Dawn of Cobalt Shadows (Burning Empire Book 2) by Emma Hamm (best e ink reader for manga .txt) 📕

deep growl rolled out of Hallmar’s mouth. They both stood still for a second, staring at each other in surprise before Hallmar cleared his throat. “Yes, I have heard that you’ve created a way to shoot dragons out of the sky. Haven’t you?”

Gods. Nadir didn’t know how to reply to that. He had been part of creating a weapon that could kill both him and Sigrid. That wasn’t a secret, obviously, but he’d thought that he and Sigrid had laid that to rest.

“I did,” he finally replied. “To protect both of our kingdoms, I would happily share the blueprints with you.”

“I don't need that, boy.” Hallmar’s words were harsh, but his expression had softened into a fatherly look of sadness and guilt. “If someone is going to kill a dragon, then it should only be one of their own kind. I learned that the hard way.”

“The hard way?”

“There’s much for us to talk about, and I have no interest in allowing prying ears to eavesdrop.” Hallmar glanced at his soldiers who had somehow moved closer to them. “Shall we?”

“The Red Palace is ready to receive you, Earthen King.”

“I suppose we should offer you a horse then? Since you didn’t arrive with your own.”

At that, Nadir’s cheeks burned. “Thank you. That would be much appreciated, although I can fly above you.”

“No need to tire yourself. For now, we are all among friends.”

Nadir didn’t want to point out that both their armies disagreed with that statement. They’d both arrived armed to the teeth, ready to protect their leaders to the death. The Bymerians might have an army, but he had a feeling the few men Hallmar had brought were just as deadly as Nadir’s best soldiers.

They traveled in silence across the sands. Nadir listened to shifting saddles, the quiet hush of sand sliding over metal armor, and the occasional shake of a horse’s head that made the reins slap against their necks.

His horse was a relatively quiet beast. It didn’t shy away from him, a rarity that he appreciated, but also seemed content to simply follow Hallmar’s horse anywhere it might want to go.

It dawned on him as they approached the army that Hallmar had placed him on a pack horse. Nadir sighed and allowed the sleight to fall to the wayside.

Perhaps, a year ago when he had still been young and brash, he would have insisted the king make amends for it. But now, he wasn’t interested in an argument at the man’s attempt to make him seem less important. He’d come from the sky in the form of a great red dragon, breathed fire over Hallmar’s armies and made them quake in fear.

He didn’t need to remind them who was the more dangerous ruler.

“Sultan!” Abdul called out, a hand on the hilt of his scimitar. “All is well?”

Nadir gave his advisor a confused look, playing an act that he knew Hallmar would appreciate. “I don't see why it wouldn’t be? Hallmar, king, is certainly no fool. He will not attack a dragon if he has no reason to. We head to the Red Palace where I expect food and drink to be ready for his men. They’ve traveled a long way to speak to me.” He emphasized the last word, knowing his advisor would hear the intent.

He didn’t want any of his personal advisors to be there while he spoke with Hallmar. There was so much he wanted to ask, and their opinions would only cloud his judgment. This was a decision he would make on his own. No one else would sway his words.

The king glanced over at him with a small smile. “I see much has changed since the last time I saw you, Sultan of Bymere.”

“Ah, but some things don’t change. I’m still as arrogant a fool as you’ve been expecting.” Nadir’s weight shifted as the horse began the steep ascent toward the Red Palace where it glowed in the dying light.

The sunset always made his palace turn blood red. He looked up at the new buildings and felt a surge of pride at what they had been able to do. His people were far hardier than he’d ever given them credit for. Perhaps they really could rebuild something great even after something so disastrous as a dragon attack.

Nadir guided his horse to the side route that would lead to the castle gates. He didn’t want to parade the King of Wildewyn in front of the Bymerian people. They already hated each other. The last thing he needed was some foolish peasant tossing refuse at the king.

He stopped his horse before the Red Palace, handed the reins to the boy waiting for him, and didn’t stop to direct the king. He could follow Nadir if he wished, or be left to the crowd that was gathering to stare at them. His people hadn’t seen someone from Wildewyn in a very long time, other than Sigrid who seemed an entirely different creature than the Earthen folk.

The clipped steps of the king and his soldiers followed him quickly through the halls. He strode past the billowing lengths of red curtains touched by a gentle wind. Past the pools of glistening water and the arched doorways leading to endless libraries filled with knowledge that Nadir couldn't even begin to comprehend.

Only once he reached his personal quarters did he stop and look over his shoulder. The king stood with his soldiers behind him, utterly out of place in this castle.

Where his people were worn by the wind, Hallmar and his men were strong and solid like trees growing deep in the ground. The Bymerians were used to the hardships of the sands. They blended into crowds easily, hid from prying eyes, sometimes even disappeared from view like the djinn.

These people wanted to be seen. And perhaps that was what had always bothered him about the Earthen folk. They were unashamed to be seen and heard. They stomped through life with little resistance.

Nadir wished he was like that. He wanted for so