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.

Danna

The feast was loud, and sitting next to Prior was soothing. His presence was balancing in some way, and she glad for it. They talked more, laughed. He told stories about home, joked with the other rangers, and found casual ways to touch her without feeling like he was placing a claim on her.

He’d had to stay behind as things broke up, the chieftain wanted to speak with him and Nika and Anders, and she’d assured him she could get back. He’d kissed her hand softly.

It was nice, but as she walked back to her bedchamber, she realized she should have asked him about Annalise. He hadn’t brought it up and she was curious. Why hadn’t he told her about it? She undressed. He’d been engaged to the most powerful woman in the world while she’s been so starving she’d talked herself into being in love with a man who treated her like a convenience.

This was impossible. But he’d said she could choose whatever they were, that she could set the pace. She climbed out of the window of her room onto a landing outside and looked up at the sky.

What do you need, Danna? Seshi’s voice filled my mind.

Nothing, really, she thought back. Nothing you can give at least. Are you safe and comfortable?

We are fine. He sounded grumpy. She laughed. She glanced behind herself seeing Prior having walked into her room. And you?

I am safe. She said softly and walked back into the room. “What are you doing here?” He exhaled and looked at her.

“I wanted to make sure you were comfortable,” he said. “I was busy before, I didn’t get a chance to,” she smiled at him. “What?”

“It’s not the worst excuse I’ve ever heard,” she said. “Cole used to come to my house and ask if my well was full.”

“Did it ever?” He asked.

“I didn’t have a well,” she shrugged. “I got my water in town and carried it back.” He laughed. “You were engaged.” He sighed and leaned against a chair.

“Oh, that.” He looked up from under his hair. This man knew exactly what he was doing. “Who told you?”

“Lady Brea,” she said. He nodded. “That’s why you don’t talk about her. Why the avoided bringing her up?”

“Yes,” he said. “Annalise and I were engaged. We were lovers for about two years, I loved her for almost three before that. She never really loved me back, she tried to, very hard. But she didn’t.” Danna looked at him, he looked pained.

“Do you still love her?” She asked. He sighed.

“That’s a rather more complicated question,” he said. She crossed her arms. “She’s my friend, and my queen. I don’t think of her as an ideal anymore, or as a lover, but I think I always will love her, yes.” She nodded. “It’s been two years before you ask again. She married Prince Eric not long after.”

“When you went hunting dragons?” She asked. He shrugged.

“She joked I’d finally found something more interesting than her,” he said. She smiled. “I wasn’t keeping it a secret, Danna, I planned to talk to you about it before we got to Dovetail.” She said.

“After I was dependent on you?” She said. He exhaled.

“I didn’t mean it that way,” he said, “I meant what I said earlier. This can be whatever you want it to be.” She nodded. “I’ll go,” he went to.

“Wait,” she said, “I’m sorry.” He looked at her. “I can imagine it’s difficult to talk about.” He nodded. “Lady Brea said that she trains good husbands.” He laughed. “So she and the chieftain?”

“Yes,” he nodded. “When we get to Cammadan you’ll hear some people tell exaggerated stories about Annalise’s promiscuity. Most of them are exaggerated. But she doesn’t like to sleep alone.” Danna nodded.

“I see,” she whispered. “She hurt you.” He shrugged.

“She didn’t mean to,” he said. “I’ve lived a life of people meaning to, I can make the distinction.” She stepped closer to him. “Danna,” he whispered.

“Hush,” she murmured, cupped her hands around his face and kissed him softly. He accepted it. “You terrify me.”

“I don’t mean to,” he answered and kissed her back, she let her tongue move over her lips and he opened his mouth and they explored each other. He slid his hands down her arms and pulled her closer. She pulled back. “Do you want me to go?”

“Not really,” she admitted. “But I don’t think I’m ready for you to stay.” He nodded, pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Prior,” she said softly, he turned at the door. “Thank you.”

“Anything, Danna,” he said gently with a smile.

Danna

She heard a knock on the door and got out of the tub and wrapped a towel around herself.

“Hello,” Lady Brea walked through the door. Danna stared at her.

“Can I help you with something, my lady?” She asked. Lady Brea smiled at her.

“Prior likes you,” Brea said simply. Danna nodded. “I can see why, you are obviously lovely, and it’s honestly about time, he has pined about Annalise long enough.”

“P-pined?” Danna said.

“Mooned? Moped?” Brea sighed and went to a wardrobe. “Whatever word you prefer. It’s nice to see him moving on.”

“From Annalise?” Danna said. Brea nodded. “Queen Annalise.”

“Yes,” Brea said. Danna blinked. “Of course he didn’t tell you. Men are useless. They were betrothed.” She bit her bottom lip.

“Oh,” she sat down. Brea frowned.

“You shouldn’t be upset,” The Lady of the border handed her a robe. “She’s not all that special, Annalise. And she trains husbands well.” Danna blinked at her. “Try that on, I can’t have you in my dining hall in that sack cloth.” She turned and wooshed out.

Prior had been the queen’s lover, he’d been planning to marry her. There was absolutely no way that he was serious about her then. She was nothing. She slipped the gold robe on and looked in the mirror.

She was beautiful, there had always been that.

Prior

Prior was happy to be sitting in the great hall of the border keep among the other rangers. It had been too long, Anders had been right about that.

“So now that we know about the dragons what’s our mission?” Riley, a black woman ranger with her hair in long braids down her back grinned at him.

“I don’t know yet,” he admitted, “I guess we go home.” She nodded. “So it’s Brightcoast for you.” She grinned.

“Might even try Pharras,” she shrugged. “The Duchess will likely have work for everyone.” He nodded. Marina had a way of making everyone around her busy. “Dovetail for you?”

“It would seem so.” He shrugged. He froze, the room had stopped as Danna walked in the main door. She was wearing a Wyan style robe, but rather than the deep black favored by Nika and Brea, it was a deep golden color that compliment her freckled skin and red hair which was tucked up in a high bun with tendrils curled falling out of it. She looked stunning. “Excuse me,” he stood up and walked over to her, seeing Anders move to do similarly. Like hell. One of the keep guards had started speaking with her. “Mistress Finn,” he said.

“Commander,” she smiled.

“May I escort you in?” He asked. A smile crept across her face.

“Of course,” she said and took his arm. He saw her glance at the table of rangers. “Shouldn’t you be with them?”

“I should,” he said and they settled at a smaller table. “But I’d rather be with you.” She blushed.

“I feel a little silly,” she admitted, smoothing the robe, “but Lady Brea sent it up and I thought it would be rude not to wear it.”

“It suits you,” he said. Though he’d thought she stopped rooms in that old brown dress of hers too. “Danna, I,” he swallowed. “If you’d be happier here, I understand that, you can stay.” She frowned. “Annalise will come here to meet with Seshi, if need be, I mean.”

“Why would I want to stay here?” She asked. He shrugged.

“Anders is here,” he said, “we’re closer to your home,” she swallowed and nodded.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know Anders better,” she said, “it’s nice to have someone else who can ride a dragon around,” she said, “but I don’t really have a home, Prior.” He looked at her. “I want to make a new one.” He nodded. “But if you don’t want me to come with you,” she swallowed, “I mean, I understand you probably have a life in Dovetail.”

“I do,” he said quickly, “I mean, obviously, but not one that couldn’t include you.” He carefully traced a finger against her chin.

“I don’t want to be kept again,” she said. He smiled. “I don’t want to start a new life with everyone thinking I belong to you.”

“This can be whatever you want it to be, Danna,” he said, “or nothing at all, if that’s what you’d rather.” She exhaled.

“I don’t know what I want yet,” she said. He nodded. “I do want you, I just don’t know if I’m ready for what that means.” He smiled.

“All right,” he said. “We can figure it out as we go.” She smiled gently. “I don’t want you to feel like you’re beholden to me.”

“You did save me,” she said.

“You saved me back,” he pointed out. “We’re even.” She laughed and he took her hand.

Danna

The last week of travel was more fun than the first, flying with Anders was easy enough and it made Seshi less cranky that Appan was now with them. The younger dragon brought out something playful with his lord. With Anders nearby, there were fewer charged glances with Prior too. They were trading stories about their travel, their friends. Anders mentioned someone named Kat, and how it seemed from her letters that she was doing better.

They talked around news from Dovetail, which Danna thought was strange, like Prior was avoiding knowing too much about home.

The day they approached the border keep felt different. Nika had gone silent as the large stone fortress came into view. It was the biggest building Danna had ever seen.

“The Priestess is unwelcome here,” Seshi muttered to her. Danna exhaled. But the Lady was Nika’s sister, wasn’t she? She landed him and they walked alongside the horses. Appan was practically trotting.

“I think I will like it here,” Appan hummed.

“I’m not here as much as I should be,” Anders said. Danna looked at Prior as they walked up to the group of people waiting for them. A large blonde haired man who resembled Anders, dressed in a brown vest and leggings was smiled warmly, the woman next to him wore a black robe similar to Nika’s but her head was uncovered, here long black hair tucked into her braid. She was balancing a young child on her hip. She was incredibly beautiful, with brown skin, a round face and sharp amber eyes. She looked furious.

Her face came to Danna’s memory, those sharp eyes disapproving of her.

“She’s going to kill me,” Nika muttered, “and you two for bringing me.” Prior laughed.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Prior said as they dismounted and walked up. “Chieftain,” he bowed “My Lady Brea.”

“Commander,” The Chieftain nodded. The Lady didn’t take her eyes from Nika. “As always you honor us.”

“May I present Mistress Danna Finn,” Prior said and stepped forward. “The Dragon Rider.”

“You’re very welcome here, Mistress Finn,” The Chieftain said. Danna did her best to curtsey, but it had been a long time since she’d had to.

“Thank you for having me,” She said. “May I present Seshi, Lord of Dragons, and Appan, who had decided to take your brother as his rider.”

“Yes,” Lady Brea said, her eyes finally straying from her sister. “Did you enjoy your ride, Anders?” He laughed and took the child from her.

“I did, in fact,” he said. The little one laughed in his uncle’s arms, and Danna smiled at him. “And we brought Nika home.”

“Of course,” Brea said tightly. “Sister.”

“My Lady,” Nika said, her voice flat.

“Maybe we should all get settled,” The Chieftain cleared his throat. “My Lord Seshi, will you be able to settle?”

“There are places we know,” Seshi answered him, “We will seek them out.” Danna accepted an affectionate nudge from him. “Be good, little one,” he teased. She laughed. And followed them inside. She was lead to a large bedchamber with a hot bath in the corned. She exhaled and undressed and slid into the water and closed her eyes.

Prior

He sat in the usual room he was given in the keep and looked out the winder.

“You know,” Harran said from the doorway, “you could have warned me you were bringing Nika.” Prior sighed.

“It wasn’t the initial plan, trust me,” he shook his head. Harran nodded.

“Someone needed to push them,” he said, “it’s just that Brea’s going to be, well, Brea, about it.” Prior laughed. “You’re going to Dovetail.”

“That’s the plan,” Prior nodded. Harran exhaled. “Is there something I should know?” Harran snorted.

“Who knows with her?” Harran sighed. Prior grinned. Harran had also been with Annalise for a time. “She said she wants to see us soon, but that could mean anything.” Prior nodded. “The rider,” Prior exhaled. “What do you know about her?”

“Very little,” he admitted. “But she was in trouble, so I helped.” Harran sighed and looked down.

“Of course you did,” he muttered. “How long will you stay?” Prior sighed.

“A few days,” he said, “then we’ll head east.” Harran nodded.

“Brea said to expect a fuss at dinner,” Harran said and then walked out. Prior groaned and flopped on the bed. Maybe he’d made a huge mistake.

Danna

The sun had gone down and she’d slid into her bedroll. Why had she pulled away from Prior? He wasn’t pressing, just seeing her. Why did she find that so terrifying?

Because he’s a good man, and you don’t know what to do with that. A part of her hummed. She looked up at the stars and watched as Appan’s alabaster form zoomed over the sky. She closed her eyes. She wondered what Tarran was doing. When sleep didn’t come she went to the edge of the campsite where Prince Anders was sitting. He smiled gently at her.

“Your dragon is here,” she said. He laughed. His face was handsome, dark hair, framing it’s sharp angles, which softened with the smile. He had dark eyes, and his skin was a gentle olive tone. “Your brother is the chieftain?”

“Harran, yes,” he said. She nodded.

“I met another of your brothers once,” she said. He looked at her. “He was young, but so was I, then.”

“Rian,” he smiled. She nodded. “Did you like him? You probably did, everybody did.” She shrugged.

“I served him beer, I didn’t meet princes every day, so it was memorable.” She hugged her knees.

“He died, when we fought at Dovetail,” Prince Anders said. She nodded. The grief was sharp. She was familiar with that kind of grief.

“Prior is your friend.” She said softly. He looked at her and smiled.

“Prior and I rode together for years,” he said. “Looking for them,” he nodded to Seshi and Appan. “Well, the wheel first, then them.” She swallowed. “What do you want to ask?”

“Is he for real?” She exhaled. The prince laughed again.

“Unfortunately, yes,” he said, “he is that infuriatingly virtuous. It might be less irritating if he weren’t so good looking.” She laughed. “He likes you, but whatever was happening with you, he’d have helped regardless of his attraction.” She nodded. “He won’t press you, if you’ve rejected him, that will be enough.”

“Good,” she said quietly and looked back at the campsite. “Your brother and sister in law,” she swallowed, “they won’t mind?”

“No,” Anders said, “they’ll be wary, because you’re traveling with Nika, and there’s some bad blood there, but they’ll welcome you, let you rest before you continue on to Dovetail.” She nodded. “You’re Cammadie.”

“I was born there,” she said, “but I don’t remember it.” He nodded.

“You’ll find your way,” he stood up and held out a hand to help her up. “Annalise’s world is built around outsiders, you’ll see.” She closed her eyes. “Show me how to ride a dragon, Danna Finn.” She laughed and they walked over to the two dragons. Appan was beating his tail against the stone and Seshi sighed.

“Prince Anders wants to ride,” Danna said with a smile. Seshi snorted out a laugh.

“Ah, he doesn’t wish to argue for two years about why it unwise? How will you guide him then?” Seshi said. She laughed.

“I’ve been riding on the neck like a horse,” Danna said, not answering Seshi’s barb. “You’re bigger than I am and Appan is smaller than Seshi, so it might be different for you.”

“Faster,” Appan said, “My Lord is large but he is old and slow.” Seshi nipped at the younger white dragon and Prince Anders exhaled and boosted himself and straddled him. Appan launched then and the prince let out a whoop. Danna laughed.

“We will learn to fly together,” Seshi smiled. “It will be good for him.” Danna nodded. “I like how much you have smiled these last few weeks.”

“I feel lighter,” she said, and mounted. “Should we chase them?”

“I think that is a very good idea,” Seshi laughed and launched after the two. Danna laughed.

Prior

He smiled as he sat tied to a chair in a shed and the bag came off of his head. He’d paid close attention to the ride, even though he couldn’t see. He’d be able to find his way back easily once he got away.

“Master DuPrentar,” Prior said pleasantly, Cole’s face was screwed up in anger. “How can I help you this evening? This seems a bit elaborate for a conversation.”

“Shut up,” Cole growled, and held a knife up. Prior sighed. Tedious, frankly. “Tell me Commander, what actually brought you out here?”

“Would you believe a witch heard on the wind that there was trouble?” He tried. A hit across the face. It hurt but it wasn’t exactly a problem. “Clearly not.”

“What have you told the chancellor?” Cole said, the knife digging deeper, cutting the skin. For the gods sake, Prior sighed. This was about the damn charter.

“I can assure you, I could not give less of a shit about Merchant politics,” Prior said. “Unless you’re actively plotting against the queen, cheat Dumanis all you like. He’ll figure it out on his own, likely, but it’s not my problem.” Cole’s eyes grew big.

“Then why go after Danna?” He asked. “You want what’s mine?” Prior sighed.

“You treat something precious poorly,” he shrugged, “it’ll leave you. I had nothing to do with that.” The man was enraged, he could handle that. “Interesting you chose ambush. You don’t think you can take me.”

“Oh, I can take you,” Cole said, “I don’t want the heat it would bring.” Prior nodded. He’d begun working the knot on his hands, and it was coming along. He sighed.

“I hate bragging, but no, you cannot,” Prior said simply. “I don’t know who you think I am, Master DuPrentar, but I can assure you, you are likely mistaken.” Cole sneered at him.

“You’re a pretty guard with a shiny sword,” he said. “I know exactly who you are.” Prior laughed and felt the knot break, perfect.

“I have been those things,” Prior smiled, “I’m also the Commander of Her Majesty’s Rangers, the chosen lover of The Sword of The Goddess, I held the gates while my Queen cut the gods free from their bindings.” He pulled the ropes off and swung a punch making Cole stagger back. “I’m the son of the man who stood his ground while being consumed by darkness to defend the good name of a woman who was kind to his wife.” He headbutted him. “And you have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into.” There was a sudden roar and a shaking of the ground and the roof of the shack caved in.

“Prior,” Nika shouted, jumping off of the dragon, and tossing him a sword.

“I had it under control,” he said. She looked at him. “I did.”

“You’re an idiot,” she said. Danna was astride Seshi’s neck and was staring at Cole.

“I knew you were a lying little whore,” Cole sneared, the Dragon roared.

“I buried myself in you,” Danna said simply, looking almost like a queen, fully invested in dignity. “I would have loved you, even, if you’d have let me.” Prior’s heart lurched. Cole looked up at her. Seshi roared again. “Commander, Lady Nika, I suggest you get out of the way.” Prior and Nika turned and ran and looked back, seeing the flames shoot up, presumably coming back from the dragon.

“She didn’t hesitate,” Nika said. Prior smiled. “You’re bringing her to Dovetail?”

“That is the current plan,” he said softly. Nika nodded. “You’ll come?” Nika smiled.

“I haven’t checked on the temple there in a while,” she said. Prior rolled his eyes. She wanted to check on Marina, but before he could tease her, Seshi landed in front of them.

“Are you all right?” Danna asked dismounting, as if she’d been born on dragon back, not as though she’d never ridden before today.

Magic was funny that way.

“Yes,” Prior said, “thank you for the rescue.” She smiled. He bowed to Seshi. “And Thank You, my Lord.”

“It was my honor,” Seshi said softly and bowed back.