Palmer swallowed and nodded.“The healers showed it to me.I’ll make sure to register everything I can.”It held information on all the clan dragons, and Palmer would need to add the humans who’d moved in to it.That way, any of the healers would be able to treat anyone who needed it.
Killian turned back to Pearl.“Now, are you going to leave willingly, or do I need to have Marlin and Birch drag the two of you out of the room?”
The dragon standing slightly behind Pearl took a step forward as if to protect her.Marlin and Birch moved quickly, and for a moment, the three dragons stared at each other.Pearl seemed to have had enough, though.She turned and left the room, not looking back once.The dragon with her quickly followed, still glaring around.The door slammed behind him.For a second, the room was silent.
Killian sighed.“All right.Where were we?”
It seemed like the meeting was still on, which was both a relief and made Palmer anxious because everyone turned to him.
He took a deep breath, ready to start.The sooner he did, the sooner he could get out of there.
Chapter Two
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RUNE WAITED AS THEother advisors filed out of the meeting room, watching Palmer gather his notes with careful movements.The human’s hands were steady, but Rune could see the tension in his shoulders.He couldn’t blame him.Pearl’s dramatic entrance had put everyone on edge, and Palmer had been the direct target of her anger, along with Killian.
Rune needed to approach Palmer now, before the human left.Killian had assigned them to work together, which meant Rune had a responsibility to make their partnership work.More than that, though, he wanted Palmer to know that not all of Killian’s siblings shared Pearl’s views.He didn’t want to be lumped in with her and her supporters.
Rune took a deep breath and crossed the room, his footsteps quiet on the stone floor.Palmer looked up as he approached, and for a moment, their eyes met.Palmer’s expression was polite but guarded, and Rune felt a flash of frustration.He knew what that look meant.Palmer was being careful, assessing whether Rune was a threat even though Rune hadn’t done anything to warrant that.
“Palmer,” Rune said, keeping his voice friendly.“I wanted to introduce myself properly.I’m Rune.”
“I figured,” Palmer said, offering a small smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.“It’s nice to meet you.”
“I wanted to say that I’m looking forward to working with you,” Rune continued.He clasped his hands behind his back to keep from fidgeting.“I know that wasn’t the best introduction to Killian’s advisors, but I hope you know that not everyone feels the way Pearl does.”
Palmer’s smile became a bit more genuine, but the wariness didn’t leave his eyes.“I appreciate that.Most dragons here have been welcoming.It’s just a lot to take in sometimes.”
“I understand,” Rune said quickly.Maybe too quickly, because Palmer’s expression shifted slightly, becoming more neutral.Rune resisted the urge to wince.He was trying too hard, and Palmer could probably sense it.“I mean, I can’t fully understand what it’s like to be in your position, but I can imagine it’s difficult.”
“It has its challenges,” Palmer agreed.
Rune tried a different approach.“I have to admit, I don’t know much about healing.Dragon or human.But Killian thinks I can help you navigate the infirmary and the medical archives, so I’m going to do my best.”
“That’s kind of you,” Palmer said.He was still keeping his distance.
It was frustrating.Rune wanted to tell Palmer that he genuinely respected what he was doing, that he thought it was brave to come to the palace and work with dragons when so many humans feared or hated them.He wanted Palmer to know that he wasn’t like Pearl, that he didn’t see humans as inferior or dangerous.But saying all of that would probably come across as desperate or insincere, and Rune didn’t want to make things worse.
“I know this probably feels awkward,” Rune said, deciding to be honest.“Killian assigned us to work together, and after what just happened with Pearl, I’m sure you’re wondering if I share her views.I don’t.I think what you’re doing here is important, and I want to help however I can.”
Palmer studied him for a moment, and Rune held his gaze, letting the human see that he meant what he said.Finally, Palmer’s shoulders relaxed slightly.
“Thank you,” Palmer said, and this time, his tone was warmer.“I appreciate you saying that.And I do want to learn more about dragon physiology and healing.I need to, if I’m going to be useful here.”
“You’re already useful,” Rune said.“Our healers wouldn’t be working with you if they didn’t think so.”
Palmer ducked his head, and Rune caught a glimpse of a smile before it quickly vanished.“Well, I’m still learning, so any help you can offer would be great.”
“When would you like to start?”Rune asked, feeling a surge of relief.This was progress.Palmer wasn’t exactly relaxed yet, but at least he seemed willing to give Rune a chance.
“Tomorrow?”Palmer suggested.“I have a few things to finish up in the infirmary this afternoon, but I should be free in the morning.”
“Tomorrow works for me,” Rune said.“Should I meet you at the infirmary, or maybe the library?”
“The library is fine,” Palmer said.“Around nine?”
“Nine it is,” Rune agreed.He hesitated, then added, “And Palmer?If you ever feel uncomfortable or if there’s anything I can do to make this easier, please let me know.I know I’m probably not the person you would have chosen to work with, but I’m going to do everything I can to make this work.”
