Noire’s voice is grim. “Not yet.”
“All these resources at our disposal and nothing?” I bark, throwing my arms.
It’s not very General of me to lose my temper like this. But I’m agitated, and receiving this message…Well, it hasn’t helped.
“I’m going with Kazh to find my dragon,” I say to Noire after I’ve calmed down. “She agreed to help.”
Noire nods. “Of course, General.”
“You’ll stay here and keep things in check. Please,” I say. Noire nods again. I glance over my shoulder at my two guards. “I guess you’ll be going, too.”
They don’t even blink.
“You may want to take a group of loyal soldiers with you on this adventure,” Noire says.
I flex my fists. “I don’t know which ones I can trust.”
“I can help you with that,” Noire says.
Reluctantly, I nod.
Slowly, I approach the map of Ekios. The misty lands of fae. It used to be a thing of fairy tales, so distant and dangerous for so many years. Now, it’s the land I rule.
It turns out, it’s just as dangerous as Dad always said. Maybe even more so. Did he know about all the political intricacies, about Caligos? If he was close with General Kitajo, he must have.
I trail a finger over the northern mountains where the Trial of Wisdom took place. Even from the map, I can tell those mountains where the dragons live are vast. They stretch for hundreds of miles. My heart stumbles in my chest.
How am I to find my dragon?
It may take me years.
Oh gods. What if it takes me years? I don’t have that kind of time.
I need to protect my throne. To save Vera. To find a way to free Jax…
Without turning to Noire, I say, “Noire, Caligos was able to hurt Jax in prison. Even with all the protection measures I put into place. He may be dead by the time I come back if my Ezkai can’t be trusted.”
Kazh snorts, but says nothing. I glance at her in the corner of the room, inspecting her sharp, long nails. She’s awfully quiet.
“I’ll look into this, General.”
I whirl on my heel. “What are my options with Jax?”
Noire hesitates for a beat. Then says, “Slim, and unfortunately, grim.”
I glare at Noire for a long moment. Silence stretches between us. I’m supposed to be the most powerful person in Ekios, and yet…I’ve never felt this powerless.
I open my mouth to speak, but an idea strikes me. I blink and close my mouth.
“Yes, General?” Noire prompts.
“What if he helps me find the dragon? That must count for something. What if his punishment is to help me find and bond my drag?—”
Words die on my lips when I see Noire’s expression. I bite the inside of my cheek so I don’t fucking scream.
“While that’s not an option, this idea of yours reminds me of something,” Noire says.
“Well, tell me,” I mutter when he doesn’t speak.
