“He is,” Audric says, with another fond smile. Then his stern expression returns. “However, Bellamy’s brought back quite the dilemma for Silaise. He obviously wants you to stay, and I’m aware of your rumored desertion. I can’t make promises on Her Majesty’s behalf, but I can facilitate negotiations.”
“Is this the part where you subtly interrogate me?”
“No, this is the part where I ask you directly: what can you offer Silaise?”
Rakos exhales. This is the moment he’s been subconsciously racing towards, ever since Bell woke him up in the waystation dungeon. Rakos decided in that very cell that he wanted nothing to do with a dynasty so willing to throw him away. Nothing he’s learned since of Vana and Irenka’s schemes has changed his mind.
Rakos has already abandoned his homeland and forsworn his vows, turning his feigned desertion into a true betrayal. Does he pledge himself to Draskora’s enemy instead?
Stroking Bell’s soft hair between his fingers, thinking about Sarka watching people from the courtyard, the decision is obvious. “I don’t enjoy putting my dragon in danger. I won’t fight for you. But I can offer information.”
Audric’s eyes flash. It’s a good enough answer, apparently. “I believe Her Majesty will appreciate that. What might you ask in return?”
Rakos considers asking for guaranteed non-interference in his relationship with Bell. But that’s probably unnecessary. Bell is more than stubborn enough to handle his overbearing brothers.
“A safe roost for Sarka,” Rakos says instead. “Somewhere she can fly and hunt. She won’t harass livestock—she’s intelligent. And they eat less than you’d think.”
“That’s a relief,” Audric says lightly. “What about scalestone?”
Rakos sighs. “That won’t be a problem for ten years or so, but it may take that many years to acquire enough through backchannels.” He takes a breath. This conversation alone could get him drawn and quartered in Draskora—explaining scalestone to a Silaisan prince. “Dragons can survive without scalestone, but they need it to nest, which won’t be a problem. They also need it to fly, which will be a problem.”
“I see.” Audric is calm, without putting any pressure on Rakos’s treason. “We don’t have scalestone here. There are means—”
“We do, though,” Bell says sleepily, stirring against Rakos’s side. He braces a thin hand on Rakos’s thigh and props himself up.
Rakos rubs Bell’s arm. “Sorry, sweetheart, did I wake you up?”
“Bell, what do you mean?” Audric asks, leaning in.
Bastard appears in Rakos’s lap, and Bell strokes her sleek fur. Rakos can’t see Bell’s face but hears the smug satisfaction in his voice. “We do have scalestone. Beneath Sandrelle. I think we have alotof scalestone.”
Rakos pauses to make sure he heard that right. “What the fuck?”
Audric stares. “I agree with Captain Rakos.”
Bell yawns and snuggles closer to Rakos. “I’ll explain in the morning. But trust me. Sarka will be fine.”
Maybe the craziest thing about all of this is that Rakos believes him. He’s lost his rank and title. His king and country.
But he has Sarka. He has Bell. That’s all the home he needs.
?
CHAPTER THIRTY
Bellamy
Bellamy spends most of the next few days sleeping, with and without Rakos. One morning, Rakos is out flying with Sarka while Bellamy descends for breakfast. Not alone, though. In the absence of the Third Oathguard, Captain Nadine escorts Bellamy around the castle.
Outside the dining hall, Bellamy finds Julien in deep discussion with a familiar blond figure.
Julien notices Bellamy and beckons. “Bell! Come over here. There’s someone I want you to meet.”
“We’ve met,” Bellamy says, heading over. “It’s nice to see you again, Whisper.”
“I’m happy to see your safe return, Your Highness,” Whisper replies.
“Sorry if I made your job difficult.” Bell covers his mouth and leans towards Whisper, while pointedly speaking loud enough for Julien to hear him. “Feel free to let me know if Julien ever gives you trouble. I know my brother can be a bit of an ass to work for.”
