Embers (Scales 'N' Spells 4)

Nikki might enjoy teasing him, too. Just a little bit.

But sleeping next to Gunter was mostly because being in their own bed wasn’t conducive to sleep. Gunter’s warmth and presence soothed Nikki like nothing else could. It did take timing to slip in and out before Gunter could wake and discover Nikki there. It wasn’t like Nikki wanted to push their luck too much. But it was worth it.

They slipped into Gunter’s room on soundless feet. The dragon was completely oblivious, snoring away, much like a bear in full hibernation. Nikki grinned even as they toed off shoes, pulling back the covers at the very edge of the bed and snuggling in. The bed was noticeably warm, even on the far side.

Nikki let their eyes close, soaking in the feelings of heat, snoring, and the very safety that Gunter’s presence promised. Within seconds, was out like a light.

Nikki was invited to come in and speak with King Alric. Via text message. From Cassie.

Nikki really didn’t know what to do with the fact that a mage had their number and used it, but…well, having the cellphone was nice.

And the cat memes were funny.

Anyway, Nikki was invited up after breakfast. They slipped out of Gunter’s room at dawn to take a shower and get dressed, to give Gunter the impression they’d been in their own room all night. And then promptly went and collected Gunter for breakfast, as the dragon was the perfect person to use as a shield. Not many people bothered Nikki while eating.

Not that Nikki could really eat, nerves making it hard to choke down food. Inevitably, the time to meet Alric arrived. They went with some trepidation, taking Gunter with them, because kings. How did one talk to kings? Nikki had no clue.

Maybe Gunter sensed their nerves because he didn’t say anything to Nikki. He just quietly went with them, escorting them up and to the right door. With a knock, Gunter called, “We’re here, Hoheit.”

“Enter!”

Nikki didn’t clamp onto Gunter like a child would a safety blanket, but it was a near thing. This was seriously nerve-wracking. Especially once they entered and Nikki realized it wasn’t just the king of the fire dragons, oh no. Another dragon king also sat there with him, looking impressively massive and able to crunch boulders with his thighs. Nikki would’ve assumed all dragons were strong, muscly types if they hadn’t met Ravi first. Ravi put that theory to rest.

King Alric greeted them with a smile and beckoned them in. “Welcome, Nikki. Please, come sit with us. We have many questions, and I fear far too few answers. We hope to speak with you and change that. How are you doing so far in the castle?”

Bless Gunter, he put a silent hand on Nikki’s back and guided them to the two-seater couch, sitting with Nikki as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Nikki felt far more comfortable because of it.

Comfortable enough they were able to answer, if a little shyly. “I’m fine. Your clan has been very nice and welcoming.”

“They generally are, but I thought I should check. You’ve met King Chalo?”

“Uh, no?” Nikki ducked their head awkwardly toward Chalo.

“We haven’t met,” Chalo rumbled, although he looked Nikki over with a smile. “You’re the one who blew the gates open and let us in, aren’t you?”

“That was me,” Nikki confirmed, unfurling a little when Chalo grinned at them like a coconspirator.

“Damn impressive, that. My mages were saying later that what you used shouldn’t have worked as it did, so they were impressed. We’re glad you opened the wards up. Not sure how we would have gotten in otherwise. So thank you for that.”

Okay, Nikki now liked Chalo.

“Right now, we need information more than anything.” Alric sat forward, smile kind. “Whatever you can tell us will help. We know very little about the Jaeggi’s defenses or movements.”

“I tried tracking them after the battle but couldn’t pick up a trace of them,” Chalo threw in. “But the other mages we rescued weren’t able to explain why. Do you know?”

“Anti-tracing spells.” Nikki knew this answer, at least, and was glad to give them something. Saying I don’t know was very uncomfortable in this setting. “The Jaeggi are paranoid about you finding them. They put anti-tracing spells on everything. I do mean everything. You won’t be able to use seeking spells on them.”

“Huh. That does make sense, considering my experience.” Chalo cocked his head, looking at Nikki with interest. “Can I ask how you know?”

Nikki pondered how to answer that for a second, then decided to be honest. Might as well. “I have issues with authority and am terrible about sitting obediently still?”

Chalo slapped his leg, laughing outright. “I like you already.”

It was a relief to see all three dragons taking this well, smiling and chuckling. That line would have gotten Nikki in a padded cell for a week back with the Jaeggi.