Page 42 of Dragon Blood

“No Aeleftherian politics?” Fiona demanded, eyes narrowed on Astred.

Astred searched her face. “I remember seeing you in the market below the Citadel.”

“Yeah, I came down to the market every time your ship came in with black market goods from the continent.”

“Black market?” Allison’s brows went up.

“Cosmetics, books and magazines, and clothing.” Astred shrugged.

“That the Council disapproved of. Red the Pirate Princess is adored among the younger Aeleftherians that haven’t made it off the island yet.” Fiona laughed.

Kai couldn’t help but smile at that.

Brandi crossed her arms. “So why is the pirate princess here? In our camp? Are you looking for an importing deal?”

Astred held her gaze, voice firm. “No. I said I was here to see Odson. That’s all. If you don’t want the help, that’s fine, I respect that. But I do need five minutes of his time.”

“What’s happened, Astred?”

Astred switched her attention to Odson, pausing before answering. “We have trouble, and I need information. I’ve asked Heidi to reach out to the wardens.”

Odson blanched. “The queen?”

Astred nodded.

“The Consortium?”

“Undetermined.”

“What’s wrong with the queen?” Brandi demanded.

“She’s ill.”

The silence that struck the room rippled over Kai’s skin and senses.

“Is Katoa Koro aware?” Odson’s voice dipped.

“No. That’s why I need you to reach out to them. I don’t want anyone else involved until I figure this out. But I do want them to know what’s going on and be prepared as best they can.”

“Of course,” Odson nodded, expression solemn.

“What do you need?” Brandi finally asked Astred.

Astred shook her head. “Just information from Odson before I go back to Black River. I’m not asking the camp for anything, but you all may need to brace yourselves for the fallout that comes with this.”

Brandi nodded. “We’re aware of the Consortium and their reach, after the last time an Aeleftherian visited us, and that no matter how independent we try to be, they will drag us all together into some serious messes.”

“Let me guess. The Council thought Kai was the reason for your mother’s illness.” Odson looked at Kai.

“Yes. Kolina had me smuggled off the island,” Kai said.

“Shit, you’re not kidding. The Queen’s Honor Guard, aiding and abetting? This isn’t going to go well for her.” Fiona gaped.

“I’ll ensure she’s pardoned once Mother wakes up. I needed Kai.”

Needed.

The vision and Regina’s etched map.

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