But first, he needed to attend to another vampire matter.
He’d gotten word an hour earlier that they had one of Vlad’s people. How that vampire had eluded him for so long, he didn’t know, but it ended now. He would pry information out of that creature before he broke him. Vlad had had a good run, but it was the end of the road for him. No one snuck into his territory, hid from him, and then received a pardon. No one.
As he stalked forward, he noticed an unusual emptiness in his peripheral vision. Saphira wasn’t in her sleeping area. She should’ve been back from hunting by now. He turned a little, eyeing Archion’s resting place. The dragon was a fierce and fearless fighter with the courage to carry someone like Reagan. He’d been a fine choice.
Expertly crafted trees and canopies blocked his view. Reagan had built up the illusions to give her dragon privacy. She was already taking great care of him. As she should. Soon Lucifer would make room for a habitat for Archion near Reagan’s side of the castle. If it weren’t for Tatsu’s duties overseeing the other dragons, he would’ve made her a place nearer to him as well.
His heart warmed and he continued on, finding Tatsu standing and ready to go. He’d called down to her from the sky, but he’d decided to take the longer route through the dragons’ territory to let her wake up and ready herself. She walked forward, her gaze catching on Saphira’s empty resting area before it turned skyward.
He smiled. Like rider, like dragon.
Early for a fly, Tatsu said, her gaze going to Archion’s space next. Saphira and Archion were hatch-mates, although from different mothers. They were mostly inseparable. Is Reagan out? I can’t see Archion’s nest anymore.
He hadn’t checked on Reagan this morning. He’d gotten word that she told the druid she would not be mercy-killing him, but it was only a matter of time before she gave in. It likely put her in a bad mood, however, and Lucifer didn’t want to disturb her if she had tucked into the demon whiskey, as she called it, last night and needed the day to shed the hangover.
I don’t know, he said as he hovered up to her back.
She blew smoke out of her nostrils, clearly annoyed. She watched over the dragons like Lucifer watched over the sects. She didn’t like unexplained behavior or absences. Although rare, it wasn’t unheard of for a sect to try to kidnap a dragon and use it for their purposes.
You would’ve woken if someone had attacked, he reminded her, situating himself.
She didn’t comment as she spread out her wings and prepared to fly.
She doesn’t typically get up early, especially these last few days, Tatsu thought. She has been depressed, now that Archion has found a rider. She wishes for one too.
It’s hard for a dragon of her standing and power to find someone worthy. Lucifer kept his patience in check. Neither vampire would go anywhere, and the sect that had harbored Vlad in the past had nowhere to escape to, not with the borders closed. He had time to appease his dragon friend.
She understands that, but it doesn’t prevent her jealousy and depression. Tatsu pushed into the sky, but not very far. She pumped her wings, sliding forward, peering over the illusion wall of Archion’s nest. Empty.
That was unusual.
Judging by the deep rumble in Tatsu’s chest, she thought so too.
Reagan probably went for a ride to calm herself, Lucifer thought. Maybe they felt bad for Saphira and brought her too.
Your daughter is worthy of the title of princess. There is no comparison between her and the last heir. She fits in the Underworld. She is strong already, and with more practice and training, she will be incredible.
Yes, I think so too.
Tatsu kept moving forward, looking over the nests, checking who was there and who was not. She is untrained in the more advanced areas of her magic, but in personality and resourcefulness, in deed and duty, she is your equal. And she is cunning.
His patience was wearing thin. He didn’t comment, nor did he look down at the other dragons. He relied on her to watch them, but it certainly wasn’t time for a roll call. The issues with the kingdom right now did not center on dragons.
I saw her truth when she picked Archion over Saphira, she went on. He is an unruly dragon. Wild. He will never be tamed. And she will never try to tame him. They are perfect for each other.
I am growing very fond of my daughter, and I enjoy hearing your accolades, but what is your point, Tatsu? We have business.
She is unruly, too. Tatsu stopped her forward progress. Wild. She will never be tamed. If you try to tame her, she will chew out of her bonds, and you will cry over her loss.