Iris searched her gaze. "Care to tell me why? I won't waste their time without a good reason."
Kiyana burned to go and do something, anything, even if it didn't provide an instant solution for Alistair. The idea burning in her head might help him, might not. But even if not, it might help others from avoiding a similar fate.
No. She wasn't going to think about what could happen to Alistair if no cure was found. She believed in positive thoughts and wouldn't change that about herself now. Especially since the dragon-shifters in the UK had overcome great obstacles in recent years. They could do it again this time, too.
Regardless, Kiyana wanted to widen the net of potential information sources. She needed to find out how many dragon-shifters knew about the Dettifoss Assembly before she could formulate more of a plan to bring it back.
However, she couldn't force her way into the head Protectors building and then make someone reach out to other clans.
She'd have to spend a few minutes answering Iris's questions if she wanted the help. "If a good number of dragon clans have heard of the Dettifoss Assembly, it's possible they can bring it back. And I know there are barriers and roadblocks. But just listen for a second." Iris bobbed her head, and Kiyana continued, "If it turns out the Assembly is mostly common knowledge, then there's a tie of nostalgia to it. Often this is useful when it comes to public relations and negotiations, as many people think fondly back on those time. While, of course, it would be different and more modern now, it's a starting point. And having common ground to work with can go a long way in changing people's minds and slowly convincing them it could work."
"While admirable, what you propose will take too much time to help Alistair."
Her heart squeezed, and somehow Kiyana ignored i
t. "I know, but this is something he wanted to accomplish. And if I can possibly help others in the future, it's a good use of my time." She hesitated, and then added something she hadn't shared with any of the dragon-shifters, "Besides, if I can confirm the Dettifoss Assembly is widespread knowledge, then it gives me a reason to reach out to the DDA Director to discuss the idea with her. Whilst doing that, I can ask and see if she'll help Alistair by reaching out to other DDA directors around the world."
Iris didn't miss a beat. "I didn't think they did that."
"I can't speak for all directors, but the UK one does. The depth of her connections around the world isn't widely known, but she has them. Also, when Rosalind Abbott assumed office, she asked for ideas to help improve dragon relations. This qualifies, so she'll talk with me soon after I make the request."
Iris's expression didn't change from her cool, collected one. "Say the other clans have heard of the Dettifoss Assembly. And say the DDA director is open to supporting the idea. If I recall properly, the Assembly was ended by human interference. That hasn't gone away, so what's your solution to that? Even if the DDA Director in the UK is on board, she alone won't be enough to accomplish what you're suggesting."
For a split second, Kiyana wished Iris was less cautious and could be persuaded easily. Of course, if that were the case, she wouldn't be the skilled Protector she was.
Taking a deep breath, Kiyana replied, "I'm sure we can think of something. The DDA Director in the UK has been secretly working on deals and information exchange agreements with other countries in Europe, the Commonwealth countries, and even America. I know that doesn't include a large portion of the map, but it's a start. Why can't there be a United Nations-like institution for dragon oversight departments?" Iris opened her mouth, but Kiyana pushed on. "I know, I know, it would be better if dragons had true freedom. However, we're not there yet. So let's work with what we can do now and then address bigger issues as we go."
For almost a full minute, Iris didn't say anything. While Kiyana was still getting to know Lochguard and its people, she knew enough about the dragonwoman to know she always thought things through. Rushing her would accomplish nothing.
So when Iris finally replied, Kiyana held her breath and strained her ears for each and every word. "Let's talk with Finn. If he wants to support your idea, then I'll help you. But this isn't my decision to make."
She exhaled. It was better than a flat-out no. "Please tell me we can go to Finn straight away?"
Iris gestured toward the door. "Cooper should still be at the door. As long as there's two of us, we'll be able to protect you for the walk to Finn's house."
Kiyana scooped up the book. "And I hope you can convince the woman running the archives that we need to borrow this."
Sighing, Iris exited the room. "She won't like it, but seeing as she's my mother, I'll find a way to persuade her."
Under different circumstances, Kiyana might've smiled and thanked the universe for her good fortune. However, instead, she read and reread the passages related to the Dettifoss agreement so she could commit them to memory. While she rather would've had more time to prepare, she'd have to use what she had. Especially since she had no idea how Alistair was doing or how much worse he already was.
No, the sooner she could talk with the DDA director about her idea and see if any of her allies had a cure to his condition, the better.
She didn't even care about receiving credit if a new Assembly was born eventually. All she wanted was to see her future mate again without strain or pain, and maybe, just maybe, the UK DDA Director could be the help they needed to accomplish her goal.
Chapter Ten
Kiyana sat inside Finn and Arabella's cottage, trying her best to pay attention to Meg Boyd.
But she was failing miserably.
The older woman's method of coping was chatter. But her constant speech distracted Kiyana from perfecting her speech and suggestions to the DDA director.
Not that she could talk with Director Abbott until Finn finished talking with his allies. Kiyana didn't fear the woman as some might. She'd interacted with her a few times over the years, long before she was in charge of the Department of Dragon Affairs.
However, her suggestion of an international dragon oversight coalition was important, and she had to get her arguments and facts just right.
Meg reached across the table and took her hand. "Are you okay, lass?"