Page 35 of Dragon Blood

He swam toward the island to meet his guide, not expecting Astred’s familiar form to be the one to greet him, expression grim.

Chapter 13

Handoverherracingheart, Astred watched from the cool shade amid the palm trees and tropical flora as Kai emerged from the ocean, gaze seeking.

So much more could go wrong—was already going wrong.

Is this the right move?

He would never know how relieved she was to see him, or how many times she’d forced herself to stay away from his room these last few days.

How many times, she nearly gave into the need to seek comfort in his arms, as she used to do.

She succeeded only because she reminded herself that she no longer had the right. He’d made that clear on the beach when he’d said goodbye. Something she hadn’t even afforded him.

Astred knew, deep down, that he’d never close the door in her face. It wasn’t his way.

All she’d have to do is ask.

I can’t.

Waiting for his approach, her fingers slid over the scales protecting the most vulnerable point of her torso.

She couldn’t know anything more than what the vision had shown her.

That Kai was linked to whatever she needed to do to save her mother and her people.

The vision made that clear.

They barely spoke as she led him to the Crimson Claw, awaiting them in a narrow inlet, sails furled.

Aboard, she wasted no time issuing orders to her crew, as she strode toward the quarters her mother had occupied during the journey from Perenga’s island to Aeleftheria.

At the threshold, hands on hips, she scanned the small but comfortable bunk where Regina had fallen ill.

Is Kai the problem or the solution?

That part of the vision wasn’t so clear.

He hadn’t been the last to see her mother before her illness struck, but Astred couldn’t shake the accusations council matrons had hurled, calling for his imprisonment and execution.

Their answer to every problem that involved males appearing on the island.

It was all she could do to stall them, until she finally asserted her regency status, right before arranging for Kai to be moved along the underwater smuggling caverns.

They won’t be happy I’ve disappeared.

She rubbed a hand over the back of her neck.

They’ll be frothy, and no doubt assume that Kai has somehow managed to kidnap me and be out for blood.

At least my absence hinders their power, somewhat.

I hope.

Her hand slid over her chest as her eyes flicked over every inch of the room, doubts slamming into her conscience.

I should be by Mamma’s side, representing her in her absence. I’ve left Aeleftheria without a captain—a queen.

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