The Hidden Princess: Kingdom's Fate (book three)

Chapter Seven: We Can Send An Army

"I get Rowen coming, as he knows the people and land, but why Nate?" Alakay asked. The list of who would be going to Nivetara had been shared and we were now sitting, discussing it.

"Trust me, that final spot was not an easy choice. In the end it came down to who knows La Fray. Nate was raised by him and knows him better than any of us. He will be able to help us understand where our uncle is and what his plan might be," I said.

"I still don't see why we can't go with Kole's plan. Why bother going with King Syrus when we could just charter our own ship and fill it with all the Dragons," James said. He and Kole had argued that they should go as well, with nods from a handful of other Dragons.

Nodding, I turned to him. "We did talk through that option. Maybe not all Dragons, but a ship of our own. In the end it came down to diplomacy. Although our main goal is finding La Fray, we are also trying to smooth things over with Nivetara. If we show up with a ship full of warriors, that sends the wrong message," I explained.

"Sam's right. We have gone down every path and each one is a dead end except the one we are on. I don't like it any more then you all, but Sam has come up with countless points of why this is the only way. As Dragons we must do all we can to support her. Not only is she family, but we must remember she is our queen, our very own Dragon Queen" Erik said, speaking for the first time from his spot beside Chloe.

"She isn't the same little girl that you took under your wings over three years ago. She has bloomed into a courageous and strong young woman," Chloe said, smiling up at me.

"And she's as red as a tomato now," Kole laughed as the compliments brought a blush to my cheeks.

I glared at him kicking dirt in his direction. "Yet another reason I'm leaving you lot behind!" I said shaking my head.

"You love us and you know it," Alakay said, leaping at me and pulling me close. I struggled in his arms, but he had me pinned. He laughed as he swung me around.

"Maybe I should take Luke instead of you," I said, steadying myself when he finally let me go.

He grinned, shaking his head. "May I remind you that he has been your enemy countless times! Like on our week long trial or the time he kidnapped me!"

"Or when he and I kidnapped you on your birthday," Rowen said laughing as he was shoved to the ground by Luke.

A week later, I groaned as I sat down for breakfast. "Morning obstacle course hit you that hard?" Rowen asked, sitting down beside me.

"Surprisingly it went pretty smooth. I'm just dreading having to go over to Alex's and telling him the plan," I explained.

Kole's eyes widened. "Wait! Alex doesn't know you are heading to Nivetara in two weeks?" he questioned.

Shaking my head, I sighed. "No, he doesn't. They were on a trip when all of this was decided. I'm spending the day with them and informing them of all that has happened," I said.

"Maybe if you eat really slowly you won't have to go," James teased as I pushed the food on my plate around.

"Maybe you should put yourself in my shoes and imagine telling your older, very protective brother, that you are heading to a forign country that currently doesn't like you and hunting down a man that wants you dead. Then seeing that it is the kindest and most gentleman-like offer to take my spot," I said.

James quickly shook his head. "Yeah, no thanks. Those aren't shoes I want to step into. You got those filled!" he said catching the roll that was aimed at his head. He grinned as he ate it.