Page 94 of Destiny of a King

Then his eyes suddenly searched the area around them. “Fiora!”

The fairy popped out from beneath the hood of one of the warriors riding in front of them, rubbing sleep from her eyes.

“What?” she demanded, flying toward the king.

“I have a message for you to deliver.”

Fiora immediately shook her head. “Nay.”

Dravic scowled at her.

Adira watched the exchange with amusement, the expression letting her know that the fairy was having fun tormenting the king. And his arm tightened around her, confirming it.

“Did you not hear me give you an order?”

“My ears may be tiny, but I have no trouble hearing.”

“Good. Then you will do as ordered?”

“Nope. I’m not going.”

Seger, riding nearby, turned his face away, though not quickly enough to hide his grin.

Dravic caught it. “Something amuses you, Seger?”

“Nay, my king.”

“Then wipe the smile from your face.”

It vanished.

Fiora folded her arms across her chest. “You can command him all you want. You cannot command me.”

“I have noticed,” Dravic said, his irritation obvious. “You have also made it clear you wish to be useful. Here is your opportunity.”

“I am useful.”

“Then take my message to the High Council.”

“Nay.”

Dravic brought his horse to a stop, forcing everyone to do the same.

Adira glanced from the king to the tiny fairy hovering before him. She did not appear the least concerned that her refusal had brought the entire king’s troop to a halt, which had to mean she was refusing to obey an order he had given her.

Dravic’s eyes narrowed. “You will go to the High Council and tell them King Dravic is in Driochmor and making his way to them.”

The sound of his name reached Adira again… Dravic.

This time there was no doubt. Her heart gave a little jump of pleasure, though she kept her expression carefully composed.

“I also want to know what has been learned about the Morvane Clan and the symbols that were discovered,” Dravic continued. “You will bring their answer directly to me.”

Fiora shook her head through every word.

Dravic’s patience visibly thinned. “What possible reason could you have for refusing?”

“I’m not leaving you and Adira.”