Morning came with the same heavy feeling of departure. Rick stood in Sylvia's private room, already dressed for the trip.
He watched as the Dragon Queen quickly and expertly prepared a portal spell. Her hands made complicated movements, and red and gold magic swirled in the air before coming together to form a shining doorway.
"I wish I could take you back myself," Sylvia said, not looking at him.
Her voice was tight with anger. "It would be much more personal to fly you to Valdris in my real form."
"And of course intimidating because I'd love to see the look on their faces when a Dragon Queen brings her consort to their door."
Rick smiled at the picture in his head. "Wouldn't that have scared the shit out of them...?"
"That's part of the appeal." Rick could see the conflict in Sylvia's amber eyes when she finally turned to face him. "But the Dragon Council has called me in for an emergency meeting."
