The Dragon of Despair by Jane Lindskold Read Free Book Online

and thus far, according to the physicians, is doing just wonderfully.”
    “If throwing up one’s insides every morning could be called wonderful,” Sapphire added more mournfully than Derian would have expected from her.
    Impulsively, Derian leapt to his feet, offering his hand in congratulations as he would have to far closer friends. He was just regretting his impulse when Shad’s hand—rough and callused enough to show that all his time hadn’t been spent in council chambers—met his own. The young prince’s eyes were shining and Derian realized that this might be the first friendly—rather than formal—congratulations Shad had received on his news.
    Derian wrung Shad’s hand firmly, then turned to offer a more decorous bow to the princess. Sapphire, however, was holding out her hand, so he clasped it as well.
    “That’s just wonderful news!” Derian said. “Wonderful!”
    Sapphire folded her hands complacently over her yet flat belly.
    “We certainly think so,” she said, resuming her seat and motioning Derian to his, “and we are wondering just when do you think it would be wise to share the news with our people.”
    She held up a hand to forestall Derian answering at once.
    “Although I feel quite well,” she said, “the midwives have been honest. A first pregnancy is a delicate thing. The baby may be taken by the ancestors. Would it be best to let the people know now, when there is still much risk, or would it be better to wait until I am more visibly ripening?”
    “Tell them now,” Derian said promptly. “No one loved Queen Elexa less for the babies who didn’t make it.”
    He turned to King Tedric.
    “I’m sorry to have to say such a painful thing, Sire, but it’s a fact.”
    King Tedric nodded gravely.
    “I know, son, I know. Our concern has come from Sapphire’s rather unusual accession to her position. She was made crown princess because none of my own children lived to succeed me. She was chosen over other candidates for many reasons, but one of those reasons—to be completely honest—is that she is young and strong. Should we risk that perception of strength and of the perpetuity it will bring to the monarchy?”
    “Absolutely,” Derian said after a moment’s careful consideration. “Sapphire and Shad have heroic battles to their credit—both in King Allister’s War and during the quelling of the pirates last winter. Everyone knows they are brave. There’s no chance that will be forgotten if they suffer the type of loss too many families know.”
    “Very good,” King Tedric said. “Your thoughts match those of many of our counselors. Indeed, we have some small suspicion that those who argue in favor of silence seek to weaken, not strengthen, my heirs’ position with their subjects.”
    The king nodded briskly, as if ticking off an item on a mental checklist.
    “Very good. Thank you for both your report and your counsel. Tell me, what are your plans for the immediate future?”
    Derian took a deep breath. He’d been dreading that this question might be asked. Prince Barden had been disowned by his father. Though the king had not censured Earl Kestrel for leading his expedition west the spring before, that expedition had not found the prince—or rather had found evidence of the prince’s failure. Derian’s self-imposed mission would, in its small, private way, honor a son King Tedric had disowned for his arrogant disobedience of the king’s will.
    However, Derian had resolved to answer honestly, no matter that he risked the king’s ire. The king had too many ears and eyes. Moreover, there was the chance that Firekeeper, who worried far too little about incurring anyone’s wrath, had already told the king their plans.
    “I’m going west, Your Majesty,” he said a touch stiffly, “to the place where we found Firekeeper. I made a vow after King Allister’s War, a vow to mark the graves of those who died there. I plan to keep that vow.”
    King Tedric didn’t