Page 436 - Fourth Wing

“Next time, huh?” His gaze lowers to my mouth again.

And of course, now that’s all I’m thinking about, the feel of his lips on
mine, the way his hands always cradle the nape of my neck, the slide of his

tongue. I stop myself from leaning in. Barely. “Go lead your wing—or do

whatever it is you do.”
“I’ll be stealing an egg.” His smile flashes before he turns back to Dain.

“Keep our flag out of First Wing’s hands.”

Dain nods and Xaden leaves, heading across the field to where Sgaeyl
waits.

“It’s a great saddle,” Dain says.

“It is,” I agree, and Dain offers me a smile before walking toward Cath.
Moving toward Tairn’s foreleg, I have to laugh as he dips his shoulder for

me. “What? No ladder?”
“We thought about it and decided it would make you too vulnerable.”

“Of course you thought about—” I pause before climbing when a flash of

gold gallops toward me. “Andarna?”
“I want to battle, too.” She skids to a halt directly in front of me.

My mouth opens and shuts. Andarna has been flying with us, and for
short times, she can keep up with Tairn, but the way those scales shine in

the sun is a beacon for…everyone.

But if I can have a saddle, then—
“Got it.” My eyes sweep the flight field, which is at the height of its

muddiest since the runoff season from the snowy peaks above. “Go roll.” I

point to the mud. “Unless that’s going to mess with your wings? It’s the
scales on your belly I’m most worried about being easily spotted.”

“No problem!” She races off, and I mount Tairn, finding the actual saddle

covering the seat at the base of his neck and the pommel scales.
“I thought you said leather was bad?” The saddle itself is sumptuous

black leather, complete with two raised pommels for my hands, and when I
settle in, it fits like a dream. I bend and adjust the stirrups with the buckle