Prince of Spies - By Bianca D'Arc Page 0,47
the Jinnfaire for more than just her physical safety. I can teach her a little, but I don’t have a strong gift—not like the real Jinn. They’ll be able to teach her how to control it and use it. Most especially, how to use it safely.”
Riki surprised the men by sleeping through the entire day. Nico checked on her a few times, pausing to brush her lovely hair back from her face. The poor waif was just exhausted. Lucan had kept her starved, beaten and without much sleep for far too long. Her body was catching up, eating well for the first time in years, not having to deal with new bruises every few days and sleeping her fill.
Nico lingered, watching her breathe. He’d fallen for this small woman so deeply, so instantly, even he was a little surprised by the intensity of his feelings. Still, he knew how it was for dragons and knights. They invariably knew almost from the moment they met their destined mate and dropped hard and fast into love that lasted a lifetime. Nico hadn’t thought he’d ever find the woman who could do that to him, but he was happy to find he’d been so gloriously wrong.
He had been a little envious of his older brother, Roland, when he’d first seen how happy Roland was with Lana. But Lana hadn’t had the effect on Nico that Riki did. No matter that they were twins—it was Riki’s bright, unique soul that made him love her.
“She still sleeping?” Drake asked with sympathy as Nico climbed back onto the plank seat from the back of the wagon. He let the curtain drop in front of the little door so the fading sunlight wouldn’t bother Riki as she slept.
“She needs the rest.” Nico nodded as he got as comfortable as he could on the padded seat.
“I heard rumors from other Jinn about her, though I didn’t know who she was at the time. The Jinn have been keeping an eye on her, holding her in their prayers. She’ll be welcome among them for what she suffered, if nothing else.”
“That’s a hell of a reason to be welcome.” Nico sighed heavily.
“What’s most important now is that she’s safe with you. We’ll get her across the border with the help of the Jinn.”
“Will we?” Nico let the despair of their situation nearly overwhelm him for a moment. He tried so hard to keep a positive attitude—especially in front of Riki—but every once in a while he had his doubts about how he’d keep her safe during their attempt to cross the border.
“We will.” Drake faced him, his eyes hard. “Of that, have no doubt.”
“I hope your Jinn brethren will be as sure, and as helpful as you believe.”
“If worse comes to worst, Nico, I’ll stand for you. My word has some pull with the Jinn. At the very least, they’ll have to let us leave unmolested if they become hostile. They have rules among the Brotherhood and well I know them.”
Nico clapped his old friend on the back. “I’m glad you’re here, Drake. I couldn’t ask for better help on this journey, and I’m not too proud to admit my lady and I may need every bit of your skill and aid before this is all over.”
“It’s what I’m here for,” Drake smiled. “I serve the kingdom—and you, Nicolas. When I swore myself to your service, it was for life, and it was not done lightly.”
Nico nodded, touched by Drake’s heartfelt words. “It was not taken lightly on my part either, Drake. Your home is in Draconia and it will always be.”
“But my role is best played in other lands. At least for now.” A shadow of old pain crossed Drake’s chiseled face and Nico knew he was thinking of his family and the harsh words that had passed between father and son before he left home on his chosen path.
Though in truth two fathers had raised him, it was clear from the shining blond hair and roguish features which of the knights was his sire. Sir Declan was a hard man, with few words of kindness for the son that was so much like him. But Declan was an exemplary knight, aide to the king himself and greatly respected. It had been hard for Drake, at the young age of fifteen, to live up to his example—and his expectations.
“Your family loves you, no matter what path you choose.”
Nico saw the grimace on Drake’s face, but the other man spoke