Prior

He sat in the courtyard and leaned against the stone. Brea walked out and sat beside him, he looked at her.

“You didn’t have to tell her,” he said. She rolled her eyes.

“Someone did,” she exhaled and looked up at the stars. “Besides you brought Nika here, I owed you one.” He laughed. “She’s nice, your rider.” He nodded. “Thank you.”

“It was time,” he said, “you were both being stubborn, someone had to force the issue.” She laughed. “She’s been alone long enough.” She hugged her knees.

“Will you take her to Alred?” She asked. He nodded.

“If Evan isn’t in Dovetail,” he shrugged. “I want him to meet her, and Raymond will insist.” Brea laughed.

“Yes, he will,” she said. “And my little dear one?” She raised an eyebrow. He laughed.

“I will of course see Lady Calla, I doubt I’ll avoid Pantona either, Caro wouldn’t stand for it,” he shrugged. Brea nodded. They watched the shadows of the dragons pass over the moon and she exhaled.

“And now you’re taking Anders from us too,” she shook her head. “Annalise must stop stealing my family, and you must tell her so.” He laughed again.

“I’ll be sure to.” He said gently. She hugged her knees. “He loved you, Brea, he wouldn’t have wanted you to be this unhappy.” She sighed and looked at him.

“Prior,” she said, “would it have been so hard for your to find some nice rancher’s daughter with a dowry and no complications?” He laughed.

“Does that sound like me?” He teased. She frowned.

“I got a letter from Kat the other day,” she said softly. “That lieutenant of hers is getting ready to propose, apparently.” Prior nodded. “He was so ready to run off with her,” she exhaled. “I’m glad she’s moving on, that’s good but it’s still,” she closed her eyes.

“I know,” Prior said softly. She rested her chin on her knees. “Rory’s growing like a weed.” She smiled.

“He’s a good boy,” she said. “Very serious, he reminds me of Anders,” Prior laughed. “And Nika, too.”

“We’ll go in the morning,” he said. She nodded.

“Nika too?” She asked.

“That’s up to you and Nika,” he said, “Obviously I’d love to have her with us,” Brea looked at him. “I would!”

“You want to be alone with that girl,” she grinned. He groaned. “Don’t bother lying to be, Prior Chastain, I always know.”

Danna

She woke early and walked out to the field where Seshi and Appan were settled. Anders had already arrived and was watching them fly. She settled in next to him.

“Prior wants to leave today,” she said. He looked at her and smiled.

“It’s a shame that you were already in love with Prior when I met you,” he sighed. She laughed.

“I’m not in love with him,” she shook her head. He raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know what I am but it isn’t that.”

“As you say,” he shrugged. “Still, I didn’t have a prayer, and that’s to bad.” She laughed.

“That’s for the best,” she shrugged. “If it hadn’t worked out we’d be stuck with those too.” He smiled. “I didn’t know what we’d be walking into here.” Anders exhaled.

“My family is complicated,” he said. “That’s why I stay away from them.” She laughed. Seshi swooped down and landed in front of them.

“You slept well?” He asked.

“You worry too much.” She said.

“You do not take care of yourself,” he growled. She laughed and he nudged her. Anders smiled. “When will we depart?”

“When we’ve said goodbye to everyone,” she stood up. “I just wanted to see you.”

“You are good child,” he huffed at her. She looked up at the sky.