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“Noxious fae,” the dragon whispered, so softly that it was likely meant for River only. He would be upset at being called that, but this dragon was so weak that he was likely not measuring his words. “I thought your kind was dead. I didn’t know you could talk to dragons.”
“I can,” River whispered. He wasn’t sure if it was because of Naia or because of his mindmelding, but he could definitely communicate with dragons.
“You shouldn’t stand so close,” the big dragon said. “His plan is to make me eat you. Eventually, I might.”
River was going to make some joke about indigestion, but then realized the starving state of the dragon. “I appreciate the warning,” he said, then stepped back. After all, being careful didn’t hurt. He turned to the others. “Please tell me someone has an idea before we all become dragon food.”
Pointing up, Fel said, “We’ll need to have ideas and yet not discuss them.”
Well, it was obvious. River waved his arms in frustration. “Just tell me you have a plan, fool me before death.”
Fel got close to him and whispered in his ear, “The only plan is to wait. I trust my sister.”
River also trusted her, but he didn’t want her anywhere near this place. “Well, I want her to live a long, happy life, not get caught like us.”
Fel frowned, thoughtful. “You think she can be happy without you?”
“I sure hope so.” If something happened to him, he would want her to be happy. If they ended up using that strange amulet to save the day, he would also want her to be happy, even if the mere thought hurt him. And yet he also hoped that she longed for him the same way he longed for her, even if he was thinking that perhaps there would be no future for him. Their time had been so short—and he’d been partly out of his mind for most of it. This couldn’t be the end.
“There’s always a way.” Isofel hadn’t given up on his optimism.
“Sure.” River pointed at Kaneyo. “I’m sure he just didn’t think hard enough.”
“He was alone, though. We’re many.”
Many dumbasses. Still, River gave Fel a smile, as if he appreciated his optimism. He hated it. If something didn’t happen soon, they’d certainly all die.
29
Forgiveness
Something was wrong. Naia knew it. Or maybe imagined it. Maybe it was her mind full of fears fantasizing the worst for River and her brother. She touched the pendant hanging on her chest. Too early to even consider it. And then, she didn’t think she would know how to use it—and should have asked Fel more about it.
With a slow, deep breath, she told herself to calm down. It wasn’t as if they’d been gone for hours.
Ekateni was in a nearby room. Too tired even to sit, probably still hurt from technically dying, the best thing he could do was rest, so she had sent him away. But it meant that now she was alone with her thoughts.
A light in the communication mirror caught her eye and she pressed her palm on it.
King Sebastian’s face showed up on the other side. If Naia were to follow her instincts, she would run from the room, but she needed to know what was happening elsewhere.
“Your Majesty.” She bowed softly.
“I figure your king is stillsick?” Was there an edge of mockery in his tone?
Maybe she was imagining it, and even if she wasn’t, she needed to pretend that was the case or else she would want to climb into the mirror and punch him. That was unfortunately impossible, and even if it wasn’t, it wouldn’t be a good way to treat a potential ally.
“Some things take time. Apologies for leaving your gathering. I still don’t know what happened afterwards.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Interesting. For someone who was so intent on disturbing our meeting, your concern for the other kingdoms is quite touching, princess.”
“I was delayed. Securing our borders. These are tense times.”
The king tapped his fingers on a table. “Tense times are when you seek allies.”
This talk was annoying her. Yes, she shouldn’t have disappeared, but it hadn’t exactly been her fault. “Was there an explosion or did we miscalculate?”
He stared at her. “There was. And yet, there’s no consensus on who could have caused it.”
