Page 110 of Haunted

All right. But there’s something else.

What?

I bring news of Sieffre’s people, Seren says.

I’m almost to the dungeons but stop when I hear Seren’s words. She has news of Niawen’s former life. No doubt news of the missing prince.

Has someone died? Niawen asks. Oh please. Don’t say someone’s dead.

Kenrik’s missing. He’s been missing ever since you left. I didn’t fly by Cynwrig on my way home, or I’d have found out sooner. I learned only hours ago. He saw us flying north the day we left. In his desperation, he followed you. He packed a horse and rode out. Kelyn couldn’t dissuade him. His men couldn’t. King Sieffre said Kenrik punched out a guard.

Seren continues when Niawen doesn’t say a word but swears softly to herself. Kenrik kept going on about how…

My steps resume as I head into the stank of the dungeon. I must figure out what to do with the prince now that Talfryn is searching for him. If Prince Kenrik returns home and tells his father of his mistreatment, I’ll have a war on my hands.

He wanted to make things right between you and him, Seren says. He blamed himself.

That was five weeks ago! Niawen says.

Niawen has been with me for five weeks. But it took the prince a while to find his way here. He’s only been in the dungeon for a few weeks.

And the snowstorm started shortly afterward, Niawen says. What was he thinking? No. NO. She pauses before thinking to herself. Where is he?

I don’t listen as Seren lays out details of the search. I do hear her begging Niawen to ask me for assistance because it’s believed that Prince Kenrik headed north and passed into my realm.

Which is altogether true.

Seren asks Niawen to search with her light. I’ve been prepared for this. The prince has been under a cloaking spell ever since his arrival. Niawen won’t be able to discern him.

He might have come here, Seren says. You must seek him with your light.

Niawen has a sudden case of vertigo that stops me once again. I brace myself with a palm on the wall, waiting to see if she’s well. That’s when she chooses to tell Seren she’s pregnant.

Seren is a little surprised to say the least. I would venture as far as saying she is not pleased.

I greet the guard outside the prince’s cell, and then catch my name, and Neifion’s. Niawen asks Seren if she will lay an egg for me.

I’m touched. I did not expect this consideration from my bride.

To have a dragon again. That is a heart’s desire I dare not voice, yet Niawen hears the yearning in my voice every time I speak of Neifion.

I’m dismayed when Seren is outraged. A fight ensues between her and Niawen. Seren refuses to stay here. Refuses to leave her offspring. Then Seren starts throwing insults and insinuations.

He wants a dragon to start his own army! Seren shouts.

He wants to protect his people should Empress Rhianu ever rise up against him, Niawen says.

This is unreasonable. I’m not considering it.

Please, Seren. I beg of you.

No!

More words from Seren that inflame me. She has zero trust in me, and she’s putting doubts in Niawen’s mind.

I’m not laying an egg, Seren says. I’m returning to Gorlassar. I’ll search as I work my way back to Kelyn and tell him you’re looking. That’s it. If you spot Kenrik’s light, tell me.

Seren, please. Don’t go.

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