by Naomi Sparks
I frown at his answer. For any other mission, there would be more than enough inactive scouts to accomplish any task. But not this one. I want every inch of the desert combed through, and I want it done quickly. To do that will require me to spend ample resources, but it will be well worth it.
"Pull every scout off their missions. This takes priority," I tell them, keeping my voice even. I don't want either of them to know just how much this matter upsets me, and I don't want them to know just how valuable an asset Saphira is to me.
Both men's eyes go wide, but when I glare at them, they nod and give me a "Yes, sir."
"Good. Then get on with it. I want answers soon." With a wave of my hand, I dismiss them.
Both quickly get to their feet and scurry out of my throne room, neither one daring to look back. I don't need to tell them that if they don't bring me back answers soon, I'll have both of their heads on pikes at the compound's gates.
Once the doors and closed and I'm alone once more, I let out a breath. With them in the room, I didn't even dare think of the last possibility for Saphira's fate, the worst option of all. Worse than finding her dead and losing a valued member of my family.
What if she's fallen into the hands of Aleksander and his Fire Riders?
Aleksander has spurned my advances at every turn, rejecting my offers of peace and compassion for him and his. If he finds Saphira, he will most likely know right away just how valuable of an asset she is. He and his little friends will have the power to keep her contained, even once she's recovered from whatever injuries she sustained.
Saphira is a powerful dragon, but even she cannot compare to the six of them, most especially Aleksander.
If she has fallen into his hands, then we must find her quickly and retrieve her before he can attempt to use her against me. If I have to bring the full force of my empire down upon him, I will. Though I think of him as a son, a man I love as if he is my own, I will not hesitate to stamp out all of them to protect my daughter.
If I have to turn the entire desert into a barren crater, then I will.
I want to dismiss the idea, but I have to consider it. Mentally, I make preparations, thinking of who will need the most time to arrive here once recalled. Despite one battle having just ended, I smell a war brewing, and I vow not to be caught unprepared.
Saphira will return to me, one way or another.
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Thanks for reading!
Bren & Saphira’s story is next!
Prisoner
I may be his captive, but I will never belong to him.
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Naomi Sparks (Exiled Kings Dragon Romance)
Fated — Lex & Hannah’s story
She was meant for me, which means she’s the one woman I can never have.
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Redemption — Faris & Kyra’s story
When he says my name, its like he’s already made me his.
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Survivor — Jerrick & Faith’s story
He’s no angel, but he saved me from hell.
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Betrayed — Galen & Katia’s story
Even if I must go against my entire tribe, I will save this dragon baby.
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Prisoner — Bren & Saphira’s story
I may be his captive, but I will never belong to him.
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Forsaken — Ezra & Saphira’s story
I must trust a dangerous dragon to save my baby.
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