It just wasn’t right, and he didn’t know how to cope with the loss of her, so he refused to.
For now.
“I appreciate it.” It was all he could think of to say. It was so paltry, especially given everything they’d been through.
He glanced around the yard and noticed the curious onlookers who were keeping their distance while trying to figure out why the three of them were friends.
“How are you doing?” Dash asked Dove.
Dove shrugged. “Haven’t killed anyone today. But there’s always tomorrow.”
That was probably the best he could do, and Dash was amazed at his restraint. Just as he was amazed that Dove had returned home. None of them were still sure why he’d come back, given everything the elves had done to him and his mother.
But that was the thing about Dove. He didn’t share his feelings or his thoughts very often.
Chrys stretched her wings. “Anything you want me to tell the others, Sire?”
“Be careful. We’ll be there as soon as we can. Until we join them, stay low.”
“And tell Aderyn to stay out of my room,” Ryper said petulantly.
Dash scowled. “Something I need to know?”
“Not really.”
Why didn’t he believe that?
Maybe because it was an unwarranted comment. There was definitely something odd between them, but he was too tired to delve into it right now, and knowing Ryper, he wouldn’t elaborate even if he beat the shite out of him.
So, Dash let it go. He carefully stroked her head. “You be careful, too, Chrys.”
She inclined her head to him. “And you.” With that, she launched herself from his shoulder and took flight.
Dash watched her vanish into the darkness.
As soon as she was gone, Ryper draped an arm around his shoulders. “So... what about the dragon?”
“Don’t you even.”
Ryper tsked at him. “I thought you’d sworn to never jeopardize your wizard powers.”
Dove laughed.
Dash ground his teeth over their teasing. “Both of you stop before I forget what I owe you, and I gut you where you stand.”
Ryper moved away and held his hand up. “I’ll say no more, Dash. But you know how hard won the truce between the dragons and unicorns has been.”
Yes, he did. And they already had a war brewing with the centaurs. Last thing he needed was for another one to start with Tanis’s father.
Which made him curious about something. “I have one question for you?”
Ryper arched a brow. “That is?”
“Are we sure the wanted poster is false? Or are there seven kingdoms actually rebelling against me and coming together to offer a bounty for my head? And if there are seven, which ones are they?”
Dove and Ryper exchanged a thoughtful grimace before Ryper answered. “Thirteen kingdoms. We can strike out Licordia, Tenmaru, Alarium, Pagos and Indara. That leaves eight kingdoms, with the centaurs currently sitting on your throne.”
“So, what I’m hearing from you, Ryp, is that I should have been a kinder, gentler monarch.”
