Destroyers and the Dragons

Page 22

      "I might have a girl that fits your needs," she says.

     "Good have her clean their rooms. Make sure she's there when he's there and then catch them in the act. His father will do the rest," I say with a smirk.

     "Are you sure?" Rose asks.

     "It will solve two problems. One, he will no longer be able to court me. Two, he'll have to leave and get ready for the binding ceremony. Thus ridding us of him and the rest of them. I can send my uncle a letter with Nelax and be able to recuperate in peace here until you tire of me and send me away."

     "You do plan things well and you have truly earned your reputation," Rose says. "Just promise me one thing, don't ever turn those thoughts on me."

     "Only if you become my enemy," I retort smiling as she hugs me.

     "Good then we have a deal," she straightens herself and rolls me back into the keep and up to my room. I am surprised to find Evergreen waiting for us.

     "I thought I'd read you more of the Ice Queen," he says.

     "I want to listen too," Rose whines.

     "Fine, little sister you can listen too," Evergreen says with a smile. Rose tucks me into the bed and then sits next to me as Evergreen starts where he left off.

     I wake in the morning to the guards yelling outside my door. I sit up grabbing the knife from under the pillow where I put it every night as Nelax charges through the door, the guards right behind him.

     "We told you that you couldn't come in here without Rose or Evergreen. The patient is healing," one of them says.

     "It is okay," I say putting the knife down. "He is a friend."

     "But the King said," the other one says.

     "Tell Evergreen to relax a little," I retort smiling. "Nelax what do you need?"

     "I wanted to make sure you were okay," he says awkwardly.

     "And you can see that I am fine and healing well. In fact I was hoping you would take my uncle a letter for me when you return to the plains. I will be here a while longer."

     "Why?" Nelax demands in frustration.

     "I lost a lot of blood during the fight and am still weak," I say quietly. "Rose is the healer here and she won't let me leave until I am fully healed."

     "You could leave with us," he says stubbornly.

     "And who would help me on the plains?" I snap. "Do you think I want my clan to see me weak as I am?" Nelax pales and manages not to answer. "No, it is best for me to stay here where my delay can be blamed on gentle souls worried about their savior's health. So you may leave when you are ready. I will return when I am ready."

     "I will let them know," Nelax says in defeat.

     "Stay a few more days and witness the crowning of the King," I say.

     "I will ask my father," he says and retreats out my door. I can hear the guards snickering as they follow him down the stairs. I sigh and close my eyes wishing all my problems will disappear. I open my eyes to find Rose and Evergreen studying me.

    "Thank you for inviting a bunch of plains men to my coronation," Evergreen says with amusement.

     "I have a plan in mind and wished them to stay a little longer," I say cautiously.

     "You aren't planning on killing me?" Evergreen teases.