love,” Dairdat interrupted before she could finish.

She immediately knew it was one of those things his mate was unaware of. Dairdat kissed Celeste goodbye and stepped to Emory’s side, watching as Celeste’s wait staff—two brunettes—and two warriors stepped forward from a fleet of cars to escort her.

“There are matters and discussions that never leave the king’s court, Lady Chav’re, and the Lycan king’s link to you is one of them,” he told her quietly.

“I figured.” Emory looked at him, then turned back to watch as Celeste’s envoy drove off.

“Shall we head to the king’s court now?” Dairdat asked.

“Sure, I’m right behind you,” Emory replied, turning to face him. The look in his eyes made her suddenly aware that perhaps it was only Kane and her who could come and go as they pleased through their lair’s doorway.

“You may not know this, but my ride just left with my mate because I know you can get us out of here. Only the imperial lord and consort can move around through their lair,” he explained.

“Again, I figured.” She was learning more about the dragons today than she’d expected. As the doorway opened beside her, she said, “Let’s go.”

Dairdat followed her through the shimmering doorway, and they stepped into the grand hall of the king’s court. They entered a private chamber within the court, and Emory took a seat while Dairdat stood beside the door with his left arm now braced behind his back.

“What was so important that you interrupted my private time with my mate?” he asked almost immediately with irritation.

Emory crossed her legs and waved Dairdat to sit. “I am prepared to kill Rahl. Tell me how to do it,” she said, her tone unwavering. “I could argue that you’ve interrupted way too many private times with my mate but you don’t see me complaining.”

His eyes widened slightly at her. He hesitated for a moment before taking a seat across from her. “Lady Chav’re, do you understand the gravity of what you’re agreeing to?”

“I understand it perfectly,” she replied. “I don’t want to do it, but the crimson wing insisted.”

“Killing Rahl would have severe repercussions. The Lycans would see it as an act of war. Should that wretched Lady Wulric come into power, she would want war even if it kills them all.”

“Then why did you insist on it?’She made no attempt to hide her frustration.

Dairdat sighed, rubbing his temple. “It was never an insistence but a last resort, one I never thought you would agree to. I will consult with the other elders. Be ready to see this through once we call upon you.”

“I will be.’