House of Dragons: Royal Houses Book One

was. Should she have broken protocol to tell her about the protest being the one from her vision? Unease settled deeper into her bones.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for attending the annual Dragon Blessed ceremony,” Mistress Moran said. “As you know, we at the House of Dragons take great pride in the young souls that we are able to assist within Draco Mountain. The twenty-three bright minds you see before you have lived and worked inside the mountain alongside Society members and dragons. Their training has been extensive, and we’re pleased with the educational advancement of each and every one of our pupils.”
The crowd applauded the introduction. Kerrigan’s heart lessened at the words. They were likely scripted, but from Moran, they were heartfelt. She’d meant everything she said. Even though Kerrigan had been a thorn in her side, she still was proud of her on this day.
“Thousands of years before we stood on Alandrian soil, dragons ruled the island. Our history was fraught. The battles plentiful. Too many Fae and dragons alike died from those ancient battles. But it was one Fae maiden, Irena, who turned the tide of history. She negotiated a compromise, a truce, with the great dragon Ferrinix. And out of that came the first ever dragon bond. Fae and dragon linked until death. Anyone who would take a bond or bow to the supremacy of the dragon-bound society could live in peace. The Irena Bargain still lives today,” Mistress Moran said, quoting their history in hushed, worshipful tones. “And because of Irena’s great bravery, the Society rules all of Alandria. From the western forests of Woodloch to the eastern shores of Viland. To the high northern mountains of Tosin, all the way to the plains of Moran.” Mistress Moran respectfully bowed her head at the mention of her namesake.
“The tribes moved throughout the land, bound to the Dragon Society and its new government. Eventually settled to the twelve that we know and love today. In Woodloch, the warrior tribes, Venatrix, Herasi, and Galanthea. In Viland, the healing tribes, Bryonica, Concha, and Ibarra. In Tosin, the efficiency tribes, Zavala, Sayair, and Erewa. And in Moran, the tribes that resist magic’s call, Elsiande, Aude, and Genoa.”
Each time she called a tribe, the room applauded for their own.
“And because of the tribe system and the supremacy of the Society, we are able to help those who need it most with this bridge between the two—the House of Dragons.”
She swept her arm out to gesture to her students. “They are the bridge. They are the future. Let us celebrate them crossing that divide now.”
The applause was deafening. Moran’s call for their support and their nationalism brought the house down.
Kerrigan beamed with the rest of the crowd. Her feelings of unease dissipated as the ceremony officially commenced. This was what she had been raised for. This was the moment she had been waiting for. Today, she would fulfill her duty to the Society. She would be her own Irena Bargain.
Once the applause died down, Moran continued, “We’ll begin with this end.” She pointed to where Darby stood at the other end of the room. They’d been immediately separated and put into lines. “Darby.”
Darby jolted as if she’d just been struck by lightning. Fear blossomed on her face as she took stuttering steps forward to where Moran stood. Kerrigan didn’t know why she looked so afraid. She knew who was going to be claiming her and for what tribe.
“Darby is training to be a healer,” Moran told the crowd. “She’s dutiful, proficient, and kind. She loves etiquette classes and dancing. Who here has chosen Darby?”
Slowly, a figure materialized out of the crowd. Sonali was dressed in the dark blues of Bryonica. Her gown was regal and beyond reproach. She looked like a princess out of legend.
“I have chosen Darby.” She smiled softly and tipped her chin at Darby. “If you will have me?”
“Yes,” Darby squeaked.
A small titter of laughter came from the crowd. Darby gulped and looked even more frightened as Sonali strode up the steps of the stage. She gently withdrew a sapphire ring from her own finger and slid it onto Darby’s. The house ring of Stoirm. Gods.
“Come,” Sonali said gently, and Darby followed her off the stage and into the crowd below.
And so, the ceremony continued. Twenty-three of the House of Dragons’ best. Kerrigan knew every one of the people selected and cheered for them as they were chosen and moved on. Lyam went to Kenris in Zavala in the north. A peach Zavalan cloth square was placed into the pocket of his suit. He looked positively radiant. His eyes darted back to Kerrigan once before continuing through the crowd. Ayesha to Genoa. Hainfroy to Venatrix. Elenee to Concha. And on and on.
Until it reached Hadrian, who had gone positively green in the face.
“Hadrian,” Moran said.
He stepped forward, and Moran spoke all about his intelligence and studiousness. Kerrigan knew that he had been courting Javel with Sayair in the north. They had one of the greatest libraries outside of Draco Mountain. It was Hadrian’s dream to become a scholar.
But when Javel stepped forward… another person stepped forward too.
Fallon of Galanthea.
Kerrigan’s eyes widened in shock. This didn’t happen. The negotiations were usually complete before the ceremony to prevent this. And to have Galanthea, a war tribe, requesting Hadrian. It was unthinkable. What could they even offer?
Of course, Kerrigan knew that Fallon was different. He’d been part of the last dragon tournament, but he hadn’t won. He was attempting to change the make-up of Galanthea. But still… Hadrian?
“I have chosen Hadrian,” Javel said quickly, glaring at Fallon.
“I have also chosen Hadrian,” Fallon added. His voice was smooth and confident. Gone was the terrified boy who had entered the tournament five years earlier.
“This is quite unusual,” Moran said diplomatically. She looked to Hadrian with a raised eyebrow. As if to say, Your choice.
No wonder Hadrian had looked sick. He must have known this was going to happen.
“I…” Hadrian said, looking