The Serpent's Chains

Chapter 47: What Did You Do?

Author's Note: This chapter contains descriptions of violence and death that may be upsetting to some readers. 

Sabine

Master Reinier had a guest when I arrived for my next lesson. King Talis stood behind the royal mage, a smile on his lips and a twinkle in his eye.

"S-sire." I bowed at the waist before I even made it across the threshold.

"Ahh, Sabine, come in, come in. There's no need for such formalities right now." The king's grin widened and he beckoned me with his hand.

I patted down my dress and walked across the room to join them near the desk. "My apologies. I wasn't expecting you."

"Master Reinier has been updating me on your marvelous progress." The king clapped Reinier on the shoulder.

Behind his glasses, Reinier's eyes brightened. He nodded to me and his lips curled into a half-smile.

My stomach squirmed. "Oh, well, I hope it is all satisfactory."

"Of course! You are a true protegee. The War Dragon himself can't hold a flame to your progress. I'm very impressed. How did you fly under our radar for so long?"

I bit the inside of my cheek and rocked back on my heels. "I don't know much about my past or my family."

"Yes, of course. That is to be expected." The king waved it off. "Well, I'd like to observe your training session today. Master Reinier has set up something special on the training grounds." He motioned to one of the windows.

Below was a large field used for military combat training. Both for soldiers and mages.

"You want a demonstration?" My throat went dry and I tried to swallow.

"There is no reason to keep His Majesty waiting. You've already completed the necessary reading and practice."

"A-alright."

"You know that Stivalia has been a persistent thorn in my side for decades," King Talis said as we walked to the training grounds.

"Yes, I've heard that Stivalia and Telasia have been at odds." I nodded.

"Well, it is more problematic than that! They keep sending battle mages to our borders, testing our defenses. I don't want my soldiers to be at risk when they are out there keeping the peace and watching over the annexed territories."

I nodded again.

The king almost sounded concerned about his soldiers and people. Maybe he was on some level but from the bits and pieces I'd gleaned while listening to him and the prince, I knew he was more antagonistic than defensive.

"Someone with your abilities could certainly help me keep my people safe. Perhaps you could even remove them as a threat altogether."

My palms grew clammy and I wiped them on my dress.

There it was, the hidden agenda. I supposed he noticed how easily I subdued Princess Cara. Perhaps he thought I could take out the rest of the royal family... my family.

"I am happy to serve however Telasia needs." I bowed my head to him.

"Wonderful! That is exactly what I wanted to hear."

The training grounds were empty, save for a few straw dummies that had been erected on the opposite side of one of the fields.

Amonette's glittering gold scales came into my peripheral vision. She strutted to the fence and with a huff, she slumped down on the ground.