Chapter Fourteen
No one spoke as wefollowed Kira to the rooms they had for us. Aster and Whist bracketed me between them, their heat sinking into me, calming the storm in my chest. My skin raced and buzzed with the need to touch them, explore them. I had no interest in sitting around and talking everything through. I wanted them naked and inside of me. I needed it to truly believe they were here with me and it wasn’t a dream. Or perhaps I was just turned on.
Kira patted my shoulder before she left us alone in the living room that led to two separate bedrooms. I sat on one of the chairs after the door closed behind Kira, and the weight of everyone’s stares pressed on me.
“So...” I dragged out the word. “How’s everyone doing?”
Indigo gaped at me. “I don’t even know where to begin.”
“Why did Aster and Whist really come with you? Did you know I was here?” I asked.
Aster shook his head, reaching out to drag a finger along my cheek. “We had no idea where you were or if you were even alive. Saber and Sky have been searching for you non-stop since you disappeared. They picked up tracks that led to the dragon lands, so Whist and I invited ourselves along so we could legally be here, hoping to pick up some trace of you. Sky and Saber kept searching near the border for any sign of you.”
Elora stepped up and bent to hug me. “And Cala has graciously agreed to send a squad out for them to find and bring them back here.”
I blew out a heavy, relieved breath. “Thank you.”
Indigo smiled as everyone else took seats around me. “It’s so good to see you. We have been terrified for you and I’m so sorry for my father.”
I shook my head. “It’s not your fault.”
Elora’s jaw clenched. “And we want you to identify the guards who abducted you and we will deal with them.”
“I never learned their names, but I’d recognize them if I saw them again.”
“Good.”
“Tell us about your new kindred.” Aster spoke in a demanding tone. He didn’t appear too happy at me finding another kindred.
I glanced at Whist, but his face was expressionless. As usual.
Indigo’s mouth fell open. “You found another kindred? Here?”
I nodded. “I did. It’s mostly what saved me and kept me out of their prison.”
“How is it that you collect them like trinkets from each new place you visit?” Indigo asked.
I laughed a little, a desperate sound. “I don’t know. But it doesn’t matter. Neither one of us is interested in completing the bond.”
“Why?” Whist asked with a frown.
“Well, I already have four. And luckily you all know and love each other. I’m not even sure how adding a dragon would work since he has responsibilities here and we have them in Faligrey. Also, like I said. He doesn’t want it either.” Explaining this over and over was getting old.
Indigo stood and began pacing in front of the fireplace. “The three of you can discuss this later. Right now, I am sorry, but I need as much intel as you have on these dragons. You’ve been here a couple days, so you must have some idea if they’re liable to help us.”
I smiled at Whist as he lifted me from my chair and carried me over to sit by Aster on the couch. “Honestly, I’m not sure if they’ll help or not. I tried to talk you up and your father down as much as I could without giving too much away. But here, kindreds aren’t forced to be together. My new kindred was married. One of the dragons who brought me in met his, but they decided they weren’t a good fit and found love elsewhere. It’s amazing.”
Aster drew my feet into his lap and smiled at me. “Everything you’ve fought for in Faligrey.”
I smiled back, almost moaning as he rubbed my feet. “Yes.”
“You must love it here.” He stilled as he found the bandages on my ankles.
“I do.” I reached out to pat his arm. “I’m all right.”
Aster’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t argue.
“You’re not tempted to stay?” Whist asked.
“Of course not. Our lives are in Faligrey. Besides, their country seems to have a decent thing going. What would I sing about?”
Everyone chuckled like I told a joke, but I was dead serious.
I turned back to Indigo. “Anyway. I don’t know much, but they definitely take their closed borders seriously. You will need to offer them a lot if you want them to get involved in Faligrean politics. Maybe the fact that one of their Assembly members found his kindred from another country will help. Definitely push that angle.”
Indigo tapped her chin. “But if they aren’t as concerned about kindred souls, it might not help.”
“Just because they don’t enforce it doesn’t mean they don’t care about them. Most of the people here still choose their kindred. Or wait for them. I think it’s your best bet. That and the fact that your father is on the insane and murderous side and has made threats to invade.”
“Thanks, Rhapsody. That’s incredibly helpful.” Indigo’s lips quirked. “I’m going to rest before the talks later. It was a long trip. And I’m sure the three of you would like to have some privacy.”
My face heated as everyone chuckled again.
Whist didn’t wait any longer before he swept me up into his arms and carried me into one of the bedrooms, Aster right on our heels.