Page 10 of Galadon
“I can’t believe you’re having another baby!” Rayna said, hugging the woman.
Bailey pulled back and rubbed her rounded tummy. “I think it happened right after the war. Aidan and I decided we’d start trying so our children wouldn’t be too far apart in age, but we figured it would take a long time since it’s usually not that easy for shifters. Apparently, not so much for slayers.”
“That’s why I’m always careful,” Rayna said, noting Bailey’s lightly tanned skin glowed with health. She’d found her “happily ever after” in a castle of all places to a man who could have passed for a prince in human form. No one deserved it more.
Bailey glanced behind her, smile broadening as Aidan came to stand next to her. “It’s good to see you, Rayna. I hope you didn’t have too much trouble reaching us.”
“I made certain her difficulties found something else to do,” Titan said to his pendragon, dipping his chin in respect.
She followed his example before meeting Aidan’s gaze. “I came to give you an update on the Kandoran.”
“They’re just serving midday meal.” He gestured with his arm. “Why don’t you eat with us, and you can tell me what you found?”
She hesitated, but her empty stomach told her she needed food very soon. “Did Kayla bake her bread?”
“She never misses a day unless she’s sick or taking a day off to visit the markets in Norman,” Bailey said, grabbing Rayna’s arm. “And you look like you could use a good meal.”
“It’s hard to find decent food when you’re on the move a lot,” she admitted.
Bailey guided her to the great hall's main table while Titan followed them. The smooth yet worn oak planks that made up the surface ran about thirty feet across and could hold many people. Only a few shifters sat at the end, but Rayna didn’t recognize them. They focused on their meals as their pendragon and his mate led her to sit at the center with them.
Only Aidan’s family, close advisors, and honored guests were allowed in the center section. Being treated so well while surrounded by those who hated her was awkward. Bailey indicated the chair next to hers, and she was grateful when Titan took the seat on her other side. At least she’d be flanked by friends.
“So, how has it been going out in the wild?” Bailey asked as servants laid out platters of meats, cheeses, roasted vegetables, and bread in front of them.
Rayna’s mouth watered at the selection, and aromas wafting toward her.
She cleared her throat. “It’s mostly been fine.”
They began to fill their plates as she explained what she’d found in southwestern Oklahoma. She focused on the Kandoran element but squeezed in Galadon’s brief visit, hoping no one would ask about it further. No such luck.
“How did that go?” Bailey’s lips twitched. “You haven’t seen him since shortly after the war, right?”
Rayna nodded. “Yeah. It was awkward, and mostly, he admonished me for being too close to the Kandoran nest, but of course, he refused to help. I doubt I’ll be seeing him again anytime soon.”
“I wouldn’t be certain of that,” Aidan said, having nearly finished his plate of food already. “While I’m happy to offer some of my warriors to handle this problem, they won’t be ready to help for a few weeks, and they won’t be enough. You’ll need to visit the Faegud and request their aid as well. I have no doubt Galadon will participate with them.”
Rayna understood that the Taugud had lost many good fighters in the war, and right now, they were just starting to get back in shape after a long winter of nesting from the cold. It had just been her hope that they could take care of the Kandoran sooner.
She finished chewing a bite of bread. “A few weeks?”
“Yes. They still need time to train, and the weather has been less predictable than usual this year. I don’t want to send them that far from home until we know warmer temperatures will remain steady. Also, many of them are assisting with the spring crops.”
Though she wanted to argue, she could hardly ask for more. Technically, Aidan didn’t have to work with her at all. Hecould just wait and see if the nest caused any trouble closer to his border first. They hadn’t proved problematic so far.
Rayna reminded herself to keep a level tone. “I don’t suppose someone else could go to the Faegud and ask for their help? They’re not exactly fans of slayers, aside from Bailey.”
“We already have plans to travel there in a couple of weeks for their upcoming Bitkal. Lorcan and the elders have requested our presence to ensure it is conducted fairly and lawfully. There has been some trouble among the prospective candidates, which is always a problem when no active pendragon controls them. If you’re willing to wait, I could ask them then.”
Damn.If she delayed the request, they might put off doing anything for even longer. The Kandoran had been smart enough to confine their nest to an area far from land anyone wanted. Even the Thamaran, who once controlled that area, had chosen a small territory much farther north for what remained of their toriq.
No one was interested in inhabiting that corner of Oklahoma right now, especially after the enormous losses everyone suffered to get rid of the main Kandoran army that had numbered more than 150,000 dragons and humans. Most of those were either killed or cured of the magical taint that had warped and subjugated them. The latest estimates on what remained were about five or six thousand scattered between five states.
“Perhaps I could go with her—at least for a day,” Titan suggested.
Aidan’s brows knitted, and he looked at Rayna. “Will you be taking your horse?”
“It’s faster than going on foot.”
