Lily of the Desert (Silver and Orchids Book 4)

by Shari L. Tapscott

  Falene lets us into the room. The king lies atop his grand bed, mumbling in his sleep. His skin is gray and has a vaguely translucent look to it, showing the blue veins underneath.

  “How are you going to convince Flink to use his element?” Avery asks quietly.

  I shake my head. I have no idea.

  Flink sticks his snout up in the air, sniffing the chamber. He tugs against his tether, but I hold firmly to it until I can figure out a plan.

  Gorin and Falene stand near the head of the bed, anxious. Falene looks at her father. “Are you sure this won’t hurt him?”

  “It might be painful—I’m afraid I can’t say,” I answer, studying the frail king. “But it won’t cause him harm.”

  The princess nods. “Go ahead then.”

  Right.

  I unclip Flink’s lead, still thinking of ways to coax him into using his element. When he was tiny, all it took was the slightest fright. He’s not so easy to intimidate anymore.

  To my great shock, once free, the dragon immediately walks over to the king, alert. He circles him several times, sniffing.

  “What’s he doing?” Avery asks.

  I shake my head. “I haven’t the slightest idea.”

  After several long moments, Flink stops and cocks his head, studying King Azel. The man takes a shuddering breath, exhaling a lungful of air right into Flink’s face. The dragon steps back, shaking his head as if disgusted. Once he collects himself, he leans over the king, stares at him for several moments, and then—without thinking twice—breathes out a golden, sparkling flame.

  Just like that.

  Falene hides her face, terrified for her father. But I watch, shocked that my bumbling pet instinctively knew to use his element. After the dragon’s work is finished, he flicks his tail and wanders about the room, looking for golden souvenirs.

  Before our eyes, the curse falls away from the king. His skin tightens, and the color returns to his face. Hair that was thin and white thickens and turns black with a dusting of gray. The age spots fade, leaving him looking like a man of middle years should.

  Falene’s father blinks, understandably groggy, but his eyes are sharp and clear. His forehead knits as his gaze travels over us, but his expression softens when he finds Falene.

  Overcome, the princess embraces him. “It worked.”

  Her father’s eyes shift to Gorin. “How?”

  Gorin bows, respectful, and explains who we are and why the king is alive and well. Before he can finish, Falene tells him of Daniel’s treason.

  He stares at us all, watching something that we cannot see.

  “The colors are a side effect, Your Majesty,” I say, taking a guess at what’s troubling him. “They’ll fade with time.”

  Azel nods slowly, happy to simply be alive. He thanks us profusely, and then we take our leave. The three have much to discuss. I only hope the king will keep his word and give his blessing so Falene and Gorin may marry.

  News of the king’s recovery spreads quickly, and soon we are mobbed with people. They congratulate and thank us, looking at us with the same reverence people tend to bestow upon siren slayers. Just another day’s work, I suppose.

  We find our way back to the caravanserai, where I plan to sleep for at least a week. Then we’ll go back to Kalae, back home.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  All the Time in the World

  The green cliffs of Bellaray loom in the distance. They call to me, promising respite from the desert heat, the dry, parched air, and Elrija’s poisonous inhabitants. We’re almost to the border village of Bale Traore. Soon, we’ll be back in Kalae. I let the sheer curtain drop and rest against the soft cushions of the royal carriage.

  Gorin and Falene sent us off with many thanks and an invitation to their wedding in four months’ time. I’m quite sure we won’t make it, but I wish them all the happiness in the world.

  I set my hand on my stomach. I am fourteen weeks now, and I swear I’ve felt flutters. It’s a strange sensation, terrifying but amazing, and suddenly it feels very real.

  Prince Daniel was sent back to Guilead, disgraced. King Azel made it quite clear there would be no alliance between Elrija and the small kingdom, and if Daniel so much as sets foot in Elrija again, the prince will be executed on the spot.

  Glenna, Falene’s handmaid, was exiled as well, but we promised we’d find her a job in Kalae where she can start anew. As we travel, she stares out the window on the other side of the carriage. She’s spoken very little, but I think she knows exile was a small punishment for her crime.

  The carriage rolls to a stop once we reach Bale Traore. We’ll take the Kalaen coach from here to a village in Bellaray where Gregory is supposed to meet us with Avery’s carriage. From there, we’ll part ways with Yancey and Esme, and then Sebastian, Adeline, Avery, and I will travel to my home village of Silverleaf to break the news of my marriage to my parents and Avery’s grandmother. I’m sure it will go swimmingly.

  We filter out, into the scorching sunshine one last time.

  Esme wanders a few yards from the carriage and stares at the desert. I wonder if she’ll miss it when she’s in Kalae. Gorin forgave her for the part she played, but there is still a rift between them. After many late-night discussions, she decided to come to Kalae with us as well, or more specifically, Eromoore. She and Yancey have found something with each other, something happy, perhaps something they can build a future on.

  For the first time, the alchemist smiles more than he scowls. He even laughs on occasion—though it’s a terrifying sound. Still, even with Yancey by her side, it’s likely difficult for Esme to leave her home kingdom.

  We give her a moment to say goodbye to the desert, and I turn to the luggage rack to retrieve Flink. He’s pouted since Kysen Okoro, and he stopped eating two days ago in protest.

  I know he’s reluctant to leave the desert, but he’ll feel better once he’s home—I’m sure of it.

  The dragon slumps from the luggage rack and falls to his belly, kicking up a good cloud of dust.

  “Come on now,” I say, nudging him with my toe. “That’s just pathetic.”

  He doesn’t move. In fact, the only sign of life he gives is a loud, drawn-out sigh. Rolling my eyes, I leave him be and let him come to terms with our departure in his own mopey way.

  “The coach will be here shortly,” Avery says as he joins me by the fountain. He sets his arms on either side of what used to be my waist and kisses me lightly. “How are you feeling?”

  “I’m ready to leave Elrija.”

  “I’m not sure everyone agrees.” He nods toward Flink. The dragon’s lying exactly where I left him, eyes staring longingly at the foothills.

  As we watch, he perks his head up, listening to something in the distance. Suddenly, he jumps to his feet, more lively than he’s been in days.

  And then I see them, the small group of lesser dragons cresting the hill. The rose-colored female leads the group. They must have traveled day and night, just to say goodbye to Flink.

  They call to him, not daring to come closer to the small village. He turns to me, torn. He watches me for several long moments, and a lump begins to build in my throat.

  “Come here, Flink,” I call.

  He swings his head back toward the dragons, watching them for several moments.

  And that’s when I realize it; he’s choosing Elrija. I think I knew from the beginning he was going to, but there was that hope that he would stay with me.

  Avery puts his arm around my shoulders and tugs me close. “He’s a dragon, Lucia. A real dragon—not a munchkin. This might be for the best.”

  I blink quickly, trying to fight the sadness clawing at my chest. It’s the pregnancy, that’s all. I cry at everything.

  But I’m fine.

  Fine.

  I leave Avery, needing to say goodbye to Flink by myself. Kneeling in front of the dragon, I scratch his scaly head just between his short, stubby horns, just like he likes. “It’s okay,” I whispe
r. “You can stay.”

  As if he knows what I’m saying, he leans against me with all his weight, just like he did when he was a baby.

  The memories of tiny Flink flood back, choking me up, making me all ridiculous and watery. I hug him close, murmuring nonsense about what a good dragon he was and how much I’ll miss him. And I will miss him—so much.

  Able to tell I’m unhappy, the dragon chirps at me and butts his head against my shoulder, trying to cheer me.

  “Go on then,” I say, unable to prolong the inevitable any longer. I stand and wipe my eyes, then I step back, giving him space.

  He looks at me, hesitant. We both know it’s a final goodbye. After several long moments, he turns toward the desert, toward the dragons who adopted him as one of their own.

  Avery comes up behind me and nudges me with his shoulder. “There goes three thousand denats I’ll never get back.”

  And even as I laugh, I cry. I swipe at my eyes, feeling ridiculous. “Who cries over a dragon?” I demand.

  The captain shakes his head, smiling, and pulls me close. “He’ll be all right.” Then he gently pushes me back, holding me at arm’s length. “And you’ll be as well.”

  I purse my lips and nod, determined to be brave.

  The carriage pulls up as I watch Flink go, and our luggage is transferred.

  “It’s time,” Sebastian says as he joins us. He lets out a resigned sigh as he watches Flink go. “I thought he might.”

  “Oh, Lucia,” Adeline almost whimpers. She too looks like she’s going to burst into tears at any moment.

  It’s going to be a very somber ride to Eromoore.

  Avery assists me into the carriage. As we pull away from Bale Traore, away from Elrija and its endless desert, I stick my head out the window, looking back.

  Flink stands on the hill, surrounded by his new family, watching me go.

  ***

  It’s late by the time we reach the village in Bellaray where we plan to stay the night. Gregory should be here any day now.

  Everyone’s been quiet since we crossed the border, even Yancey. It’s well into the early hours of the morning, and Adeline and Esme are both asleep. I’ve dozed on and off against Avery’s shoulder, but I’m awake now. A cool breeze blows in through the window. Here, high in the mountains, it’s almost cold.

  The elevation rose quickly after we passed into Kalae, and the temperatures cooled. I’m going to need a cloak in the evenings until we drop into the lower provinces.

  The inn is tiny in the sleepy village, but they are able to provide us with rooms. I am happy to let Avery make the arrangements. He opens the door and gallantly motions me in first. “Lady Greybrow.”

  I think he likes saying it as much as I like hearing it.

  A fire crackles in the hearth, making the small room warm and cozy. There are quilts on the bed, a small bouquet of flowers on the nightstand, and a tea kettle on the hearth. It’s as Kalaen as a room can get.

  “Glad to be home?” Avery asks as he comes up behind me and rests his hands on my shoulders.

  I lean my head back against his chest. “So glad.”

  He brushes my hair aside and softly kisses my neck, eventually moving to my shoulder. And though it’s late, I sigh and enjoy the sensation. I turn into him, meeting his kiss. Slowly, the tension builds, and the heat grows.

  But I pull away.

  “I look like a cow,” I whisper. “You can’t possibly want me like this.”

  Scoffing, Avery picks me up and lays me on the bed. He kisses my cheeks and my throat, taking his time. “You’re beautiful.” Slowly, he moves to my stomach, kissing me as if I’m fragile and perfect and cherished. “And enticing.” He looks up, waiting until I meet his eyes. “And there will never be a day I don’t want you.”

  ***

  “How long will you stay with your family?” Adeline asks me she passes the plate of bland Kalaen brown bread and freshly churned butter—both taste like heaven after our spicy Elrijan diet.

  There was dew on the windows this morning, and the air is crisp and fresh. Yancey and Esme are outside now, taking a walk. She’s enchanted with the forest, and Yancey is happy to show her more. When we first met, I felt sure I would pity the woman Yancey fell in love with. But I was wrong about him—he is sweet with Esme, gentle even.

  “An hour, two at the most,” I answer Adeline.

  Avery rolls his eyes, chuckling. “Several days.”

  I wrinkle my nose. “Give or take.”

  Sebastian shakes his head and pushes his plate aside, looking as if he’s about to broach a serious subject. He looks at Avery, his expression intent and scrutinizing. “Lucia says you want to join our partnership.”

  Avery flashes me an apprehensive look, but I shrug. I have no idea what Sebastian is about.

  “That’s right,” the captain says.

  Nodding, Sebastian pulls a roll of parchment from the inside pocket of his traveling jacket. “I took the liberty of drawing up a contract.”

  Avery accepts it, looking as if he wants to laugh at the formality of it all, and I lean over, reading over his shoulder. I turn to Sebastian and narrow my eyes. “Thane Inc.? I thought we agreed we were going to come to a compromise on that.”

  “You agreed—I did not.”

  I roll my eyes. Honestly, I couldn’t care less what we call it.

  “No illegal transactions?” Avery asks, grinning as he looks up from the document. “What kind of man do you take me for? I am a well-respected sea captain—the son of an earl. I believe my name speaks for itself.”

  “Take it or leave it,” Sebastian says, his tone snippy though there’s humor in his eyes.

  Avery studies him for several moments, and a slow grin spreads across his face.

  “Sign at the bottom.” Sebastian nods to the parchment.

  “Partners?” Avery asks, incredulous. “You’re sure about this?”

  “Sign the paper, Avery.”

  Flashing me a cocky grin, Avery scrawls his name on the line. Sebastian stands, extending his hand. “Welcome to the business.”

  The captain clasps Sebastian’s hand, and they shake. Adeline beams at me from across the table.

  After the men part, I meet Sebastian’s eyes. “Thank you,” I mouth.

  He only nods, but his eyes are warm.

  Just when I’m about as happy as I think I can be, the door swings open. Yancey stands at the entrance, looking…off.

  “What’s wrong?” I ask him.

  He frowns. “Gregory’s just arrived, but there’s something else. You’ll have to come look.”

  We all hurry from the table, following him out the door. After all that happened in Elrija, I have no idea what to expect—but it certainly isn’t a dopey-looking, copper-colored lesser dragon sprawled out in the luggage rack of Avery’s newly arrived carriage.

  I gasp. “Flink.”

  The dragon churrs in greeting and stretches his belly toward the sun. I grasp Avery’s arm, overcome.

  He came back.

  “Not him,” Yancey grunts, and he points toward the edge of the forest. “Her.”

  The rose-colored female watches us, unsure. She takes a step out, hesitant but eager, and gives us a chirpy greeting.

  “The pair showed up right after Gregory,” Yancey says, folding his arms. “Running down the road like stray hounds.”

  I turn to Avery. For once, I don’t have the slightest idea how the captain will respond. He stares at me for several moments, looking as if he’s searching for a way to let me down gently, and then he relents. “Fine—keep her.”

  Overjoyed, I toss my arms around his neck. “How are we going to get her home? Surely there’s no room in the luggage rack for two dragons.”

  He shakes his head, laughing like he thinks we’re fools. “I have no idea.”

  I’m about to suggest we hire another carriage to transport our trunks when Gregory walks around the side of the building.

  I grin at the jack-of-all-trades m
age, who’s gifted both in the healing arts and destruction, elated to see him again. He raises his hand in greeting, his eyes crinkling with his smile, and then his mouth gapes open.

  Apparently, Avery didn’t mention my pregnancy in the letter he sent. I set my hand on my stomach, self-conscious.

  Avery turns to his friend with amusement. “I convinced her to marry me.”

  “I see that,” Gregory says.

  He steps forward, frowning at my belly. The mage can be disconcerting at times, and I don’t like him looking at me like that. He holds out a hand, letting magic drift over me, and then he nods as if his suspicions are confirmed.

  “When are they due?” he asks.

  I blink at him. “I’m sorry?”

  Gregory raises an eyebrow, looking amused. “The babies? When are you expecting them?”

  Avery chokes slightly, and Adeline stands to the side, looking so elated, I’m afraid she’s going to float away.

  “We’re expecting one,” I say, feeling faint.

  The mage laughs. “If I were you, I’d consider buying an extra bassinet, just in case.”

  Avery’s driver calls to Gregory, and with an amused smile, the mage excuses himself.

  I turn to my husband, but he’s in as much shock as I am. Slowly, he grins. “Two babies, two dragons—do you know what that means?”

  I shake my head, still trying to process it.

  Setting his arm around my shoulder, he tugs me close. “We’re going to have to buy that island after all.”

  There’s something about the way he says it that makes me pause. Incredulous, I ask, “You already own one, don’t you?”

  Grinning, he turns me in his arms and brushes his lips over mine. “Maybe—just a little one I bought you as a wedding gift while we were in Teirn. But I wasn’t lying—the paperwork was madness.”

  “You hadn’t even proposed yet!”

  Avery shrugs, a little too nonchalant. “What can I say—I’m the optimistic sort.”

  “Is there anything else I need to know about you, Captain?” I murmur against his lips.

  “Probably.” He gives me a wicked grin. “But why rush things? We have all the time in the world.”