Page 85 of Foundling

With utmost poise, Attalus swept his right leg in a circle to rest it directly behind the left before executing a perfect bow. Wings outstretched and balanced precisely, he held the difficult pose as he returned the stunned gazes of all present.

“It gives me great pleasure to be welcomed so warmly to my mate’s home.”

Charis’s lips twitched at his subtle dig. Yes, Leita already suspected the two of them would get along well—so long as Attalus behaved.

Stiff introductions were made one by one, and if anyone had asked Leita her assessment, she would’ve said Attalus conducted himself flawlessly, the picture of courtly etiquette. It was some of her council who remained on the back foot, giving Leita secondhand mortification.

Clearly consternated by Attalus being the only one standing, Tamerlan said, “Forgive the oversight of a chair for you, I didn’t realize…”

“A castellan is always overworked, please pay it no mind. We dragons do enjoy heights, after all.”

Tamerlan straightened, blinking in surprise. Perhaps he thought a reprimand was coming, not a gentle teasing.

Lady Eilean sniffed. “And how are we to address such an…esteemed Savrakae?”

“Please don’t trouble yourself, Elder Eilean,” Attalus answered, “there are plenty of choices. My prince will do in a pinch. Prince consort for every day. And Attalus Princeps for more formal occasions.”

Leita didn’t think it possible for anyone to make Lady Eilean turn more sour, but her very lips disappeared into her mouth as she glowered at Attalus.

“And are we to consider this a diplomatic visit or…?” Lady Eilean sniffed.

“Diplomatic to an extent but a visit? No.” He smiled wide, showing off all his fangs. “Human kingdoms enjoy trading their children to solidify treaties, yes? Consider me an offering, then.”

“Indeed. And what exactly are we getting for you?”

Charis and Idrisil shot Eilean disapproving glares, but the latter pointedly ignored them. Attalus, however, only grinned wider.

“Something invaluable,” he claimed. “The happiness of our Queen and the security of her line.”

Leita’s cheeks erupted with a blush, but absolutely no one paid her any attention anyway. Actually, she wasn’t the only one blushing, especially not when Attalus opened a wing to frame her in her seat, a clear, proprietary message.

Lady Eilean harrumphed.

“I don’t mean any offense, but it seems this most important task wasn’t accomplished within this council. So I will happily, dutifully take my place beside our Queen.”

Leita didn’t know whether to laugh or bury her face in her hands, and she wasn’t alone. She exchanged astonished looks with Carenza over the top of Tamerlan’s head. If she was reading the glitter in Attalus’s eyes correctly, he was actually having fun.

“Yes, yes, the joys of the azai, we all offer our congratulations,” said Lady Eilean, unwilling to quit the field just yet. “However, I hope it’s not your intention to mislead this council already. You say your arrival here is diplomatic to an extent, but the dragons sighted above the faelands don’t seem to be an escort.”

Leave it to Eilean to find the one issue that could turn the council against Attalus. Leita didn’t want to be in open conflict with them—each one had supported her and provided invaluable assistance in this difficult transition. But Attalus was her azai. He was nonnegotiable.

It was time Leita made that clear.

“Attalus’s position within the Droplets is precarious,” she said, “but not so here.”

Even Attalus looked at her in amazement.

Leita nodded, reaffirming her point. “Araxos Anax has levied false charges against Attalus, causing him to flee the Droplets for his life. It’s true that Attalus is a fugitive, but he’s also my azai. We are bound. A threat to him is a threat to me.” It was a warning meant for not just her council but Araxos himself. “My aim is to resolve this matter with Araxos Anax peacefully. Attalus is my mate but also a subject now of the faelands and therefore under my protection.”

It didn’t surprise her when Marcades spoke up, his face especially stern to hear this news. “My Queen, this could threaten the entire faelands, and with the border still weakened—”

“I’m aware, captain. I don’t do this lightly. I am Queen of the Faelands and mean to protect my land and people. All of them.” She laid a hand meaningfully on Attalus’s forearm. “This may not have begun diplomatically, but we can endeavor to solve it so. Open another line of contact with Highhome by way of Balmirra.”

Charis nodded, scratching at her copious notes. “We can begin with dialogue over why there are dragons over our skies.”

Leita agreed; it was a simple way to broach the subject without showing their hand. Attalus’s presence would only be revealed when the time was right.

“The best way to keep everyone safe is for Attalus’s presence to remain a strict secret for now. I trust all of you to act with appropriate discretion.”