Danna

Danna and Seshi were flying low over a mountain pass. Anders and Appan had zoomed ahead. She had an eye on Prior and Nika below her.

“Why do you continue to resist him?” Seshi asked. She sighed and groaned. “Your feelings are obvious for each other.”

“I’m not ready for something real yet,” she said. “And I don’t think he knows how to fake it.” Seshi grunted and swooped down into the pass seeing Prior wave them down. They landed.

“We’re nearing a town,” Prior said. “My Lord, it is up to you if you and Appan wish to reveal yourselves.” Appan and Anders followed after them and landed.

“No,” Seshi said, “we do not want trouble on the journey, we will fly high and meet you in the next pass.” Danna dismounted, so did Anders and they went to the horses. They all rode in quiet for a while.

“That was considerate of you,” Danna said. Prior smiled at her.

“I don’t want them in danger,” he said. “Besides, this way I get some time with you.” She shook her head and laughed and they rode on. It was nearly dark by the time the reached the village. It was larger than any place Danna had ever seen, besides the border keep. She tried to keep from marveling as they stabled the horses and walked into an inn.

“I’ll get us food,” Anders disppeared nearly as soon as they walked in.

“I’ll see about rooms,” Danna said and did the same.

“A table I guess,” Prior grinned and they moved through the crowd.

“Commander,” a serving girl walked over to them. Prior’s face went flat. Danna grinned a little, watching him squirm. She was pretty, with light skin, and dark hair tied up in a kerchief. “The lady wants to see you.” He exhaled.

“She’s here?” He asked. The serving girl nodded.

“She has a private parlor, she said to bring you when you arrived,” the girl explained. Danna looked at him. “I will bring Lady Nika and Prince Anders as well.”

“Fine,” he mumbled. “Let’s get this over with.” He placed his hand on Danna’s lower back and guided her through the crowd following the girl to a simple wooden door which opened to a cozy parlor. A fire was blazing and there was a lush red rug with an intricate woven design of flowers on it. There was a table, heavy with bread, cheese and fruit, and a few bottles of wine. There were a two couches arranged face each other and sitting on one, sipping a glass of wine was a young woman.

She was pretty, but not absurdly so, with an upturned nose, pale skin, and golden blonde hair tied up in elaborate knots to keep it off of her face. She was wearing an expensive dress, in a deep red and she smiled warmly at them.

“Hello Prior,” she said. He walked over and kissed her on the cheek.

“Hello Caro,” he said. “I should have known you’d be here.” She shrugged. “When did Amalie become one of yours?”

“Before she became one of yours,” she narrowed her eyes. The woman glanced at Danna. “Prior, you’re being rude.”

“Of course,” he exhaled, “May I present Mistress Danna Finn,” he held her hand and Danna’s heart leapt. “Danna, this is Lady Carolina Dugarry, spy master to Queen Annalise and possibly the most annoying person in the entire kingdom of Cammadan.”

“M’lady,” Danna dipped into a curtsey.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Lady Carolina said. “Please sit, and eat. Any friend of Prior’s.” Danna nodded and the door opened.

“The Lady wishes to see you,” Nika’s voice walked through. “Honestly Caro, do you have to be so dramatic?” Lady Carolina shrugged.

“Who wants a straightforward spy master?” She sipped on her wine. Anders chuckled and walked over and kissed her cheek. “Your Highness.”

“My lady,” he said. “Will the Commander be joining us?”

“Alas no,” she sighed. “My husband is in Dovetail, one of his apprentices began sword work recently and is demanding his attention.”

“Oh, they finally let Calla pick up a sword?” Nika said. “She must be overjoyed, she’s been begging.”

“Aaron isn’t happy about it,” Lady Carolina smirked. The others laughed and Danna fiddled with a button on the couch, Lady Carolina looked at her. Danna felt oddly shabby next to her. Even in the borrowed robes from Lady Brea, which were the nicest clothes she’d ever worn.

This was the kind of woman Cole would go home to marry, she realized. Beautiful and lovely and elegant and detached, who understood everything going on in this world. And it was probably what Prior wanted eventually too. He’d play with her for a while and then move on to some lady or other.

He’d already had a queen.

“I think I need to lie down,” she stood up. “Are there rooms, do we know?”

“There’s one through there,” Lady Carolina pointed. Danna nodded and walked through the door, a double bed was waiting. She lay down and slept for a while and woke up to the fire smoldering and went through the parlor. There was still some food but the others had gone. She gathered a piece of bread and some fruits onto the plate and a door opposite creaked open. Lady Carolina looked started.

“I’m sorry, should I not have,” Danna started.

“It’s fine,” the spymaster shrugged and yawned. “I practically had to command Prior to a room because he was worried about you.”

“Oh,” Danna said softly. Lady Carolina looked at her.

“Who are you?” She asked. Danna blinked. “You were living with Cole DuPrentar which is horrifying by the way. I seem to remember he was something of a pig,” Danna blinked at her. “My brother in law nearly challenged him to a duel when he asked if my sister or I were better alone or as a pair.” Danna stared at her.

“That sounds like him,” Danna muttered. “It wasn’t pleasant. He used to hurt me, sometimes just because it amused him, I think, always in bed.” Carolina nodded.

“No wonder Prior wanted to help then,” she said softly. Danna looked at her. “His uncle used to,” she stopped. “It’s his story to tell you I suppose, but, trust me that he’d understand.” Danna stared at her.

“I’m not going to be another man’s plaything,” she said. The Lady’s lips quirked into a smile.

“I should think not,” she said. “And I doubt he’d treat you as one, though he’s become a bit voracious in the past few years.” Danna’s eyes grew large. “If he says he cares for you, he means it.”

“I see,” Danna said softly. “He called you a spymaster.” The Lady laughed.

“So I am,” she said, “I pay attention, and I report what I learn to my queen, when I think she needs to know.” She leaned back. Danna nodded. “He won’t make the first move. He never does.” Danna frowned. “In case you were wondering.” She picked up an apple and walked through another door. Danna exhaled and walked into the bedroom opposite hers. Prior sat up, his shirt was off, and she could see the growth of hair over his chest.

“Danna?” He said softly. “What are you doing here?” She strode across the room sat on the bed and kissed him.