“Two darts,” another student said as he joined his friend.
“That’s why you’ve recovered slower than Jakab.”
“Once they’d subdued you and Jakab, they escorted the woman to the dungeons.”
“My bloody parents,” Leo said. “I underestimated them. I thought Gwenyth would be safe with me. If they kill her, so help me.” His hands curled to fists. “I’ll visit them. Demand they release her.”
“No,” Jakab said. “Stay away from your parents. If they realize how much you care for her, they might issue a kill order.”
A chill struck Leo as he considered his friend’s declaration. Would his parents kill an innocent human? They hadn’t before, although they’d ordered soldiers to run humans and lower dragons out of the castle. Killing a human... He paused, his brow wrinkling while he cast back his mind. He wasn’t positive since his parents typically ignored him. His older brothers might have a better idea. Not that facing them was more palatable than approaching his parents.
“Does anyone have a clue of why my parents want me to wed Nandag, The Strongminded? I don’t understand why they’re so determined on the betrothal. Why not one of my older brothers? They have far greater standing than me. The three of them live at the castle and involve themselves in various family money-making enterprises. That’s the part of this that surprises me.”
Jakab stroked his nose. “That’s the thing. I’ve heard nothing. No gossip. No rumors. No speculation. I’m aware they’re planning a ball, but the purpose never reached me. My sister works in the kitchen. She told me Telus informed them visitors were arriving. The butler issued each department with a list of duties and the various functions they were to prepare for. Secrecy surrounds Nan’s visit.”
Leo eyed the younger dragons who were loitering and eavesdropping on their conversation. He drew Jakab farther away. “This smacks of blackmail. That’s the one reason that might force my parents to act in this manner.”
Jakab tapped his chin. “Either that or Nan and her family have something your parents covet.”
“I wonder if my brothers are involved,” Leo mused. “The reasons don’t matter. If I don’t prize Gwenyth from the dungeon, our marriage won’t mean a thing.”
“You care for her.”
“She is my mate, Jakab.” Leo didn’t explain further since he wanted Jakab to believe the bond between Leo and Gwenyth was solid. The last thing he needed was for everyone to discover their marriage was fresh, and their relationship tenuous.
Jakab stared at him, the gold of his dragon displayed in his widened eyes. “I thought mates were tales our elders told to make us careful in choosing a partner. A fallacy like pink unicorns.”
“It’s hard to explain. She fascinates my dragon half, and we both experienced the solid click inside when we first met Gwenyth. If we’re with her, the world is better. Brighter.” His brow wrinkled. “I sound like a sap but having Gwenyth at my side is pure magic.”
“I heard mates can speak with each other via thought. That will help.” Excitement flashed through Jakab, and he eyed Leo in clear anticipation.
“I’ve tried to communicate,” Leo said. “My dragon and I hear nothing but silence.”
Jakab scratched his chin. “Perhaps it’s because she’s a human.”
“Or it might be the distance between us. None of the tales I heard about mates explained the finer details. We were given broad strokes.”
“True. What are you going to do?”
“I’ll visit the kitchen and the other castle departments where I have allies. Ask questions and gather information to come up with a viable plan.”
“And if that fails?”
Leo straightened his shoulders. “If that fails, I’ll rally an army and attack. Iwillget my wife back.”
“And if anyone harms her, we’ll tear them limb from limb.”His dragon emphasized his thought with three rapid puffs of smoke.
Jakab barked out a laugh. “I take it your dragon is exerting his opinion.”
“He is. I must go. Speed is of the essence.”
“Wait.” Jakab grasped his elbow to halt him. “If you require help, ask. I have men loyal to me. Dragons who know us both and will fight for what is right.”
“Thanks. That means a lot.”
“One more thing. My brother is a guard at the dungeon. He wasn’t with the group who took your mate, but he’ll know where they’ve imprisoned her. I’ll visit him to learn what I can. Once you’re done, return here to compare notes.”
Leo’s throat tightened, the offer of trust and friendship one that almost unmanned him. He managed a clipped nod before he departed. Leo hoped Jakab understood how much his friendship meant to him.
