RISE OF THE FORSAKEN DRAGON HEIR

A MAN WORTHY OF HER

Donald Ashford continued across Sterling Hall as the guests moved aside for him. The four soldiers behind him wore black uniforms with crimson dragon crests on their collars, but Donald needed no escort to command attention. His long military coat carried the same Inferno Dragon crest across his chest, together with decorations David recognized from national broadcasts.

“That's really Donald Ashford,” a man at the nearest table whispered. “He led the Red Valley operation last year. They said his unit was surrounded for almost nine hours.”

Another guest shook his head. “You heard only half of it. Three hundred soldiers were trapped beyond the eastern passage. Donald broke through the enemy line and brought them back. He also defeated a terrifying Taken Dragon commander in single combat.”

David heard every word, but his attention remained on Janet. She had pulled her hand away from him only moments earlier, and now her green eyes followed Donald's every step. David couldn't decide which bothered him more, the admiration on her face or how quickly it had appeared.

Victoria leaned toward Patriarch Alistair Sterling and lowered her voice. “Father, look at him. That is the kind of man Janet needs. Someone who can protect her instead of becoming another person she has to protect.”

Alistair studied Donald without replying immediately. His old face showed little emotion, but Victoria continued. “An Ashford and a Sterling would strengthen both Houses. Compare that with what we gain from a loser like David Myles.”

David heard enough. He turned to Janet and spoke quietly. “Janet, I meant what I said. You don't have to accept their judgment of me. I can guarantee your safety.”

Janet finally looked at him. “David, please. Not now.”

“I know you haven't seen me awaken a Dragon talent,” David replied, keeping his voice controlled. “But I'm not as weak as everyone here believes.”

Janet hesitated before saying, “I never called you weak.” She looked away as Donald reached the high table, leaving David with the uncomfortable feeling that she had avoided saying what she truly thought.

Donald stopped before Alistair and bowed. “Patriarch Sterling, please forgive my late arrival. I came as quickly as circumstances allowed.”

“You came from the northern provinces, didn't you?” Alistair asked, his expression warming. “Considering your duties there, I'm surprised you made it at all.”

“I wouldn't miss an occasion this important,” Donald replied. He then turned toward Janet and bowed before taking her hand. He gently kissed the back of it. “Happy birthday, Lady Janet. The stories about the Emerald Saintess failed to mention that you're even more beautiful in person.”

A slight blush touched Janet's cheeks. “Thank you. I've heard quite a few stories about you too. Is it true you commanded the soldiers at Red Valley?”

Donald released her hand with a smile. “I commanded them, yes, but those men survived because they refused to abandon each other. They deserve more credit than I do.”

Janet's eyes brightened. “Three hundred men came home because of that operation. You shouldn't make it sound like nothing.”

David's fingers tightened beneath the table. Donald wasn't arrogant or rude. If anything, his modest answer seemed to make Janet more interested in him.

“I didn't come empty-handed either,” Donald said. He clapped twice, and one of his escorts stepped forward carrying a dark case marked with the Ashford crest. Donald opened it, revealing a platinum pendant surrounding a brilliant emerald crystal.

Alistair leaned forward immediately. “Is that what I think it is?”

“The Emerald Phoenix Pendant,” Donald answered. “Recovered from the northern fortress seventeen years ago. It can store Life Energy and release it when its wearer suffers severe Dragon exhaustion or a fatal injury. As far as our records show, this is the last functioning one in Asterion.”

Victoria rose from her chair. “Donald, that artifact is worth tens of millions of dollars.”

“Money isn't what makes it valuable,” Donald replied. He lifted the pendant and offered it to Janet. “The Jewel of Life spends her strength saving others. I thought someone should give her something capable of saving her.”

Janet stared at it before carefully accepting the pendant. “I don't know what to say. I've read about the Emerald Phoenix, but I thought it belonged to the Ashford military collection.”

“It did,” Donald said. “I convinced my father that it belonged somewhere more useful.”

Janet's father leaned closer to examine it, while Victoria could barely hide her satisfaction. Even Alistair nodded approvingly. “You have chosen your gift with remarkable care, young man.”

“I'm honored that you approve, Patriarch.” Donald bowed again. “Please continue the celebration. I don't wish to disrupt your family gathering. I'll take one of the available seats.”

Donald turned toward the ordinary tables, but Victoria immediately stopped him. “Absolutely not. The heir of House Ashford will not sit at the common tables during my daughter's birthday.”

Alistair glanced along the high table. “Every seat is occupied, Victoria.”

“That can easily be fixed.” Victoria's gaze settled on David. “There is someone sitting here who shouldn't be.”

Silence spread around the table.

David frowned. “What exactly are you suggesting?”

Victoria didn't even look embarrassed. “I'm saying the heir of the strongest military House in Asterion shouldn't sit among ordinary guests while a mundane Myles occupies our high table.”

Tristan laughed from his seat. “Aunt Victoria has a point. David should be grateful he was allowed up here at all.”

David ignored him and looked at Janet.

He expected her to object. Even a simple No, David stays would have been enough.

Instead, Janet was examining the Emerald Phoenix Pendant, turning the ancient crystal carefully between her fingers. There was no visible anger on her face. No discomfort.

Had she even heard what her mother said?

Alistair's voice ended David's uncertainty. “Victoria isn't entirely wrong. Under normal circumstances, David Myles wouldn't have been seated at this table. You are here because Janet requested it.”

David turned toward him. “Patriarch Sterling—”

“Move Dr. Myles to the general seating,” Alistair ordered. “Mr. Ashford may take his place.”

Two Sterling guards approached before David could say anything else. One grabbed his right arm while the other took his left.

“Take your hands off me,” David warned. “I can walk by myself.”

Neither guard listened. They pulled him away from the table as laughter and whispers followed. David could have resisted, but fighting Sterling guards at Janet's birthday would only give her family another reason to call him worthless.

His eyes searched for Janet.

“Janet?” he called.

She finally looked up.

That was all.

No protest came from her lips.

The guards released David beside the common tables. He straightened his jacket and brushed the wrinkles from his sleeves, trying to control the anger burning inside him.

Donald was escorted to the high table and offered David's former seat beside Janet.

“Now the table finally looks appropriate,” Tristan announced, drawing another round of laughter.

David looked at Janet one last time. She sat beside a celebrated Ashford warrior while the priceless pendant rested in her hands. Maybe she hadn't understood what had just happened. Maybe she had been too distracted to react.

But David couldn't keep making excuses for her.

He turned and walked out of Sterling Hall without another word.

Behind him, the celebration quickly recovered. Glasses were raised again, guests praised Donald's arrival, and Victoria looked more satisfied than she had all evening.

Then a Sterling staff member hurried through the doors.

He went directly to Janet's father and whispered into his ear. Janet father's smile disappeared almost immediately. He turned toward Alistair and lowered his voice.

“I have disturbing news, Father.”

Alistair's expression hardened. “What is it?”