form was enough to overwhelm his senses and he was afraid her new flying reflexes weren’t strong enough to save her should they wait too long to pull apart after climax. Roland wanted Nico there, as backup. So Nico watched as the first mated black dragon pair in centuries took their first mating flight, soaring to the stars together, joined in body and mind, then plummeting hard and fast to earth as they basked in the climax of their pleasure.
It had been beautiful. Wondrous. And it had sparked a tiny flame of jealousy in Nico’s heart, though he refused to acknowledge it. Nico wanted that. Oh, he didn’t think he’d ever find another female shapeshifter—Lana was the first in many generations—but he wanted that kind of love, that kind of bond with a woman. He and Roland were closer than most brothers, and he knew the extent of the bond between Roland’s soul and his new wife’s. Nico envied that bond. Not in a malicious way, but in a wistful, wishing sort of way.
Lana was a special woman, and a wonderful wife to his often lonely eldest brother. She was also proving to be a magnificent queen. Her heart was open and giving, her soul pure and deep. The people loved her as she was coming to love them and the dragons revered her like no human woman in centuries.
And Riki was her twin.
If any woman could survive the deprecations of being in Lucan’s grasp, it was Riki. Though truthfully, Nico feared for her sanity. She seemed well enough, but he could only guess at the horrors she had seen and experienced as Lucan’s captive. His heart nearly broke just thinking of it, and his was not a soft heart to bleed for every poor creature. Nico was a compassionate man, but not overly demonstrative. He kept his generosity well hidden, lest people try to curry favor with him simply because he had the ear and trust of the king.
Second in line to the throne of Draconia was a strange position. Nico had learned over the years to play his cards very close to his vest. He aided his brother where he could as provider of information, Spymaster and staunch ally. Roland had gained the throne young after the brutal deaths of their parents. There was no question of Nico wanting such responsibility for himself. If, Mother forbid, something happened to Roland and Lana, Nico would step up to the challenge, but he didn’t want it. He would much rather support his brother’s reign.
Roland was a good and just king, surrounded by enemies in difficult times. Nico would use all his skill to see that Roland not only succeeded in protecting the lands, people and dragons of Draconia, but kept his family and loved ones as safe as possible while doing it.
Bringing Riki home to her family was just one of the tasks Nico had undertaken. It might prove to be the noblest thing he’d ever done, but only time would tell. He already knew it was the one thing he’d done, so far in his life, of which he felt proudest.
Oh, he wasn’t taking credit for stumbling over her, but rather he felt pride and wonder in her. Riki was down and beaten, but she clearly had never given up. He was glad he could fly, allowing them to escape easily from the nest of vipers Lucan called a court. Nico was proud he could help her and amazed by the courage of the small woman clinging so desperately to life and probably to her sanity.
Nico flew as long as he dared, but when dawn kissed the sky to the east, he knew it was time to find a safe place to land. His black wings would stand out too much against the day-lit sky. Plus, he was still somewhat drained from the torture session and beating the day before.
While Riki had managed to heal the worst of his hurts, he was not fully cured. Abused muscles protested each sweeping downbeat of his wings while recently healed slashes and burns pulled at his skin both on the surface and beneath. He’d had very little sleep and fatigue was creeping up on him no matter how hard he fought against it.
Riki was probably tired as well and would need a break. Nico had to find a safe place for them to pass the hours of daylight. Until they were able to leave Skithdron behind, they would travel by night, when