Uncrowned (Cradle, #7)

by Will Wight

My power has leaked away day by day since I arrived, and now I am no higher than a Jade.”

The spectacle focused on the stunts, but the story engaged Lindon the most. The rider on the black drake was a fallen prince trying to regain his kingdom, but every step he took brought him further away from his true love.

Foreshadowing?

Northstrider's golden eyes flicked between them before settling on Lindon. “Your opponent asked for his last words to be delivered to you.” Lindon felt a pang in his heart. Last words. So Naian had expected what happened to him. “He said, ‘The dragon advances.’”