After Fosse and I returned our dragons to the stable, we went to Colonel Roche’s office to give our report. My stomach was heavy with dread as I walked into the room, knowing that Fosse was about to throw me to the wolves.

“Captain, Private,” the colonel greeted us. She was sitting behind her desk, and near her shoulder stood Major Duval, the man in charge of the dragon rider contingent. “Report.”

I folded my hands behind my back and held in a sigh as Fosse launched right into it. “Nothing out of the ordinary, except that Private Kenrook was insubordinate. She deliberately disobeyed my orders today.”

“Oh?” Duval’s eyes sharpened as he turned to look at me. I held his gaze but didn’t miss the way that Colonel Roche’s lips thinned. “What orders were these, Captain?”

"About an hour into our patrol, we ran across a sinking ship," Fosse said. "Kenrook said she wanted to investigate, so she flew down onto the deck while I stayed in the air to keep a lookout. She and her dragon successfully managed to free the crew, who were trapped below decks, and break off a piece of the ship for them to use as a raft."

“That sounds admirable,” the major said, raising his eyebrows. The tone in his voice was clear—he failed to see the problem, as did I.

“I agree it was admirable, but she then proceeded to endanger us all by tying the raft to her dragon and towing them to shore,” Fosse said, exasperation creeping into his tone. He threw an icy look my way, as if daring me to challenge him, then continued when I said nothing. “It was clear that her dragon wasn’t strong enough to pull them all the way to shore, and I didn’t want to be stranded out in the open like that, unable to get away quickly if the Traggarans decided to send a warship after us. I ordered Kenrook to leave the raft and return to me, but she refused. Luckily, I flagged down a passing ship and got the men safely aboard before her dragon completely ran out of steam. It was already flagging, and we were barely halfway back,” he sneered.

My cheeks stung as three sets of disapproving eyes swung my way, but I refused to back down. “Permission to speak?” I asked stiffly.

The colonel held my gaze for a long moment. “Granted.”

“It’s true that I disobeyed orders,” I said, keeping my tone unhurried even though the words wanted to rush out of me. “But those men needed help, and I needed a safe place to interrogate them. Their ship started to sink before I could finish asking them questions, so I brought them to a safer place where I could. They claim their ship was attacked and looted by Zallabarians.”

The colonel sat up straighter in her chair. “What proof do you have of this?” she demanded.

“None but their statements,” I told her. “They say that the other ship was flying Elantian colors, but that the crew spoke Zallabarian to each other, and had thick Zallabarian accents. The enemy ship was called the Lora Uwillar, and the crew stole a large number of silver ingots, then blew a hole in the side of the ship and locked the other crew in the hold before leaving them there to die."

“That is concerning,” Major Duval said, his forehead furrowing. “Did you see any sign of this enemy ship?”

“No,” I admitted. “I searched, but it was long gone. Even so, I believe they were telling the truth.”

“And how can you know that for sure?” the colonel asked sharply. “They could have been flying false colors, just like this imaginary ship they claimed attacked them. A ship that you yourself could not find after hours of searching.”

“They were Elantian natives,” I fired back, infuriated by her condescending tone. “And I’m sure they didn’t decide to blow a hole in their own ship and lock themselves in the cargo hold for fun. We saved nine lives today and gathered valuable intelligence in the process. Captain Fosse here might not think those lives matter”—I jabbed a finger in my partner’s direction—“but the common people deserve our help just as much as anyone else. Given the chance, I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

Major Duval stared at me with what looked suspiciously like respect, but Colonel Roche was having none of it. “Enough!” She slapped her hand on her desk, her face ruddy. “I warned you about insubordination, Private,” she seethed, “and yet here you are, flaunting your disobedience in my face. The fact that it ended well is not an excuse. As Captain Fosse says, you put both of your dragons in danger with your actions. As of right now, you and Lessie are grounded for the next two days, and I will be filing a reprimand for insubordination. Is that understood?”

“Yes, ma’am,” I said through gritted teeth.

“Good. You are dismissed.”

Turning on my heel, I strode out of the building, refusing to look at my gloating partner. He was getting off on this, but I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of an acknowledgment. Keeping my steps measured, I headed to the mess hall for dinner. I was starving and hoped a hot meal would take the edge off my temper.

Grounded. For two days. Because I did the right thing.

I was so pissed off at the injustice of it all that I didn’t see Jallis and ran right into him. “Hey!” He grabbed my shoulders, and I jerked back. “You okay?” he asked, trying to peer into my eyes.

“Peachy,” I growled, stepping past him. I snatched up a tray and slid into line, not in the mood to deal with him. But naturally, this was the day he decided to flout convention and sidle up next to me.

“You’re fuming so hot I can see the steam rising out of your ears,” he murmured behind me.

“How nice of you to notice,” I said.

I could hear the frown in his voice. “What’s going on? Why are you being so rude to me?”

Spinning around, I lowered my voice to a hiss. “Why don’t you do what you’re supposed to do, and scurry back to your officer friends before they see you slumming it with me?” He jerked back, as if I’d slapped him, and the way his face paled with shock gave me no small amount of perverse satisfaction. “After all, we do what’s expected of us around here, not what’s right, don’t we?”

Swearing under his breath, Jallis held up his hands to give me some space. “I don’t know what’s going on, but you and I are going to talk later,” he said in a low voice that sent a shiver up my spine.

“You’re not the boss of me,” I said in an equally low voice, aware that I was being petulant.

He raised an eyebrow. “I outrank you.”

Thanks for the reminder, I almost said, but it was my turn. Handing the woman behind the counter my tray, I kept my eyes on her as I ignored the stares. I knew my little spat with Jallis had drawn attention, but I didn't care.

The woman handed me back something that vaguely resembled stew, and I took it away, leaving Jallis behind to order his own food. Kade, Ullion, and Daria waved, but I only gave them a small nod as I walked past. Their curious looks followed me all the way to the empty table in the corner of the hall, and I squashed a tiny pinprick of guilt at ditching them. Normally I was more than happy to sit with them—as the oldest of us, I felt a responsibility to stick by them—but today, I just wanted to eat my food and be left alone.

Jallis walked away from the counter with his food, and I held my breath as his eyes locked with mine. Was he going to come and sit with me? Time seemed to suspend for a brief moment, and then he looked away, heading toward his usual table.

“Of course he’s not going to sit with you,” I muttered sullenly. Jallis wasn’t going to risk alienating himself from the other officers just because I was having a shitty day. Maybe it was selfish of me to expect him to, since he’d already risked so much for me. He’d been working toward this his entire life. But the fact that he’d taken such a giant step back from me hurt more than I cared to admit.

Suddenly, I had no desire to be in the same room as Jallis, breathing the same air. Ducking my head, I shoveled down my food as quickly as possible, then left the mess hall, heading out into the warm evening air.

“Zara.” Lessie’s consciousness brushed up against mine, full of concern. “Are you okay?”

No. I wasn’t okay. I was a boiling, seething mass of fury, and at this moment I wished I were a dragon so I could open my mouth and release my anger in a torrent of flame. I’d also settle for punching Fosse in his stupid, self-righteous face, if he were around. Of course, that would get me into even more trouble, so maybe that wasn’t such a good idea.

I really wasn’t cut out for this military stuff, was I?

“I’m okay,” I said to Lessie, not wanting her to worry. Knowing she could feel my volatile emotions, I added, “I just need to take a walk, cool off for a bit. I’ll come snuggle with you later.”

“Okay.” She gave me one of those mind-nuzzles that felt like she was rubbing up against me even though she wasn’t actually here. “Be safe, Zara.”

I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me, and checked to make sure my weapons were still on me. I had my military-issued sword, my daggers, and my dragon blade on me. The crossbow, also military-issue, I’d left behind in the barracks—it was great for when I was on dragonback, but too bulky to carry around.

Still, I knew being armed wasn’t enough, not where Salcombe was concerned, so I made sure to stick close to the buildings as I walked, remaining in sight of the windows.

It didn’t take long for Jallis to fall into step with me. He said nothing as we walked together in the dying sunlight, grass and dirt rustling beneath our feet. But I could feel his questioning glances as he waited for me to break.

“Aren’t you worried someone’s going to see you with me?” I finally asked, though I still didn’t turn to look at him.

Jallis sighed. “You’ve had a rough day, and you need a friend,” he said. “That’s more important than the rules. I just wish you’d tell me what’s going on so I’m not out here breaking them for nothing.”

I glanced sharply at him. “Is that what spending time with me is, then? Nothing?”

Jallis threw up his hands. “You can’t blame me for toeing the line, Zara. You made it clear that you weren’t sure if you wanted to be more than friends, so I’m not about to risk my position when you’re not certain of yours.”

His words were like a slap to the face, and I stopped so suddenly he had to double back. “I’m still your friend, Zara,” he said quietly. “We might not be allowed to hang out together, but you can still come to me if you’re in trouble.”

I looked up into Jallis’s eyes, which were wide with sincerity. Damn, I was an idiot. Of course Jallis was keeping his distance. He wasn’t going to stick his neck out for me when I wasn’t sure I wanted to offer him more than a dalliance. And I was a terrible person for expecting him to.

“Lessie and I have been grounded,” I said tightly. “For two days. And I have a permanent mark on my record, all because I refused to leave a stranded crew to die.”

Jallis fell into step beside me again, and as we walked, I told him the whole story. I expected him to be just as outraged as I felt about the injustice of it all, but when I finished, he was frowning thoughtfully, gazing out into the twilight.

“Well?” I demanded. “Aren’t you going to say anything?”

He shook his head. “Sorry. Just trying to organize my thoughts.” He gave me a sympathetic smile. “I wouldn’t worry about the reprimand, Zara. The kind of people who get things done, the ones willing to take risks and get their hands dirty, are always going to get a few slaps on the wrist along the way. Rhia and I got reprimands when we left Dragon’s Table to rescue you without permission.”

I blinked. “I thought you said nothing happened.”

He shrugged. "We didn't want you to feel guilty about it. I don't regret what I did, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. What you did today, saving those men, was admirable, and shows great courage and heart. I'm happy nothing went wrong, and that you even got some good intelligence."

“I sense a ‘but’ coming,” I said dryly.

“But," Jallis continued, deliberately emphasizing the word as he raised his eyebrows at me, "Fosse was right to dress you down for it. He was wrong to tell you those men weren't worth saving merely because they were commoners, but the fact remains that Lessie is worth a hundred human lives in the eyes of our superiors, especially now that we're on the verge of war."

“Are you serious?” I gaped at him. “If that’s the case, then why are we fighting at all, if the dragons are so much more precious than human lives? Why not just lock them away?”

Jallis pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m just telling you how the others think. Whether you like it or not, Major Duval is going to keep a very close eye on you now, and any further instances of insubordination are going to be punished much more harshly. You need to be careful, Zara.”

I gnashed my teeth, my hands itching to clench into fists. I knew Jallis was right, but his words still stung. I expected a sympathetic ear, and instead he sided with Fosse and the others, who’d refused to acknowledge the value of the intelligence I’d brought back.

“This is ridiculous,” I fumed. “First you go telling me that it’s okay to take risks, and now you’re telling me I was wrong for doing exactly that. I trusted my gut, Jallis, and it paid off big-time. How am I supposed to do my job if I have to ignore my instincts like this?”

"You don't have to do it forever!" Jallis barked, surprising me. His eyes glittered with annoyance as he leaned in, lowering his voice so we wouldn't be overheard. "You just need to do it long enough until you get promoted! You and Lessie are a talented pair, and no rider gets stuck as a private for long. If you’d just follow orders and keep your head down, you’ll get promoted to officer and you’ll have more leeway. And then we won’t have to keep skulking about like this!”

“What if I don’t want to be an officer?” I hissed. “What if I don’t want to be in the military, period?”

Jallis’s green eyes iced over as he stepped back. “You should have thought of that before you picked up Lessie’s egg, then.”

He turned away, his shoulders stiff with anger, and I grabbed his wrist. “Wait,” I begged, torn between guilt and anger. Why couldn’t I seem to keep it together today? “I’m sorry, Jallis. I didn’t mean for it to come out like that. It’s just…you’ve had your whole life to prepare for a military career. I haven’t, and I’m not bred for this. My entire life I’ve learned how to live in a world where the rules are flexible at best, and now I have to readjust to a strict hierarchy where every move I make has to be approved by someone else. I want to help protect our country, but I don’t think I can keep doing this when these judgmental superior officers are determined to squash every good idea I have.”

Jallis turned back to face me, his expression softening. "I'm sorry, Zara. I know this is hard for you. But people end up in the military all the time who have little training or experience, and they have to suck it up. Everyone pays their dues when they first get here. Once you pay yours and finally start settling into your role, things will get easier." He glanced over his shoulder. "I have to get back now."

“Go,” I said with a sigh, waving him away. He seemed apologetic, so I didn’t want to give him too much of a hard time. “I guess I’ll see you around if I ever get that mythical promotion.”

He gave me a crooked smile. “I have no doubt that you will,” he said softly.

With Jallis gone, I made my way to the stables, seeking out Lessie for comfort. As we snuggled in the hay together, I told her about the meeting, and our punishment.

“Grounded?” She bristled indignantly. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“It means that we can’t fly for two days,” I said heavily.

“How are we supposed to go on patrol if we can’t fly?”

“We’re not.” I smiled wryly. “I guess you can say this is a little vacation.”

“Vacation.” She huffed. “That’s one way to look at it.”

The next morning, after breakfast, I asked Major Duval what Lessie and I would be doing over the next two days, since we were stuck on the ground. “Study up on your Traggaran and review this book on military rules and regs.” He handed me a small, leather-bound book. “You may also take your dragon out for walks and runs, as it is important for you both to keep your fitness up.”

That last bit perked me right up, and I immediately fetched Lessie from the stables. As long as the two of us stuck together, it was perfectly safe to go exploring in daylight, and I’d been itching to learn more about the terrain.

Lessie was in the middle of breakfast when I arrived, but she wolfed down the rest of her raw mutton and eagerly joined me. Not wanting to alarm the officers, who’d already informed me I’d been grounded, I waited until we were clear of the camp before I jumped on her back.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve run around like this,” Lessie said as she galloped through the meadows, heading for the nearby beech woods. As we passed through the tree line, Lessie tucked her wings in tight. “It’s not as good as flying, but it does clear the head.”

“I agree,” I said, jumping down to the ground so I could get some exercise as well. Lessie slowed to match my speed, and together we ran at a leisurely pace alongside a brook, soaking in the sights and smells of the forest. The sound of twittering birds, the dappled sunlight illuminating the bushes and roots sticking out of the ground, the smell of blossoming flowers…all these things were as familiar to me as my lock picks and gear, a balm to my soul.

Out of old habit, I scanned the area with my treasure sense. If Salcombe and his men were here, it would pick up on any weapons or equipment they carried. I didn’t sense anything like that, but I did pick up on a few underground burial chambers beneath a few hillocks. Part of me itched to seek them out, but since I was stuck here, with no safe place to store the treasure, I refrained. Besides, I didn’t like disturbing new graves, and judging by the contents buried within these, they were only a few decades old.

Eventually, Lessie and I tired ourselves out, and we made our way back to camp, feeling far more relaxed. “Do you think I could use my treasure sense against the enemy?” I asked Lessie as I sat astride her.

“In what way?”

“I dunno.” I shrugged. “The Traggaran soldiers and sailors must be paid and supplied. I could use my treasure sense to locate and raid their cash reserves and disrupt their operations. That would definitely spread discontent when the soldiers start going hungry, and maybe even rebellion.”

“It’s not a bad idea,” Lessie said. "If we did it on a foggy night, as I suggested, I could sneak you in easily without being spotted myself. But do you think you could get such a mission approved?"

I sighed. “Probably not.” If the recent disaster with Fosse had taught me anything, it was that the officers had very little imagination and wouldn’t listen to suggestions from a lowly private like me. I could try to put the idea in Jallis's head, see if he could get some traction for it, but I didn't feel like talking to him right now.

The moment Lessie and I reentered the military camp, a heavy weight settled on my shoulders. Judgmental looks followed us as I returned to the barracks to study, as Major Duval suggested, and I decided right then and there that I would get out of the military at the first opportunity. I wouldn’t desert, of course, but I’d start scouring the books for any legal loophole I could find. I was never cut out for being a cog in a giant machine like this, and neither was Lessie. If we wanted to make our mark on the world, we were going to have to find another way.