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.”