“You’re going to regret this,” Urga said as they boarded the small rowboat.

“Maybe,” Jasen agreed.

“I’m going to regret this,” she added under her breath. “But a promise is a promise. Take us out.”

Jasen began to row, and soon they were making their way across the swamp. After some time, they reached the small island that was just out of sight of the castle. They landed the boat and got out.

“How near is that dragon of yours?” Urga asked.

Jasen put his hand to his throat, feeling the jewel. It was warm. “Close, I think.” He’d been calling out to him ever since he had awoken.

“He’d better be.” Urga crossed her arms and scowled. “I don’t plan on waiting around on this island forever!”

“Thank you again for doing this,” Jasen said. “I know you don’t agree with my decision, but it means a lot to me that you’re supporting me anyway.”

“Well, what was I to do? Order you to stay? You’re Grummish, and in Grumhul, unlike some other kingdoms I could mention, our citizens have the right to make whatever decision they please, no matter how stupid.” She softened a little. “And remember that there’s always a place for you here. I won’t even say I told you so.”

Jasen tried not to laugh. “I appreciate it. Truly.”

Jasen felt a flutter in his chest. A moment later, the sky darkened. Tasenred had arrived, and was circling above them.

Urga cracked her fingers. “Now it’s been quite some time since I’ve called upon my blessing at all, so I’m not making any promises. If this doesn’t work, you’ll have to get yourself to a proper draemir.” Urga sucked in a breath and raised her hands. The waters of the swamp parted. She moved her hands slowly outward, parting the water further, until there was enough room for Tasenred to land.

As soon as the dragon landed, Jasen ran up to him. Tasenred lowered his head in greeting. “Thank you for coming for me,” Jasen said, placing his hand on the dragon’s snout.

“You can talk with the damned beast later!” Urga shouted. “Get on—I can’t hold this forever!”

Jasen did as she said and soon they were flying through the air. He waved to the queen but wasn’t sure if she saw him. He resisted the urge to look back again.

It was hard to think of much when riding on the back of the dragon—the experience overwhelmed the senses. It was only when the Draelands came in sight that Jasen’s nerves started to act up again. He had no idea what was going to happen.

He wasn’t surprised to find Rilvor waiting for him in the draemir—he was the Lord of the Drae, after all. Rilvor swept him into his arms the moment he slid off Tasenred’s back.

“Your answer,” Rilvor said breathlessly. “Please tell me it is yes.”

In response, Jasen threw his arms around Rilvor’s neck and gave him a kiss, which led to another, and another. When at last they pulled away from each other, Jasen asked, “So what happens now?”

“Right now? We get you back to the palace and let you rest. We can make plans for tomorrow.”

Jasen shook his head. “I would prefer to get answers now. I’m not sure how much more my nerves can take.”

Rilvor kissed his forehead. “As you wish. I will call for an immediate meeting with the ministers.”

“Is Adwig still among them? Polina and Risyda told me what happened.”

“Unfortunately, he is. I believe your friend, but her accusations are unsubstantiated. He has cast doubt upon her testimony, dismissing her as embittered and seeking revenge because he told her she wasn’t suited to be queen consort. I have put out a search for the person who put the enchantment on the shoes, but have been unable to find them. Until I have another witness, I don’t want to move against him.”

“It’s just as well. I want to face him—get everything out in the open.”

Rilvor raised an eyebrow. “Everything?”

“I can’t marry you pretending to be someone I’m not, and I won’t spend my life in fear of blackmail and gossip. If I’m to be king consort, it will be as myself, warts and all.”

“Well put. I completely agree.”

Jasen kissed him again. “Let’s get this over with.”

Rilvor had guards waiting for them at the edge of the draemir to escort them back to his chambers, but even so, word of Jasen’s return had already spread. It seemed as if everyone in the palace had arrived to gawk at him. To Jasen’s surprise, he found it didn’t matter that much to him. Quendra had been right about perspective.

As soon as Jasen stepped foot into the royal chambers, he was tackled by Rilvor’s children. “I knew you would come back!” Erada said happily. “Papa wasn’t sure, but I knew you wouldn’t just leave us.”

Jasen smiled. “You’re very clever—much cleverer than me or your papa.”

Erada beamed. Ados, however, looked more serious. “I wish you luck with the council,” he said. “I would be happy to testify as to your good character.”

Rilvor put a hand on his shoulder. “Thank you, son, but I do not think that will be necessary.”

The children’s governess gathered them up and took them away. Once they had left, Jasen noticed someone lingering in the doorway to the king’s inner chamber. Rilvor motioned to him. “You can come out now.”

Jasen was shocked to see that it was Larely, who gave him a shy wave. In a few swift steps, Jasen crossed the room to clasp his hand and pat him on the back. “It’s good to see you! I thought you were with your family.”

“Well, the king came and found me. Can’t very well ignore the summons of the king, can I?”

“I brought him here to testify on your behalf, if you decided to accept my proposal,” Rilvor said. “I wanted to keep his presence a secret, so he has been staying in my chambers.”

“I’m sorry for all the trouble I caused,” Larely said. “It’s the least I can do to come help clear the air.”

“It’s not your fault,” Jasen said. “But aren’t you worried about being exposed? Your true identity is sure to come up.”

Larely waved a hand dismissively. “The crimes of my family aren’t my crimes—the king knows that. And I don’t plan on staying in the Draelands anyway, so it isn’t as if it will hurt my opportunities.” He cleared his throat. “In fact, the new Prosider of Westrona has asked me to be on her council, at the recommendation of King Rilvor.”

“My recommendation was only part of it,” Rilvor said. “Your efforts to make an honest life for yourself despite your family’s history is admirable. The Prosider and I both agree that your family background makes you ideal to help her mend the rifts in Westronan society.”

Jasen patted Larely on the back. “Congratulations! I’m sure you’ll do well.”

“There will be time for you to catch up later,” Rilvor said. “But for now, I must ask Larely to come with me to prepare for his testimony. I will send Rotheld to help in your own preparations.”

Shortly after Rilvor left, servants came with some refreshments for Jasen. And soon after that, Rotheld arrived. “My lord,” he said with a bow.

Jasen grinned. “It’s good to see you, Rotheld.”

“I am pleased to see you as well, my lord. The king thought you could use some help preparing for your audience with the Council.” He waved in a rack of clothing. “I have take the liberty of selecting an outfit—”

“Thank you,” Jasen interrupted. “But I won’t be changing.”

Rotheld puffed out his cheeks in surprise. “My lord, I most humbly suggest you change your mind. The council is very particular about proper etiquette.”

“Believe me, there is no outfit that I can wear that’s going to make them more amenable to my arguments. I’d rather be comfortable.”

“As you wish, my lord,” Rotheld said, although he didn’t seem happy about it. “But would my lord at least consent to some styling of his hair?”

Jasen tried to run his fingers through his hair, but couldn’t manage it since it was so tangled by the wind. “That might be a good idea,” he admitted.

Rotheld set to work brushing out the tangles from Jasen’s hair. Jasen was afraid he was going to try one of his fancier hair styles, but he merely tied it back in a simple bow. He also convinced Jasen to allow him to wash his face and hands. By the time Rotheld was finished, Jasen still didn’t look fashionable, but he was put together, at the very least. As he looked himself over in the mirror, he noticed a change in himself that had nothing to do with his clothing or his grooming. Up until now, he hadn’t realized how nervous he used to look all the time. A calm had settled over his features. He looked…dignified.

Jasen took his time finished his meal, sipping at his tea thoughtfully as he went over his arguments. He didn’t have any control over how the council would respond, but he was optimistic. He had been called by the dragons to speak to their hearts. When he was finished, he wiped off a small knife and tucked it into his waist coat. He would need it for the demonstration he was planning.

Before long, Rilvor arrived. He put his arms around Jasen. “The ministers have convened and are awaiting us.”

“We should go then.”

“Yes,” Rilvor agreed, his arms still around him.

“You should probably let me go.”

Rilvor pulled back, his cheeks a bit flushed. “My apologies. I have only just gotten you back—part of me is afraid you will slip away again.”

“I won’t,” Jasen promised.

“And I meant what I said—even if the ministers do not give their blessing, I will fight for you. It would go better for us if they agree, but do not be disheartened if they do not rule in your favor. There is nothing to be worried about.”

“Yes, I know,” Jasen said mildly.

Rilvor tilted his head. “You aren’t nervous?” Rilvor rushed to correct himself. “That is to say, of course there is no need to be nervous, but it’s…” He trailed off.

“Not like me?” Jasen finished for him with a grin.

“I would never say that, but it gladdens me that you are not distressed.” He offered his arm. “Shall we go?”

Jasen took his arm. “Yes.”

They made their way to the Chamber of Justice. Jasen had never been inside, but he knew what to expect. As a part of his consort training, he had received lessons in the system of justice in the Draelands. The Chamber of Justice was where the royal ministers debated matters of law, and where the king dispensed justice to subjects who came to him with disputes. The king’s throne sat at the opposite end from the entrance, raised to be well above the rest of the room. Ten podiums were situated in a semicircle around the perimeter of the room, five on each side of the throne. While not as high as the throne, they were also on a raised level. The center of the room was empty—this was the floor, where those seeking to bring a matter to the ministers’ attention were to stand.

The set-up was meant to be intimidating, and it was. Even with his newly earned confidence, Jasen felt a flutter of nerves, which only increased when Rilvor left him to take his seat on his throne. The ministers were all at their stations, dressed in ceremonial white robes. Ministers were not aristocrats—they were dragon-called to serve the cause of justice. That included Minister Adwig, Jasen realized, who was currently giving him a look that one might give a viper that had sneaked its way into an otherwise perfectly maintained garden. It was something Jasen would keep in mind.

A page appeared to announce Jasen’s arrival. “May it please the ministers to receive Lord Jasen of Grumhul, who comes to plead his case to be made king consort of the Allied Realms through marriage to His Majesty King Rilvor.” The page bowed, ceding the floor to Jasen.

Jasen cleared his throat. “Honorable ministers, I know that I am not the person many of you would prefer to be at the side of the king. I’d be happy to address any concerns you might have.”

Minister Eveth, an elderly woman, was the first to speak. She wore a purple mantle, indicating her status as the senior minister. “Your lack of pedigree, as you put it, does concern many of our members, but you would not be the first person of humble origins to ascend to the level of consort to the monarch. The larger concern is your scandalous conduct. Do you deny that you have engaged in carnal relations with a host of men, including those of common stock?”

“No, Your Honor.”

“You are aware that consorts are expected to be pure of heart and of body, are you not?”

“I’m aware that it’s the expectation, yes.”

“Then by your own admission, your very presence at Court is fraudulent.”

“I disagree. I was not asked to take a vow attesting to my virginity. The so-called ‘purity’ of a consort is an unwritten rule, as I understand it.”

Minister Eveth turned to one of her colleagues. “Minister Droge, is that true?”

Minister Droge—a short, bald man—flipped through an enormous book. “He is correct. There is no written rule that a consort must be a virgin.”

Adwig butted in. “It may not be the letter of the law, but it is its spirit. The role of consort to the king requires impeccable moral character. Lord Jasen not only lacks the dignity of a proper consort, he is also a liar who has deceived the king!”

“This is untrue,” Rilvor said. “I am well aware of Jasen’s past.”

A murmur rippled through the ministers; Minister Eveth waved a hand to quiet them. Adwig’s jaw had dropped in shock, but he composed himself quickly. “But it is not just his past, Your Majesty. He has been conducting an affair right under your nose! I have evidence that Lord Jasen had carnal relations with a guard, who he then had sent away to cover his crimes.”

“I am aware of your accusations,” the king said. “But your evidence is lacking. I have done my own investigation.” He nodded to the page, who left the room. He returned a few moments later with Larely by his side.

“If it pleases the ministers, I present Larely of Westrona to give testimony.”

The ministers’ murmurs were even louder this time. Minister Eveth had to call for order several times before the room quieted again. “Young man, you may give your testimony,” she said.

Larely wiped some sweat from his brow before speaking. “It’s true that I had romantic feelings for Lord Jasen, but he firmly rejected them. I have made a dragon-sworn written testimony to that effect.”

Eveth gestured to the page. “Let’s see it.” The page approached her and handed her an envelope. She opened it and scanned the contents before passing it to the minister beside her. “This all looks in order.”

“And what if he’s lying?” Adwig said, who had grown quite purple with rage.

“He has sworn directly to a dragon, in presence of draeds and draedesses,” Eveth countered.

“That does not guarantee the truthfulness of his testimony. It is not impossible for a hardened criminal to lie to a dragon.”

“Are you suggesting that this young man is a hardened criminal?”

“He comes from a long line of criminals!” Adwig said triumphantly. “His family is the most notorious in all of Westrona.”

“I do not believe a man should be judged by the actions of his family,” Rilvor said. “The dragons are convinced of the sincerity of his testimony, as am I. Do you doubt my judgment?”

Adwig hesitated. “Of course not, Your Majesty.”

Eveth raised her hand, drawing everyone’s attention. “All those in favor of accepting Larely’s testimony, say aye.”

Adwig was the only judge who remained silent. Eveth nodded her head. “Then it is settled. You are dismissed, young man.”

Larely bowed and left the room. When he was gone, Eveth turned her attention to Jasen again. “You may not be technically in violation of the law, but what do you say to the accusation that you lack moral character?”

“Kindness and humility are more important than sexual purity. Those are both qualities that I nurture in myself. And if sexual purity was the most important judgment of character, then I’m afraid the Allied Realms are in a great deal of trouble.”

Several of the ministers laughed, including Eveth. “True enough. Let us move on to the next point. While your humble origins do not disqualify you from taking on the role of king consort, it is still of some concern to several members of this council. In particular, your nationality makes you an unusual choice. A Grumhulian has never ascended to the throne, and the Grummish are known for their distrust of dragons. Magic in the realm has suffered as of late, and there is concern that your lack of connection with the dragons will worsen it. Can you speak to that?”

“Yes, Your Honor. I may be Grummish, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have a connection with the dragons. As you are no doubt aware, I was called by a dragon on my first day in the Draelands—”

“So you say,” Adwig interrupted. “Or perhaps you sneaked off to the draemir without permission and happened to encounter a dragon. That isn’t the same thing.”

Jasen met Adwig gaze and continued as if he hadn’t been interrupted. “I’ve also been blessed.”

Several people gasped, including Rilvor.

“Were you aware of this, Your Majesty?” Eveth asked.

“No,” Rilvor said, the surprise evident in his voice. He looked to Jasen. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I only found out a few days ago.”

Adwig looked skeptical. “And what blessing did the dragons supposedly give to you?”

“Do I have permission to demonstrate?” At Eveth’s nod, Jasen took out his knife. Before anyone could respond, he drew the blade over the back of his hand, deep enough that he began to bleed. Several ministers shouted; Rilvor sprang to his feet. But before any of them could make a move, Jasen called forth his ability. For a moment he was afraid it would fail, but soon the same blue flames that had healed Tin flickered from his fingers. The wound closed. Jasen wiped the blood from his hand and held it up for all to see.

The room erupted as the ministers all started talking at the same time. The only one who wasn’t talking was Adwig, who had grown quite pale. Once again, Eveth called them to order. “How did you discover this power?”

“When I was in Grumhul, a child injured himself. I was able to heal him, just as I’ve healed myself now.”

“And why are you only just now aware of it?”

“I think because I didn’t have occasion to use it. Fortunately, the life of a consort usually doesn’t involve bodily harm.” That got a few laughs. Jasen waited for them to quiet before continuing. “But beyond that, I think I wasn’t ready to accept it yet. Whatever doubts you have about me, I have had about myself—maybe even more. I couldn’t imagine why on earth a dragon—or a king, for that matter—would choose me, out of all the more accomplished lords and ladies of the Court.

“My head was telling me that I wasn’t worthy. I was too busy thinking to listen to my heart. I was told by someone very wise that the dragons know our hearts better than we know them ourselves. Right now, the heart of humanity is changing. That’s why the dragons interfered in Westrona, and it’s the same reason they called to me.”

He turned to Minister Adwig. “I know that you only want what’s best for the Allied Realms. That’s what I want, too. However, the world is changing—clinging to the rituals of the past for their own sake is not the right way to move forward. I think we can both honor old traditions and move toward a future that increases the happiness of the people of the Allied Realms.”

Adwig still seemed shaken, but slowly, he nodded.

Jasen addressed the rest of the room. “My manners still aren’t the finest. I probably will make a lot of mistakes. But I promise I will always lead with my heart.” He met Rilvor’s gaze. “And the king and I are madly in love, which I hope counts for something.” He bowed. “And that’s my case. I await your judgment.”

Eveth folded her hands. “Well, you have certainly given us much to discuss, Lord Jasen. We will inform you of our decision when we reach it.”

The page led Jasen to another room where petitioners of the court were sent to wait as the ministers debated. Now that it was over, his nerves finally caught up to him. He collapsed into a chair, wondering how long it would take. His hands shook as took out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat off his brow. A few tears slipped from his eyes, which he wiped away, too.

The door opened, but it wasn’t the page—it was Rilvor. Jasen rose to meet him, and he was by his side in an instant.

“Have they made their decision?” Jasen asked.

“Not yet, no. I stepped out to give them time to debate.” Rilvor smiled. “But it is decided, either way. You will be my husband, no matter what they say.” Rilvor reached into his waist coat. From it, he removed a ring with a bright red jewel. “The jewel is from Tasenred,” he said. “And the ring is from me.” He got down on one knee.

Jasen laughed nervously. “What are you doing?”

“I need to hear it from you, unequivocally.” He held the ring up. “Lord Jasen, will you marry me and rule by my side?”

Jasen’s voice caught in his throat for a moment. “Yes,” he finally managed to say.

Rilvor slid the ring on his finger before standing up and embraced Jasen again, and then they were kissing passionately.

They only pulled apart when they heard a polite cough. It was the page. “Your Majesty, the council requests your presence.”

“Already?” Jasen asked. “Is that good news or bad news?”

Rilvor grinned. “Good, I think.” He kissed his hand. “I will see you in a moment.”

Rilvor and the page departed. Jasen sat down again, dazed. It all felt unreal. He looked down at his ring, which was sparkling far more than an ordinary jewel. The metal against his skin felt real enough, at any rate.

A few minutes later, the page returned. “They will see you now, my lord,” he said with a bow.

As soon as Jasen took his place on the floor, Minister Eveth spoke. “Lord Jasen,” she began. “You said that you were not the candidate any of us would have chosen, and you are correct. You are unusual in many ways. But it is the opinion of this court that you have pled your case with the grace and humility that we would expect of a king consort. We give you our full endorsement. Congratulations.”

Jasen’s knees felt weak. Fortunately, Rilvor was there by his side in a moment, sweeping him into his arm. And then they were kissing—it probably wasn’t proper decorum, but Jasen couldn’t bring himself to care. All his fears and insecurities melted away, at least for the moment. He was still apprehensive about taking on such a huge responsibility—but all love was responsibility, no matter if your partner was royalty or a peasant.

Jasen felt a now-familiar warmth in his chest, only it was ten times as strong as he’d ever felt it. He pulled back slightly. “Do you feel that?”

“Yes.” Rilvor took Jasen’s hand. “Come with me.” He looked over to the ministers. “All of you.”

Rilvor and Jasen led the procession of ministers outside, heading toward the gardens. Overhead, two dragons circled, then three, then five, and more, until soon the sky was thick with them. All of the members of Court and the servants had come outside too. They were laughing and shouting as the dragons dipped and swirled above them, the sun shining on their colorful scales, making the sky sparkle as if it were full of jewels.

Rilvor and Jasen left the rest of them behind and made their way to the draemir, where Tasenred waited for them. Jasen threw his arms around the dragon’s neck. “Thank you for believing in me.”

The dragon just snorted, the warm air tickling Jasen’s skin. Tasenred bowed his head in obvious invitation.

Jasen turned to Rilvor. “Do you want to go for a ride?”

Rilvor kissed him again. “There’s nothing I would like better.”

They climbed onto the dragon’s back and soon they were sailing through the sky. Tasenred joined the other dragons. Jasen laughed as they flew, his heart so full of joy that he thought it might burst. When he had first come to the Draelands, he never imagined it would end like this. He leaned back against Rilvor’s chest, relishing the feel of his arms around him, and of the dragon beneath him, and of the sun shining down on him, his lover, and the whole of the Allied Realms.

From here on out, there would be no escaping responsibility, but the thought no longer filled him with dread. He was bound, yes—but not chained. In fact, he had never felt so free.