“Let me help you,” Rayna massaged Kai’s temples. Her hands warmed steadily, and he saw the light bloom in his field of vision. As his sight returned, he saw Sabastian and Rayna kneeling on either side. Rayna’s eyes were soft and sincere, while Sabastian remained severe and persistent.
“Kendra has told me about the tension building in Diu. I see her less and less these days, but I slip into the city from time to time. Many here in Diu are fearful over the health of their King and they question the rumors surrounding their missing Prince. Kai. You will have to choose.” Sabastian rose and offered Kai a hand up. “Time to go home.”
Humbled by the moment, Kai accepted the gesture. “What about being seen?”
“Dawn will provide your escape. Shortly after the sun breaks along the horizon, there is a bright streak in the sky. The pale colors of dawn–white and yellow are perfect for you. It will last long enough for you to get well over Baden Lake. Go due east into the sun, north of Chenowith until you reach the mountains, then cut north behind Albey toward Benmar’s cavern. Fly as high as Rayna and Smoke can tolerate—the rising sun will continue to ensure you go unnoticed. You know the path, do not deviate. And one last thing. Respect your elders, Kai. Maybe, just maybe, we know a little more than you think.”
Kai wanted so desperately to stay, but he nodded with understanding. Lucca and the other Elders would notice they were gone. They might go searching, something he should have considered before leaving. Like it or not, he did owe them the respect of telling them about his decision to visit Diu. “Sabastian, thank you for searching for Riome. There are five days until the Winter Festival.” Kai took Rayna’s hand. “We will return to the palace in three. Let Kendra know whatever you find.”
Smoke slipped around Sabastian as Kai transformed and jumped up with Rayna. The trip back with little rest would be difficult, and Kai did not enjoy returning with his tail between his legs.
Chapter 4
A Just Cause
Sabastian’s warning to not deviate echoed in Kai’s mind. He wanted to listen, but before flying back to Katori, he slipped north, dropping into the dense forest a few miles from Davi’s community. He had promised to go straight home, but he needed to speak with his men. He owed them a face-to-face meeting after months of silence.
Sprinting through the forest, Kai and Rayna reached the Katori outcast village, and true to Sabastian’s report, Dresnor and Drew were there making inquiries.
Kai whispered to Rayna, “It might be better if I go in alone to speak with my men. If you are with me, I have little leverage to travel back to Katori. I will need a reason to leave. If Dresnor can send for a ship, we may return to Diu before the festival. Wait for me near the first waterfall; I will catch up with you and Smoke there.”
Green ivy and moss sprouted around Rayna, covering her in a delicate camouflage. She nodded and disappeared into the foliage behind Smoke.
Alone, Kai sauntered into the Katori community, stopping to talk with one man and laughing loudly. He wanted Dresnor to spot him first. He did not want his old friend to know he had come here, hoping to find him. Perfected over his years of pretending during his spy training, Kai did his best to act surprised when Dresnor called.
“Prince Kai!”
“Dresnor, what brings you here?” Kai said, offering a hand in feigned surprise and delight.
Dresnor’s cold expression left Kai hanging in midair.
Kai let his hand fall, pursed his lips, and offered a nod. “I am glad you are here. I was coming your way after I spoke with Davi. Rayna and I would like to return to Diu before the Winter Festival. The last word I received about my father was Cazier’s letter. I need to go home.”
Dresnor huffed. “Home, is it? Still home, I mean. It seems you prefer living among the Katori over your own people. The last news from you was nearly two months back. I come here every three days inquiring about you. To what do we owe the honor now?”
Drew held his tongue, but his posture gave Kai the impression he felt the same as Dresnor. “My love for my father, for Diu, remains unchanged,” Kai tried to assure them. “But I would be lying if I said I do not love my mother’s country. The Katori are good people, and I am thankful for their hospitality. They saved my life, and I have worked hard to earn their trust.” Then Kai shot back, “Something I thought I already earned with you.”
The tension did not improve. Cold stares lingered, and clamped jaws left little room for pleasantries. Davi intervened. “Welcome, Kai. I am sorry to see Rayna is not with you. I trust she is preparing for your departure.”
“Thank you, Davi.” Kai broke his focus on Dresnor to offer a hand to Davi. “Rayna and I are ready to travel, but my grandfather would appreciate one last dinner before we go to Diu. As I am sure you can imagine, he is particularly unhappy we plan to leave, but family is very important. I will not abandon my father, nor will I forget the relationship I have with my grandfather.” He gave Dresnor a stern look.
“One last thing, Kai.” Dresnor stepped in close. “I hear Nola has Diu soldiers looking for you and Rayna. The longer they go without news, the more manpower they will throw into the search—or at least that is
