The Traitor by A. Lombardo (novels for beginners txt) 📗

Never in all my days have I seen two people more right for one another. You have my blessing. Whatever trouble you are in, I know you love her, and she loves you. I just hope that is enough to hold you together.”

“Thank you, sir.” Kai shook Levi’s hand. “I am afraid we need to leave right away.”

Levi nodded and rejoined his wife and daughter inside. Rayna said her goodbyes. Dot kissed her daughter on the cheek. “I love you, my dear, remember what I told you, whatever troubles you face, they are best handled together. Please take care of my daughter, Prince Kai.” The baker’s wife touched his shoulder.

Kai offered the best smile he could muster. “I promise.”

“I love you too, mama.” Rayna wiped a tear from her cheek and hefted a leather bag over her shoulder. Smoke darted into the night. Rayna looped her fingers between Kai’s and followed him across the yard.

Considering they had not spoken in days, he was thankful that she came without question, but he was surprised when she pulled her hand free of his. He tried to catch her eyes, but she kept them on the ground as they stuck to the shadows. “What is wrong? he asked.

Rayna did not respond until they were father from her parent’s home. “Do you still love me?”

“Of course, I love you! Why would you . . .” The kiss with Nola smacked him in the face. Rayna knew. She must have seen them together.

Before he could explain, they spotted Yulia. “Why the rush?” Yulia questioned when they reached the bare trees of the apple orchard.

“There is no time to explain, Riome discovered a plot to kill the King and I fear things may get worse before they get better.” Kai marched toward the center of the orchard. “I must get Rayna somewhere safe. If everything goes in my favor, I will save Iver, either way, I will not let Rayna suffer the Queen’s wrath. I have only tonight learned the queen’s new guards regard Rayna as a threat. They spoke of questioning Rayna. Yulia, can you give us a cover? Fog. Maybe even snow.”

Yulia rolled her hands over and over. Washing one over the other, she pushed outward, and Kai saw fog flow into the orchard from beneath her feet. Stepping around the apple orchard, she intensified her movements while pushing and pulling at the sky. The temperature dropped with the developing moisture. The thick clouds overhead began to weep with fat snowflakes.

Kai looked to Yulia. “I can only assume you wish to remain here to watch over Riome. Have you found a Katori healer who can help her?”

“I know a woman I can trust who lives in Henley, and she plans to come tonight. Where are you two going?”

The concern in Yulia’s voice resonated with his fears. He had no idea where he was going. Where would Rayna be safe? Returning to Katori was risky since Kai did not properly inform the Elders about his trip to Diu. Would they let him leave again to save his father? Not to mention he left Davi’s village in embers after the battle even though his one mission from Alenga instructed him to help bring the lost children home to Katori. He could only hope Davi and the others were safe. “Chenowith, maybe? Or Albey? Maybe we could find Shane?” Everything came out as a question.

Yulia pulled Kai and Rayna in close. “Go to Benmar. Your grandfather will help you. He is probably the only man you can trust. No offense to Lucca, but as an Elder, he cannot act as a grandfather because he must remain neutral for the Katori nation.”

Still keeping her gaze from Kai, Rayna nodded in agreement. “Yulia is right. Benmar will help you.”

“You know the big island near the center of Baden Lake?” Yulia turned to the side. “Draw a straight line in your mind from here to home. See it in your mind, Kai.” She demonstrated the action with her arm. “You will cross over this island first. Let it be your guide that you are on target for Benmar’s cave. I will give you as much cloud cover as I can.”

Yulia stepped back, pulling Rayna with her. Kai wanted to understand Rayna’s coldness toward him, but there was no time, so he stepped into the shadows along the edge of the orchard. The newly formed clouds shrouded the area in gray gloom.

The falling snow melted into Kai’s scalp. He took one last look at the towering palace and the balcony of his father’s chamber before closing his eyes. Hidden within his soul, he found the golden thread of his dragon. One hand clung to his crystal while his mind embraced the braid to spark his transformation. White light beamed within his fist. His shoulders curled inward, and he felt his bones twist and expand. His skin stretched and thickened.

He embraced the change and fell into the magic swirling around him. The evolution felt natural and empowering. His spine rippled with new vertebrae, and his clothes dissolved into his change as he flexed outward. Wings unfurled from his back and his fingers grew into sharp talons. A long-spiked tail sprouted and slithered through the grass. His eyes expanded into amber orbs. His face changed to accommodate massive teeth. Kai became the silver dragon.

He restrained the urge to screech and spray fire. With amber eyes, he saw the snow float around him. Anxious to depart while the snow and fog lasted, Kai lowered his massive wing to the ground. Rayna and Smoke climbed onto his back, their weight barely noticeable. Kai cut his amber eyes back to Rayna. A look of sadness swelled in her eyes. Her behavior made him question everything—how could he possibly explain what he feared she now knew. Would she ever forgive him?

With one swift motion, he pushed