Danna

They arrived back in the city and Danna heard Seshi huff above her as they passed the harbor lake and a large golden serpent shot out of the water.

“Oh,” Prior mumbled, “they’re here then.” Danna looked at him curiously. “You’re about to meet the King Consort’s family.” They rode faster towards the palace and arrived in the courtyard and Seshi landed.

“I had not realized my cousins were here,” the dragon said.

“The serpents?” Prior said. “They aren’t usually, and honestly just the one. When Lady Katrin is present.”

“This Lady rides a serpent?” Seshi asked. Prior nodded. “They are pickier than even we. She must be impressive.”

“You’ll make me jealous,” Danna teased. Seshi nipped her affectionately.

“No matter how impressive, I need no other rider,” Seshi assured her. She smiled. “I will wait while your queen receives her family.” Danna sighed as they walked into the hall.

A black woman was pressing her ear to Queen Annalise’s belly while a man stood tensely next to them.

“She is so strong,” the older woman said and the queen giggled. “You must bring her to Tumona as soon as you can, the Spring will need her.”

“Gods save me,” the man standing next to them muttered.

“Hello,” a young woman with dark skin, curly black hair and dressed in a simple pink wrapped dress appeared next to them.

“Kat,” Prior said carefully. “Danna, meet Lady Katrin Lestoff. Kat, this is Danna Finn, my erm,” he paused. Danna smiled, they hadn’t named their association. “Mine.”

“Nice to meet you,” Lady Katrin smiled. “Mama is conjuring visions about the baby, and Eric seems to have shoved a stick up his butt.” Danna coughed to swallow a laugh. “She is taking her first grandchild quite seriously.”

“I’m sure she is,” Prior said and squeezed Danna’s hand. “We saw Aura.” Kat sighed.

“She was not supposed to come but she heard there were dragons,” she explained. Danna swallowed.

“Oh,” Annalise trotted over to them. “You made it back. We were worried.” The man beside her, handsome with his hair cut short to his head and light brown skin, in a white uniform followed after her. “This is my husband, Eric. Eric this is Danna, she is Prior’s new paramour.”

“Your Highness,” Danna dipped and she felt Prior stiffen at her back.

“Any friend of Prior’s,” The King Consort said. The Queen sighed, “you’ve met my sister.” Danna nodded. “Kat, you should get Mother settled.”

“She seems fine,” Lady Katrin grinned, and her brother stared at her. “Oh, alright then, Your Highness,” she stomped off.

“Kat doesn’t like orders,” Annalise explained. Eric sighed.

“It was a very long voyage,” he said. “I am glad to meet you.”

“Lord Seshi is waiting outside,” Danna managed. It has been such a strange few days and she wanted, she realized more than anything to talk to Tanner.

“Ah, right,” Annalise said softly. “Do you want to met a Dragon, my love?” The King Consort shrugged with a lazy smile and they walked out Seshi bowed his head. “My Lord, thank you for seeing us and bringing your rider home.”

“It is my honor, Your Majesty,” he said, “I owe you my freedom.” Annalise smiled.

“That was my honor,” she said softly, “please know that should your people wish to come to my land, they will be free.” Seshi bowed again.

“I will speak to the others on it,” he said. She smiled. “As it is, I know we will come if you truly need us.”

“For this I am grateful,” she smiled. Annalise glanced at Danna. “Well, it’s been an exciting few days, I suggest we all go to our rooms and relax.”

“Never a bad plan,” Prior took Danna’s arm and they walked inside.