Page 104 of Exquisite Monster

Ifeltthe realization when they looked at Lena. She was understanding what she hadn’t before. Idroal wasn’t merely an older dragon who had an invaluable skill and had seen many things. Theywereconnected. They heard things others couldn’t, and more than that, they knew dragons everywhere.

Living in Skalisméra was more than a preference for them. It was self-preservation. To the Elders they were athreat. They knew too much, and the fact that the Elders hadn’t yet killed them was evidence enough of how valuable they’d made themselves.

Now, they knew something before it reached Doro Eche. They had a network that spread across the continent. Like they had been waiting for the world to change just enough that action could be taken. That was my realization too. They had been waiting for this moment longer than we could imagine.

My brothers weren’t far behind my thoughts. Zovai’s eyes sharpened. “You’re having the barrier watched?”

“We,” they said to Lena before moving their gaze to Zovai, “and of course.”

Lena began to fidget, so I pulled her in, sitting her next to me so I could calm her nerves with my presence and touch. Little things I never dreamed would matter before we met.

“Once I was informed who was at the barrier, we made sure they were not discovered by those who would bring them harm.”

Lena’s brow furrowed. “Do humans often cross the barrier?”

Karadi stood and moved to be closer to Sotai. “Sometimes. Those who want fame and glory by risking their lives. Some who merely get lost. Rarely more than that.”

“So why does this group matter?” Lena’s voice was nervous. “Is it Andaros?”

Idroal smiled. “No, it is not. This small group of humans consists of the Prince of Trutis, the Prince of Zastea, and the Princess of Denao. They had one, and only one, goal.” Shock rolled through the room like a physical blow. No one moved or breathed. Human royalty entering dragon lands wasn’t the same as scavengers or the curious. It was a choice.

“What goal?” Endre asked.

“They want to speak to the Heirs of the dragons,” they said, eyes landing on Lena. “And their human mate.”

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

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ENDRE

Iglanced between Idroal, Lena, and the others. Every face was a different shade of shock and disbelief. Lena gasped. “What?”

“They are on their way,” Idroal said, “and will be here tomorrow. If you refuse to meet, we will simply turn them around and send them on their way.”

Lena’s thoughts raced. It felt like a bubbling creek pouring through the mating bond. I couldn’t help but smile. She was trying to examine it from every angle. I didn’t know exactly what she’d said in that throne room. We hadn’t gotten that far, mostly focusing on our captivity, but whatever she did clearly worked if the humans were approaching us.

Or, it could be a trap.

Sirrus was there. “Do you have confidence they seek us out in good faith?”

“Yes.”

Zovai frowned. “How?”

“They brought weapons, but only steel. No scalefire. They agreed to leave their weapons behind for the meeting. Beyond that…” they paused. “They show no signs of deception. Desperation, maybe. But I do not believe they mean you harm. If they did, they would have no reason to risk their own lives.”

My eyebrows rose. That was brave of them, and it did speak to their honesty. What their true motive was? Time would tell.

There was very little to decide. We needed to speak with them. If there was any chance of a shift in mindset, we needed to take it, or end up at the same impasse we’d been pressed against for the last three hundred years.

Lena sighed and looked at Zovai. “Do you think the clothes are ready? As much as I enjoy wearing your clothes, if we’re meeting royalty, I’d like some that fit.”

Erryn moved from her place in the corner. The dragon had always been quiet and observant. So much so that she faded into the background. “I shall retrieve them.”

“Are you sure?”

She smiled. “I need to stretch my wings. And if we are preparing for a journey, there are supplies we will need.”