Celina chuckled. “Drake is definitely that. Come with me, and we’ll talk.”
Taking his arm, she led him down a garden passage to a secluded spot that held a bench. It was private enough, and no one could approach them without their notice. He waited for Celina to take a seat before joining her.
“So you’re—”
“Matriarch Blackwood,” Celina said, inclining her head.
Calderran societal structure was a mystery to him beyond the basics—that they were ruled by a queen and their noble families were headed by matriarchs. But his instincts had been right about her being a noble.
Celina fiddled with the dagger on her lap. Did the nervous movement have to do with him or the blade? Although she handled it safely, she seemed uncomfortable with the weapon.
“Planning to attack me?”
“No! Of course not. It’s a family heirloom. Not one I usually carry.” She clasped her hands tightly and cleared her throat. “I didn’t get a chance to ask your name when we danced.”
“Lord Rodric Velton of Eldridge.”
“Rodric.” She said his name as if tasting the finest dessert on her tongue.
The sensuous tone sent a wave of euphoric energy down his spine, and he fought the desire to ask her to say it again.
She smiled at him before her expression turned more serious. “If what you shared last night was true, I believe we can help each other find our missing loved ones. But before we go further, I need to know how you feel about magic.”
Rodric froze. Magic wasn’t outlawed here, but still, her asking about it so openly made his breath still in his lungs. Studying Celina made him realize this was a crucial question, not one of idle curiosity.
“Magic is dangerous. It gets innocent people killed and should be left alone at all costs. I’d prefer not to have anything to do with it. But I also don’t think anyone should be taken, tortured, or killed for it. That’s cruel, despicable, and what I’m trying to rescue Brenna from.” He took her hand. “I’ll do anything to bring her home, Celina. Can you really help me?”
Celina watched him intently before she voiced her decision. “My brother is a warrior in our Lightning Forces, part of an elite reconnaissance team that makes rescuing children like Brenna possible. He was injured on a mission recently, and the military is refusing to retrieve him. They declared him dead, actually. That’s why I was called away last night.”
“Celina…” His heart ached for her, his thumb tracing a soothing path along her hand as his mind worked the final pieces of the puzzle into place. “I’m sorry about your brother. You believe he’s still alive? Do you have a way to find him?”
“I do. Our bond as kin holds us together. It’s how I know he’s still alive. I’m certain I can find him through it, but only if I’m physically close. I need someone—you—to get me close enough so that I can track his lifeforce. You have skills I don’t, and you know the territory in Eldridge.”
“You’re certain he’s in Eldridge?”
“Yes. And he will have the information you need to find Brenna.”
“Let’s say he does. What type of man is he? Will he be willing to help me?”
“Connor is a man of strong character, full of compassion and integrity. He wouldn’t let a child suffer if he had information that would provide immediate help. He’ll understand what’s at stake.”
He hadn’t realized how alone he’d felt, how much he needed the support of someone who fully understood. Her compassion warmed him, physically expanding in his chest to melt the remainder of his tension, a measure of hope taking its place.
“Celina, I’d like to join forces with you, but what if Connor was nowhere near where I lost her trail? His mission could have taken him in the opposite direction of where Brenna was taken. Eldridge is a huge realm, over twice the size of Calderre. If that’s the case, it may be too late by the time we get to her.”
“Yes, that is a possibility.” She surprised him by agreeing with the worst-case scenario. “Come with me to the center of operations for the refugee program.”
By heritage alone, he was not exactly a friend to their goals. She would be taking a huge risk by bringing him to the compound.
“I know one of the commanders there. Let him vet my plan and confirm that Connor was in proximity to where you lost Brenna’s trail. That’s where anyone helping you would need to start.”
“And if he deems it not worthwhile or your brother was elsewhere?”
“Then I’ll convince him to put a Lightning Team on your case. They’re your best chance to save her, and he has the authority to do it. But Rodric, if they take it on as an official mission, they won’t let you assist them. The military has strict protocols.”
That was exactly what he was afraid of. He needed to be on the ground searching for her, not waiting on someone else, elite military or not. If Celina’s plan failed, he could set her up with Sev as a guide in Eldridge easily enough. But what would he do about Brenna? Hiring someone with usable skills but no knowledge of the way these kidnappers worked wouldn’t do him much good.
Celina and her brother might be his best option. His only option if he wanted to be the one hunting for Brenna.
