Page 54 of Foundling

She didn’t like the possibility. Something about it made her success feel as though it belonged to him. That maybe, perhaps, the faelands actually liked him.

It was an uncomfortable thought, and Leita didn’t like it almost as much as she didn’t like the ugly jealousy she bore.

So while she might have a few small misgivings about receiving so much praise, she still accepted it, needing the encouragement just as much as the people of Hallevale.

That praise may have also been why, when someone cried, “Dragons again!” and the crowd’s mood shifted suddenly, Leita decided to act.

Gasps rang through the crowd where there’d been cheers just a moment ago. Fae murmured worriedly between themselves, all looking skyward at the glinting dots high above. They flew in formation again, this time somewhat lower than the last.

Taking a wide stance, Leita raised her arm to aim two fingers a little ahead of the lizards. A bolt of magic shot into the sky, white-hot as lightning and just as bright. Leita counted down in her head, and just before the bolt could hit the dragons, she snapped her fingers. The magic burst into whorls of sparks, a firework bright enough to see plainly in the daytime sky.

Sweeping her hands across the empty space before her, she created a stiff wind, churning the air until a great gale blew from the north. It caught the dragons in its bluster, sending them careening south like little mayflies, blown away.

A cheer rang out from the crowd as the dragons were lost in the blue horizon.

Amazing, they called her, a blessing, a guardian.

For the first time, Leita felt like it.

Buoyed in spirit, she shook hands and accepted their admiration. They even seemed unafraid of Thalia this time, patting her withers and slipping flowers into her mane. Someone handed Leita her own beautiful bouquet as well as a sparkling crystal goblet of sweet wine.

When Leita tipped her head back to drink, the fae cheered.

They eventually made their way to the mayoral house, and by the time she stepped forward to greet Glenys and Narinda Berengion, Leita’s cheeks had been thoroughly kissed, her shoulders thoroughly patted, and she’d blessed more than one little child.

The mayoral couple welcomed her warmly, and Leita mounted the few steps up to their house feeling like a conquering hero. She paused to wave at the crowd, and they waved back, their smiling faces filling Leita’s heart full to bursting.

Inside Narinda’s cool, sweet-smelling parlor, Leita finally caught her breath. Her heart raced with the excitement; she felt capable of blowing a whole army of dragons all the way back to the Droplets. Still, she sat where Narinda indicated, and she couldn’t help noticing the significant looks passed between the couple.

“We’re so glad to have you again, my Queen,” said Narinda.

“Indeed, we were just talking about it yesterday, weren’t we, my dear, that the Queen herself was due back any day.” Glenys leaned forward in his seat, eyes twinkling. “You seem to have a knack for picking a good day.”

Leita wasn’t so sure, but she took the statement with a nod.

“Other than those dragons, all has been well here?”

“Just so, my Queen, just so. We were able to gather the other things you asked for and have them ready for you. We’ve kept your room ready, too, and the stables for Thalia, of course. There’s a bevy of craftspeople hoping to meet you—we’re very proud of our work out here in the hinterland. If you’ve time still to—”

“My dear, the message.”

Glenys sat up straight in his seat. “Oh, yes, you’re right, of course. One moment, please, my Queen.”

Leita blinked after him, a niggle of worry fluttering in her stomach. That sense only deepened when he quickly returned with the spelled crystal she’d seen him use before. Retaking his seat, he warmed the crystal in his palm. When it began to glow between his fingers, he held it out, allowing Leita to hear Charis speaking all the way in Fallorian.

“Thank you for your confirmation of our Queen’s health. Please inform her next time she arrives that she’s urgently needed back in Fallorian. It is of grave importance that she return to the capital.”

The parlor went silent.

All Leita’s giddy pleasure fizzled out, leaving behind a cool resignation.

“That was sent to us two days ago,” said Narinda.

“Thank you for showing me.” Leita sighed before downing the rest of the wine she still held.

Fuck, she didn’t want to go back. Not yet. Not with a surprise dragon in tow.

This complicates everything.