Page 78 of The Keeper of the Kingdoms

“You know we don’t like outsiders here,” she warned.

“Does anyone?”

“We especially don’t like dragons.” She shot back.

“I assure you, I am not like other dragons you’d find in the First Kingdom. I wasn’t raised there,” I worded everything I said carefully. To give the littlest information without leaving room for questions I couldn’t answer. “My people are more akin to yours than how they are in the First Kingdom. We have our own ways of doing things.”

She nodded, digesting my words. “I really like him.” She turned to Kiera. “Don’t expose him to the others if you can help it.”

Kiera tucked her hands in her pockets. “He’s a friend. I’m not just going to leave him in the treehouse all day.”

Gran raised her eyebrows. “You know what Casimir will say.”

Kiera blew out a breath, flipping her hair away from her face. “I don’t care what he or anyone else has to say.

Gran laughed, almost conspiratorially. “That’s my girl.”

“What does she mean?”I asked silently.

“It’s nothing.”

Gran scoffed like she could hear us. “Is that why you stayed away as long as you did?”

“You know there aren’t enough of us in the cities. I have the work of at least five healers.”

“That is not our concern. You know our ways.” Her words didn’t seem to be unkind, but there was an edge to them that told of a long-running issue.

“I have to be there, just like my parents do.”

“They always were too sympathetic.” Gran’s words weren’t upset, more resigned. “They gave their lives, but you don’t have to.”

“I do now,” Kiera snapped back, then sighed. “Sorry, I don’t mean it like that. The thing is, I have a bond with Jaxus, Gran. I’m not only a healer. I’m a ryder now, too. Things have changed for me. I’ve had a setback, but once I’m better, I’ll have to start working that role into my already busy life. I can’t just decide to move back home. It’s more than purely my work in the First Kingdom now. There are laws for the flyers. I’m still adjusting to the idea myself. but it’s how things are and they will have to accept it, just as I have.”

Gran’s eyes flashed with something I couldn’t read. “All we can do is face it.” She smirked. “Bring him to dinner tomorrow.”

“Do you think that’s a good idea?!” Kiera gasped.

Gran shrugged. “I like a little chaos. It’s been boring here for far too long without you, my favorite Firefly.” She pulled Kiera into a hug.

“I’m here to relax, not cause a fight.” She scoffed, leaning into the hug. “Thank you for opening up the house for me.”

“You’re welcome. It’s good to have you home, child, even if it’s only for a little while.”

“It’s good to be here. I’ve missed it dearly.” Kiera looked more relaxed already.

Gran leaned on her walking stick, eyeing me. “You know the clan will not approve.” she addressed Kiera once again as if I wasn’t there.

“I know. I didn’t bring him here for that—” Kiera cut herself off.

“Then why did you bring him here?”

“He brought me.” Kiera wasn’t exactly lying, but she wasn’t giving her the full truth.

“I see through you, child. When you are ready, come speak to me.” The little fae moved faster than one her age should be able to, and we were left alone.

“What did she mean?” I asked.

“Healers don’t like outsiders.” Kiera kept her words clipped.