Pryenil shrugged. “Due to the open trade acts, the Scepter of Commerce is one of the safest and strongest places for the Lawless. The other Scepters are trying to oppose the war, but they face far more difficulties. They could use assistance and would be emboldened by your presence.”
Kesia rolled her eyes. “Even the presence of a worthless experiment?”
The cloaked woman sighed. “You are not worthless.”
Zephryn winced. If anyone could understand Kesia’s plight, it would be Pryenil. If only the Lawless would trust enough for the half-dragon to remove her hood.
The cloaked male cleared his throat. “All the Scepters came together to end the Scepter of Justice. It will take all Scepters to rebuild it.”
Shance cut in, “If escape is the plan, you’ll need a fast ship. The Silver Streak is the fastest and most powerful airship in the fleet, if it weren’t in for repairs.”
“I can fix it.” Kesia’s voice was quiet but sure.
“Out of the question.” The male’s voice hardened. “We just discussed your departure. And your abilities are still unpredictable.”
“I’m also the best mechanic you have right now. Could anyone else have fixed that engine in less than two days?”
Shance nodded. “Virna said it would have taken her a day and a half.”
“I did it in one hour.”
Zephryn shook his head. “But you don’t know the ship specifications.”
“I can learn them.” She placed her hands on the table. “I can fix The Silver Streak if you can get me into the shipyard as much as possible. I know it’s a risk, but if you want to use that ship, what other choice do you have?”
Zephryn smirked, torn between the urge to argue further with Kesia and the urge to kiss her. Strange, considering Kesia’s emotions were still upset and twisted from the suspicions and surprises of that night.
But she was very attractive when she was proving her point logically.
“General Markem practically worships your work. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gives you a personal entry code.” Shance smiled wryly. “That way, you won’t have to break in as a beetle.”
She swatted at him, her fingers lingering on his shoulder. “I did what I had to do. And beetles aren’t all that bad. I still had more brain power as a beetle than those scientists had as humans.”
Shance gave her a mock-aggrieved look. “Next time, you should include me in your spy trip.”
“Why? You can’t shift.”
“And clayborer beetles can’t push elevator buttons.”
“I sense a challenge.” She grinned at him, then glanced at Zephryn. Her smile faded, and she tensed.
Fewmets. Irritation and concern clawed his heart. <We need to talk, Rose-Wing. Privately.>
Her shoulders slumped, but she nodded. <I agree.>
The cloaked male spoke, “Very well. You will work on the airship. But you must work quickly. Captain Windkeeper will pull you out at the first sign of trouble.”
Zilpath’s fingers started moving, and Pryenil spoke, “Then it is settled. Shance and Kesia will return to High Command and maintain their charade until Kesia can repair The Silver Streak. Shance will communicate with the Lawless about finding a suitably trustworthy crew. Nightstalker will continue to work within the Lawless establishing connections in his status as prince and heir to the dragon throne. His presence could draw far more to serve the cause who were only sympathizers before. When The Silver Streak is ready—” Pryenil paused. “A week, Kesia?”
She hesitated, pressing her lips together. Zephryn knew that look. The look of practicality warring with desperation. “Yes. Maybe less, if I can direct the rest of the repair crew. And if I don’t sleep much.”
Shanced smiled. “Don’t strain yourself.”
Kesia set her jaw, and her spine went rigid. Zephryn chuckled inwardly. He knew that look as well. “I’m a soldier, Captain Windkeeper. I’ve gone weeks on minimal sleep under far worse conditions. This is what is necessary.”
“Yes, but it shouldn’t have to be.” The airship captain’s expression held the same softness always apparent when he looked at Kesia, but this time, it was touched with protectiveness.
She raised her head, fixing him with a glare. “Sometimes, it just is.”
Shance held her gaze. “You won’t do it alone, in any case. I know everything about The Silver Streak. Well, perhaps not as much as Virna, but more than enough for us to work together.”
Pryenil nodded, and when she spoke, a trace of resonance—respect—vibrated in her voice. “Very well. Once all is in order, we will organize an escape.”
The cloaked male figure added, “Between now and then, we need to consider ways to break The Silver Streak out of the shipyard. Pryenil, can your resources help?”
“Yes, we can count on them.”
“Good. I believe mine will as well.” The male sighed, and his hands emerged from the sleeves of his robe, only to disappear under his hood. To pinch the bridge of his nose? Zephryn had seen humans use this gesture before. “I call for an official dismissal. Discuss other matters among yourselves. For myself, I would enjoy a rest. I understand why night meetings are necessary, but they are not pleasant for those of us with greater years.”
Zilpath patted his shoulder and swiped at the air. He chuckled dryly. “I’ll die soon anyway? That is hardly comforting, Zilpath.”
Zephryn’s lips curved. The shopkeeper was annoying, but sometimes her words hit just right.
A hand touched his. Kesia’s. Her amber eyes were filled with trepidation, laced with anger and self-doubt. <Should we speak now, Midnight?>
On the other side, Zephryn spied Zilpath ushering Shance over to a corner of the tiny room. Pryenil and the cloaked man were both gathering themselves in their robes and conferring quickly in pidsyn gestures on their way to the door.
<Yes. Now is the time.>
Curiously, his stomach seized and twisted, as though he’d eaten a kind of sick animal. Zephryn clenched his hand, trying to stabilize his feelings. One of the individuals in this conversation needed to maintain objectivity.
She had to understand his reasons. He was protecting her.
A rush of Kesia’s disappointment and grief overtook his musings. <I understand. You couldn’t tell me the details of the Pinnacle because I was a convict. I am a convict still, only fit for a soldier’s life. And now, I’m worse than that.>
How could she think such a thing? Zephryn felt a flame tickle his tongue. He swallowed it, along with his anger. <Kesia, I never saw you as less than a fully worthy dragon. It was shame that made me hide Garishton’s identity from you. Shame and disgust at what has become of the Cloudpeaks.>
<Your shame. Your disgust. Your desire to protect me—yes, I can sense that too! Never mind what I was feeling or going through. Never mind that I was searching for answers. You knew best, right?>
<You were already coping with so many difficulties. More knowledge would have distracted you.>
Anger blazed in her eyes. <So me learning the truth in a more public meeting where my trustworthiness is questioned is far better. Especially when they imply that I’m going to harm you.>
<I didn’t want that to happen either.>
<Of course not. It still hurts. I knew you kept secrets occasionally, but I didn’t think they were that…personal.>
<They never were.> He sighed. What was the word humans used for regret? <I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt you.>
<…I forgive you.> Kesia swiped at her eyes. Tears? From the irritation she was projecting, she didn’t want attention drawn to them.
Zephryn sent her a pulse of reassurance and compassion, then changed the subject for one of his own questions. <You weren’t honest with the Lawless, were you? I felt your confusion over the issue of brainwashing.>
She winced
. <I think I remember my parents telling me that Garishton had the Talent of vocal command. It is possible he invaded my mind to make me harm you, but if he could do that, then why not coerce me into joining him at the start? Why keep me in a cell?>
<Good reasons. Why didn’t you refute the Lawless’s arguments in the moment?>
She shrugged. <I couldn’t think clearly. And I’m used to others having low expectations of me. Better to surprise people than promise something I’m unsure about.>
Still so little faith in herself. Zephryn placed his hand lightly over hers. <He does have that Talent. He’s tried to use it on me, but Nightstalkers are difficult to manipulate. Although, sometimes I suspect he’s the reason I remember so little of my parents.>
<You were only seven when the last of them vanished.>
He shook his head. <That’s no excuse. A worthy ruler would remember more.>
<Ah, you do care for your kingdom.> She traced the top of his hand with a fingertip, a faint smile ghosting her face. <And yet, you were willing to run away with me.>
He took her hands in his. <Until recently, I had no hope of restoring any part of the kingdom, so it didn’t matter. Then you encountered Shance Windkeeper, and all of this happened.>
Zephryn glowered at the captain, who was currently turning his back on Zilpath in an effort to ignore her sign language.
Kesia gave a little laugh. <You’re mad because he ruined your precious getaway plan, hm? Still the same old Midnight, always assuming you have every angle figured out.>
<I thought I did.> He grumbled. <But recent events have showed me otherwise.>
<Ah well, some of the developments haven’t been so bad.> She breathed out a cloud of smoke. <Such as our time in that closet.>
A smile twitched her lips. He brushed an errant strand of hair from her face, his touch lingering around her ear. <Yes, there was that. Such a shame.> Kesia looked up sharply, and he laughed. <That it ended so quickly. You are remarkable, Rose-Wing.>
<I wonder…>
<Hm?>
<I was the one who wanted to spy on the ship. My seasickness made us interact with Shance. I kissed you, which distracted us.> Kesia paused. <It seems I too have a talent for ruining your plans.>
<What sort of talk is this?> Zephryn’s brow wrinkled. <Have I said anything to make you think I blame you?>
<No.> She grumbled. <But I blame me.>
<Don’t.> He flicked her nose with his finger, and her eyes flashed. <You are my fleetwing. Embermate. We will have a future.> He pulled her close until she was half in his lap. He didn’t care what anyone else thought. <I’ve been in contact with another dragon in the city. Well, a sort of dragon.>
<Ah yes. The sort-of dragon. Can I meet them?>
<It’s complicated. The individual prefers to remain anonymous for now. But there are more dragons in the Lawless. They are resisting the Pinnacle. We aren’t alone in this, Rose-Wing. They want me to fight back, to face the Pinnacle and take back leadership.>
<To rule again?> Her shoulders slumped. <Yes, now I understand. They, too, will see me as a murderer. Everyone will know that I killed my father.>
<You said it was out of self-preservation and that he baited you to do it.>
<Yes. But I’m also Garishton Ironfire’s niece. You saw how the Lawless treated me, and they were trying to be kind. I can’t keep that connection a secret and use my power over the green smoke to help people.>
<These are outcasts as well, Kesia. They may not judge you as those in the Pinnacle do. I will stand by you, no matter what. We will find a way, I promise. We are together.> He traced his fingers over his heart, and then over hers. <And I do not regret that for one moment.>
<Nor do I.> Kesia’s face flushed a darker pink that echoed the delicate undersides of her wings. Her gaze drifted to his lips. <And what of our kissing?>
Zephryn breathed slowly. Suddenly, an intoxicating mixture of cloud lilies and iron filled the air. The same scent from the utility closet, that came only from Kesia. They should discuss it. Sometime. <Well, a kiss is a human bonding ritual. We don’t know how it affects dragons or what place it has in our lives.> His fingers played with the ends of her hair. <I would want to make additional study, although I wouldn’t count it as high of a priority as our current mission.>
Kesia pulled away a little, her eyes glinting. <Oh, you wouldn’t? Are you sure? I would say perhaps sex—>
<That...> He struggled to find the words in his mind. It was difficult to think with her fingers trailing up his chest, fingering the edge of his hood. <…would not be wise right now.>
Each word was calm and collected, exactly as it should be. The same could not be said for his pulse, the prickles in his skin, and the heat building in his throat from where Kesia gently stroked it with the tip of her index finger.
<Oh, I agree. As always, Midnight, you show great practical thought and purpose.> She smiled innocently. Only, he could sense the fire within her.
<And you, Rose-Wing, show strength of conviction.> Especially when she trailed her fingers along his scales and through his hair, her every touch a beckoning flame. <The human doesn’t know what you are truly capable of, does he?>
She pursed her lips, serious for a moment. <I don’t think anyone does. Not even me.> Then she smirked. <It will make for many interesting discoveries. But I always did like those with you. Speaking of discoveries, I do have an intriguing use for kissing, if you will hear me out.>
<Oh?>
<I was able to absorb the remaining smoke particles from The Silver Streak’s engine room. It caused no harm to me. I could very likely do the same for you.>
<I thought you kept me from the smoke particles.>
Kesia shrugged. <You can’t be too careful. I wouldn’t mind absorbing any that might have made their way to you.>
<Ah, I see. Through a kiss?>
<Or more than one. I’m fully committed to making sure you can use your Talent again.>
She grinned, breaking down the last of his resistance. She truly was a dangerous dragon.
And she was his.
Kesia tilted her head to the side. <So, is kissing still off-limits? Because I think I’ve made quite a good case for it.>
Zephryn pulled her entirely into his lap.
<As you wish.>
Chapter 19
Zilpath was a madwoman. Yes, she was wise and cunning, and could set any trader in their place with a few words of pidsyn, but that didn’t make her present words believable.
She was tapping Shance’s shoulder again, her fingers jabbing his flesh like a knife. The old woman had learned pressure point manipulation in her earlier life and used it very unfairly.
Meanwhile, Nightstalker and Kesia’s little interlude at the table continued. Their mouths were closed as they used dragon mind speak, but their body language gave away their emotions and perhaps explained what had happened in the closet earlier. Kesia’s expression turned from hope to desire.
Before the two dragons started kissing passionately.
His stomach twisted with sadness and disappointment. Well, that settled that.
Zilpath’s dagger-like fingers found a key point between the muscles of his shoulder blades, sending a fire of agony through him. Shance grimaced and turned to face her. ~What did you mean?~
~About what? The prophecy? The clerics?~
~No, about Kesia. You were the one who indicated she was special. That the wind would dance with the dragons. What did that mean?~
She shrugged. ~I assume you have danced with her, so that was truth. And I did see the two of you kissing. She was surprised, but there was definitely something there.~
Shance coughed. ~Clearly not as much as you thought.~
Zilpath glanced over at Zephryn and Kesia, and her eyes widened. Her shoulders shook in silent laughter. ~Well, well. Pryenil was correct after all. I should know better than to question her in matters of the heart. I suppose I owe her now.~
Shance’s mouth dropped open. ~Were you betting on
my romantic prospects?~
~Only a little. And never with money. The holy scrit forbids it.~
~Enough.~ He made a cutting gesture from chest out to the right for emphasis. ~Is this why you were suggesting I be a monk a few moments ago? In case you were wrong about Kesia? I don’t need your pious judgements on my life, or the absurd punishments of the Four Corners.~
Wasn’t his punishment happening in this room already?
Zilpath smacked his shoulder, hard.
~You hold your tongue. The Daughters of Allandra and the Sons of Olosael are an honor to join, and there is no guarantee they will accept you. I had to petition three times to be a novitiate. Something about ‘language unbecoming.’~
Imagine that. Shance managed to still his hands before they formed the sarcastic words. Instead, he made a questioning gesture. ~And why should I try?~
~I don’t know. Maybe because you’ve become so lonely that you fell in love with a dragonshifter you’ve only known for a few days? Religion aside, you’re getting stupid, Windkeeper.~
~Kesia is a woman, a soldier, and one of the strongest individuals I have ever known. She has kept appropriate barriers between us and spoken with intelligence and forethought.~ And that only made him love her more, even with the secrets she’d kept from him. Even with the lies.
Even though she couldn’t return his love.
Zilpath raised her eyebrows. For once, her hands were still. After a few moments, she began swiping through the air, her expression softer. ~You do love her, don’t you? I didn’t think it was possible. You actually care for her as a person, not as an escape.~
~She’s not an escape. She’s brought me closer to myself than anyone else. She’s clever, she sees through my flattery, and she’s fun to be around. She’s relaxing.~ Shance released a sigh. ~And I wouldn’t trade any of that, especially not for a religion I don’t believe in.~
~You believe enough to have emblems on your ship.~ She jabbed his chest. ~You believe in the gods when they might save you. And now you are lying to your commanders while protecting dragons. You have nothing to cling to except a war record of death. What’s stopping you from claiming a belief in something else?~