Page 4 of MidKnight
“We’ll find a way.”
I swallowed and nodded. I hoped like hell he was right. But fear swirled in my chest. I had a feeling this nightmare had only begun.
* * *
Jorad left to prepare rooms for Rasle’s royal visitors. And feasts. And parades. And whatever the hell else he muttered about that I didn’t listen to because I felt like I was drowning.
Mother’s voice rang in my ears. ‘Needs before wants.’ It was essentially what Jorad had said. He’d dismissed my rescue of Avia as a want. As something I shouldn’t do because I was a queen.
Are they right? I wondered.
My gut twisted. Connor squeezed my hand, draining some of my agony.
A moment later, Quinn came over and touched my shoulder. His grey eyes stared solemnly at mine.He doesn’t mean she’s just a want, Dove. He doesn’t think you personally have to go.
Who’s gonna take out the dragon?
There are ways. In the Fire Wars, countries all had different means of taking them out.
How?
He shrugged.I’m not the scholar. Declan might know. We might have to research. We’ll find a way. I promise.
I gave a stiff nod, trying to hold it together.Did your people—
They haven’t found anything yet, Dove. But they’re looking. All of them.
I nodded as my vision got glassy. I let Quinn pull me into a soft hug even as Connor held my hand. Connor released my hand and came up behind me and pressed against my spine. Together, the two of them enveloped me in warmth and comfort. I soaked in their care, reveled in their strength.
I knew they would do everything they could to help me. I wasn’t in this alone. I took a deep breath, trying to release the tension. Another. Another. They waited patiently, just content to be there for me. Eventually, I placed a hand on Quinn’s chest, and pushed lightly.
He stepped back. Then Connor did the same.
“Thank you,” I swiped at the tears that had gathered at the base of my eyes, tears I hadn’t allowed to fall. “I needed that.”
Anytime, Dove.
“Of course, Bloss Boss,” Connor gave a little smile and my heart skipped. His smiles were like sun rays.
The door behind us opened and Ryan stomped into the room. My half-giant had a hard time doing anything other than stomping, he was so huge and stacked with muscle. I gave him a weak grin in greeting. My eyes trailed over the armor he’d strapped over the formal wear he’d donned for the morning’s execution. He was ready to leave.
Ryan stood at attention, “Everything’s being loaded, Your Majesty. We’re ready, whenever you are.”
Connor went to close the door behind Ryan as Quinn hauled Abbas into a sitting position.
What are you doing?I thought at Quinn.
He needs to be locked back up while we figure this out,Quinn responded.And I don’t want him overhearing our plans. I’ll take him via the royal passageways to a secure room I have.
I nodded.
Ryan waited expectantly.
I nodded at Connor, who shut the door to the hallway. Then I told Ryan, “Actually, there’s been a complication.”
Ryan swore when I told him about the visit from Rasle.
“Shite! Well, I’m going to have to rearrange my forces. I’ll have to pull back the very men I just had suit up. They’re the best. I need them to protect you.”
