Page 50 of The Searching Songbird

Then why...?

“Because we're alone. The others give us power, just as we lend power to them. When Luxeos bonded you with Josselyn, I was able to attain my true form, but it's not enough. We need both the dragon and the wolf Shendri to complete the circle. Without them, we'll always be sailing at half mast.”

Lily let her gaze drift back toward her window as she let Suzu's words sink in. “Then it seems we have but one recourse.” She swung her feet around, planting them on the floor with a determined thud as she stood. “We'll just have to find the other two. And, seeing as how we've already discovered where Fia is most likely being held, I think it's high time we set her free.”

And just how are we going to do that? Our previous plan relied upon Draven's help as an experienced fighter. Which doesn't seem altogether wise now that we've seen who he's in bed with.

Lily flinched at the pained reminder of Draven's betrayal. Which was insane, since she barely knew him in the first place. Really, what had she been thinking, imagining herself in love with a complete stranger?

We'll check out the baron's home tonight. You can find a way in and see how the place is set up. Find out where Fia is being held. Once we know that, then you can lead me to her, and we'll break her out.

“And if we run into the baron or one of his servants?”

Then I'll run while you distract them.

“It seems like a rather flimsy plan...”

I'm more than willing to hear an alternative, if you have any suggestions.

…

Well, then, it's settled. Flimsy plan or not, we can't afford to wait any longer. Not with Fia suffering and Bade ready to swoop in and steal her away before us.

“Fair enough. We'll strike tonight, then. I'd suggest you get yourself a hearty breakfast. You're going to need to be at full strength tonight.”

Lily's stomach grumbled as if on cue. I'd say that's a yes to breakfast. With a renewed vigor, she made quick work of changing into a fresh set of clothes before washing up. She was just about finished when there was a light knock at the door.

“Come in.”

The upstairs maid, Millie, poked her head into the room, a look of relief washing over her face as she spotted Lily standing beside the basin.

“Oh, thank goodness, you're awake, Miss Lily. Mrs. C's been beside herself with worry ever since we found ye passed out on the floor the other night. She brought the doctor round right away, but he couldn't seem to find anything wrong with ye.”

The young maid bustled into the room and started making up the bed as she continued to prattle on, oblivious to Lily gaping as her in confused silence.

“He wanted to bleed ye right away, but the missus said we'd better wait and see, which I think was right smart of her. Doctors these days, always wanting to cut ye open fer every little ailment, it's ridiculous. I'd think a hot cup o' tea and some honey would go a far longer way to makin' ye better than a slice to the arm.”

She snorted as she shook out the pillows and gave them a sharp smack. “And they think we're superstitious.”

“Millie,” Lily interrupted, stepping over to the opposite side of the bed. “What do you mean, you found me 'the other night'?” Her fingers gripped the fabric of her skirt as the maid looked up at her in surprise. “Just how long have I been asleep?”

Concern etched across the girl's face. “Why, you've been asleep for two days straight. Like I said, you had us worried.”

“I... see.”

Two days. Two days in which anything could have happened. Had Draven discovered Fia's whereabouts? Was she, even now, being dragged away to Antos? And would that necessarily be a bad thing? Goodness knows, she wasn't safe here.

“Has anyone been by to see me while I was... sleeping?”

Millie perked up, a twinkle lighting her eye as she gave Lily a mischievous look. “I'd say so, little miss popular. Yer Mr. Grant has practically set up camp downstairs in the tavern, pestering the servers for news on yer condition. He would've preferred to be up here, 'cept Mrs. C wouldn't let him, on account of it not being proper and all.”

“Drav – I mean, Mr. Grant, is here?” She frowned at the tell-tale flutter that stirred at the mention of his name. She really needed to get that under control. Millie didn't seem to notice her consternation, as she swooned dramatically across the bed, her hand fluttering over her chest.

“He is. Your convalescence has, in fact, created quite the stir, as Mr. Grant has not been the only gentleman waiting attendance.”

Lily furrowed her brow in confusion. “What do you mean? Who else would be calling on me here? I've only been here for a few days, I hardly know anyone at all.”

Millie pushed herself up and twisted around to face her, her lips pursed in suspicion. “Is that so?” She raised an eyebrow as she stared Lily down. “Are you saying you did not happen to make the acquaintance of a certain handsome, wealthy gentleman that I specifically said was off-limits?” She threw up her hands at Lily's blank stare.