Chapter 82

• [Primus]
• Segundus wasn’t expecting to see me awake and sitting next to our father when he came into the hall. He thinks he hid his expression well, but I could see right through his tight smiles and his small bows. He was nervous, and on edge, a clear sign that he needed to think things through and consider the consequences of his words before continuing. I am sure he had hoped to speak to Father and the council alone about my wife before I had a chance to say anything. He was expecting it to take me longer to recover from containment and reorient myself to my surroundings. He underestimated my stamina, strength, and determination. I am a newly mated drake expecting the arrival of his first clutch. That is a powerful force. It is my nature to want to protect her, and I cannot do so if I am stuck in a catatonic state.
• Because it isn’t only me at risk if I don't wake up, it is my whole family. I would die for them if it was the only way to keep them safe.