Page 49 of Orange Spell
Curran had to resist the urge to look back.He knew that Birch and Marlin were following him and that more guards were waiting in the garden.They’d intervene if Pearl tried anything, but she wasn’t after Curran.Curran was just a means to an end.She was after her brother, and he suspected that whatever was about to happen could make or break the situation.
Part of Curran was relieved it would finally be over.He’d had enough of looking over his shoulder, of having to hide his relationship with Marlin, and of having to keep his distance from the people he loved.He hated lying about his brother, especially when those lies had to imply that Birch was violent.He just wanted to go back to his normal life, get excited about laying his egg, and freak out over the fact that he and Marlin were going to have a child.If he never had to think of Pearl again, he’d be happy.
He stroked a hand over his stomach and told himself to breathe.He and Pearl were meeting in a public place.They’d be surrounded by guards.Even if she tried, she wouldn’t be able to do anything to Curran.He and his baby would be safe.
They had to be.
Part of him wondered what was going through Pearl’s mind.He didn’t understand how she could hate her brother so much, but he supposed that they hadn’t grown up like he and Birch had.From what he knew, Killian was close to some of the siblings, but the fact that they all had different mothers and hadn’t grown up together made things complicated.Still, he didn’t feel it complicated them enough for Pearl to want Killian dead, yet thatwaswhat she wanted.
He swallowed as he reached the garden.This was it.Hopefully, he’d finally be able to put this mess behind himself and focus on the future.He hoped he’d never have to see Pearl again after today.He wished that Killian could take care of her without having to wait for her to become a danger, but he understood why Killian hadn’t.Imprisoning his sister when he had no proof that she was coming after him would set a dangerous precedent.Besides, it wasn’t the kind of person Killian was.Curran might find him annoying—like he’d find any of Birch’s friends annoying, including Marlin sometimes—but that didn’t take away from the kind of person he was.Killian was a good leader.
The message had specified that Pearl wanted to see Curran at the same bench where they’d met the last time, so as soon as he stepped out of the palace, that was where he headed.His mouth was dry, and he felt jittery, but he tried his best not to look too nervous.He didn’t think that Pearl would be surprised if he was, though.After all, she was the king’s sister.Anyone would find her intimidating, even without the reputation she had of being ruthless and uncaring of anyone but herself and the people close to her.Curran didn’t know if that was true, but he didn’t think it mattered.
He sat on the bench and looked around.Like always, there were other people here.Two dragons were strolling down a path, talking and gesturing at each other.A human was sitting on one of the benches, reading a book.Curran squinted.He was pretty sure that was Taylor, Palmer’s brother.He didn’t know him personally, but he knew that Taylor had been in the human military.Was that why he was there?
Fall was coming, but there were still flowers in the bushes, and their scent helped Curran relax.He cupped a hand around his stomach, needing the reassurance.Nothing bad would happen to his baby.They’d both be fine by the end of the day, no matter what was about to happen.
Someone sat next to him, startling him.He looked sideways, frowning when he didn’t recognize the dragon there.“I’m sorry, but I’m waiting for someone,” he said, hoping the dragon would move on.The last thing he wanted was for Pearl to think he’d changed his mind and for her to stay away.He needed this to work.
The dragon didn’t look at him.They stared ahead, but they still managed to make Curran feel uncomfortable.
“You’re waiting for me,” they said.
“No.”
The dragon finally glanced at Curran.Their expression was hard, and for a moment, Curran was afraid.Were they about to reach for him?Were they going to try to hurt him?
“Who are you?”he asked in a trembling voice that he didn’t have to fake.
“A mutual friend sent me.”
“What mutual friend?What are you talking about?”
“You know better.She said that you needed help, but she needs you to help her first.”
Curran finally understood.Of course Pearl wasn’t coming.They should have known.She wouldn’t want to take the risk, especially if she suspected that Curran was faking it.It was a chance they’d needed to take, and they’d hoped she’d fall for it.
Their plan was ruined.
The only way they’d have to link Pearl to this was to get this dragon to talk about her.Maybe Curran could convince them to at least say her name.“I’m not sure who you’re talking about,” he tried.“I’m sorry.I’m just confused.”
“She can help you,” the dragon repeated.“But before she can do that, you have to help her.”
Curran licked his lips.“I’m sorry, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
The dragon glared at Curran.“Stop playing innocent.You know what this is about and what you’re in for.You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t.”
Curran shook his head.“Please.”
The dragon reached out and grabbed Curran’s arm.Curran jerked back, but the dragon didn’t let go.They squeezed hard, causing Curran to yelp.
“Stop,” the dragon said.“You should have stayed away if you didn’t want to be involved, but it’s too late now.”He gave Curran a shake.“So shut up and listen.You have a job to do, and you’re going to do it.”
* * * *
MARLIN HAD HAD ENOUGH.He’d been fine—well, mostly fine—watching things from afar without intervening when they’d been waiting for Pearl to arrive, but this was too much.He wouldn’t allow anyone to touch Curran when it was clear that Curran didn’t want them to.
He didn’t.He was pulling at his arm that the other dragon was still holding onto and looking around as if he was scared.Marlin wasn’t sure how much of that was an act, but he wasn’t about to wait and see.Curran needed him.
