Princess Willowyn's Arc

Chapter 58 of 70

The dragon flew fast and steady over the sea. His broad wings carried them for four hours before the golden castle rose into view, its towers bright against the water. "Home, and faster than before," Kai said. He patted the dragon's silvered scales. "He really is amazing." Willowyn did not flinch or answer. She sat silent, her hands tight on the reins. Kai leaned close. "You're troubled," he said. She nodded once. The urgent summons had gnawed at her all the way across the water. She did not know what waited below, or how she could help. The dragon dropped toward the gates. There, at the castle's edge, King Aurelius stood waiting. He wore his royal purple, the gold crown catching the sun. He did not smile. Willowyn had seen this king welcome her as a friend of his house, warm and easy, a tiger cub cradled in his arms. Now his hands hung empty at his sides. His jaw was set. The tiger cub pressed against Willowyn's leg and went still, as if it felt the change too. They landed. The minx darted off the saddle. Willowyn climbed down and faced the king. "You called us home," she said. "What has happened?" "You must come inside son," Aurelius said. His voice was low and hard. "The king from the far reaches of Allorie is here." Kai's breath caught. "What does this king want?” "A treaty we forged when you were a boy" The king turned to Willowyn. His dark eyes searched her face. "It has been nearly 14 years I had forgotten about it”.