Free Dragon Flight by Caitlin Ricci Page A

say in whatever it was Zorin had planned without telling his mother. “You will both share his magic.”
    Isabelle shrugged it off. “I don’t want it. There, problem solved. Shall we go to the council meeting now?”
    Zorin laughed and pulled her against his side in a bout of affection that had become easier and more consistent between them. Isabelle settled into the hard planes of his side, ignoring the tightening of her stomach as she thought of Faolan.
    “I will bind my magic to yours.” He turned hard eyes on to his mother. “That is non-negotiable.” His gaze was much softer as he considered Isabelle in his arms as she unknowingly moved closer to him, pressing herself more firmly against him as she sought comfort and reassurance from him. “You’ll share my magic. It’ll keep you safe. But you’ll also be able to defend yourself and those around you.”
    “You won’t be compromised at all? What if you’re in danger?” Isabelle asked him.
    Amalthea nodded. “It’ll be a disaster. The first riot would kill you. There’s no way you’re doing this. I forbid it.”
    Zorin’s face turned fierce and Isabelle gasped as she felt a current pass through him and into her. It was warm and protective and it left her feeling bereft and somehow empty. Isabelle blinked past the feeling of need that slowly began building inside her and looked to Amalthea who suddenly had gone very still as she stared at them.
    “Zorin…” she whispered, her long fingers fluttering at her throat as she struggled to speak.
    Isabelle felt another wave of current go through her and she braced herself against the emptiness that it left her with. But this one only left her feeling calm and centered. “Wha…” she mumbled as she touched Zorin’s chin, turning him toward her. “What was that?”
    He smiled wearily and yawned. “My magic. I gave my mother a demonstration of my abilities since she seems to have forgotten the power I control since it’s been years since I’ve exhibited more than little acts. I have more than enough to split between us and still take care of myself. You got a taste of it because we were touching. I’m not sorry about that. You looked like you needed a little lift.”
    She took a deep breath and looked up at him in awe and wonder. “I feel better than I have in months. I feel rested and like everything will be alright now. You did this?” He nodded. “Thank you,” she whispered against his shoulder.
     
    * * * *
     
    He wanted to kiss her. To taste her lips. To hold her against him and feel her warmth against his body. To feel her breathy thanks against more than just the light fabric of his tunic. But she would have pulled away. And maybe even hated him. No, he couldn’t kiss her mouth. But he could press his lips to her forehead. So he did. Amalthea gave him a look as if she knew what he had wanted to do. And she didn’t seem entirely displeased.
    She could be good for you. His mother’s voice drifted into his mind.
    He only nodded. He would not go there with his mother or anyone else. Slowly, reluctantly, he released Isabelle. He took a step away from her and moved around his mother so that he could lead them into the garden where the council gathered. Amalthea moved beside Isabelle and linked arms with her.
    “You may lead us now, Lord Batal,” Amalthea said formally.
    Zorin gave her a stiff nod. He would never bow. Not to her or anyone else. He turned to lead them into the bright sunlight.

Chapter Seven
     
     
    Isabelle marveled in passing at the beautifully manicured hedges and the bright flowers artfully planted around the picture perfect statues. It was the picture of opulence and though she enjoyed stepping into that world, Isabelle felt stifled by it as well. She looked to Zorin, her gaze catching his. He was frowning as he looked around at the various statues, but once he caught her watching him, he quickly forced a grim smile. His long fingers brushed at a wrinkle on his tunic,