Page 14 of Dragon Eternal (Dragon Kings 4)
Tamlyn braced her hands on her knees and shook her head. “My gut is telling me that Jenefer shouldn’t leave.”
Cullen didn’t have the heart to tell her that fear was causing that feeling. The three of them had been all one another had for years. They had leaned on each other, forming an unbreakable bond. Now, that was being tested by one of them leaving.
“Do you want me to go with her?” he offered.
Finally, Tamlyn looked at him, and her hazel eyes softened. “Thank you for offering, but not only would Jenefer balk at the idea, but we’re fortunate that you’re able to stay here with me. I don’t want to test things with the other Kings.”
“I’ll do whatever I must. Just like I did to ensure that you and the children were safely out of Stonemore.” He squeezed Astrid’s ankles, causing her to laugh.
Tamlyn lifted her gaze to the little girl. “Jenefer’s right. We do need to fight. I’m not against taking a stand, it’s just…”
“Her leaving,” he said.
“Yes. I’m terrified it’ll be the last time I ever see her.”
“It might be. Now you understand how Jenefer and Sian felt each time you went to Stonemore alone to rescue a child.”
Tamlyn’s face scrunched in a wince. “You could’ve pointed that out earlier. I hadn’t thought of it that way.”
“You had things you needed to say. So did Jenefer.”
Astrid began hitting the top of his head. “Cullen, Cullen. Loooooook.”
He lifted his eyes to see where she pointed and followed her finger to the top of the verdant canyon. He grinned at the sight of the wildcat. Ever since the beast had helped him in his battle with the foe the Kings were tracking, the cat returned to the canyon again and again.
“She’s so pretty,” Astrid said in her child’s voice.
“And dangerous,” Tamlyn added.
Cullen glanced at his mate and grinned. “She’s our friend.”
“Who would like to eat me.”
“She knows what I am.”
Tamlyn grunted. “She’d still eat me and Astrid.”
“Not me,” Astrid stated matter-of-factly.
He and Tamlyn shared a laugh. Cullen returned his gaze to the wildcat, who was now lounging on her side, cleaning her face with a paw.
“She needs a name,” Tamlyn said.
Cullen had been thinking the same thing. “How about Nari?”
“I like it,” Astrid replied.
Tamlyn’s lips twisted. “I like it, too. Good choice.”
Their conversation was interrupted when Jenefer emerged from the hidden doorway with her armor in place and her sword strapped to her back. Sian followed a few paces behind with bloodshot eyes and a red nose.
“The sooner I go, the sooner I can return,” Jenefer said.
She put on a brave face, but Cullen saw the tear tracks on her cheeks and heard the anxiety that wobbled her voice. “If you get into trouble, head to the dragon border. The Kings know you and Sian. They’ll protect you and get word to me.”
“I’m headed far from the border of your land but thank you.” Jenefer drew in a shaky breath and turned to Tamlyn. “Don’t do anything stupid.”
Tamlyn laughed through the tears that fell onto her cheeks and got to her feet. “I can’t promise that.”
“It’s okay. I know Cullen will make sure you stay out of mischief.” Jenefer flashed him a smile before embracing Tamlyn once more. The hug was fierce and brief. The Amazon quickly stepped away and dropped her arms. Then she turned to Sian. “I meant what I said. You believe me, right?”
Sian nodded her dark head. “I do.”
“I’m coming back for you. I love you, Sian.”
Tears came faster as Sian tried to speak. “I love you, too,” she finally got out.
Jenefer squared her shoulders and looked at Cullen. He gave her a nod that she returned. Jenefer then gave a watery smile to Astrid before turning on her heel and walking away. No one moved as they watched Jenefer make her way to the end of the canyon and begin the climb up. Nari paused in her bath to watch her, and the Amazon gave the wildcat a wide berth. Then…Jenefer reached the top and started walking, soon disappearing from view.
Sian let out a sob and raced back into the underground city. Astrid started to wiggle. Cullen lowered her to the ground and watched as she raced after Sian. He ensured the child was safely inside before going to Tamlyn and wrapping his arms around her.
Her shoulders shook as she cried. He gave her the comfort she needed until the tears finally dried. Even then he didn’t release her. Of all three of them, Jenefer was the most competent to go out on her own. Not just because she was a skilled fighter, but because she saw their world as it truly was. Sian and Tamlyn sometimes had a difficult time facing facts.
“How did you do it?” Tamlyn asked.
Cullen frowned. “Do what?”
