Page 58 of The White Dragon's Dilemma

“Iolaire is not really a doctrinal type Dragon,” Caden admitted.

“I don’t know, Caden,” his father said with a mischievous grin.“Iolaire seems to understand that the best things are taking a nap with someone you love. That appears quite wise.”He then slid an arm around his wife’s shoulders and kissed her cheek.“In all honesty, Ellen, I think you’reexactlywhat the Faith needs.Someone who truly believes and tries to do good while keeping the Spirits in mind.”

Valerius added, “Your voice will be the counterpoint to those in the Faith who seek to harm others in order to bring more Spirits into the world, Ellen.If you consider this then perhaps you see the value in what you bring to the table.”

His mother shivered at the thought of those others who would kill for the Faith filled her mind.“Yes, you’re right.I shouldn’t shy away from this moment, but embrace it for all the good it could do.”

Rose looked a little ill and defiant as well as she said, “Our friendship is going to cause you Hell, Caden. I’m a Swarm Shifter from the Below who works for Marban.The skeletons in my closet have skeletons.If they realize that I’m more than just a prop for Marban and actually your friend things will get dicey.”

“And I’m a liability, too,” Wally said while scratching his mustache.“I’m a former crime boss and Rat Shifter. Are you sure you want me anywhere near this?I’d totally understand if you didn’t.I’d still advise you from the shadows and all that.Nothing would change just now that the press knows who you are and all, some of the decisions you made before you might want to rethink.”

Caden’s heart hurt as he saw the honesty on Rose and Wally’s faces.They believed that they were liabilities and they didn’t want to “bring him down”.

“I don’t care,” Caden said simply with a fierce shake of his head.“Your friendship to me is worth whatever the press would say.”

Rose sighed.“Caden, that’s sweet, but--”

“Wait!Just wait,” he said to her and took a breath.“First, I’ve got to know if you two want to be in the spotlight.Forget about me and what it mightcostme, just tell me what you guys want.”

Rose worried at her lower lip.“Okay, if I’m honest, I--I don’t want to lose our friendship, but I’m freaked by the publicity.”

“I’m freaked, too, so we’re even there,” he told her with a smile.“But then again, think of all the good it could do to things for people in the Below? Yes, you have a past.Yes, you did things that maybe you aren’t proud of.But part of that is because society says that Swarm Shifters are evil.No one but Marban was going to befriend you, let alone help you.”

She nodded yet said, “We all have choices, Caden.I could have said no.”

“And end up starving on the streets or worse?”Wally shook his head.“That isn’t any choice at all! I know it would be hard to have all your dark corners exposed, but Caden’s right that you could show a ton of people that things don’t have to be the way they’ve always been.A Swarm Shifter is best friends with a Dragon Shifter! They haven’t even made amovielike that!”

“Same thing with you, Wally.A Rat Shifter and former crime boss as an advisor? Sounds like not even something Hollywood has dreamed up!”Rose teased gently.

“You talk about choices, Rose, but you were a member of the gang, while Iranthe gang,” Wally pointed out.

“Yeah, but you got out.You’re legit now,” Caden pointed out.“You got out of that life, too, and are trying to make amends.”

Wally tugged at his mustache.“It’s true and it sounds good.I’m not afraid of publicity, kid.I’ll do whatever you want.But I don’t want you to be boxed into a decision you made before… well, before you see a true media frenzy.”

Caden looked over at Valerius.The Black Dragon King had remained mostly silent.His expression was carefully neutral.He wasn’t going to tell Caden what to do.

This is what it means being an equal partner.He wants me to figure out what I want.

“I don’t have any doubts about either of you.And if I start choosing my friends based on how the press will judge them, I will end up alone,” Caden stated with a shrug.“I know your worth and that’s all that matters to me.”

“Then we’re going to do this thing,” Rose said with a quirked smile.

Caden nodded.“We are.”

It was at that moment that Esme and Jahara landed in the courtyard.Everyone turned.Caden’s breath caught in his throat as both Dragon Queens entered the throne room.He wondered what she had discovered at the locations that Landry had sent.

There’s no question Landry meant to send them, but were they traps?Or proof of Humans First perfidy? And did they learn anything about where Landry is now?

Immediately, staff for Esme and several Wise Women for Jahara bustled into the throneroom with robes for their queens. Both walked up to Caden and Valerius with stately grace.Caden wanted to grab them both by the shoulders and shake them.

“Well?”Caden asked.At their lifted eyebrows, Caden cleared his throat, “Sorry, but you guys look all right so I’m just… What did you find?Please tell us!”

Valerius put a comforting hand on his lower spine.“Indeed, I am curious as well and impatience fills me.”

“Impatience always fills you, Valerius, but it is well justified here, even though what we have to tell you is very perplexing,” Esme said.

Jahara continued, “The location that Esme and I went to wasn’t some bomb-making location nor did it hold a stash of weapons or other arsenal.”

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