Danna

Danna crossed her arms and shrank into herself. She didn’t belong in this grand room, and the look on Queen Annalise’s face was terrifying.

“Your majesty,” she managed.

“Mistress Finn,” The Queen said, her voice full of dignity. “Commander,” she looked at Prior, her grey eyes ice cold. Danna wondered if Prior misunderstood their parting, she didn’t seem happy to see him again. Prior’s face was also placid, cool, their eyes matched. But then the queen’s face broke first, into a wide grin and she started giggling, Prior’s full bark of a laugh followed and she stepped down and threw herself into his arms. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too,” Prior said. “You scared her,” he scolded and looked at Danna, but Danna was dumbfounded, unsure how to take what she’d just witnessed.

“I’m sorry,” The Queen said, “he’s so easy to tease,” she fixed her gaze, now soft and kind, though still intense, “I am happy to meet you! I hope we can be friends, though my husband tells me that’s not always welcome.”

“Where is His Highness?” Prior asked. Annalise’s good mood fell a little, as did Prior’s. So they could be easy with each other, but clearly, Annalise’s husband was still a sore point.

“Eric is preparing Brightcoast for his mother coming,” she explained, “she wants to be here for all of it.” Prior’s face changed something resembling hurt crossed it.

“I don’t understand,” Danna said, “all of what?”

“You’re pregnant,” Prior said softly.

“Yes,” Annalise swallowed. “I am. Marina says she can’t see it yet, but the Goddess said it’s a girl.” She looked at Danna and then at Prior. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to tell you like that, it just slipped out, and honestly I expected Caro to tell you anyway.” Danna’s awareness shifted. Of course, for a long time Prior had thought Annalise’s children would be his, this would be strange for him.

“I’m happy for you,” he said, his smile back, “and for Eric.”

“I know that,” Annalise’s voice was kind. “Mistress Finn, aside from taming dragons, I must know everything about you.”

“Well, first of all, I’m just Danna,” she shrugged, “aside from taming dragon, which I didn’t do, they would resent that phrasing,” Annalise laughed, “I’m no one special. My parents fled to the desert when Brayton rose, and my whole life, my da would talk about us coming home when you,” she looked down, “when you came back. He was gone by the time you did though.”

“And where was home?” Annalise asked. “The Midlands, I’d assume, based on your looks.”

“Yes,” Danna said, “Vanton.” Annalise nodded.

“I’m sorry, about your father,” Annalise said simply, “truly.” Danna realized she meant it. “If you still wish to go home, I will write to Duke Piers, Vanton is actually doing quite well.”

“Thank you,” Danna said softly.

“Lisette,” a tall auburn haired man walked in, “Prior! You’re back!” He glanced at Danna, “and who is this?” He took her hand and kissed it. “Count Aaron Pantona, at your service, Lady,” Danna blushed and giggled in spite of herself. The Count was very handsome, and something about him made her knees weak.

“Ignore him,” Annalise rolled her eyes, “Aaron, this is Danna Finn,” The Count nodded. “What do you need?”

“To go over the agenda for council tomorrow,” the Count said, turning his attention to his queen. “But obviously, you’re busy,” Prior sighed. “Are you taking your seat?”

“Is Evan ill, he seemed fine a few minutes ago?” Prior raised an eyebrow.

“No but he’d take the excuse,” Annalise sighed. “Fine, we’ll talk more later.”

“Of course,” Danna said and she and Prior left the room. “You’re jealous?” She asked. Prior smirked.

“Of Aaron?” He teased. “He’s extremely married, he’s just a flirt,” he shrugged. She rolled her eyes.

“That is not what I meant, and you know it,” she said.

“Jealous,” he ran his hand through his hair, “no, that’s not the right word. It’s a strange feeling,” he exhaled. “She and I talked about children a lot.” Danna nodded. “And it isn’t as though I didn’t know she’d have them. She has to, but,” he shook his head. “Anyway, that’s done, how do you feel? I know it can be a lot, meeting her at first.”

“She’s not what I expected,” Danna said and Prior grinned. “I thought she’d be more like Lady Brea, honestly, all grace and aloof loveliness.”

“Well, first of all, there’s no else like Brea,” Prior said, “and Annalise has that side to her, but not usually with her friends.”

“And I count as a friend?” She asked. He smiled.

“You’re my friend,” he wrapped his arms around her waist, “and I am hers, so you are at least within the boundaries of friends.” She kissed him softly. She wanted to be enough for him, and to fit into his world.