Prince of Spies Read online

  Nico bowed slightly with a roguish grin. “If milady will indulge, we must be on our way.” He held out one arm and she took it with a silly grin that answered his mood exactly. It was astounding to him how compatible they were. Any other woman, by this point in their journey, would have driven him insane with annoyance or boredom, but not Riki. No, the more he got to know her, the more he wanted to know.

  They waited for a lull in the traffic to move onto the road, just at the final bend before the city gates. Entering the flow of people, carts and animals as unobtrusively as possible, Nico watched carefully to see if anyone took particular notice of them, but his instincts told him they were safe. For now at least.

  They neared the bustling gate area in the dim pre-dawn grayness, little swirls of mist rising about their feet that would burn off when the sun had a chance to peer over the horizon. Riki was a silent shadow at his side, standing straight and steadfast. Still, he was surprised when her small hand fastened itself to his, their fingers intertwining comfortably, as if they belonged together.

  The dragon in his soul rose up, growling with satisfaction, and he knew it was true. They did belong together. Riki was his woman, the partner to his soul. Now he just had to convince her of that fact, though he feared he’d have to move slowly with such a bruised, battered woman.

  She was worth it, though. Riki was worth every moment of patience and waiting. Nico knew, eventually, she would be his. And when that day came—when she came to him freely, of her own volition—he would be the luckiest, happiest, most blessed man in the world.

  “Morning.” Nico nodded nonchalantly to the man standing watch at the gate. The casual greeting and the sureness of his step would go a long way toward forestalling any questions the man might otherwise have about them. Nico swung their clasped hands with a little carefree grin as they passed through the gate without challenge. They gave the appearance of being a young, happy couple, returning from a rendezvous in the fields and after an initial look, no one seemed to notice them.

  Just as he’d hoped. So far, so good.

  “Where are we going? Do you know where your operative is right now?” Riki’s words echoed silently through his mind, and he was glad she was clever enough to use that ability rather than speaking her fears out loud where anyone might hear.

  She really was the most astounding woman. For one thing, it was a rare woman indeed who could speak this way with dragonkind. Rarer still were women of royal blood, with the dragon in their soul. Riki was a treasure.

  “There is a tavern near the next gate called the Silver Serpent. My man should be there, and if not, we should be able to track him from there easily enough.”

  “What kind of spy is so easy to track?” Her voice held confusion and a bit of humor. Riki was proving to be a natural at this kind of thing.

  Nico put an arm around her shoulders and tucked her close to his side as they continued moving down the lane. It wasn’t far now to their destination, which was good because the sun was rising in earnest, soon to be creeping over the walls of the city.

  “This spy hides in plain sight. As a bard, Drake travels all over, very publicly, with none the wiser to his more clandestine activities.”

  “Amazing.”

  The little edge of excitement in her thoughts echoed his own love of the profession he’d chosen. Nico had spent a lot of years perfecting his craft in service to the land, people and dragons of Draconia, and his brother Roland, the king.

  Turning a corner, Nico spotted the familiar sign. A silver serpent on a wooden plaque swung above the door of a moderately successful tavern. Not the best in the city, but far from the worst, this was just the sort of place that would play host to Drake of the Five Lands, bard extraordinaire. While Drake was talented enough to play for kings, he preferred less grand audiences when his time was his own.

  Nico knew Drake had just finished a dangerous assignment that took him to the far reaches of Elderland in the east, playing minstrel to the emperor and his court. Having successfully performed his task of foiling an assassination attempt without any of the noble houses of Elderland losing face, Drake had earned the emperor’s good favor and a few trade concessions for Draconia as well as some well-deserved time off.

  But Drake was never truly at rest. He’d sent word through the usual channels to tell Nico he’d be staying at the Silver Serpent for a few months to see what he might learn of the troubles in Skithdron. Nico thanked the Mother for it now, noting Drake’s colorful cart stored half under a tarp in the tavern yard. He was here. Drake of the Five Lands never left his colorful equipage behind. It was as much a part of his persona as his flowing blond hair and winks for the ladies.

  Young, old, fat, skinny, short, tall, feisty or docile, Drake loved women of all kinds. And they loved him. Drake had cut a swath through the ladies in all five lands he claimed as his home. Few knew he was really a highly placed son of Draconia, and that alone made him a valuable asset to his true homeland.

  “This is it.” Nico pulled Riki closer into his side, shielding her from the single large window into the taproom by placing himself between her and it. “We’re in luck. See that blue wagon under the cloth over there? That’s Drake’s wagon. Which means he’s in residence.”

  Nico noted the subtle way she looked at the wagon. This remarkable woman was a natural at the spy game, did she but know it.

  “And you think he’ll help us?”

  “I know he will.”

  “You trust this man?” Fear laced her tone and he squeezed her gently as he met her gaze.

  “With my life.”

  Nico walked past the main entrance of the tavern, knowing Drake wouldn’t be up and about in the main rooms yet. It was too early for a man who played late into the night to be awake, for one thing. For another, Drake wasn’t on assignment, which meant his time was his own. No doubt he was with one of his many legions of women and had spent most of the night in pleasure.

  “Aren’t we going in?” Riki asked quietly in his mind, though her steps didn’t falter. She followed where he led, giving him a surprising sense of satisfaction.

  “Not by the front door. There’s a smaller entrance ’round the back. Drake’s room should be near there, but we’ll wait for his signal before going inside. Just be as quiet as you can and follow my lead.”

  “Of course, Nico. You’ve gotten us this far.”

  Her warm tone filled him with unexpected pride that she would place such trust in him on such short acquaintance. Of course, his dragon soul knew her—and wanted her—but he couldn’t be as sure of what she felt. This little indication of trust was all the more touching because of it.

  But he couldn’t let himself be distracted. This was a crucial moment. They couldn’t be seen loitering around the back alleys, but they also couldn’t just barge into the tavern making a grand entrance. This had to be done with finesse.

  Walking nonchalantly around back, Nico eyed the surroundings with subtle interest. No one was about, which was a relief. Quietly he positioned himself near the back door, leaning against a support and tugging Riki into his arms.

  “In case anyone is watching, we’re just two lovers out for a quick cuddle before we go in.”

  Riki smiled up at him with utter trust and Nico bent down to kiss her sweet lips just once. He couldn’t afford the more leisurely exploration he really wanted. They just didn’t have time. Nico had to get her inside before the sun rose above the city walls and anyone could see the state of their clothing in the full light of day. That would be remarked upon, and if anyone started asking, they’d be fingered for certain.

  “Stay right there, sweetheart.” Nico pulled her against him, settling his cheek against hers just enough to hide the lower part of his face in the folds of the hood, which was resting in bunches around her shoulders. Pursing his lips, he gave the soft call of a dove. Altered just slightly, this particular call should alert Drake to their presence.

  Nico nuzzled Riki’s neck as he waited, his
muscles bunched with tension until he felt her fingers rubbing circles on his straining shoulders. He was about to give the call again when the back door opened and Drake’s unmistakable blond head shone bright in the dim light as he leaned out.

  Nico straightened casually and took Riki’s hand. “Let’s go. Just move quietly, like we belong here, and all should be well.”

  “Is that your operative?”

  “Yes, that’s him. He’s a good friend as well, so I know we’ll be safe with him, Riki. You have nothing to fear from him. You can trust me on this.”

  “I do, Nico.”

  He squeezed her hand as they strolled past Drake into the sleepy tavern. Only a few people were stirring in the kitchen. Nico could hear the motions of cooking and smell the beginnings of breakfast from the far side of the hall as Drake motioned them into the doorway closest to the back door. Nico smiled at the good placement. Drake wasn’t one of his best operatives for nothing.

  As soon as the door closed behind them, Nico turned to his friend.

  “What? No female companionship last night?” He made a tsking sound as he shook his head, speaking softly, wary of the thin walls and possibility of listening ears around them. “Drake, you shock me.”

  But Drake wasn’t laughing. He spoke in low tones as well. “I heard about your capture just last night from the scoundrel who sold you out. He’s been dealt with.” The grim set to his mouth assured Nico the man wouldn’t be double crossing anyone ever again. “I’d planned to head south today, to see if I could be of assistance, then I find you at my doorstep. And with a lovely companion, no less.”

  No doubt Drake was being cautious around Riki. He didn’t know who or what she was, after all. Nico relished the moment, knowing how surprised Drake would be when he learned their quest for the new queen’s sister was at an end.

  Nico drew Riki forward to face Drake. “Sweetheart, may I present Drake of the Five Lands.”

  “Bard extraordinaire,” Drake added with a twinkling smile. “He always forgets that part.”

  Riki chuckled, the sound enchanting Nico as he continued the introductions.

  “Drake, this is Riki. The one we’ve all been searching for.”

  Nico felt satisfaction as Drake’s eyes widened. Drake looked back at Riki, clearly astounded to realize just who she was.

  “Are you certain?” Drake whispered.

  Nico nodded. “She healed me.” He knew that was all the proof Drake would need. He was one of the few who knew the secrets of royal blood.

  Drake dropped to one knee before them. “Thank the Mother for your return, milady.”

  Riki squirmed as the tall blond man knelt before her. No one had ever seemed so pleased to see her—not counting Nico’s initial reactions, of course. If this was the kind of reception she was going to get in Draconia, she would be forever blushing. As she was sure her face was flaming at that very moment.

  “Um…I’m pleased to meet you, sir.”

  The blond man’s gaze went from her to Nico with apparent amusement.

  “Get up, you fool.” Nico chastised the man with good humor. It was clear to her these men were long-time friends from the easy way they conversed. “You’re making the poor girl blush.”

  She just knew it. Could she be any more embarrassed?

  Drake got to his feet, taking her free hand in his on the way up and dragging it to his lips for a kiss. Nico’s hand tightened on her other hand and pulled her back toward him as he growled low in his throat.

  “She’s not here for your amusement, Drake.” Nico’s tone excited her. He sounded almost…possessive.

  Drake winked at her and let her hand go gently. “How can I help?”

  “We need food and sleep. We flew all night.”

  “Can she—?”

  Riki got the impression he was asking if she could shift into dragon form, but that would mean he knew about her sister. Then again, he was a highly placed spy and apparently a good friend of Nico’s. It was more than likely he did know, and she felt suddenly self-conscious as Nico shook his head negatively, cutting off that line of inquiry.

  She felt somehow…less…because she couldn’t do what Lana apparently could. She couldn’t turn into a dragon and she couldn’t have escaped on her own like Lana did. All in all, she was falling far short of Lana’s accomplishments and though she loved her sister dearly, she felt sorry for herself.

  “Can you get some food for us without raising suspicion?” Nico asked quietly, redirecting the conversation.

  “We still have a few things in the basket.” Riki raised an arm, over which the handle of the basket still rested. It was lighter now, to be sure, but she had managed to save some of the fruit for Nico.

  “It’s no problem,” Drake said softly, “I often eat in with my…uh…guests. Eyebrows will not be raised by a large breakfast order coming from me.”

  “Then perhaps we could arrange to ‘arrive’ as your cousins later this evening after we’ve rested and you can get some provisions for us.”

  Drake nodded, his eyes serious. “I’ll make the purchases today. I assume you lost everything when you were captured?”

  Nico nodded. “Riki needs clothes as well.”

  “You sly devil.” Drake winked outrageously at her as she chuckled once more. Oh, he was a charming rogue and totally out of her experience.

  “Knock it off, Drake.” Nico tugged her back against his chest, one arm banding around her waist. Riki practically purred as Nico staked such a public claim. She had no idea if he meant it for keeps or as just a way to keep her safe from Drake, but she liked it, to be certain. “She’s been held captive for years. She has nothing of her own. I want you to get as much as you can for her in the market. She deserves to be spoiled a little. At least as much as we can manage on such short notice.”

  “Heard and understood, boss.” Drake’s eyes lit with sympathy and she wasn’t above accepting it right now. She’d been through a lot and would most likely fall asleep in a heap on the floor if Nico wasn’t holding her up. It had been a long few days since escaping the palace, but the time with Nico had been the most exhilarating, if the most exhausting, of her life thus far.

  “I’ll just nip down to the kitchen and ask Themla to make up a tray.” Drake turned toward the door, but paused, looking back at Nico first, then at her, his expression clouded. “I’m glad you’re safe.”

  Riki sensed the very deep feeling in the handsome man’s quiet words. She knew they were meant for Nico and the slight tightening of his arm at her waist told her how deeply Drake’s words were felt in return.

  “Me too, my friend. Me too.”

  Drake left and Nico let her go when she pulled slightly against his hold. Turning in a circle, she got a chance to look over the small, neat room. There was a large bed in one corner that looked like heaven itself to her. Even rumpled from having been slept in by the blond giant, the mattress looked soft and inviting. Riki hadn’t slept in a real bed in years. Though she’d been chained at times to Lucan’s, she had never even been tempted to sit on the edge of that vile piece of furniture when he wasn’t around.

  Anything Lucan touched was contaminated as far as she was concerned and she far preferred the hard marble floor to sleep on than anything he would give her. Of course, he never once offered even a thin mat for her comfort. She was there for his comfort alone—no one else’s—and the point was driven home by all the little slights and inconveniences as well as the beatings and screaming threats.

  But it was all behind her now. And Drake’s bed was before her.

  “There’s a chamber pot behind the screen, if you need it,” Nico said from behind her. She started, waking from her dazed thoughts. She was quite literally asleep on her feet. “Or you could just lie down. You look done in, sweetheart. Why don’t you go to sleep?”

  Riki couldn’t resist the temptation the bed represented. Stumbling a little as she moved forward, she had only the presence of mind to unbutton the cloak and allow it and th
e basket to slide off her arms just before she reached the bed. Collapsing on it face down, she felt Nico tug the thin blanket up over her, settling her more comfortably.

  She made an effort to turn onto her side so she could see him. Surprisingly, he was bending over to collect and fold the cloak, putting it over the foot of the bed, giving extra warmth to her cold feet. Riki smiled up at him.

  “I’m sorry. I can’t seem to keep my eyes open.”

  Nico chuckled. “It’s all right, sweetheart.” He sat on the side of the bed, leaning over to kiss her brow. “Go to sleep. There will be food here when you wake and I won’t leave you for one moment.”

  “Do you promise?” She yawned as sleep threatened to claim her.

  “I do, my love. I’ll watch over you and protect you all the days of my life.”

  Riki couldn’t be certain later if Nico actually spoke the words or if she just dreamed them. Ah, but what a beautiful dream.

  Chapter Seven

  Drake pushed open the door some moments later, holding a large tray before him. Nico met him at the door, took the tray and deposited it on the room’s only table. Nico sat down and dug into the hot meal, knowing some of it wouldn’t keep while Riki slept. He’d leave the bread and jams for her, as well as some of the fruit and cheese, but the fried eggs and bacon, as well as the oatmeal, was his.

  The important thing was, they could get more. Drake would hide them and keep them as safe as possible while they were with him. Though he didn’t see Drake much nowadays, they’d been raised together, trained together as soldiers and in their lessons. They were close friends and Nico trusted Drake with his life—and now with Riki’s life as well.

  “She asleep?” Drake asked quietly, nodding toward the bed.

  Nico nodded. “The journey’s been rough on her, and she was in bad shape when I found her. Lucan beat and starved her for the past year or more, from what I can tell. He had her chained to his bed.”

  Drake’s eyes narrowed. “He hurt her?”

  “Not the way you think.” Nico was quick to correct the assumption, though his voice was grim. “For some reason, Loralie the witch told Lucan that Riki would lose her healing power if she wasn’t a virgin. It’s the only thing that’s protected her from rape, but he’s hurt her in other ways.” Nico’s blood ran hot with anger as he thought what Riki must have suffered.