Draconas sighed. He’d been pleased at first to find that Malfiesto was on his side. Now, he wasn’t so certain. The irascible old dragon was likely to prove more hindrance than help.

“What’s the matter, Draca?” Rosa hovered over him.

“Nothing, ma’am. Just a pain in the . . . head,” said Draconas. “I’m fine now. This stew is really good.”

He shoveled food into his mouth, and Rosa sat back, reassured.

Adults, be they human or dragon, are always pleased to see children eat.

“This was my daughter’s favorite meal,” said Rosa, and she gave a little sigh.

“Where is your daughter? I’d like to meet her,” mumbled Draconas.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full, dear. Our daughter is one of the Dragon’s Chosen.”

“She lives in the palace,” Anton added proudly.

“What does she do there?”

“She serves the dragon, of course.”

Draconas looked at them, puzzled. “Huh?”

Rosa and Anton exchanged glances.

“The holy sisters must have told you about the Dragon’s Chosen, Draca,” Anton said.

Draconas shook his head. “No, sir, not a word.”

“Don’t lie, child,” said Rosa. “Lying is a sin. The dragon won’t like it.”

“The dragon’s not here,” said Draconas impudently.

Anton choked on a mouthful of ale. Rising swiftly to his feet, he went to look out the window. Rose put her hand over Dra-conas’s, squeezed it tightly.

“You should not speak of the dragon that way,” she said loudly. “It is disrespectful.”

She looked at Anton, and Draconas saw fear in her eyes.

Anton sat back down. “No one’s about. Perhaps it’s not so surprising,” he said to his wife. “The girl is young yet, after all. Maybe they don’t tell them until they are old enough to be considered.”

“Old enough to be considered to do what?” Draconas asked. His child’s wide-eyed, innocent gaze went from one to the other.

“Oh, dear, maybe I shouldn’t have said anything.” Rosa’s hands plucked at her dress, twisting the fabric.

“I won’t tell,” Draconas promised. “Is it a secret? I’m good at keeping secrets!”

“No, it’s not a secret,” Anton said slowly, after a moment’s pause. “Everyone in Dragonkeep knows about the Palace of the Dragon. Being selected as one of the Dragon’s Chosen is an honor, after all.”

“When a girl is eighteen, she becomes eligible to be one of the Chosen. Our girl was selected almost immediately,” Rosa said, flushing with pride. “The dragon picks only those who can demonstrate that they are strong in the magic. The Chosen leave their homes and move into the palace with the dragon. They serve him and, in return, they are given everything they want.”

“What’s it like inside the palace?” Draconas asked eagerly.

“My goodness, child, we don’t know,” Rosa said, smiling. “We’ve never been inside.”