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"Jaiel," I ground out. "Shouldn't you sit over here with us?"
"No," he replied, tossing a tart into his mouth. "This is far more comfortable."
Gritting my teeth, I turned to face Liam. The fire flickering to his right illuminated the planes of his cheeks, and those familiar freckles stood out against his pale skin.
Gods, he looked tired.
He gave me a moment to settle in before pushing forward a slim white sheet of paper across the desk.
"Here's what I can offer you each week in exchange for your time and access to that ring," he said, voice stiff. "We'd start after you complete your mission, of course. You'll see it's very generous and includes lending you a spryke for your mission. Unfortunately, I can't spare you any of my people, but I think the —"
"Wait," I said, leaning forward so my hands rested atop the desk. "This isn't what I want. If I help you, it will be for the sake of the dragons — not compensation. The only thing I need is lodging for that duration."
Liam's expression froze for a moment, but he finally nodded. "Very well." He smiled weakly. "I'm relieved to hear that you will help. I've been searching for a fix —"
"Wait." I interrupted before he got the wrong idea. "The stone in my ring is only a stop-gap — not a fix. It may help you — us — talk to the dragons. But eventually I and the stone will need to leave. What we need to do is figure out what the sickness is and how to stop it."
"Agreed." He sat back face impassive. "The quicker we get this done, the sooner I can leave for the Berserker stronghold."
Jaiel cleared his throat, and I winced. I was not going to bring up the damn betrothal!
"In that case," I interrupted before Jaiel could say anything. "May I ask you some questions to help us with our mission?"
"I actually had a feeling this might come up." Standing, Liam walked to a tall wooden cabinet with many thin, wide drawers and tugged open the first one. "So, I prepared some maps for you two."
He continued to rummage through the drawers for a few more minutes and I sank back into my chair.
"Psssst," Jaiel hissed.
I ignored him and clasped my hands in my lap. Hopefully, the prince would get the hint and let the subject drop.
But of course I couldn't be so lucky.
There was a rustle of clothes, the squeak of the settee … then Jaiel was standing right beside me. He leaned down so his face was beside mine and lifted his chin toward Liam, then motioned with his eyes between us.
I shook my head and mouthed "not yet."
He glared and rolled his eyes, mouthing "coward" just as Liam turned around.
My cheeks heated, but Liam returned to his desk, seemingly none the wiser.
Forsaken hells. I was going to kill Jaiel when this was all said and done.
Liam cleared his throat, then placed three rolls of paper on the desk between us. "I've marked these maps with the safest routes, though you'll definitely want a spryke for all of them. Wraiths have become common in this part of the Isle. Most are designed to let you avoid the Preying Wilds — the forests north-east of here. They're the Shifter's territory and those wolves show little mercy to outsiders."
"Unfortunately, Liam is right." Jaiel chimed in. "I don't hate them like he does, but they do worry me. They're fast, travel in packs, and can be — prickly. However," he shrugged. "I see no reason we shouldn't be able to avoid their territory."
"Avoid the forest full of body mage shifters," I said, nodding. "Sounds good to me."
"Now, if your liaison is missing, or worse, as Jaiel fears," Liam continued, voice stern. "I'd advise you to turn back. But knowing you." His gaze lifted to mine, single brow lifted. "I assume you'll ignore reason and continue on?"
"I'm not reckless … anymore." I hissed.
Jaiel chuckled softly, and I shot a glare in his direction.
"But," I continued. "This mission is important, so we'll need to continue on, regardless of whether we have support."
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Jaiel shaking his head and glaring at me. I ignored him.
