The western ridge settled.
The ledges held.
By late afternoon, Cara's arms trembled faintly from the strain.
She descended the stone path with steady steps, dust streaking her forearms, hair loosened by wind.
The nest had resumed its rhythm.
Quiet. Ordered. Certain.
Vyrisa watched her approach.
From the throne.
Not hidden.
Not distant.
Watching.
Cara stopped at the base of the rise and inclined her head.
"The ridge will hold."
Vyrisa studied her in silence.
Not just her face.
Her stance.
The way she carried herself after hours of labor.
Still upright.
Still steady.
"You have worked enough," Vyrisa said evenly.
A few dragons glanced toward them.
Cara blinked once.
"Yes, my queen."
A pause.
Then—
"Rest."
The word was simple.
Unremarkable.
Until Vyrisa added:
"Here."
The chamber stilled.
Cara's breath caught—but only slightly.
She did not look around.
Did not check who was watching.
Because they all were.
Vyrisa did not repeat herself.
She did not clarify.
She simply extended one hand.
Not possessive.
Not beckoning.
Inviting.
Cara ascended the steps slowly.
Each one deliberate.
This was not private.
This was not hidden.
She stopped just before the throne.
And for half a second, she searched Vyrisa's eyes.
Are you certain?
The mark answered first.
Yes.
Vyrisa shifted slightly in her seat.
Not sprawling.
Not indulgent.
Controlled space.
"Sit," she said softly.
On her lap.
In front of the nest.
Cara did not hesitate.
That was the key.
If she had hesitated, it would have looked uncertain.
If she had rushed, it would have looked eager.
YOU ARE READING
Ashes Embraced
FantasiA Dark Sapphic Romantasy A century ago, the Red Dragon Queen burned Frairdale to the ground. Now she rules from the cliffs above the lake-untouched, unchallenged, and unrepentant. When Cara steps into dragon territory, she expects death. Instead, sh...
