In a warm voice, she announced, ‘I see you have been well rewarded for your part in freeing me, young queen. A scarlet crest. You will take much pleasure from that.’ At Malta’s puzzled blush, the dragon chuckled warmly. ‘What, not even discovered it yet? You will. And you will enjoy a long life in which to relish it.’ She swung her gaze to Reyn. ‘You chose well. She is fit to be an Elderling queen, and a speaker for dragons. Selden will be delighted that she has changed as well. He has been a bit worried, you know, that she would disparage his changes.’
