Things attempted to return to normal. Andy took over Ann’s responsibilities while John taught Andy’s karate classes and Dae taught his classes at the college. They kept Ann asleep until they were about to set up a confinement they believed she couldn’t break out of. It had taken Tercalla working with Morina, Chapado, Anisa, and Kritalla to create it. So far, she hadn’t tried to break out. As long as they allowed her visits with Andy and Cari, she did as she was told. The immortals said she’d gone power-mad, embracing the belief that her power entitled her to ignore laws and social norms to achieve her goals. Jo and the hags were working with her but few recovered from that. Tercala had just visited her. He had been on the verge of it himself when he’d first met them, back when he still thought they were his enemies and wanted to kill him. He’d hoped sharing some of his thoughts and feelings of the time and why he’d backed away from that might help. People whispered that Ann hadn’t been right before this. Rumors flew that she was Drepal. Emeton was debating on confirming them. Tercala knew they were true, but he kept his mouth shut. Some wanted her executed for her crimes back then, even though she’d been pardoned both as Ann and as Drepal. He wasn’t going to say anything that might hurt her. Not that anyone would listen to him. They were eyeing him too. He was also a white wyrm. He was probably as much trouble as she was. Leaving the palace, he avoided the populated areas and slipped out a side door. “Wyrm, what’s wrong?” Shuli asked as she joined him. “I’m just worried about Ann.” “Has there been any change?” Tercala shook his head. “I just spoke with her.” “What about Imian? How is she doing? And Ruzi?” “The healers are all taking turns working on her. They induced a coma until they were done. It’s going to be a while. None of the healers can work on her long without a rest. Ruzi’s all healed.” “And what about your tests? How did they go?” Tercala smiled. “I passed them all. Graduation is soon.” “Will Ann be able to make it?” “It’s doubtful. They’re still considering ways to allow her to go, but if she can’t, they’ll let her watch through a scrying mirror.” “That's better than nothing. Are you excited?” “Yes. Now if I can just get through Nim’s school.” “Are you still having trouble?” “A little. What you guys showed me helps. I just need to work on it more. My dad is making me copy my spellbook and notes to Menthan.” “That’ll be good practice. And it will help you review your notes.” Tercala nodded. “I know. Now that I won’t be going to the college, I’ll have more time to study also. I’m hoping to graduate next year. I’m the oldest in the class.” “The cutest too.” She smiled. “Excuse me?” Her comment surprised him. He’d been called a freak all his life because of how he looked. He’d never expected anyone to say he was attractive. “I said you were the best looking in the class. And you’re also the kindest.” “Did Pt’this put you up to this? Is this one of his jokes?” “I haven’t seen him in days. I mean it.” “You’re rather pretty too,” he said. His cheeks felt warm. She shook her head. “You’re just saying that because I said it first.” Tercala shook his head. “I’ve never seen anyone with your color hair.” “There are plenty here with brown hair, most of the family.” “Brown maybe. But the way the light hits it, yours looks red. Except sometimes, the red turns to gold. And few humans have eyes so dark. And your lips…” He didn’t finish his thought. Instead, he pulled her close and kissed her, not just a brief touch, but longer and filled with desire. He was almost as surprised as she was. But she didn’t pull away. She kissed him back, putting her arms around him. As they kissed, he felt emotions he’d never felt before. He didn’t understand it all, but he didn’t pull away either. You know she’s a princess, right? Ann’s voice came into his head. She has to get married before she can mate. The magistrate’s office is open for a few more hours, was his reply. “What is it?” Shuli asked. “Walk with me,” he requested, putting an arm around her and guiding her away from the palace. Tercala, don’t you dare! Ann sent. He turned back to the palace and grinned as they turned a corner and out of sight. Tercala! Relax. I’m joking. We aren’t doing any of that. Don’t do that to me. You started it. He chuckled and Shuli raised an eyebrow. He explained his prank. She blushed a little but laughed. “I’m sorry if I was out of line kissing you,” he told her. She took his hand. “I enjoyed it.” Chirin came up. “Shuli, Mom needs you to come home.” Shuli sighed. “I need to go. I’ll see you soon.” She grinned as she turned to go. Tercala watched her. She was very pretty. He just didn’t know what to do about it, or the feelings he was having. He took true form and flew up over the city. It was a way to have a little solitude. He’d spent so much of his life alone, all these people got to him. This gave him a chance to think. He wouldn’t mind flying with Shuli. He really liked her. He just didn’t know what to do next. Maybe he’d talk to his parents or perhaps Jo. *** Emeton met with Pt’this, Mishtali, and Shay. “I’ve been meeting with the elves and dwarves. They’ve agreed to help rebuild Dragon Castle to use for gatherings like the school challenge and maybe future summits.” “Sir, the high council told me that if the other races agreed, they would help too,” Pt’this said. Emeton nodded. “I thought they might. Originally, Ann was going to be our representative. But that’s no longer possible. Of those that speak all the languages, only Shay and Pisha are available. But the elders are unwilling to work with Pisha.” “So you want me to go?” Shay guessed. Emeton nodded. “If you’re willing.” “But I’m not Menthanlan.” “I’ve never cared about citizenship. Actually, if Mishtali can get away, I’d like both of you to go. Thailyn tells me a new clan of dragons is forming and that the western clan is talking of returning if there’s a place for them. I’m told there are caves running under the castle similar to the catacombs here, though less extensive. Perhaps the new clan can use those.” “And put us under Baj-tisk rule?” Mishtali growled. “No. You’ll be under Menthanla’s rule, as you are now. This new clan can live in the caves while the Baj-tisk live in the roost.” “I’m not sure Kar’s people will be willing to give up control,” Pt’this warned. “And I’m not willing to allow another sovereign city on my land,” Emeton countered. “Especially one that’s at odds with the current one. Each city has a governor and magistrates running them. Providing they don’t cause trouble, the clan can appoint them. And the clan will be made citizens. The treaties assure our laws are not in conflict with dragons’ needs and if there are problems, we can work them out.” Mishtali nodded. “I’ll talk with the dragons about a new clan.” “And I don’t see why we can’t go up to the castle,” Shay agreed. “Mishtali still has one dragon he’s helping, but he doesn’t need to stay there overnight.” “And keep the place checked for spying charms. We found charms all over the palace. John and Ti identified them as from all the races and from some they didn’t recognize.” Mishtali nodded. “We will.”