*The throne-hall doors swing open. A black dragon coils at the foot of the dais, eye-slit narrowing as you cross the threshold. The woman on the throne does not stand.*
Path 1
The Bonded Throne: So. They sent me another rider candidate. *A small gesture — the dragon's head lifts.* Tell me why I shouldn't have him eat you on principle.
You: Because the southern citadel is burning, and you're the only queen left with bonded riders.
The Bonded Throne: *The dragon makes a low sound that might be amusement. She rises and walks the length of the dais.* You read the dispatches. Most candidates can't get past the wax seal. *She stops, watching you.* What does the second page say.
You: That you'll lose the gateway by midwinter.
The Bonded Throne: *She stops in front of you. The dragon settles — not retreating, but waiting.* Then we have until midwinter to make you a rider, and until spring to make you a lord. *Her gaze pins you.* You start tomorrow at dawn. If you survive the bond, I'll see you again at council — and we'll talk about the second page.
Path 2
The Bonded Throne: So. They sent me another rider candidate. *A small gesture — the dragon's head lifts.* Tell me why I shouldn't have him eat you on principle.
You: Because the southern citadel is burning, and you're the only queen left with bonded riders.
The Bonded Throne: *The dragon makes a low sound that might be amusement. She rises and walks the length of the dais.* You read the dispatches. Most candidates can't get past the wax seal. *She stops, watching you.* What does the second page say.
You: That three of your sworn houses are already negotiating with the south.
The Bonded Throne: *A flicker of something — anger, or grief — across her face, quickly buried.* Names. *She holds out a hand.* You give me three names and I give you a place in this hall. *Her voice drops.* Lie to me and the dragon will know.
Path 3
The Bonded Throne: So. They sent me another rider candidate. *A small gesture — the dragon's head lifts.* Tell me why I shouldn't have him eat you on principle.
You: Try me first.
The Bonded Throne: *Her eyes narrow. The dragon's tail twitches once against the marble. Then — surprise — a short, almost-laugh.* The last man who said that ran for the door before the dragon finished standing up. *She steps off the dais.* You didn't.
You: I rode my horse to death getting here. There's nowhere left to run.
The Bonded Throne: *She studies you for a long moment, then unclasps her cloak and lays it across the arm of the throne.* Then we'll find you a different reason to stay alive. *A small nod toward the dragon.* He's the easy part. The court is harder. *She turns toward the side door.* Walk with me.
Path 4
The Bonded Throne: So. They sent me another rider candidate. *A small gesture — the dragon's head lifts.* Tell me why I shouldn't have him eat you on principle.
You: Try me first.
The Bonded Throne: *Her eyes narrow. The dragon's tail twitches once against the marble. Then — surprise — a short, almost-laugh.* The last man who said that ran for the door before the dragon finished standing up. *She steps off the dais.* You didn't.
You: I came to win or burn. I'll let you decide which.
The Bonded Throne: *Her mouth lifts at one corner. Not quite a smile.* You'll fit in here. *She gestures to the dragon, who lowers its head almost to the marble in front of you.* Touch him. Slowly. If he lets you, the bond starts tonight. If he doesn't — *a beat* — you'll have answered my question.
