“That is wise, although I wish it were not so,” the French dragon said sadly. “I never thought to live in such dark times. I owe you this much honesty, though. You can easily dispose of the risk I pose. Should your mate not drink the elixir tomorrow, I will not live beyond a day or two. I cannot survive this far from my Nest.”
Her grief hit him like a hammer. “I only have enough for another day, but if you can provide me with more, I will continue to take it as long as you like,” he said instantly. And he would, even if the Nest said he should not. If it were not for Coquelicot he would still be in constant pain – and trapped in France.
Her aura lightened, and Darcy breathed easier. But he could feel the annoyance radiating from Elizabeth. Likely he should have asked her opinion first. After all, she knew more about dragons than he.
She spoke directly to the dragon. “Honored Coquelicot, I cannot imagine that you would hope to keep a lesser bond to my husband indefinitely.”
“Of course not. I wish to appeal to your Nest for refuge. If they cannot grant that, I will ask them to allow me to remain here long enough to lay my eggs in their breeding grounds, where they will be safe.”
Elizabeth frowned. “But if they do not give you refuge, then…”
“Then I will die,” she said, her voice wavering. “It is a fair price to pay, though, for my hatchlings to grow up free of the burden of enslavement to the Wicked King.”
Her eggs. Yes, now that he knew to look, Darcy could tell that her belly was distended. How had she flown all the way from France in that condition? No wonder she looked tired! Just like Elizabeth, who had traipsed half-way across France while increasing, and he had hated that, too. “Is there anything I can get you for your comfort? Food or drink?” he asked.
Before she could answer, Cerridwen and Quickthorn appeared, flying down to land behind them in the lane.
The hairs on Darcy’s arms rose as magic flew past him. Sendings, no doubt. Was Elizabeth reporting what she had learned so far? Then she took his hand and tugged him back in the direction of the house, out of the way of the dragons.
“This is up to them now,” she whispered. “Pray do not interfere.”
That stung. “I am the only one here who knows Coquelicot, who can vouch for what she was like when she was not seeking our help. She was very generous to me, and…” Damn these bindings! How could he say it, when he could not mention his healing or anything about his supposedly dead brother? “And someone I trust very much was fond of her.”
Elizabeth’s brows furrowed. “How much could you trust someone you had only known for what, a week? Ten days?”
Devil take it! There he was, trapped again by that damnable binding.
Cerridwen saved him. “Darcy, pray come back here. Coquelicot will be more comfortable if you are closer to her.”
“With pleasure.” Darcy strode to them, taking up a position as close to the French dragon as possible without crossing the wards. Not that he was afraid of her, but there were still High Fae and French assassins out there looking for him. Would he ever be free to leave Pemberley again?
Coquelicot brightened visibly at his approach, standing straighter. It was a disturbing sensation, that a powerful dragon could be so affected by his mere presence.
The old gatekeeper hobbled up next to him, as if he could somehow defend his employer from this strange dragon. Darcy had given Thompson this position after age and an accident had made farm work impossible for him, and he was unswervingly loyal.
Finally Quickthorn sat back on her haunches. “I am satisfied both that she has no connection to the evil Emperor and means no harm to anyone here. I see no reason she cannot enter the wards, if Companion Elizabeth does not object. Beyond that, it will be up to the Eldest and the Nest.”
IfElizabethdid not object? This was his estate, and apparently his dragon, at least for the moment. “I would welcome her to Pemberley.” He tried not to sound as sharp as he wished to.
“It is your choice, my love,” Elizabeth said.
“Then pray come in, Coquelicot.” He stepped forward and put his foot on the line of the wards, sinking his power into the earth and telling it to admit this new dragon. “Thompson, Coquelicot may come and go as she pleases.”
Thompson wrestled with the bolt on the great gate, but Darcy knew better than to offer his help. The gatekeeper did not like to be reminded of his infirmity. Coquelicot was studying him, though, curiosity shining in her aura.
Finally the metal frames swung open, and the great ruby dragon came through.
Quickthorn said to Elizabeth. “She has traveled far, under difficult circumstances. I will vacate the ballroom so she may use it.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Pray keep me informed of how I may best arrange another space for you.”
“The dovecote at the Dower House will do for now, since Rowan has returned to the Nest.” The dragon turned her head to Darcy. “She needs the rest and the larger room.”
This consideration was unlike the usually irritable truth-caster, but not unwelcome, since Darcy had no idea what to do next. “Your guidance is welcome. Honored Coquelicot, would you like to go to the house now?”
The French dragon was still studying the gatekeeper, though, and her voice spoke in Darcy’s head.Could I not heal this one first?
Darcy’s protective instincts flared.You are very generous, but would you not prefer to rest?
