Then ensure she needn’t worry about a thing again.
“So, shall we?” I asked.
“I have a few things I need to say to the general, so yes, let’s go by his office,” Fern replied.
Chapter 36
Fern
This general summons you like a human might a dog?Auren’s outrage was palpable.Get on my back. I’ll fly over to the keep and show this… male exactly who he’s dealing with.We came back here not at his behest, but to find the information we need. We?—
Will let me handle this, I had insisted.
Auren and I, we each had our roles to play. She could break into the keep, hauling the man out by her claw, whereas I… I stood outside the general’s office, ready to make clear what we intended to do in a far less destructive way.
I’d walked back to the keep with Lance by my side, each step more determined than the last. In my mind, I rehearsed what I would say, countering the general’s every reply. Using Auren’s strength, I’d tell him of our plan and insist that he release the silver dragons to us as escorts.
So why was I just standing here, staring at the door?
The sight of all that heavy dark wood, the brass doorknob, it had my heart rate picking up, beating noisily in my ears. My fingers flexed, forming fists, then releasing again. I’d stood just outside a similar door only weeks before, when Father asked tospeak to me about my upcoming courtship. Warmly, firmly, he’d told me about the young men who were coming to meet me and look how that turned out.
My throat convulsed, suddenly dry.
I’d run out of my father’s house, away from men who would tolerate me just so they could get my father’s coin. If I could survive idiots calling me a pig, then there was nothing the general could throw at me that would knock me off balance. With a nod, I raised my hand, ready to knock on the door, only for it to be pulled open.
“Lady Fern!” I was prepared for a lot of things, but the general’s warm tone, his smile, was not one of them. “You’re back. It’s such a pleasure to see you again. Come in, come in.”
With a slow whistle of breath out, I did just that, stepping into the lion’s den.
Why were men’s spaces always so intimidating? The general ushered me into a space that was all wood panelling and intricately printed wallpaper in muted brown tones. A massive bookshelf spanned the whole back wall, but even the books lined up neatly on the shelves weren’t enough to set me at ease.
“You wanted to see me, sir?” I asked, and my hand rose. Was I supposed to salute him, curtsey or—? He noted that and then smiled.
“No need for formality here. Take a seat.” I plopped down into the chair opposite his desk as he brought a tray over. “Now, can I get you a coffee? Tea?” He started placing cups on saucers, then held out a plate brimming with biscuits. “Hazel tells me these coconut biscuits are without compare in all of Nevermere. Would you like one?”
Sitting here and sipping tea as if we were old friends? Gods, no, that was not going to happen.
“Thank you, but no. I think I’d rather talk about why I’m here.”
“Straight to the point, eh?” He poured his own tea and then grabbed a biscuit, taking a bite as he settled back into his chair.Sitting back, he gazed at me as he chewed. “That’s very sensible, and you strike me as a sensible girl.”
He’s trying to appeal to your vanity.Auren’s tone was taut.Though why is being sensible is a compliment?
My lips twitched. I wanted to smile, but instead forged on.
“That’s not what my mother says,” I replied, wishing I had said yes to tea. It’d give my hands something to do other than worry the folds of my skirts. The general noted the movement as he took a sip of his drink. “Flighty, impractical, always got my head in the clouds.” I did smile then. “Little did she know that would be my reality, flying on Auren’s back.”
“About Auren?—”
So he was cutting to the chase too? Good, because I knew what to do now.
“Is only back at the keep to gather knowledge about the ancient queens.”
Interrupting a man, let alone one of the power and stature of the general, was terribly rude, but I didn’t care. I sat taller in my seat, waiting for his reply.
“Ancient queens?”
By his splutter, I’d managed to surprise him. Good, I could use that to my advantage.
