Page 59 of The Keeper of the Kingdoms

“Any idea where they went?”

Luka shook his head. “The traders that witnessed it said they took off through the market square, so I went that way and followed the alleyways that led off it, just looking for any evidence, I guess. I ended up back in the square with nothing to show for it, and it was so busy and hot that I ended up stopping for a drink at the tavern there. That’s where I got lucky.”

I was on the edge of my seat as we waited for him to continue.

“There was a group of males talking about how you two,” he paused, glancing at us sheepishly. “‘Dragoned out in the middle of a fucking festival,’ not my words. And apparently, they saw the traders running down to the river. So I finished my drink once I realized that was all they knew and headed for the river.”

“Did you find anything?” I asked.

“No, but I talked to a couple of males bringing in a haul of fish, and they’d seen a boat being hurriedly loaded earlier today, and the description fits. They didn’t know where the boat headed, but they said those males are regulars on the river. So I’m thinking that they might be back once the dust settles.”

“I’ll send a team to stake it out,” Nyx said commandingly.

“Um, no offense, but if the general and his lieutenant ‘dragoning out’ at the scene is the talk of the city, don’t you thinksending a team of flyers down to the river is going to be slightly obvious? You lot kind of stand out.”

“So what do you suggest?” Nyx asked him, shocking me. He was seriously asking.

“I’ll do it. I have nothing else to do. I’ll go unnoticed at least. I might go and see if I can get myself a job down there loading boats or something. That way, I can be there all day without raising suspicion.”

“You’d do that?” I asked. He just kept on surprising me.

“Of course. As I said, I have nothing else to do, so you may as well use me where I can help.”

Nyx looked to me for my opinion and I nodded. “Okay then. Just information gathering, though, no heroics. Tell no one and report only to me or Jaxus. If you find a lead, the flyers will go in.”

“Agreed,” Luka replied, just as the door opened and Zaria entered with a large basket of food.

“What is?” she asked, coming over and setting the basket down on the side table.

“I’m going to be Nyx’s spy!” Luka told her proudly.

Nyx groaned and slapped his palm to his face.

“You’re what?” Zaria demanded,

“What happened to tell no one and report only to Jaxus or me?”

“Surely she doesn’t count as your mate,” Luka argued.

“But as your best friend she won’t like you in danger,” Nyx groaned.

“Will someone tell me what’s going on?” Zaria demanded.

By the time we filled her in and they ate some food, forcing me to eat a little too, I was ready for them to leave. I was just so tired, and I wanted to be alone with Kiera.

They left when the healers came to do their checks and I used the bathing chamber while they were with her. When I returned, she was alone, and I studied her. She was so small in that bedand it physically hurt to not be able to do anything to help except be here.

I had intended to resume my watch at her bedside, but I needed more, so without overthinking it, I lifted the covers and climbed into bed with her. If being in contact with me was what she needed, I was going to hold her all damn night.

TWENTY-FIVE

KIERA

Iwas too warm and comfortable to wake up, like my bed was giving me a hug. But I could hear Gran shuffling about my room and knew it was only a matter of time before she whipped open my curtains and bullied me out of bed to go on some foraging expedition with her. I screwed my eyes shut, ready for the invasion of light, but it never came. I waited until I couldn’t stand the anticipation anymore.

“I don’t wanna get up yet Gran, we can go later.” I mumbled, surprised how thick with sleep my voice sounded.

“Oh, thank the merciful Goddess! Shhh, it’s okay.”