“How do you know though? I’ve heard of the great war, but never the Dragori, it sounds like nothing but a story.”
If my mind was not full of overwhelming information before, this really tipped me over the edge. A deranged laugh slipped past my lips. I fell into a fit of giggles, my entire body shaking in the chair. “You really had me for a moment.” I closed the book and pushed it away from me.
Hadrian didn’t laugh back. I jammed my fork back into my food and began to eat, ignoring his glare.
“If you are not going to take this seriously then what is the point?” His disappointment cut into me like the knife strapped to his belt.
“I am taking it serious Hadrian, but it all sounds like a made-up story. Fiction. A story told to younglings like that of the beasts living in the forests and the monsters in the sea.”
“It is no story, Zacriah.” I didn’t like how he used my full name. “And if my suspicions are correct, it explains your power as well.”
“You really are joking with me. I’m not cursed or blessed or whatever a Dragori is.”
“It’s the only explanation for your magick and there is a way to check.”
“Feel free to elaborate.”
Hadrian moved from the table and I kept my eyes on him as he walked to his desk. I couldn’t see what he was doing beneath it, but I heard a drawer slide open and the rustle of something as he reached within.
He held something in his hands. I squinted at it but saw that it was nothing more than a bundle of white silk. Hadrian threw the bundle toward me, but midway through the air the white silk fluttered away and the object concealed in its folds was headed straight for my face.
My reflexes kicked in and I caught the unknown object before it hit me.
I gazed into my open hand and admired the chain I’d caught, heavy and cold in my hands. A large circular pendent hung from the end, etched into the surface was the Niraen emblem.
Gold.
Pain shot, hot and sharp, across my palm. I dropped the chain to the floor but the scent of burnt flesh wafted into my nose. I looked to my palm, gripping my wrist to block the pain, to see a burn mark. Hadrian was already next to me, a dripping wet cloth in his hands ready to press onto my palm.
“What in the Goddess was that?!”
“I think I may be right…” he whispered over my shoulder, holding my hand out to press the wet cloth onto it. The chain lay next to my feet. I kicked at it, sending it skirting across the floor away from me. “Pure gold is toxic to Dragori. That’s what I gather from the book. And because I also have the same reaction.”
“So, thought you would risk it and check by giving me something that might hurt me?” It was more of a shout than a question.
“You’re right, I shouldn’t have done that.” Hadrian look displeased with himself.
“That’s what happened in the corridor with the elfin woman,” I said, “The gold band she wore, it hurt you.”
“Yes. I panicked when she got close.” The necklace was his mother’s. I looked beneath the table, to where my kick had sent it and apologized.
“I didn’t know it belonged to her,” I said, but Hadrian only shook his head in dismissal.
“You said Dragori are like shifters, but I’ve never been able to shift. Ever.”
“I don’t know what that means. I agree it is odd, but I know someone who may be able to help us out with our questions,” Hadrian said.
“Who?”
The door to the room swung open and Alina emerged from the shadows of the corridor beyond. My body ran cold, just like it had with the phantom I saw in the bath.
“Prince Hadrian…” She bowed, shooting me a quick glance before she closed the door.
“How can we help you, Commander?” His voice had lost all edge of concern that had laced it only moments before. He still held my hand, not once letting go as he addressed her.
“I apologize, I was unaware you had company. I have been told to pass the news that King Dalior has requested an audience with you, the matter is urgent.” The side of her thin mouth twitched into a smile.
“You can tell my father that I will be there in a matter of moments, after I finish up here.”
“But—”
“Please leave us and report back to Dalior immediately. Tell him I am on my way.”
“He would prefer if I waited with you.”
“Immediately.”
His words were final. Alina’s face lost all hint of her smugness. Hadrian’s request was clear, her presence was not wanted for another moment. I looked to my feet, trying to force the smile from my face.
“As you wish,” she replied and turned for the door, but paused with her fist clenched around the threshold. “I notice your guards have been sent away. I will ensure they are returned immediately. I know it will put King Dalior’s mind at ease.”
I looked up to Hadrian to see him smiling.
“Thank you, Commander. They must have lost their way.”
I was sure she muttered something under her breath when she turned, opened the door and left. She didn’t close the door behind her so we could both hear her footsteps fade into the dark corridor.
“Well thank you, Zacriah, for joining me this evening, I was happy to show my appreciation for your actions at Nasamel.” I caught the wink when he spoke, his tone still heavy with every word. He flickered his eyes toward the open door and mouthed Alina. She could be out there listening.
“You are more than welcome, my Prince. I do hope that will be the only time your life is put in danger.”
“I am aware that my father rewarded your actions by revoking your morning duties, but I too have something to give you.”
He pulled me up and guided me out the door. If I looked away from him I would have missed him slip the book from the table into the folds of a spare cloak and place it under his arm.
Really, I mouthed. Nothing but a hush of air leaving my lips. His nod was enough to tell me he was being truthful.
“Thank you, that is awfully kind.”
“Please, follow me.” He passed the folded cloak to me, the weight of it heavy from the hidden book.
We left his room behind, moving down the corridor. Flame lit candles hung from holders in the walls, giving enough light to clear the darkened path ahead. Hadrian didn’t utter a word, but I understood why. I could too feel a slight presence lurking in the shadows, Alina was still close by. He only reached an arm behind him when he walked, his hand grasping mine.
We reached our destination in a matter of moments, it was only down the corridor from his. Stopping before a dark oak door, he finally spoke.
“This is your new sleeping arrangements. My gift to you as thanks for saving me. And after the way I saw your friend, Petrer, react to you back in your old room, I think it best you keep away from him for now. It is only down the way from mine so please do call on me if you ever need me.”
I knew not to complain or ask any questions, not with Alina’s presence still creeping at the back of my mind.