Danna

“I told him that I wasn’t ready to get married, and he said I was being unreasonable and then Mama said I should have expected it,”
Lady Katrin babbled as Lady Carolina poured them tea.

“We warned you,” she said. Lady Katrin sighed.

“You can’t tell Dami, he’ll be too smug,” she muttered. “I already have it from Kari all the time.”

“I won’t tell him but you should,” Lady Carolina winked at Danna who laughed. Lady Katrin was bemoaning a suitor who hadn’t taken rejection well. “He’s been stationed though?”

“Yes,” Lady Katrin said. “That’s why he wanted us to marry he wanted me to be with him on the south of the Island. I mean, can you imagine? Her Majesty barely lets me come to visit my brothers if it means that I’ll be away from Kari for too long, as if she’d let me live somewhere else!”

“Also, you don’t want to marry him,” Danna added. Lady Katrin looked at her and shrugged.

“I’ll have to marry someone and Jaden is a less objectional choice than many,” she said. Carolina laughed and shook her head.

“You’ll get used to it,” Carolina said, “nobles are strange about these things.”

“Clearly,” Danna said, though she doubted she would get used to it. The Dowager Queen of Phania had cupped her face in both hands and declared that she had the soul as ancient as the stones themselves, that wasn’t the kind of thing one got used to. “How long do council meetings tend to last?” She asked.

“Depends on the meeting,” Carolina sipped her tea. “But Eric bringing his family unexpectedly is going to set them off, there will be a lot of debating.” Danna nodded.

“And why is that?” she asked

“The lords don’t like Eric,” Lady Katrin shrugged, “they wanted her to marry,” she stopped. “Never mind.” She shook her head.

“They wanted her to marry Prior, he told me,” Carolina laughed. Lady Katrin smiled. “It’s all to my gain, I suppose.”

“I like you,” Lady Katrin said. Danna smiled back at her. “Maybe I’ll want to marry Jaden last year.”

“You should let him go, love,” Caroline touched her young friend’s knee. “Let him move on.” Lady Katrin nodded.

“I’m going to go for a walk,” she stood up and headed out. Carolina sighed.

“Another tangled story?” Danna asked.

“She was in love with Anders and Harran’s younger brother, Rian,” Carolina said. “He loved her too, they were very happy. Then he died. She went home to the boy who she’d loved before only to find she couldn’t love him back anymore.” She leaned back. “It’s been very difficult for her.”

“When did you two become close?” Danna asked.

“When we were in Rastan a few years ago,” Carolina smiled. “That’s another long and twisted story.”

“I’m sure,” Danna laughed.

Prior

“And what does the Phanian king think of this?” A Lord who’s name Prior forgot said. “Or the Rastani? Have they already sent betrothal gifts?”

“My brother,” Eric said, his voice flat and patient, “knows better than to press my child’s future. As for Raniere, I have no way to know what he’s thinking but I doubt he wants that kind of alliance.”

He met Marina’s eyes and she mouthed “Your fault,” to him, he grinned at her, and mouthed back, “nope, you.”

Council meetings had never been his favorite thing. He’d attended frequently when he was with Annalise. She hated it too, and said knowing he was there made it better.

“I cannot believe they’re having this argument for the millionth time when there are two dragons in the city,” Raymond groaned from next to him. Evan patted his husband on the arm.

“We’re all sick of it love,” he said gently. He looked at me. “You’re staying?”

“It’s up to Danna,” I said. They both looked at me.

“Are you leaving the rangers?” Evan asked me. I sighed.

“I found the dragons,” I pointed out. “It’s someone else’s turn.” Raymond sighed and leaned back.

“Did you tell Annalise yet?” he asked.

“Nope,” I shook my head, “we’ve had more pressing business.”

“Tristan’s going to lose his mind,” Evan muttered.

“Why?” Raymond asked. “He left.” I sighed and leaned forward. I knew Tristan would be disappointed. We’d built the Rangers together. He’d left to train Calla’s guard, which would now be the Princess’s. I was leaving for what? To go where Danna wanted to be. When I didn’t even know she wanted to do at all.

“Enough,” we all looked up as Annalise stopped the room. I saw Aaron smile. I looked at him and he nodded. Gods, she’s incredible when she does this, when she becomes The Sword. She once claimed that I never wanted this side of her, and if that wasn’t the fucking truth. The fullness of who Annalise is can only be described as terrifying. “My child will be your future monarch, and they will not be sold or bred.” I grinned. She was fierce.

“Prior,” Evan said looking at me, “get that look off your face.”

“Which look?” I asked. “She’s being objectively impressive, the look on my face is impressed.”

“The look on your face is that dazed one you used to get whenever she walked in a room, and Cousin I do not have the constitution for that,” Evan sighed, “besides which I like Danna. I approve and I don’t want you to hurt her.”

“I’m not going to go chasing after Annalise because she shut down the council,” I shook my head. “Nor do I care that you approve.” He snorted. He knew I cared very much.

“We have a chance at an incredible alliance with the lord of dragons, and you all are whining about something that will never come to pass,” Annalise continued. “When you are prepared to be serious, My Lords, I will meet you again and not before.” She rose and the whole room did, she took Eric’s arm and she walked out, Aaron and Marina behind her.

“She’s stronger,” I said. Raymond smiled.

“She is,” he said. “I should go, there’s a rant coming, certainly from Eric, probably from her and Aaron too.” He kissed Evan softly. “I agree with him, by the way. We like Danna, don’t ruin it with your, you-ness.” I laughed as he left. Evan looked at him as he left.

“My father is going to hate it,” Evan said. I sighed and nodded. “She’s a commoner.”

“An added bonus then,” I said. He smirked at that. “I told her.” He blinked at me.

“All of it?” He asked.

“Not quite all, but most,” I said. There were things I didn’t know how to say yet. The way it burned the day after a beating when I tried to wash, memories of Aunt Morgan holding Evan close and whispering that it would be over soon. These were things I couldn’t speak. But they were also the things that Danna understood because she’d lived with them too.

“That’s good,” he said. “You need to be with someone who understands it.” I nodded.

I walked out to the courtyard where Danna was sitting watching Seshi and Appan circle above us. I sat down with her. I kissed her hair.

“Lady Katrin is refusing to get married,” she said. I laughed.

“I left you alone for a few hours and you found gossip,” I said. She smiled.

“Prior,” she whispered, “I want to go home.” I nodded.

“Alright,” I said. “When do you want to leave?”

Danna

She felt glued to her chair. Prior had stood up and had his hand on his sword.

“Master Duprentar,” Lady Dugarry stood up, “I don’t believe you were given leave to enter the city.” Cole’s eyes went cold, with a false charming smile that Danna knew by heart.

“Lady Dugarry, I believe that my allegience is always to my queen above my clan,” he said. Annalise glanced at Danna.

“My grandfather will be disappointed to hear it, I’m sure,” General Dugarry intoned flatly, “in my own experience he does not take such sentiments well.” Cole blinked at her.

“I appreciate the gift,” Annalise nodded to two guards who swept up the sack, which Danna knew was filled with the glass made by the dragons. “But what, Master Duprentar, do I have of yours?”

“My bride of course,” he said. Danna stiffened and grabbed Prior’s arm as he took a step forward. He looked at her.

“Don’t,” she shook her head, “please.” He exhaled.

“Bullshit,” Lady Dugarry spit out, Commander Dugarry had joined her.

“Dovetail has done nothing for your manners, My Lady,” Cole tutted. “But given your own marriage, I suppose disputing my claim is inevitable.”

Like lightning, Tristan Dugarry was at Cole’s throat with a sword.

“Say one more word about my wife,” the Commander growled, “and you’ll never speak again.”

“What claim?” Danna found her voice.

“Hello my love,” Cole smiled at me. “I’d meant to surprise you before you ran off.” She swallowed. “I’d written home to ask for contracts to begin.”

“Did Mistress Finn consent?” Queen Annalise said. Cole blinked at her. “Danna,” she said, “did you consent to a marriage?”

“No,” she said, “he never asked.” Cole’s eyes were cold fire.

“Danna has no family to initiate a contract with,” he said simply.

“Did you approach Tanner Davies?” Prior said, his voice sharp. Cole blinked at him. Danna inhaled.

“I didn’t,” Cole said, “you stole her away.”

“She left you, that’s not the same thing,” Prior said. “You mentioned the Dugarry’s and their case made the difference very clear.”

“Danna,” Cole said. She looked at him. “I love you, you know this.”

“I never agreed to marry you,” she said sharply, “and you certainly never asked.” She looked at Prior and then at Tristan Dugarry. “Commander Dugarry, if you please.” He lowered his arm. “This is how you answer mercy.” There was a loud screech and the doors of the large hall swung open and Seshi charged in.

“This is how you answer mercy?” The dragon roared. The queen’s eyes grew big. “You shame your ancestors.”

Danna

She woke up and stretched, the large bed chamber that she and Prior had settled into earlier was now flickering with silver light, and glanced at the table.

A woman was sitting there, with long white blonde hair and white skin that looked almost porcelain, she was wearing a long black gown.

“Ah,” she said, “you’re awake.”

“May I help you?” She asked.

“The question is if I can help you, Danna Finn,” the woman smiled predatorily. “You’ve befriended my pets and my priestess, I think we could make a deal.”

“Lady Amina,” Danna said, “I have no interest in dealing. And if I were to give my allegiance, it would be to the wing, who do not wish to serve you.” The Goddess of Death smiled sharply at her.

“So be it,” she snapped her fingers and Danna awoke again. This time the seat by the fireplace was Prior. He was reading a book.

“I just dreamed Amina was here,” she said. He closed the book and walked over and lay beside her.

“Probably wasn’t a dream,” he said. “The gods tend to come and go here.” She exhaled. “Did you sleep well?”

“Yes,” she said softly. “Do you have things you need to do?” He shook his head, “Prior, you must,” he kissed her.

“There is nothing I need to do,” he assured her. She smiled. “Marina and Raymond want to talk to you.”

“To me?” She said. He nodded. “What about?”

“Your family,” he said. She sighed.

“I don’t have a family,” she said, “I had my father and my mother when I was very little, but otherwise, I don’t know anything.” He brushed her hair off of her face, he looked older, all of a sudden. “What do they want to talk about?”

“Your possible magical heritage,” he said. She snorted. “I’m completely serious.” She kissed him. “Apparently the riders were quite important,” he said.

“Seshi would know more,” she said running her hand over the soft velvet of his uniform jacket. “I’m no one, Prior.”

“You’re mine,” he said. She smiled. “That is, if that’s how you want it. After today, I could see why the prospect is not so tempting.”

“Oh, yes, you brought me home to a shining palace full of people who love you and who you love, and introduced me to the queen,” she nodded. “A real disappointment you are.” He laughed. “Why would you love me after you,” she exhaled.

“After her?” He asked. She nodded. “You two are actually very alike,” he traced his hands, “she grew up in exile, like you, she’s unyieldingly stubborn and strong,” he pressed her palm to his lips, “unlike her, I get the feeling you love me back.” She smiled.

“She loves you too,” she said softly, “I can see it in her eyes.” He nodded. “But I think I do love you more.” He pulled her close. “I’ll talk to them, I don’t know what it will help, but I’ll do it.”

“Thank you,” he said gently. She smiled softly. “They’d probably love to talk to Seshi too, but I know that’s not up to you.” She laughed.

“It is very much not up to me,” she sighed. “But I will encourage him.” Prior nodded.

“We should go to dinner,” he said and stood up.

“I can’t,” she shook her head. He blinked at her. “I don’t have anything to wear.” He sighed. “I can go shopping tomorrow, but tonight, no. You go, though, catch up with your friends, I’ll be fine.”

“Carolina sent some clothes,” he said. She blinked at him. “Nothing elaborate, she said, but she said the colors should suit you and they’ll be appropriate and if you hate them you can send them back.”

“Oh,” she said and got out of bed, she felt Prior’s eyes follow her. It was a different feeling than when Cole used to stare, she realized. There was something reverent about the way Prior looked at her body, it wasn’t hungry or posessive. She went to the wardrobe and opened it.

It was full of the most beautiful gowns she’d ever seen. Most of them in rich gold or green, a few in icy blues and silver and one that caught her eye, a deep red velvet that was almost black. She touched it and pulled it out, sliding it on.

“Well, that will certainly do,” Prior said with a grin. She looked in a mirror. It was stunning. Prior came behind her and kissed her neck. They looked well together, she realized.

The rider and the ranger something in her stirred. They belonged. She held on to his arm as they walked down to the large hall, and were seated besides Prince Anders and Lady Nika.

“Appan says to tell you that Lord Seshi has been very grumpy all day,” the prince said. Danna laughed.

“I’ll go to see him tomorrow, I promise,” she looked around the room. “This is different from your brother’s dining hall.”

“It can feel shocking,” Anders said with a nod. “A little stiff. I sometimes can’t believe that Harran wanted to rule over it.” Danna choked on her wine.

“Harran and Annalise?” She said. Nika sighed.

“For years,” Nika said, “my sister was quite the martyr over it.” Danna laughed seeing the sour look on Prior’s face.

“No wonder she was so good to me,” she rubbed Prior’s arm. He sighed. A man in a simple green jacket, a different design than the one Prior and the other rangers were wearing walked over and settled in.

“She’s refusing to leave the library,” he said to Nika.

“I believe that became your responsibility when you said vows,” Nika said playfully.

“I suppose it did,” he sighed. He glanced at Danna. “Lefty,” he extended his hand.

“Danna Finn,” she said.

“He’s selling himself short,” Nika leaned back, “this is Grand Admiral Damian Lestoff, Duke of Brightcoast, The True Rising Sun of Pharras.”

“Oh,” Danna said, “I’m sorry for not quivering, I’ve met many important people of late.” The Duke laughed.

“You’ve got spirit, that’s good,” he said, “we like that around here. You’re also far too lovely for him.”

“Thank you, Lefty,” Prior rolled his eyes. She felt his finger against the back of her neck. Again, it was comforting, even as it gave her chills.

“I’m sorry the duchess won’t be joining us,” Danna said. Lefty shrugged.

“My beloved has a tendency to get caught up in her studies,” he said affectionately. “If she were less brilliant I would take more offense.” Danna’s heart warmed. Clearly, Damian Lestoff, for all their lofty titles was madly in love with his wife, in a way she’d rarely seen.

You could have that. You’ve found your mate. The voice in her mind sounded a great deal like Seshi.

The doors of the hall swung open and a large group of well dressed men marched in, Danna’s eyes grew wide seeing who was leading them.

Annalise stood up from her table at the center. General Dugarry following close behind her. Prior was also on his feet.

“Your Majesty,” Cole bowed and then dropped the large black sack on his shoulder at her feet.

“And you are?” Annalise said cooly.

“My name is Cole Deprentar,” he said and glanced at Danna with a cool smirk. “I’ve come to bring you a gift, and to retrieve something of mine.”

Prior

He got up from bed, Danna had fallen to sleep not long after they’d made love and he sighed and stretched and got dressed, he left a note, saying he had to speak to his cousin, and who she should speak to to find him. He dressed and walked down to the apartment that Evan and Raymond shared and opened the doors.

“If you refuse to even consider it what would you like me to do?” Marina said throwing up her hands.

“I didn’t say I wasn’t considering it,” Raymond said calmly back to her, “I’m saying we should begin in the archives.”

“If there were unpurged records in the archives, I would know,” Marina argued back.

“Rina, you aren’t omniscient,” an amused voice said from the fireplace, Prior met Tristan Dugarry’s eyes, and grinned at his old partner. Tristan winked back at him. “You can’t know everything that’s in the archives.” The Duchess whirled on her feet and glared at him. “Prior might have an opinion.”

“On research methods,” Prior said and sat down, “perish the thought.” Evan chuckled from his desk.

“About where to best find what if any line your Danna belongs to, actually,” Evan said. Prior sighed.

“There’s a place to begin besides the archives?” Prior frowned.

“Yes,” Marina said as Raymond said, “No,” at the exact same time.

“I’m sure you missed this,” Tristan said and sat down next to him.

“My father knows more about magical family lines than anyone else in the country,” Marina said. “He read everything there is to read about the old families when he was trying to figure out how to break the mandates.” Prior inhaled. Of course, Lestat Sanpierre had worked tirelessly to free first his sister and then his daughter from their magical destinies. He’d failed, but Marina had survived what the Goddess Rana had needed of her and was now probably as close to a goddess herself as any human could be.

Yes, the former Duke would probably know where to begin to find Danna’s family. If Danna wanted them to be found that is.

“And I pointed out, that I would be thrilled for my dear cousin to help us,” Raymond said, “but as he’s in Brightcoast, perhaps we could begin without him while he travels.”

“I don’t know if Danna wants to find her line,” Prior said. Marina blinked at him.

“I’m afraid that doesn’t matter much,” Marina said. “I understand that sounds callous, but this is important, it’s important for history and for magic and for Cammadan.”

“Rina,” Tristan said with a sigh. She frowned at him. Tristan and Marina were twin hearts, linked by fate and the gods on the wheel of the destiny. It made their relationship endlessly complicated, and drove their spouses to distraction. “You should know better.” She exhaled.

“I will ask her, of course,” she said. “And explain why it’s important.” Prior nodded. “I’m sorry, Prior,” she sighed, “it’s all very exciting though.” He smiled.

“Have you written to your father?” He asked. She nodded. “If my opinion is wanted, I would say that is a good place to start. He wasn’t researching these things for theory it was to help you and Queen Marie, he’d know how to do it right.” She smiled.

“Come on, Raymond,” she said and pulled him out.

“I should go with them,” Evan said, “when they’re in this kind of mood they might kill each other.” Prior laughed and Evan stopped and clapped him on the shoulder. “I’m glad you’re home, Prior.” Prior smiled at him. He left.

Tristan looked at him and raised an eyebrow.

“Caro said she’s lovely but skittish,” Tristan said. Prior nodded. “New and different for you.” He snorted.

“Annalise is pregnant,” Prior said softly. Tristan sighed.

“Yes, that,” he muttered, “I said we should have told you. Caro said we needed to stay out of it.” Prior laughed. “It’s been years, Prior.”

“I know, it’s just,” he exhaled, “I didn’t think I would care.”

“Ah,” Tristan nodded. “That’s all?”

“And why isn’t he here?” Prior raged. “I shouldn’t be surprised he left when she,” Tristan raised an eyebrow.

“When she asked him to?” He said. Prior frowned. “Queen Aimee insisted on being here. Annalise knows that will put Eric on edge, as his family always does. He’s concerned how they’ll take it if the child is a boy.”

“Why?” Prior asked.

“Because if Eric has a son, there’s even more continuity to him as Daniel’s heir,” the door opened and Damian Lestoff walked in. The Duke of Brightcoast was a tall man, with light brown skin, and he wore his dark curly hair tied into a tail at his neck. “Marina says its a girl though.”

“Your Grace,” Prior nodded.

“Commander,” Lefty bowed. “I’d expected to find you at the bottom of a bottle.”

“Lestoff,” Tristan sighed.

“Dugarry,” Lefty teased back.

“Aren’t you supposed to be in Pharras, fighting for freedom?” Prior said.

“I was,” Lefty said, “but my lady wife has decided she needs to be with her queen and cousin.” Prior nodded. “I go where she goes.” Prior nodded. “You actually found the dragons.”

“It’s a little more nuanced than that,” Prior said gently.

“So now what?” Tristan asked. Prior sighed.

“Even with this mission over things in Westran are still bad,” he shook his head. “The settlers are taking more and more. The tribes are getting fed up with it. I don’t know how much longer even Harran holding things off will work.” He paused. “Your people aren’t helping.”

“We never do,” Tristan sighed. “I’m trying to convince my grandfather to slow down on issuing charters but he’s refusing to.” Prior nodded. “Caro is hearing bad things from her end as well.”

“Caro always hears bad things,” Lestoff shrugged. “But your grandfather’s speed is alarming people down south too.” Prior took that on. Something was going to break. He hoped they could stop it.

Danna

“It’s so, big,” she said wih a gasp as Seshi swooped down and landed on a promintory overlooking Dovetail.

“You are so small,” the dragon teased. He was in a better mood now, she realize, perhaps because her own anxieties lifted.

“Hilarious,” she said, sliding off of his back. She glanced up and saw Appan circling. She thought of the things Anders had told her and wondered if they were near where his brother had died. Nika, Prior and Lady Carolina rode up, and Prior dismounted.

For this last week of riding they’d been together, for whatever it meant in the loose sense that they were. He was beside her, they shared a tent. They made love. She told him things, about home, about her father. He listened and told her things back, about his cousin, and his work. It felt strange, but good, and solid, in ways she didn’t think were possible.

“Oh boy,” Nika said, as a party of horses came up. “Caro, it isn’t the whole guard is it?” Lady Carolina rolled her eyes.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Lady Carolina said. The group arrived. They were lead by a lean and tall blonde woman in a green riding dress, a black woman, with a playful smile in an elaborate blue gown, a black man in a long dark robe and a white man with golden brown hair who resembled Prior, if a slighter, and lighter version.

That must be Evan.

The blonde woman dismounted and walked over to Prior with a wide smile.

“Commander,” she said.

“General,” he nodded back and spread his arms. She laughed and hugged him. “It’s good to see you Thena.”

“You too,” she said, she regarded Danna and then Seshi. She bowed her head to the dragon. “My Lord, welcome to Dovetail, my queen is eager to make your acquaintance.”

“As I am eager to make hers, Little Daughter of The Warrior,” Seshi said, his voice full of dignity. The General smiled. “Your Patron was good to my people when we last walked together.”

“He is good to those he considers worthy,” she shrugged. Seshi nodded, the general turned to Lady Carolina. “Lady Dugarry.”

“Countess,” Lady Carolina grinned. It was clearly a private joke between the sisters in law. “May I present Mistress Finn, Lord Seshi’s rider. Danna, this is General Athena Dugarry, Countess of Pantona.”

“An honor,” The General smiled and extended her hand.

“It’s my pleasure,” Danna said. Prior was joking with the two other men, and the small black woman was holding Nika in a fierce hug. “The Duchess of Brightcoast, then?”

“Good guess,” the general smirked. “Her Majesty is waiting, My Lord, she asks you wait to enter the city, she doesn’t want a panic.”

“Of course,” Seshi nodded.

“We brought horses, for you, Mistress Finn, and Prince Anders, if he’s interested in getting his ass on the ground,” she shouted up to the still circling Appan and Anders. Danna laughed.

“Appan has more energy than Seshi,” Danna said, “they might be a while.” The General nodded and Danna walked over to Prior.

“Danna,” Prior said gently, “this is my cousin, Lord Evan Allred, and his husband, Mastero Raymond Quents.”

“My Lord,” Danna dipped a curtsey, “Mastero.”

“Glad to meet you,” Lord Evan said with a knowing smile. Danna blushed and then looked at Prior. What had he told his cousin? “We should get back, Athena’s right, she is waiting for you.”

“Let her wait,” the Duchess said with dismissive cluck of her tongue. She met Danna’s eyes and smiled kindly and it felt as if the whole world lit up. “It’s good for her.”

“We don’t all have her permanent good opinion like you do, Rina,” Prior teased helping Dann onto her horse.

“Oh yes, she’s so often angry with you,” Marina said with an eyeroll, “it’s the burden you carry.” Prior laughed. “I apologize for not greeting you Mistress Finn, I haven’t seen Nika in ages and she’s too thin.”

“You’re welcome to fatten me up while I’m here,” Nika said riding closer to her. “I expected Lefty.”

“He thought he’d be in the way,” Duchess Marina shrugged. Nika nodded and they rode off, chatting and giggling. Danna raised her eyebrows at Prior who shrugged.

“His Grace and Our Lady understand how difficult sharing can be,” he said. “They keep out of each other’s way.”

“You mean The Duchess,” Danna blinked, “with both of them?”

“Not lately, but in the past,” Prior said. Danna nodded. “You’ll have plenty of new gossip, my nosey little rider, I promise.” He kissed her softly and she laughed. They reached the palace and dismounted.

“Everything is going to be all right,” Lady Carolina said simply, and took Danna’s hand and squeezed it. She swallowed and followed Prior into a large room, and at the end of it on an elaborately carved wooden throne, sat a bronze skinned young woman, her hair in long braids.

Queen Annalise met Danna’s eyes and her heart started racing.