Prior

He wasn’t sure how much he should big foot Cole. He hadn’t played courtier in a long time and he’d always hated doing it for scum. The alarmed look on Danna’s face, the way she was silently reassuring Cole was too familiar. It was a dance that he’d watched his Aunt Morgan dance nearly every night of his life.

“How in Amina’s name did you wind up here?” Danna asked. Prior smirked at her. “You served The Queen, you’re friendly with The Chancellor of The Guild’s Family,” he leaned back and shrugged.

“I wanted to find dragons,” he said, her eyes narrowed.

“Interesting,” Cole said. “For the queen?” Prior shrugged casually. I suppose you were always going to find something more interesting than me. Annalise didn’t care so much about the dragons. She was curious, of course, but she had other concerns. “And you’re sure they exist?”

“Yes,” he said. “I saw them. At The Temple of Amina.” Danna covered her mouth.

“You move in heady circles,” Cole’s voice was sharp. Prior smiled and nodded. “You and Danna met at the tavern,” she looked alarmed, “Tell me, Commander, is it the same at home?”

“Is what the same?” Prior asked, sure his voice had lost the casual edge he’d managed.

“Girls who don’t need it, working,” Cole lounged back, “I’ve offered to take care of her, and she won’t accept. “But of course with Countesses running the army and Duchesses chasing after urchins with colds as an example, it might just be the breed.” Prior’s face fell.

“General Pantona has my complete confidence,” he growled, “And Duchess Marina’s work for the sick is a great pride.”

“Cole,” Danna said and stood up, “honestly, I doubt insulting his friends is the best way to endear us to our guest.” She winked at Prior and went to the kitchen and brought out some roasted meat. “I hope you like rabbit.”

“Of course,” he said. “My apologies.”

“Cammadie women are proud of their work,” Prior said, “It’s Anessa’s legacy to her daughters. I know merchants prefer their women pretty and pregnant but even the merchant wives I know could command an empire without much though.” He smiled, thinking of Carolina and her sister Emily. They ate the rest of the meal in tense silence, Danna watching him carefully and Cole clearly fuming.

He excused himself when they finished, and found his horse and rode back into the town. It had hurt, that cold angry silence. He would check on Danna tomorrow, but right now all he could hear was his uncle shouting, his aunt begging, and the sound of the leather against Evan’s back. Or feel the sting against his own.

And he couldn’t deny anymore that he wanted Danna. He hadn’t wanted anyone that fiercely in a long time, he shook his head. It didn’t matter, Danna barely looked at him, also a familiar feeling.

There’d been a time when Prior had been steadfast in his affections. There was only Annalise, and while he often had the option to stray, he’d had no interest. Then he’d tried. For months, even after they’d parted, there was only her. He remembered being inside of Princess Rila of Rastan, hearing her voice begging him, “more, harder, please,” and his mind still full of his queen, wishing that it was her instead. It happened a few more times, but that had faded. Now he was able to enjoy sex again.

And he’d been told several times since arriving where he could find it. He walked right into Jade’s. The settlement whorehouses were different than the taverns and brothels back home. The tavern girls and workers there came and went as they liked, here they worked for the house. He didn’t like it as much, but it would do.

“Was wondering when we’d see you,” Jade herself walked over, he’d chatted with her a bit a few days ago. “Your men are normally faster.” He laughed at that.

“I like to settle in,” he shrugged. She nodded with a smile. She was Rastani, he realized, from the east, likely, dark brown skin, and almond shaped eyes and long dark hair. “Do you only operate?” He asked. She smiled gently.

“I entertain too,” she said. He smirked. “Follow me, Commander.” He followed her upstairs into a boudoir.

After she lounged back with a sigh, and Prior rolled off of her and exhaled.

“Thank you,” he smiled and she laughed.

“You’re most welcome,” she rolled to her side an started gently stroking his chest, “I have to admit most rangers aren’t quite so thorough.” He grinned.

“I can see that it becomes a part of their training,” he teased. She laughed. “Knowing Annalise she’d find it amusing.”

“I saw her once,” Jade yawned. “I remember being surprised by how small she was. Do you know her well?”

“Reasonably,” he said. He didn’t want to explain how what he’d done with his tongue that had made Jade squeal in delight had been perfected one very long winter night when he and Annalise had grown bored of watching Crown Prince Otto of Failon and Marina politely ignore each other over dinner. In fact several of his more satisfying techniques were the result of uninteresting suitors for the duchess.

Not many people would like hearing that their queen’s general first preference for dealing with a strong emotion was sex. Annalise was happy? Sex to celebrate. Annalise was frustrated? Sex to forget about it. Annalise was angry? Sex to release the passion. Annalise was sad? Sex to cheer herself up. He’d been happy to play along, denying himself the ecstasy of his queen’s bed would have been insanity. Jade eyed him.

“I’ve lost you,” she said. He smiled.

“I’m here,” he said and brushed her hair off her face. “I thanked you?”

“You did,” she said.