Dragon's Blood: a Reverse Harem Fantasy Romance (The Dragon's Gift Trilogy Book 2)(10)

Alistair put an arm around her and kissed her brow. “You’ve done well,” he murmured against her skin. “Even if the commoners hate us right now, the soldiers will remember what you have done for them and will stand by your side when the time comes.”

“By our side,” Dareena corrected. She nuzzled Alistair’s cheek, sensing the frustration lurking behind his gentle smile. Dareena knew he wanted to leap out of the wagon and talk to the prisoners—from the way he watched the passing soldiers, he was likely looking to see if his sisters were among them. But she knew the elves would never allow them to get so close—if the soldiers knew their Dragon’s Gift and prince were huddled there amongst the trees, there was no telling what might happen. Some of the soldiers might try to fight the guards to get them back, and while they might succeed, such an action would only bring doom upon them. And Alistair knew it, which was why he remained in the cart even though his instincts had to be telling him to go to his people.

“Everything will work out,” Dareena said softly, stroking his arm. He leaned into her touch, and she cradled his head against her chest and prayed to the dragon god that they would not be separated once they arrived at the capital. While touching him did seem to alleviate some of his discomfort, she could see that he was still tired and in pain. And though the elves had promised to treat them as guests once they arrived, Dareena knew in her heart that Alistair would need to keep his wits about him for what was coming next.





7





Three days after Dareena and Alistair left, Dragon’s Keep opened its gates to admit the flood of wounded Dragon Force soldiers who poured into the capital. Drystan was relieved that, while there were some terminal cases, most of the wounded were not on death’s door. Most would recover once they received proper care.

Drystan, Lucyan, and Tariana had done their best to ensure the Keep was prepared for the influx of soldiers—every available bed had been converted into sick beds, and hundreds more had been set up in the various halls and salons. Even so, the Keep was too small to house them all, and they’d called on the townsfolk to help. There was still plenty of bitterness toward the dragons, especially from the Black Cloaks, but the men and women who made up the Dragon Force were still their countrymen, and were welcomed back by and large with open arms.

“More healers are being brought in from the neighboring provinces,” Lucyan said. They were all seated around the dining table in the king’s suite—the only room in the Keep that had not been given over to the soldiers. “We are still understaffed, but hopefully these reinforcements shall arrive in the next day or so.”

“From what I understand, they may not be needed,” Tariana said. “I spoke to Catriona, Ara, and Xenai last night, and they are nearly completely healed. They said their wounds started to mend almost as soon as they crossed the border and that most of the dragon born are healing nicely too. A few days of rest and they should be back on their feet.”

“Excellent,” Drystan said with a nod. “They can help with the rest of the wounded, then.” Despite its name, only a quarter of the Dragon Force’s members actually had dragon blood flowing through their veins. Before Shalia’s Curse, every soldier had been a dragon—now, with their dwindling numbers, the vast majority were human.

“The soldiers appear to be quite happy with your edict,” Lucyan observed. “Exempting them, and their families, from taxes for the next two years was quite smart of you.”

“It was the least I could do since we have no money to compensate them,” Drystan said. He scrubbed a hand over his beard, the mystery of the missing treasure still weighing heavily on his mind. The scouts had not reported back anything yet—it would take them weeks to thoroughly scour the mountains, and they had to be careful about it or they might well get eaten. “The nobles aren’t very happy about it since it’s cutting into their profits, but I can hardly explain the reasoning behind my decision.”

“Nor should you have to,” Lucyan said firmly. “A king does not need to explain every action to his subjects.”

“If there is anything important you need me to take care of today, you’d best speak up now,” Tariana said, abruptly changing the subject. “I will be leaving Dragon’s Keep tonight.”

“Tonight?” Drystan echoed. “Where are you off to in such a hurry? We’ve ordered our troops to back down, so it isn’t as if you have a battle to lead.”

“Perhaps not, but I am needed all the same.” Tariana’s face darkened. “I’ve received word that Ryolas may be executed for his crimes against the crown. It would seem that Arolas, his older brother, has won their father’s favor and turned the king against him. I cannot allow Ryolas to die when his actions have saved so many of our people.” Her amber eyes glimmered as she got to her feet. “I must find him and free him, if I can.”

“Hang on a minute,” Lucyan said, snagging Tariana by the wrist before she could leave the room. “You do realize that the moment you cross into elven territory they’ll put an arrow through your eye, don’t you? You are no mere soldier, Tariana—you’re our general, and the princess royal, besides. They’ll recognize you on sight.”

“I’ll disguise myself,” she said stubbornly. “I can use hair dye to change my coloring and a cloak to shield my face. It isn’t as if I’m going to charge in there wearing my armor.”