I flipped through the pages. Something caught my eye. “Wait. I know this mark.” I tapped the page over a red symbol of a feather in a circle. “This is the mark of an Okon tribe. The Crimson Feathers.” I handed the page to the King. “Now, I know why I recognize this smell.” I lifted the leather binder and sniffed. “Yes, it's him. Chief Nahel of the Crimson Feathers. He came to Bara's home for dinner several times.”
“An Okon chief?” The Dragon King leaned back, his forehead creasing. “Okons don't deal in slaves.”
“Most don't.” I swallowed past the dryness in my throat, the image of the muscular Okon chief coming to mind to taunt me. My hands trembled so badly that the papers began to rustle. I shoved them into the folder and tossed it into the box.
“Eliel?” The King narrowed his eyes. “How well do you know this man?”
“Not well.”
“And yet your hands shake when you speak of him.”
I clenched my hands into fists. “He tried to buy me from Bara.”
The King's left eye twitched. “Did he?” He set the paper on the portfolio. “Thank you, Eliel.”
“Why are you thanking me?”
“Since we've met, I've been so frustrated. My chest aches with hatred for Bara. I burn with it! I want so badly to kill him, but you deserved the kill more. I'm glad you took his life. I'm very glad that he's dead. Still, this anger has festered.” He set his gaze on me and grinned, but it was a vicious smile. “Now it has an outlet.”
“Nahel never touched me,” I whispered.
“No, but he wanted to. He didn't just lust after you. He tried to own you. And for that, he will die.”
I shivered, my jaw falling open. But, strangely enough, my fear vanished. Under that harsh, avenging grin, I flourished. Bloomed. I felt cherished. Worthy of being avenged. It was probably wrong of me to feel that way. Maybe I'd been more twisted by Bara than I knew. But the King's vow pleased me. He pleased me greatly.
“May I help you catch him, Your Majesty?”
King Raventar grinned wider. “I'm counting on it.”
Chapter Nine
The next morning, I awoke feeling stronger. Rising from my bed like an unfurling flower, I stretched my wings. My broken wing still ached. It wasn't ready for flight yet, and it still needed the brace. But it would heal, and suddenly, I felt like my mind might heal too. Helping the Dragon King the day before had felt like a revelation to me. How had I forgotten the work I used to do at home? My family had grown vegetables, and I helped with planting, caring, and harvesting. I wasn't helpless. There was more to me than my face. I was capable of so much. I knew that now. Or rather, I hoped for it.
After my morning routine, I got dressed. A knock came at my door right on schedule. Hurrying toward the door, I smiled, and my wings rustled. I was eager to see King Raventar. Maybe I could help again today. I didn't even glance in the mirror as I passed. I had more to offer than my beauty.
I flung open the door.
King Raventar blinked at the bold action. “Good morning, Eliel.”
“Good morning, Your Majesty.” I started to step into the corridor, but he stopped me with a lifted hand.
In that hand was a leather satchel. “You need to pack. We're leaving today.”
“Leaving?” I stepped back. “Where are we going?”
He grinned. “We're hunting Nahel. I've learned where the Crimson Feathers camp.”
“Oh.”
“Unless you prefer to stay here?” He lowered the satchel.
“No!” I cleared my throat and tried again. “No, I'd like to help.”
“Good.” He handed me the bag. “Then pack your necessities. I'll wait here.”
I hurried to my closet and packed some clothes. Then I headed into the bathroom for my personal care items. Everything went into the bag, thrown in with little care. It took me only a few minutes to return to him.
Leaning against the doorframe, the King took up the entire passageway. His grin made my heart race. It was different today. Mischievous and a little wicked. He was so much larger than Bara had been. So alive. Vital. He made Bara look like . . . well, nothing. Bara was dead. Bara was dead, and I was helping the Dragon King destroy everything he had built. I smiled back at the King, feeling a little wicked myself.
