How to Save a Fae (Heir of Dragons Book 2)

moist. It was true; their last appeal to the dragons, with Kaleb in tow, had not gone smoothly. The generals of the Talon Range had listened to Kaleb's rousing speech, only to spend several hours raging in the War Chamber. After so much debate, a small cadre of young volunteers had agreed to join the Fae war effort, but the top brass had stubbornly refused. It had only been during the final chapter of the battle that the dragon leaders had descended upon the Trading Center and dealt Torrent's forces a punishing blow—and most of them, in typical dragon fashion, had departed almost as quickly as they'd come.
Minx didn't trust dragons—not implicitly. Their aid during the great battle proved to her that they were not wholly evil, but their stubbornness and ingrained dislike of her people made them wildcards, at best. But she did trust Kaleb, and the confident young dragon shifter would, upon their reunion, surely hear her out as he'd done so many times before. She remembered her previous trip to the mountain fortress with him, recalled the beautiful stonework throughout the mountain and its countless winding pathways. Her heart fluttered at the thought of seeing him again, and as they arrived at the base of the mountain, near one of several large tunnels leading inside, it finally dawned on her.
Finally, I get to see Kaleb again!
The anxiety of the previous weeks melted away in an instant as she tied Strider to a post outside the mountain and led Mau toward a yawning entrance tunnel. She had yearned to see Kaleb since his departure—had longed to hear his voice and feel his touch—and wondered how he would react at her unexpected visit. Would he be pleased? Shocked? With an almost child-like excitement, she led Mau into the mountain, starting up a handsomely-carved staircase of slate-colored stone. She didn't know her way around the complex, and was liable to get lost, but after days of difficult travel and uncertain navigation, she knew the hardest part was behind them. The only thing left was to press on into the fortress and seek out Kaleb. He would handle the rest.
Their ascent brought them to a large, many-doored chamber. Creeping slowly into it, uncertain of what kind of reception a Fae could expect without a dragon escort, Minx studied each of the doorways before her carefully before starting across the room toward the centermost. I'm not sure where we should go, exactly. I'll try and get to that large room outside the War Chamber—or maybe, if we can find our way higher up, I'll attempt to find Kaleb's quarters. Do you remember where that was—where his father and mother live? We spent a bit of time there the last time we came. Do you think we could find that spot again?
Mau, still tired for the journey, chuckled. I feel like we could search this place all day and never find it. We'll be better off asking for directions... But then, the last time we were here the locals weren't exactly welcoming...
Maybe some of the dragons who participated in the battle are around here somewhere. Surely one of them would help us, right? Minx second-guessed herself, studied the other doorways in the vicinity. I wish we had a map. This place is enormous...
At that moment, from a rightward passage, emerged two young dragons in military dress. Armed with swords, they carried on jovially amongst themselves—and then stopped in their tracks as they noticed the Fae huntress and Faelyr in their midst. Their expressions passed from relaxation, to shock, and settled finally on something akin to outrage. They peered at one another and reached reflexively for their weapons.
Oh, good, moaned the Faelyr. Now we've done it.
Minx came to a halt, shoulders stiffening, and offered the two dragons—guards, by the looks of it—an awkward smile. “H-Hello,” she stammered. “I don't suppose you could give us some directions? You see, we're a little lost... We came to see a friend of ours, and to make a diplomatic appeal to the generals of the Talon Range Guard. This place is so huge, though... we're having trouble finding our way.”
One of the dragons, the taller one, with a mane of spiky brown hair, marched toward them immediately, his fist locked around the hilt of his sword. “You're lost?” he spat. “I'll say! You're in dragon territory—in a complete and utter breach of the treaty!” He drew his sword and pointed the business end at her—and the edge in his voice told her he was ready to use it. “Stop where you are. You're under arrest.”
Minx and Mau exchanged a furtive look. The Fae huntress hadn't expected to be welcomed with open arms, exactly, but was taken rather off-guard by this hostile reception and had to suck in a deep breath to keep her temper at bay. “I'm sorry. Yes, I know that this is a violation of the treaty. I am Minx, a Royal Fae, and I'm here to speak to Kaleb. I've been here before, and just recently I fought alongside many of you in the great battle against the Wuff—”
“Silence,” ordered the guard. His partner came up from the rear with a pair of steel shackles at the ready. “You're under arrest,” he repeated. “Stay where you are. Outsiders—Fae—are not permitted here. You've made a serious error in judgement, and if you don't comply, we'll be well within our rights to strike you down where you stand.”
Mau backed away from the approaching guards with a whimper. I think they're serious, Minx... and I don't think they care who we're here to see. Maybe we should've sent Kaleb a letter in advance, let him know we were thinking of dropping by...
Minx was ready to argue, to resist, but stopped short when she recognized the other guard. The one with the shackles in hand had been one of the young volunteers who'd joined her and Kaleb prior to the great battle. He was heavier set, with a flat