Prior

He waited at the places Danna had specified. She’d left a note saying that he shouldn’t ride.

“Hello,” he jumped hearing Nika’s voice.

“Goddess, Nika,” he shuddered as she laughed. “What are you doing here?”

“The wind told me you were standing on a rock like a fool,” she grinned. He looked at her.

“The wind told you?” He asked. She nodded. “Nika, I don’t know how to tell you this, but you have become very strange.” She laughed. “I think I’m being taken to see the dragons.”

“Oh,” she said, “with your barmaid?” He glared at her. “Should I stay? Do you need a chaperone?”

“Nika,” he sighed and pressed his hands to his nose. “Did the wind tell you about Danna, too?”

“You aren’t Caro’s only correspondent,” she said. He nodded. “Do try not to get to broken hearted, this time,” she teased. He shook his head and she disappeared.

“Who were you talking to?” Danna climbed from the horizon. He exhaled.

“The wind, it turns out,” he said. She looked at him strangely. “Do you know any witches? They’re difficult.” Her face turned up into a smile.

“I’m sure they are,” she said. “Come on, it’s not too far.” They walked under the stars in silence, but it wasn’t awkward, he realized, it was the kind of comfortable lack of sound that meant there was nothing to be said that couldn’t be understood otherwise. They arrived at an older homestead and walked past a small stone cottage.

“Yours?” Prior asked.

“It used to be,” Danna said, a lifetime of memories poured into those four words. He understood that, thinking of the small clapboard house he’d lived in with his father before everything. The walked further back to a large wooden structure, a barn, and Danna threw open the doors. “Commander Prior Chastain,” she said, “may I present Seshi, Lord of Dragonkind, and my friend.”

Prior stood, stunned. Before him was a large dragon, a deep purple color, with amber horns and wide yellow eyes. Danna was petting it’s neck like it was a horse.

“Commander,” the dragon’s voice was a low rumble.

“My lord,” He bowed. “I bring the fondest greetings from my queen, Annalise Dovetail, Chosen of Cornan and Sword of The Goddess Rana.” The dragon bowed back.

“My wing and I owe your queen a debt of gratitude,” he said. Prior smiled gently.

“She would not consider it so, she would say that she did her duty,” he said. Lord Seshi nodded. “Though I am sure she would be honored to meet you.”

“As you say,” Lord Seshi nodded. “Danna Finn, I like this one. He is polite.” Danna smiled.

“He is that,” she said. “If you really think you can help me leave, I want to.” Prior’s heart skipped. She was asking him for help. He would happily give it.

“Of course,” he said. The dragon huffed. “I take it this is not the first time this conversation has happened.”

“I have spent the last two years asking for this,” Lord Seshi said.

“Yes, yes,” Danna sighed. “And I did know that Cole was a bastard, but I didn’t realize he was lying to me.” Prior nodded.

“We will burn his silly mine to ash and then fly off to glory,” Lord Seshi said. “I would rip is guts out with my claws but I know you do not wish this.” The dragon was going to get along very well with Athena, Prior considered.

“We can just go,” Danna said, “that is if you can,” she looked at Prior again, her wide brown eyes softer than he’d ever seen them. He exhaled, took her hand and kissed it.

“You’ve answered my questions,” he said softly. “Let me bring you home.” She smiled.

“Good,” she said softly. “I need to know Tanner and his family are safe, before we do.”

“Of course,” Prior nodded. Though he doubted the tavern keeper needed the help. He liked her loyalty. She smirked at him. “Anything else?”

“Will Jade mind terribly?” She pouted. He sighed.

“I did try to be discreet,” he said. She shrugged.

“It’s fine,” she said, “she didn’t gossip about it, but she was walking around looking quite smug for a day or two.” He laughed. “Seshi, will the others want to join us?”

“They will have no choice,” he said with a nod. Danna inhaled sharply and looked at him.

She’d been buried, for years, he could see, but there was a warrior in there, fighting to get out. The dragon clearly saw it too. He would gladly nourish her.

“Commander,” the dragon said, “I would speak to my rider privately.” Prior nodded. He kissed Danna’s hand.

“We’ll talk later,” he assured her. She smiled. He bowed to Lord Seshi again, got on the horse and rode back into town. He dismounted, ready to write a full report to send off in the morning. This was too much for the candle.

He opened the door and frowned, looking around. It was early for the full empty and quiet. He was so lost in a haze when he felt the two sets of arms grip him and the bag get thrown over his head, he flipped one of them to the ground with a thud but the other managed to tie his hands. He kicked.

“Now, Commander,” Cole’s cool voice cut through. “There’s no need for that. I think we just need to have a little chat.”

Danna

She walked over to the barn, once she was sure that Cole was not coming home that night. She didn’t care, she realized, it didn’t even hurt that he hadn’t told her. Maybe he’d taken off. That would solve her problems.

Seshi was sitting stretched out beneath the stars and four other dragons were with him. She exhaled. She hadn’t been counting on the whole wing, but here they were.

“Danna!” Jersa flew over to her and snuggled he nose against her outstretched palm. “I have been better behaved today, I did not make any glass.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Danna smiled. A white dragon, who’s scales shimmered in the night sky followed after her. He looked nipped at Jersa affectionately.

“Little Sister, leave her be,” he said. “Lady Danna,” he bowed in the odd way dragons do, while Jersa made a huffing noise.

“Danna’s not a lady, Appan,” she squeaked, “she’s a rider.” Danna laughed.

“I’m neither actually,” I said. The two of them just stared at me, their golden eyes glowing.

“Children, leave them alone,” a third dragon, bronze, with hints of black in the flecks of her eyes. Bel, the lady of dragons, Seshi’s mate. “Rider.”

“Lady Bel,” Danna curtsied. Bel didn’t like her, or really any humans. Seshi landed next to her. “Do you two need privacy?” She teased and Seshi nipped her.

“Do we?” Seshi looked at her.

“I’m actually glad you’re all here,” I said. Appan plopped onto his bottom and Jersa snuggled closer to him. Seshi regarded her. “I would like to introduce you to someone.”

“Your ranger?” He teased. Danna glared at him. The other three dragons laughed.

“He isn’t mine,” she said. “But yes, I think you should meet him.”

“For what reason?” Bel tossed her head. “We have no need for alliance with The Dovetail Queen.” Danna exhaled.

“He also mentioned there’s a witch in the area,” she explained. “And he seems a good man.”

“The Daughters of Mariah fought with us in the past,” Appan pointed out. Seshi nodded at that.

“I would like to meet him,” Seshi said. Bel huffed. “Just me, though.” Danna nodded. “If only to see if he is worthy of my rider.” He nudged her. Danna sighed.

“I have a man, My Lord,” she reminded him. He growled.

“That one is barely worthy of being called a man, let alone being yours,” he said. “And you are attracted to the ranger, do not lie to me, Danna Finn.” She thought of Commander Chastain, with his dark hair and blue eyes and kind smiles.

Yes, she was attracted to him, for all the good it would do her.

Jersa had her head turned and she walked over on her four feet and nuzzled her.

“It would be good for us to ally with Danna’s mate,” Jersa said.

“He’s not my mate,” Danna grumbled.

“You are behaving as if he is,” Jersa frowned. “You are just like Appan when he met,” Appan bit down on her tale. “OW!” She exclaimed. Danna raised an eyebrow. She didn’t know Appan was mated, the dragons were secretive.

“When would you like me to meet him, Danna?” Seshi asked.

“Tomorrow, at moonrise,” Danna said. Seshi nodded. “Thank you.” Seshi nodded and yipped something and the others flew off.

“Are you prepared for what this means, my little one?” He asked. “If we choose to ally with her I cannot remain here.” Danna nodded.

“I know,” she said with a swallow. “I’m ready.” He nudged her affectionately. “I’m sorry for making you wait.”

“I knew you would choose soon,” he said. “Bring me your ranger, and I will reign the children in.” She laughed.

“Bel will fight you,” she said. He exhaled.

“Bel recalls our binding and fears any restraint,” he admitted, “I also do not want us to be chained again, but we cannot hide forever.” Danna nodded. “You trust him?” She inhaled.

“I do,” she said. “He’s a good man.” Seshi nodded and took off. Danna exhaled and mounted her horse again to ride back to the house. She walked quietly in and noticed Cole passed out in his office, an empty bottle next to him.

He’d decided to drink about it. Productive. She crawled into bed an tried to sleep.

Seshi

He landed on a rock and Bel glared at him.

“She is young,” he said to her. She sighed.

“Yes, she is,” Bel murmured. He pressed his nose against hers. “I know this queen is not the one who betrayed us, love, but she is of that line.”

“I will judge the ranger first,” he said. “Then we can consider his queen. She did free us.”

“Incidentally,” Bel huffed. Seshi laughed. “I do not like it.” He nudged her again. “I will follow you though, into any world.”

“I know this,” he said and they watched the moon.

Danna

Once the Commander had left Danna spent the night on edge. Cole was’s temper was broiling, she’d even taken him to bed hoping to cool him off but it hadn’t worked. That usually worked.

“Can you tell me what’s wrong?” She finally managed. He looked at her.

“You’d said he was here about the dragons,” his eyes were stormy. She swallowed. “He’s not asked you about me?”

“No,” she said, a lie but a small enough one. “He asked for your surname, but I didn’t think that was a secret.” Cole frowned. “We know why at least, he knows other merchants. I don’t think,” Cole stood up from the bed and shook his head, pulling his pants on. “Cole.”

“He doesn’t know other merchants, you stupid bitch,” he said, she swallowed. “He’s Tristan Dugarry’s partner. He could send word to the Chancellor and that would be it, my life, this life, everything you want, gone, like that,” he snapped in her face and she flinched back.

“But you have a charter,” she whispered.

“I have a charter for basic trade and shipping from home,” he said. She stared at him. “The glass is obviously not covered by anything, no one knows it exists, but the mine is also unsanctioned.” She stared at him.

“What does that mean?” She asked. He frowned. “Cole, what does that mean?” He marched out and slammed the door. She swallowed and closed her eyes. It was over, she realized whatever this was, it was horribly over.

She also didn’t know how to leave.

The next day she stood behind the bar organizing when Commander Chastain walked in. He walked over and she looked at him. He hadn’t been at breakfast and she didn’t ask where he’d been. She could probably guess.

“I wanted to apologize,” he said, his low voice gentle. “Last night seemed, exceptionally tense.” She nodded.

“You have nothing to apologize for,” she said, “Cole was in a foul mood.” He nodded.

“As you say,” he said. “Did he hit you?” She stared at him. How did he know? She knew she didn’t hide it well from people who knew her, but he didn’t.

“No,” she shook her head.

“Has he?” He asked. She frowned. “I don’t want to pry, it’s your business, I just,” he exhaled. “He seems the type.”

“I’m alright,” she said gently. “He was very angry though.” She sighed. “He might try to kill you.” She meant the warning.

“He can try,” The Commander shrugged, “other men have.” She scrunched her face at him. “I’m serious, Mistress Finn, if you need anything.” She swallowed.

“What would you know about it?” She asked. He exhaled.

“The guard got me safe,” he explained. “My uncle, who raised me, had a tendency to forcefully correct things he felt were out of order.” She swallowed. “I was frequently out of order, as was his wife and his son.” She nodded. “If you need help, please don’t hesitate to ask, I mean it.”

“Thank you,” she said softly. “Commander,” she said, “what’s the queen’s interest in the dragons?” He smiled.

“I got the feeling you knew more than you said,” he exhaled. “She wants some understanding of all the old magic, we have connections to a lot of them. Katrin Lestoff, the king consort’s sister is a serpent rider, and the Rastani royal family’s connection to the wolves is already being studied, as well as her own and the Duchess’s increased powers.” Danna exhaled. “But we know almost nothing of the dragons, beyond old stories. Her interest in the dragons specifically is just to humor me, if I’m being honest.” She smiled and nodded at that.

“Can you meet me outside of town tomorrow?” She said. “The western side? Just after moonrise.” He smiled.

“Of course,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it.”

Prior

He wasn’t sure how much he should big foot Cole. He hadn’t played courtier in a long time and he’d always hated doing it for scum. The alarmed look on Danna’s face, the way she was silently reassuring Cole was too familiar. It was a dance that he’d watched his Aunt Morgan dance nearly every night of his life.

“How in Amina’s name did you wind up here?” Danna asked. Prior smirked at her. “You served The Queen, you’re friendly with The Chancellor of The Guild’s Family,” he leaned back and shrugged.

“I wanted to find dragons,” he said, her eyes narrowed.

“Interesting,” Cole said. “For the queen?” Prior shrugged casually. I suppose you were always going to find something more interesting than me. Annalise didn’t care so much about the dragons. She was curious, of course, but she had other concerns. “And you’re sure they exist?”

“Yes,” he said. “I saw them. At The Temple of Amina.” Danna covered her mouth.

“You move in heady circles,” Cole’s voice was sharp. Prior smiled and nodded. “You and Danna met at the tavern,” she looked alarmed, “Tell me, Commander, is it the same at home?”

“Is what the same?” Prior asked, sure his voice had lost the casual edge he’d managed.

“Girls who don’t need it, working,” Cole lounged back, “I’ve offered to take care of her, and she won’t accept. “But of course with Countesses running the army and Duchesses chasing after urchins with colds as an example, it might just be the breed.” Prior’s face fell.

“General Pantona has my complete confidence,” he growled, “And Duchess Marina’s work for the sick is a great pride.”

“Cole,” Danna said and stood up, “honestly, I doubt insulting his friends is the best way to endear us to our guest.” She winked at Prior and went to the kitchen and brought out some roasted meat. “I hope you like rabbit.”

“Of course,” he said. “My apologies.”

“Cammadie women are proud of their work,” Prior said, “It’s Anessa’s legacy to her daughters. I know merchants prefer their women pretty and pregnant but even the merchant wives I know could command an empire without much though.” He smiled, thinking of Carolina and her sister Emily. They ate the rest of the meal in tense silence, Danna watching him carefully and Cole clearly fuming.

He excused himself when they finished, and found his horse and rode back into the town. It had hurt, that cold angry silence. He would check on Danna tomorrow, but right now all he could hear was his uncle shouting, his aunt begging, and the sound of the leather against Evan’s back. Or feel the sting against his own.

And he couldn’t deny anymore that he wanted Danna. He hadn’t wanted anyone that fiercely in a long time, he shook his head. It didn’t matter, Danna barely looked at him, also a familiar feeling.

There’d been a time when Prior had been steadfast in his affections. There was only Annalise, and while he often had the option to stray, he’d had no interest. Then he’d tried. For months, even after they’d parted, there was only her. He remembered being inside of Princess Rila of Rastan, hearing her voice begging him, “more, harder, please,” and his mind still full of his queen, wishing that it was her instead. It happened a few more times, but that had faded. Now he was able to enjoy sex again.

And he’d been told several times since arriving where he could find it. He walked right into Jade’s. The settlement whorehouses were different than the taverns and brothels back home. The tavern girls and workers there came and went as they liked, here they worked for the house. He didn’t like it as much, but it would do.

“Was wondering when we’d see you,” Jade herself walked over, he’d chatted with her a bit a few days ago. “Your men are normally faster.” He laughed at that.

“I like to settle in,” he shrugged. She nodded with a smile. She was Rastani, he realized, from the east, likely, dark brown skin, and almond shaped eyes and long dark hair. “Do you only operate?” He asked. She smiled gently.

“I entertain too,” she said. He smirked. “Follow me, Commander.” He followed her upstairs into a boudoir.

After she lounged back with a sigh, and Prior rolled off of her and exhaled.

“Thank you,” he smiled and she laughed.

“You’re most welcome,” she rolled to her side an started gently stroking his chest, “I have to admit most rangers aren’t quite so thorough.” He grinned.

“I can see that it becomes a part of their training,” he teased. She laughed. “Knowing Annalise she’d find it amusing.”

“I saw her once,” Jade yawned. “I remember being surprised by how small she was. Do you know her well?”

“Reasonably,” he said. He didn’t want to explain how what he’d done with his tongue that had made Jade squeal in delight had been perfected one very long winter night when he and Annalise had grown bored of watching Crown Prince Otto of Failon and Marina politely ignore each other over dinner. In fact several of his more satisfying techniques were the result of uninteresting suitors for the duchess.

Not many people would like hearing that their queen’s general first preference for dealing with a strong emotion was sex. Annalise was happy? Sex to celebrate. Annalise was frustrated? Sex to forget about it. Annalise was angry? Sex to release the passion. Annalise was sad? Sex to cheer herself up. He’d been happy to play along, denying himself the ecstasy of his queen’s bed would have been insanity. Jade eyed him.

“I’ve lost you,” she said. He smiled.

“I’m here,” he said and brushed her hair off her face. “I thanked you?”

“You did,” she said.

Danna

She walked into the house. It had been a strange week. Commander Chastain had settled into a rhythm. He woke in the morning, greeted her and Tanner, did whatever it was rangers did and returned in the evenings. He was friendly and pleasant and kept his distance.

But she noticed him watching her, even when he thought she wasn’t paying attention. She hadn’t been to see Seshi again, worried that the Commander might follow her.

And there was of course the voice in the back of her mind that didn’t mind the way he looked at her, with something between desire and fascination. She walked towards the kitchen to start on dinner when Cole walked in and shouted for her. She walked out to the hall and froze, seeing him standing with Commander Prior Chastain.

“Hello Mistress Finn,” The Commander walked over and took her hand and kissed it.

“Commander,” she said with a swallow. Cole narrowed his eyes. “I’m surprised to see you.”

“Well, I saw you weren’t present so thought I’d take Master DuParner up on his invitation,” he nodded to Cole. “I remembered your warning about Tanner’s cooking.” She smiled inspite of myself.

“Please,” Cole smiled. “Call me Cole.” Commander Chastain smiled warmly back, but, she noted didn’t ask Cole to call him Prior. “Danna, had you started on dinner.”

“Not yet,” she said. “Was just about to.” Cole kissed her possessively and swatted her behind as she hurried back to the kitchen.

“She’s something isn’t she?” Danna overhead Cole say.

“You’re a lucky man,” she heard the Commander say. She sighed and began boiling some of the stock she’d made with a rabbit carcass, thickening it with flour to make a gravy, as a second rabbit roasted on the stove. She looked out the window and jumped seeing a smaller golden dragon waiting and staring at her. “Jersa, you can’t be here.”

“Lord Seshi said you might be in trouble,” she whispered, but a dragon’s whisper was still quite loud. “I wanted to apologize if it was my fault.” Danna smiled at her.

“I’m not in trouble, Jersa, but you will be if you don’t go,” Danna said. She tossed her head and took off. Dragons were impossible creatures. Jersa was young, according to Seshi she had been just a baby when Amina had trapped them.

“Danna,” Cole called out. She exhaled and walked out to the parlor. Commander Chastain’s smile looked like cracked plaster, until his eyes met hers and they lit up again. What did he see, she wondered, that changed everything about his face when he looked at her? “How long will dinner take?”

“An hour or so,” she said, “I was planning to have it when you got home, but you were early.” She sat on Cole’s knee and he kissed her neck gently. “What were you two talking about?”

“Dorin,” Commander Chastain said. “When were you last there?” Cole laughed.

“Five years,” he shrugged. “I ought to go back soon.” Danna felt her body tense. “I’ve built something here though.” He ran a finger against her jawline. Suddenly Danna realized what was happening. Cole was marking his territory. The Commander smiled. “Do you know my city well?”

“Well enough,” Commander Chastain said casually and sipped on his drink. “I was last there for the naming of Alexander DuCray’s youngest child.” Cole froze. “So, a year ago? Quite the feast. Not quite as extravagent as Alex and Emily’s wedding, but the queen didn’t come so I imagine that was the reason.” Cole’s face was stone cold.

“You’re acquainted with the Chancellor’s family, then?” Cole said. The Commander shrugged.

“Tristan Dugarry was my partner for many years, before he returned to leading the guard.” He said casually. Danna stared at him. Even she’d heard of the Dugarry twins. Chastain wasn’t someone the guard had thrown away. He was important, or at least, moved in important circles.

“I see,” Cole’s voice had gone cold. Not good. Very bad. “So you know the Chancellor well enough to know he likes his secrets.”

“I know The Old Man well enough to know if I ask for a charter in Annalise’s name, and it wasn’t provided, someone daring to use him for cover without leave would find himself in a storm very quickly,” Chastain’s eyes were sharp. “But that isn’t the case here, I’m sure. Lady Dugarry said that she knows your sister.” Cole nodded.

“Yes, my sister was friendly with the DuKarras girls when I left,” he said. “I’m not sure where the paperwork for the charter is, if I’m honest, been a while since I had to pull it out. But I’ll get it to you.”

“Much appreciated,” Chastain drained his drink.

“I should check on the meal,” Danna stood up and went to the kitchen. So he wasn’t here about the dragons. He’d smelled that Cole’s operation wasn’t on the level.

Danna wasn’t sure which was more dangerous.