Luminescent (Inheritance Cycle and Beyond)

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Iridescent

"We were just debating the best way to transport Du Vrangr Gata and an entire company of warriors across the river."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. I was just so tired after the fight, I forgot to lower my barriers." Then Eragon brought Roran forward. "Nasuada, I would like to introduce my cousin, Roran. Ajihad may have mentioned him to you before. Roran, Lady Nasuada, leader of the Varden and my liegelord. And this is Arya Svit-kona, the elves' ambassador."

Roran bowed to each of them in turn.

"It is an honor to meet Eragon's cousin," said Nasuada.

"Indeed," added Arya.

"Nasuada, do you know the whereabouts of Mal? She's going to want to see Roran." Nasuada and Arya exchanged looks before Alethea climbed out of the pack sitting on a nearby table and jumped onto Nasuada's shoulder. "And why isn't Alethea with Mal? They never separate."

"My rider has left for a mission," Alethea said as Roran did a double-take at the small dragon sitting on Nasuada's shoulder.

"WHAT!?!" Nasuada sighed while Alethea huffed and let out a plume of smoke.

"Eragon, Lady Mal has left for a very important mission that is only known to four."

"But why would she leave Alethea! She's her dragon!"

"Eragon," Nasuada started. "Lady Mal went to place far too dangerous for Alethea to follow. She went to Ûru Baen." Eragon's face whitened.

"Why did she do something like that!?!"

"Eragon, Mal is the only heir to the throne of Alegaesia and a dragon rider. They won't kill her; she's left to collect information."

"Wait," Roran interrupted. "Mal is what?"

Eragon turned to Roran with a sigh.

"Please don't hate her," Roran furrowed his brow in confusion.

"Why would I hate her."

"Lady Mal's father is Galbatorix," Nasuada said, cutting in.

"Then who is her mother!?!" Roran gasped out after a few seconds of silence.

"Princess Wënyalín, sister to Queen Islanzadí of the elves." All of this information was too much to process.

"So, you're saying that my adopted cousin is a princess and a dragon rider."

"Essentially, yes," Nasuada said, sitting back in her seat. "Currently, she is Queen of Alageasia until this war is over."

"Nasuada, does Mal know about..."

"I believe she figured it out months ago Eragon. She knows her father well enough to predict his actions. As she said, 'death would be too easy.'"

"Nasuada, they have a history..." Nasuada let out another sigh.

"She will most likely avoid Murtagh like the plague." Roran frowned. "Or at least try to."

"Wait, my sister has a history with this new dragon rider?" Eragon and Nasuada looked uncomfortable for a second.

"She does, she's going to avoid contact with Murtagh since her father is responsible for Murtagh and his dragon's predicament."

"How is she going to hide the fact that she has a Riders mark on her palm and a tattoo of a dragon up her arm?" Eragon asked.

"Lady Mal is currently acting like her hand, arm, and shoulder are still useless. She's been completely wrapping up her arm and wears a glove. If people are smart enough, they will connect her covered arm to her injury and that she doesn't wish it to be exposed." Eragon sighed and ran a hand through his hair.