Firedrake - By Bianca D'Arc Page 0,35

can.”

“Who have they got for Declan?”

“Jiris, Headmaster of the Healing Academy. He couldn’t have finer, but he’s refusing to let the man near.”

Drake squared his shoulders as he struck off into a side passage that would lead him to the royal apartments.

“Where are you going?” Bertrand called after him.

“I’m getting help. Do what you can until I get there.” Drake had a plan in mind to outwit his stubborn father—all for his own good.

Arriving at his destination a moment later, Drake barely knocked on the door before entering Prince Nico’s bedchamber. Nico and Riki were there, naked, but dozing after what Drake assumed had been just the beginning of a night of love. He knew firsthand how energetic the couple was in their lovemaking and how deeply they loved one another.

Nico glared at the sudden intrusion of light from the open doorway. “What is it? Can’t it wait ’til morning?”

“I wouldn’t ask if it weren’t a matter of life and death.” Drake moved into the room.

Riki blinked at him. “Drake? Is that you?”

“What’s wrong?” Nico was alert and ready to act. Drake was never more glad of his friendship than at that moment.

“Declan is wounded and refusing treatment. Queen Lana has been summoned to treat Arlis, but Declan is as stubborn as ever. Riki, he wouldn’t dare refuse you. Please, would you come?”

Riki and Nico were out of bed and getting dressed in a flash. Drake silently thanked the goddess of the Jinn for their friendship and willingness to help.

“There is worse news still.” Drake felt it only fair to tell them. “You may not wish to help Declan when you hear what’s happened.”

Nico looked over at him then, and Drake knew the Prince of Spies had a good idea of what had occurred. The knowledge was in his dark eyes.

“Is Wil dead?”

Riki gasped, but Drake shook his head. “Kidnapped. Arlis and Declan were the least injured so they came here to alert us. Ren and Lilla flew for the Border Lair. We don’t yet know if they made it.”

Nico nodded once, his face grim as he placed one firm hand on Drake’s shoulder. Silently, they commiserated for a short moment, each too filled with emotion to let the words out. Riki stepped between them and placed her small hand on her husband’s arm, drawing him away. They all left the suite together, in worried silence. The three of them were out the door and heading for the East tower in under a minute.

“You were sending Wil away?” Drake asked as they climbed the stairs.

“We thought it best. The younger twins were sent to the Northern Lair two days ago and arrived safely. The entire Lair is watching over them and no one comes or goes from there except by dragon. It’s easier to watch over them in such a place without the constant traffic of the castle.” They rounded the corner to the last flight of stairs. They were almost there. “We sent Wil last night with your fathers as escort. He’s big enough to fly most of the way on his own now, but he still has to rest periodically on such a long journey. We thought two dragons and knights would be enough to guard on the short breaks, yet not too many leaving together to raise suspicion.”

“And they left at night so Wil’s black dragon hide would be camouflaged in the dark.” Drake nodded. “It was a sound plan.”

“That somehow went horribly wrong.” Nico turned to Drake, his eyes flinty hard. “We have to get him back, Drake. Either way. If he’s dead, we need to know. But if he’s alive—” His voice trembled with anger and turmoil, just the tiniest bit. “If he’s alive, each moment is precious. We have to get to him as soon as possible.”

“I’ll see to it personally, Nico. You have my word.”

They rounded the last corner and were thrust into the midst of turmoil. Arlis was down, panting smoke as Lana knelt at his side, just beginning to lay her powerful healing hands on the huge golden dragon. Declan was leaning heavily against Bertrand on one side, Elena on the other, swearing roundly with each roar of pain from his dragon partner and batting away the poor healer who attempted to help him.

Nico stopped Drake with a powerful grip on his arm. “You get Wil back, Drake, and let us handle this for you.” Nico hitched one shoulder toward the scene now before them.

Drake could have laughed when Riki, not