“You’ll be putting your lives in danger. Once I free Gwenyth, the chances are I’ll need to move to Perfume or Smoking Isle to keep us safe.”
“Build a large home and a battlefield,” Jakab said with a broad grin. “Those who need to can seek sanctuary with you at your new place.”
“You have it planned.”
“Can you think of a better one?” Jakab asked.
Leo considered all that Jakab had said. “You’re right about most residents not knowing what is going on. The more I learn, the more the events here at the castle worry me.”
A junior servant trotted across the field to them. Leo and Jakab ceased their discussion once they spotted him.
“Yes?” Leo demanded.
The young dragon avoided Leo’s gaze.
“You wanted something,” Leo prodded.
“Mr. Telus bade me remind you of your appointment with the tailor. He said it was on your list.”
“I have clothes,” Leo snapped.
“Tell Telus Leo will be there soon,” Jakab said and waved away the dragon. He waited until the servant had almost disappeared. “It strikes me the tailor’s appointment might yield information. What else is on Telus’s list?”
Leo pulled the forgotten list from his pocket and flattened it enough to peruse. “The tailor, the dance master.” He rolled his eyes. “The barber.”
Jakab nodded. “All tradesmen who visit the castle and ply their trade at the dragon township. Chat with them. You might strike gold.”
Leo wrinkled his nose. “I do not gossip.”
“Not even to save your mate?”
Leo sighed. “I’m off to my appointment with the tailor. I hope my parents don’t expect me to pay for this.”
“Do you know their financial situation?”
“I’ve never been interested,” Leo said.
Jakab nodded. “I might seek a few of my fellow trainers and ask if they’d be interested in taking a trip to town this evening. I was thinking dinner at the Barbecue Shack and drinks at a pub. Preferably one your brothers favor. Would you like to join us?”
“It’s a plan.” Leo decided a reconnoiterof the town and chatting with the locals, his old friends and acquaintances might bear fruit. He hated to think of the pain and fear Gwenyth was facing now.
And if the rumors were true, she’d be cold and hungry.
Terrified.
“If I can’t get away, I’ll send you a message.”
Leo worked his way through his list of chores before it was time to meet Nan and her entourage. Frustration boiled in his gut, his anger growing as Telus inspected his appearance. The butler circled Leo before he gave his approval to the servant chosen to dress Leo for the meeting. By Lodar, he could clothe himself.
By the time Telus had arrived, Leo was ready to explode.
“You will do,” Telus said. “When Nan arrives, stand with your parents and remain silent. Your father and mother will take care of welcoming speeches. You may speak with Nan at the ball tomorrow night.”
By Lodar!What was going on here? His parents and Telus were moving him around like a piece on a chessboard. The parents who ignored him until it suited them.
“Will my brothers be present?” He forced a casual tone while tension roiled in both him and his dragon.
“They will be there,” Telus informed him. “Everyone is meeting in the Flame room. Remain standing. I do not wish your clothes to crease. You must create a favorable impression.”
