Page 55 of Forged Flight

I smooth my hands down the front of my blouse, checking myself in the window’s reflection one last time. I’ve had this outfit tucked away in the back of my wardrobe since a friend’s wedding a few years ago, and I’m relieved it still fits. The soft fabric falls neatly against my frame, floral embroidery tracing the collar while delicate lace frills spill from the sleeves.

A knock sounds at the door. I inhale a deep breath before swinging it open.

My breath catches.

Lucan looks gorgeous.

He’s dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit that somehow manages to make his already enormous frame look even broader. The fabric stretches across his massive shoulders, emphasizing the powerful lines of his chest and arms. His honey-brown hair is pulled back into a neat bun, leaving his rugged face unobstructed. His thick beard is neatly trimmed, and his blue eyes immediately find mine.

“Evening, Doc.” He lifts my hand and presses a soft kiss to the back of it. “You look beautiful.”

I swallow. “Thanks. So do you.”

He chuckles softly before bending down to press a warm kiss to my lips. It’s brief but tender, sending my heart hammering against my ribs. When he pulls away, his thumb brushes gently over my cheek.

“Ready to go dance?”

I nod. “Yes.”

Lucan offers me his hand, and I place mine in his much larger palm. He leads me outside toward the waiting carriage. Its domed frame almost looks like a pumpkin, something straight out of a fairy tale.

“I can’t believe you rented a carriage.”

“Of course.” He shrugs nonchalantly, though a faint flush rises to his cheeks. “Is it… too much?”

I shake my head. “No. It’s lovely, Lucan. Thank you.”

He smiles sheepishly and opens the carriage door. Once I’m settled on the cushioned bench, he climbs in after me, ducking beneath the roof. When he sits beside me, his large thigh presses against mine, warm and grounding.

The coachman gives the horses a gentle command, and we set off down the road toward the king’s palace looming in the distance.

The enormous stone structure towers above the surrounding hills, its turrets silhouetted against the darkening sky. Autumn has transformed the landscape into a sea of crimson and gold, while banners bearing the kingdom’s royal crest billow from the palace towers.

It’s beautiful.

And yet, a tight knot twists in my stomach.

As we draw closer to the palace, my fingers curl anxiously around Lucan’s.

He squeezes my thigh. “Are you alright?”

“Yes. I’m just…” I swallow hard. “Nervous.”

“About Maple?”

I bite the inside of my cheek. “Yes,” I admit.

His thumb strokes reassuringly over my hand. “There’s nothing to worry about, sweetheart. She’s in my bedroom, probably sleeping on my bed, cozy and safe. I gave her plenty of toys to chew on, food, and fresh water.” His lips twitch. “She’ll be fine on her own for a few hours, Micah.”

“I know. It’s just…” My voice trails off, struggling to put my fear into words without making it sound ridiculous.

Lucan gives me a small, understanding smile. “I know, darling. She’s your baby. It’s only natural you’d be protective of her.”

“I’m just so scared.” My fingers tighten around his. “Not only for Maple if she’s discovered, but for all the dragons still living on the mountain. If what we think is true, then the king has already caused harm to countless dragons just like her.” My voice cracks. “And I just feel so… helpless.”

“Hey.” Lucan cups my cheek, gently turning my face toward him. His blue eyes hold mine, steady and comforting. “We’re going to figure this out, darling. Together.”

I lean into his touch, pressing my cheek against his warm palm. “I know.”