Tag: romance

Boundaries

Danna

She clung tightly to Prior and pressed her face against his chest.

“Sweetheart,” he whispered. “What is it?” She hiccuped, realizing she was crying again. “Did you really think I wouldn’t find you? I will always find you. You can send me away when I do, but even Seshi couldn’t fly you far enough away that I wouldn’t.”

“I,” she swallowed, “I killed Cole. Well, Seshi did, but only because I said so.”

“Ah,” Sir Tristan said, leaning against a rock. “Well, that’s a great loss.” She stared at him wide eyed.

“Ignore him,” Prior whispered. “Tristan made his first kill at six years old or something, he’s a terrible example of how to cope with this sort of thing.”

“I was ten, actually,” Tristan said. She blinked.

“Really?” She said. He nodded.

“We were on our way to the resistance camp after our parents had been killed,” Tristan said. “There were a group of bandits that jumped us. Athena and I both got our first kills that day.” He frowned. “You get used to it, but it doesn’t get easier. But you can take solace in knowing that he wanted to hurt you, and now he can’t.” Danna looked at the Colonel of The Queen’s Guard and nodded. It was like he’d known precisely what to say.

“Thank you,” she whispered and Prior kissed her gently.

“She is overwrought,” Seshi said. “I did not make you watch, Little Rider, I knew you could have born that.” She exhaled. “Is your queen angry? We had agreed not to start a panic?”

“We didn’t stay long enough to find out,” Prior admitted. “But probably not.”

“It takes a lot to anger Lisette,” Tristan said. “And she’s quick to forgive.” Seshi nodded. “But, we can arrange a more dignified introduction, I’m sure.” The dragon laughed and Danna smiled at that. She looked up at Prior.

“Do we have to go back right away?” She whispered.

“Of course not,” he said. He nodded to Sir Tristan who nodded back and rode off in the other direction. “Tristan will tell them we’re safe, and we can stay out here as long as you like.” They walked back into the cave. “What do you need?”

“Just you,” she whispered. And it was true, she felt as if she’d been torn apart and Prior’s inherent peace and stability was helping to stitch her back together. He kissed her and she ran her hands under his coat to take it off.

“Danna,” he said, “what just happened, you’ll have a lot of adrenaline,” he drifted off as she kissed his neck.

“Hmm,” she muttered and pressed him to his back and straddled him. “If only there was some way to burn off that adrenaline.” He exhaled, he was clearly trying to hold himself together. He cupped her face.

“Love,” he whispered, “no.” She swallowed.

“No?” She said and leaned back. He shook his head.

“I won’t let you hide in me,” he exhaled, “that’s the line for me.” She blinked. “You can feel whatever you want, do what you need to do, but not with me.” She blinked at him and rolled back.

“You confuse me,” she said. He sighed.

“You have your scars and I have mine,” he said gently. She looked at him, he’d talked about his family, but never about the other parts of his life this way.

“She used you,” she whispered. He shrugged. “Oh, Prior, I’m sorry, I didn’t even think of that,” she rested her head on his shoulder.

“I understand wanting to escape those feelings, Danna, I do,” he swallowed, “I just can’t be that escape for you, not with sex, don’t ask it of me.” She let him stroke her hair.

“Alright,” she said. “So what is the appropriate amount of time after I feed my former lover to my dragon before you will have sex with me?” He laughed. “One day? Two?”

“Will this be happening again?” He teased. “Do you have many former lovers who deserve to be a meal for Seshi?” She smiled wickedly.

“A few,” she said, “I imagine it being a line I’m willing to cross will make you consider a few things.” He laughed harder and kissed her. “I didn’t think that I’d be using you. I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright,” he said, “I know you didn’t mean it that way, it’s just something I know I’ll never want again.” She kissed him. “Are you sorry?”

“No,” she said, realizing that he meant for Cole’s death, “not really. I’m sorry for the person he could have been. He was intelligent and driven and brazen, and if he hadn’t been so rotten and empty he could have done wonderful things.” She leaned against him again. “I never understood what he wanted with me, except that I told him no.”

“I don’t know about that,” Prior whispered. “I wanted you as soon as I saw you. You’re extremely wantable.”

“Just not in this moment,” she teased and kissed him again.

“Not quite in this exact moment, that’s true.” Danna rested against him.

“My father wanted this so much,” she said, “I thought he had lost his mind by the end, but he wanted to me to be a rider and a warrior, like our ancestors. That being real, that’s the thing I’ve never really been able to accept.”

“I wish I could have known your father,” Prior said. She smiled.

“He’d have liked you,” Danna whispered, “words like, ‘sturdy,’ and ‘thoughtful,’ probably would have come up.” Prior laughed. “Will the merchants come for me?”

“No,” Prior shook his head, “you’ll be under Tristan and Athena’s protection, you’ll be fine.” She nodded and kissed him softly again. “Did you really doubt that I would come for you?”

“Not really,” she smiled, “I did panic a bit,” he kissed her softly and gently.

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Execution

Danna

She stared at Cole and mounted Seshi. Her dragon took the man in his arms, and charged out of the Castle and flew up into the mountains. Cole screamed the whole way. Good. He should scream.

Seshi landed on a promontory in the mountains, after a flight that felt about an hour long. He spit Cole out. Danna looked down at him and dismounted.

“Danna?” Cole said softly. “Honey,” he whispered it. She knew that whisper, she’d heard it in the dark so many times. The nights when Cole decided he wanted to be sweet. “I came because I’m sorry.”

“You came because you hate to lose,” she said. He looked at her and swallowed. “Tell me the truth, were you planning to marry me, before?”

Seshi huffed and growled, smoke leaving his nostrils. She exhaled and looked at him.

“It doesn’t matter now because you didn’t listen,” she said. “You made yourself a fool, and you did it at my expense, and you put our village in danger to do it.” He swallowed. “I spared you, and I won’t make that mistake again.” She looked at Seshi. “He’s yours.” She walked away. She didn’t want to watch. Instead she found a cave, gathered some wood and lit a fire, and hugged her knees to her chest and cried.

Eventually Seshi joined her and nestled her softly against his belly.

“I am sorry little one,” he whispered. “You should never have been vulnerable to him.” She wept into his side. “You were very brave, and strong. You are good, and true. I would not ever doubt that.” She wiped her eyes.

“We should go back,” I said.

“There is no rush,” he said. “Your ranger will probably find us soon. He is good at that.” She exhaled and fell asleep.

Prior

He headed to the stables to find his horse and Tristan followed after him.

“Prior,” his friend said grabbing his shoulder.

“I can’t just let her run off, I’ll follow them,” he said. Tristan looked at him.

“Obviously, I just wanted to know if you needed help.” He was smiling. Prior laughed.

“You’re thinking of the old days,” Prior said. Tristan shrugged.

“I’m a little rusty, but I think we’ll manage,” he said. They both went and got onto their horses and rode out following Seshi’s trail, they’d lost sight of him but managed to see the signs. Tristan stopped alongside him.

“You know you’d think those blowhards would learn not to insult Caro,” Prior said. Tristan rolled his eyes.

“She’ll lecture me about losing my temper,” he said. “I’m not supposed to threaten merchants anymore.” Prior snorted. “It annoys The Old Man and endangers Chase’s prospects. Men don’t want to marry their daughters to the son of someone who held a sword to their throat. Or do business with him apparently.” Prior laughed.

“Were you doing it a lot?” Prior said. Tristan shrugged. He knew Carolina’s reputation in Dorin was complicated to say the least. Between her controversial marriage to Tristan, and sister’s position in the Dumanis clan, she was both too scandalous to live normally among her people, and too important to be ignored. “He’s gotten big, I feel like I’m missing it.” Tristan smiled sadly.

“There’s always something to miss,” he said. “They grow too fast. You’ll see.” Prior frowned. He and Danna hadn’t spoken about children, or any kind of future, beyond knowing they wanted one. There hadn’t been time. “You should stay here.” Prior exhaled. “With Danna you don’t have an excuse anymore.”

“I’m not you,” Prior said glancing at the sky, looking for a sign of Seshi. Tristan looked at him.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Tristan said.

“It means,” Prior stretched and dismounted, “that I know I’ve moved on with my life, I don’t have to endure proximity to her to prove it to myself.” Tristan dismounted.

“It’s not like that,” Tristan said.

“Not with Annalise, no,” Prior said. Tristan exhaled. “They know you two can’t help it, but that doesn’t make it easier for them.”

“Are you comparing your obsession with Annalise to the fact that the gods shaped Marina and my souls for each other?” Tristan grinned. Prior shrugged. “It’s not the same thing at all. And Danna seemed to fit right in with everyone. And if it does bother her, or you, don’t live in the palace, but stay in the city.” Prior exhaled.

“Like you stayed in Pantona?” Prior asked.

“That was a long time ago,” Tristan said. “You found the dragons, find something else. The Rangers aren’t needed, or pass them off to someone else. Riley maybe, she’s been loyal, the tribes like her, she’s a good fighter.” Prior sighed.

“It’s impossible to talk about this with you,” he muttered. “You’re worse than Evan.” Tristan smirked at him. “Find another woman, get married, give Raymond and me and heir.”

“He is obsessed,” Tristan shook his head. “They really don’t want to leave Allred to one of Elana’s daughters, which is how it stands now.”

“That way,” Prior said and they headed down a trail deeper into the valley. Tracking with Tristan was second nature, they’d done it for so long. Eventually they reached a small clearing and a cave and Danna was standing at the mouth of it, Seshi behind her, looking terrifying and stunning. He ran to her and took her in his arms.

“You found me,” Danna whispered.

“Always,” he whispered.

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Anders

Prior

He and Nika had declined to ride on Seshi’s back, and instead took horses. As a result Danna and the Dragon flew high above them and landed to make camp ahead of them.

“I’m glad you came,” Prior said. Nika looked at him. They’d ridden for a week. There was probably one more until they reached the border. They’d already entered the borderlands, Harran’s domain, Brea’s. He had no idea if Nika could feel her sister’s magic in the land and air. Tristan had mentioned once he could always feel Marina’s and he knew the sisters were similarly linked.

“It’s time,” she said with a shrug. “She’s going to be so angry.” Prior laughed.

“Harran and Anders will keep her in check,” he assured her. She nodded and tightened her veil. “And there’s the boy.” She exhaled.

“Rory,” she mumbled. “I am excited to see him.” She paused. “When he was born,” she looked down.

“Marina was there,” Prior said gently. Nika nodded. “She insisted.”

“Of course she did,” she exhaled and spurred her horse on. They reached the place where Danna and Seshi had landed and stopped. Danna was standing with a tall, light haired man, with tan skin, wrapped in a plain brown leather vest and a pair of soft brown pants, tucked into boots.

“Anders!” Prior called, dismounting and walking over. Nika followed him.

“You did it,” the other man shook his head. Prior grinned at him. “My Lady,” he bowed to Nika.

“Don’t do that,” she ran into his arms and he hugged her close.

“I was just talking with Mistress Finn,” The Prince of The Borderlands smiled, “And Lord Seshi.”

“He said you were friends?” Danna asked. Prior nodded.

“You are Appan’s rider,” Seshi said, “I have called for him.” Anders nodded, unsurprised.

“I will be happy to see him again,” Anders said. Prior frowned. He’d kept that to himself. “Don’t look at me like that, I half thought I dreamed it. It was right after Rian.” Anders had carried his younger brother’s body back from battle. It had made his once light and easy friend dark and serious, nearly impossible for a time. He healed a little every time Prior saw him.

“Of course,” Nika said softly. Unlike his other brother and Nika’s sister, Anders had never held Rian’s death against her. They quickly began setting camp while Seshi went to hunt. Danna was unpacking her bedroll and Prior walked over to kneel down and help her. She glanced over at Nika and Anders.

“Are they lovers?” She asked. Prior laughed.

“You like gossip,” he said. She shrugged. “No, he used to want them to be. He actually wanted to marry her.”

“Why wasn’t she interested?” She asked.

“Nika doesn’t like men, though I always got the feeling that if she were to make an exception, it would be for Anders,” he said. She nodded. “Did you know that my friend was a rider?”

“No,” she shook her head, “I knew that Appan had found his rider, but I didn’t know who it was. Dragons are very private,” he hand met hers as they smoothed the roll. She drew hers back. “Thank you, for helping me.”

“You’re being very brave,” he said softly. She met his eyes.

“I don’t know if brave is the word,” she said. “I should have killed him.”

“Maybe,” Prior said, “but it’s alright that you couldn’t.” Stop, Wyatt please, he heard Aunt Morgan pleading, he remembered his hand reaching for his sword, and then stopping. She looked at him. “He won’t have anywhere to go. The Guilds won’t take him back.” She frowned.

“You seem very sure,” she said, “in my world men like Cole tend to wiggle out of things.” Prior sighed. He didn’t know how to explain it, that for his grandchildren Carland Dumanis would move mountains, and that they would take Prior at his word about Cole.

“Danna,” he said softly, she looked away.

“Thank you for your help, Commander,” she said. He took the dismissal. She wasn’t ready, even if she ever was, it might not be with him. And he needed to get used to that idea.

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The Priestess

Prior

He’d been settled in for about a week. This village wasn’t much but Tanner kept the tavern relatively quiet and clean. He got a bath every other day, never a guarantee in the desert.

He’d ridden out to a rock formation today, there was no further evidence of dragons, but there were rumors of clouds forming that never became a storm and he knew what that meant too. He stop to take a break and got off his horse and closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

“Hello Prior,” the voice that greeted him, made him laugh. He opened his eyes and standing in front of him was a Wyan Tribeswoman, cloaked in a black robe and her head wrapped in a veil. She had a long nose, and sharp face, brown skin and nearly amber eyes. She was leaning against a staff.

“Hello Nika,” he said back. She grinned and jumped into his arms. “It’s good to see you.” So she was actually here, not just projecting herself, among the Priestess of Amina’s many talents.

“It’s good to see you too,” she said. “Though a surprise.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Did my brother in law send you out into the wilderness to investigate something?”

“Livestock and shepherds have been disappearing,” he said. She nodded. “And apparently there’s been a rumor of dragons.”

“Perhaps the dragons have been eating them, and it’s nothing to do with the settlers,” Nika said. “Harran has grown paranoid.” Prior sighed and shook his head. Either was possible. But Harran wasn’t paranoid, that wasn’t his nature.

“He worries about the boy,” he said. “Something about his aunt not yet meeting him to bless him.” Nika frowned. “Why haven’t you been to the keep?”

“Why aren’t you in Dovetail?” She answered back. He looked away. “Mm, hypocrite.” He laughed. “My sister doesn’t want to see me, she made that clear while she was pregnant.” He nodded. “Why aren’t you in Dovetail?”

“I have work to do out here,” he shrugged. She cocked an eyebrow. “Nika,” he exhaled.

“Prior,” she echoed back to him. They looked at each other and she smiled sadly. “How is she?”

“I haven’t seen her in a while,” he said gently. “They’ve been spending a lot of time in Pharras.” Nika nodded.

“Revolution?” She raised an eyebrow.

“Not just yet, as far as I know,” he sighed, “but shoring up their allies for it.” She snorted. “You don’t approve.”

“She’s sacrificing her destiny to his,” she shook her head. Prior smirked. “What?”

“Nothing, I just didn’t realize your still cared,” he said. She scowled at him. “I’m not avoiding Dovetail because I don’t want to see Annalise.”

“No?” She crossed her arms. He shook his head. “So who are you avoiding? Your uncle? Tristan?” He frowned at her. “Oooh, it’s not Annalise, of course.”

“He doesn’t like me being there,” he said, “and it makes things difficult for her. So, I stay away.” She nodded and they both sat down. “There’s this woman in town, she’s involved with a local merchant.” Nika looked at him. “I don’t trust him, and she’s,” he exhaled, “she knows more than she’s telling me.”

“Prior,” Nika said, her voice full of warning, “if he is on the level.” Prior groaned and stretched. “Do you want to burn that particular bridge.”

“I’m not lighting any matches,” Prior grinned. “What’s the worst case scenario? I piss off an apprentice in the middle of nowhere and I have to spend a night smiling and eating shit with Carland Dumanis to smooth things over? I have a feeling I can handle it.” Nika frowned. “Are you going to stay?”

“I’ll go where the Goddess leads me,” she said enigmatically.

“Uh huh,” he nodded. “And The Goddess led you here?” She grinned. “Right, so mysterious,” she giggled. “Well, do try to tell me before you leave, Nika.”

“I will,” she smiled. “I am glad to see you.” He nodded. “Two years is a long time to chase something Prior.”

“I’m meant for this,” he said. “I know it.” She smiled. “Like you knew.” She sighed and stretched. “How is Her Eternal Evilness?”

“Amina is not evil,” she said.

“Debatable,” he said, she whacked him in the shoulder. “You need to forgive yourself Nika.” She exhaled. “Marina’s forgiven you and Brea will get there.” She looked down.

“Rian can’t forgive me,” she whispered. He exhaled. “And Brea will never forgive me for that.” He hugged her and then got back on the horse and rode into town.

He glanced at the tavern and then at another building across the way. A pretty young woman sat out on it’s porch. A man approached her, slid her hair behind her ear, offered her a small bag and she smiled, took his hand and led him inside. He tied his horse off and walked into the tavern. Tanner was behind the bar.

“Hey Commander,” Tanner said with a smile. He liked the man. He poured a beer from a dark brown bottle and Prior took it. “Rough day.”

“Interesting,” Prior shrugged. “Across the way, it’s a pleasure house?” Tanner laughed and nodded.

“Jade’s,” he said. “She’s good at her job, her girls are well taken care of, and know how to take care too, if that’s what you’re looking for.” Prior nodded.

“You don’t consider it competition?” He teased. Tanner snorted.

“Nah,” he said. “If I even considered keeping girls, both my mother and Danna would stop speaking to me.” Prior laughed. He would have to visit, not necessarily for sex, though if he saw someone he liked it wasn’t out of the question, but to see if Jade displayed yellow roses, the sign that some of Carolina’s “friends” were in residence and if he had to collect a report.

The past few years, sex had been strange for him. After Annalise, when he’d sleep with someone else it had felt empty, he’d long for her, and it wasn’t fair to the women he’d been with. That had faded in time, but he hadn’t been in love again. Sometimes he wondered if he ever would be.

The door opened and Cole walked in, flanked by three other men, who, over his time in town Prior had noticed were his flunkies. Tanner’s back straightened, and Prior put on his amiable courtier face.

“Tanner,” Cole said, Tanner nodded tersely. “Commander Chastain, nice to see you.” Prior nodded at him. “I came for Danna.”

“She left early,” Tanner said simply. “Probably went home.” Prior was still holding Cole’s eyes. He didn’t like or trust this man. He was trying to take Nika’s advice.

“I realize I’ve been remiss in my hospitality,” Cole said, Prior smirked. “Why don’t you come home with me, Commander, I can welcome you properly.”

“Happy to,” Prior said. “I’ll see you later, Tanner.” The Wyan man nodded and Prior followed Cole out. “I appreciate the invitation.”

“I was a little worked up when you first arrived,” Cole sighed. “But it would be an insult to my clan and our queen to not extend you what I can.” Prior nodded and they both rode off, towards a large white stone house on the edge of town.

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Lying

Danna

She’d slept a short enough time that she’d made it back to the house before Cole awoke. She made him his breakfast and kissed him before he rode off and she sat down.

She wasn’t his wife. She’d never be. He’d probably import some little girl from Dorin eventually, he was a merchant and that was their way. Whether he’d keep her or not was something she tried not to think much about. For now, Cole meant security, no matter how many little pieces of herself she had to trade.

She rode into town and got to the tavern, Tanner wasn’t behind the bar, or in the main room, so she wandered bak to the kitchen where he was fighting with a pot of porridge.

“Let me,” she said softly. He sighed and looked at her and nodded. “About last night,” she started.

“Don’t worry about it. I wasn’t interested in watching Cole get into it with a Ranger anyway,” Tanner said. Danna nodded. “He took a room.”

“Because you love complicating my life?” Danna groaned. Tanner grinned. He was her oldest friend, the closest thing to family she had left, and the only person who could consistently get under her skin.

“He’s good looking,” Tanner said.

“I didn’t notice,” she muttered.

“Bullshit, you didn’t notice,” he snorted. “You were damn near twinkling at the man.” She frowned at him. “Cole took it OK?” She shrugged. “Danna,” he said softly. She thought of the black eyes, the time that Tanner had ridden to the house and told Cole if he laid on a hand on her again he’d kill him. Cole was careful with her face after that.

“Tanner,” she said back.

“You’re alright?” He asked. She nodded. “Good, you can talk to the Commander when he comes down then.” She groaned.

“Tanner, this isn’t a fairy tale,” she reminded him, “the handsome aristocrat from Cammadan isn’t going to sweep in and save me. I’m doing fine on my own.”

“First of all, no you aren’t, you’re selling yourself to a man who hurts you for far less than you deserve,” he said. She bit her lower lip, “And, second, I don’t think he’s like that.”

“Who’s like what?” They both jumped at the deep voice from the doorway. The Commander had finally made his appearence.

And, alright, maybe she could admit that he was attractive. Certainly the bath he’d clearly had and sleep in a bed had done their work. He was tall and broad shouldered, with dark hair that grew just past his ears, and fell in a pair of stunning blue eyes. He was smiling and it was an inviting and genial look.

“Oh, I was saying you won’t want to eat Tanner’s cooking,” Danna said pleasantly and Tanner pinched her. The Commander laughed. “But if you’re hungry now it’s all we have.”

“I can wait,” he said. She nodded. “I’m glad to see you again, Mistress Finn. I hope you had pleasant evening.” She blinked.

“Pleasant enough,” she said and squared her shoulders. He nodded. “I’m sorry I had to run out.” He was looking at her in a way she couldn’t quite define, some combination of curiosity and lust.

“I don’t mean to be too nosy,” he said. “But your,” he paused, “friend. What’s his surname?” She blinked. He meant Cole.

“DuPrentar,” she said. He nodded. “Is there a reason why you need to know?” She crossed her arms.

“I’ve spent some time in Dorin,” he shrugged. “I thought I might have crossed path with some of his family.” She opened her mouth to say something but them thought better. “We’ll speak soon.” He disappeared again. Tanner was grinning.

“Not a word,” she said. He held up his hands. “He wanted to hear about dragons, why is he asking about Cole?”

“Yes, there’s absolutely no reason why anyone from your girl queen’s army would be interested in Cole,” Tanner said, his voice laced in sarcasm. “A loud wealthy merchant apprentice who’s decided to make himself the big man of this glorious village we call home isn’t suspicious at all.” Danna sighed and pulled out some dough and began kneading it.

“If he asks too many questions,” Danna frowned. “It could end badly.” Tanner looked at her.

“Danna,” he said softly. “Do you love him?” She blinked at her friend. He’d never asked her that before. He’d lectured and cajoled her, comforted her, eventually accepting that she’d made her decision, even if he didn’t like it.

“Yes,” she said. Tanner nodded. “And he loves me too, in his way. He does take care of me Tanner.” She could keep telling herself that. But Seshi’s words from the night before echoed in her mind. How much of herself was she giving away for this?

Prior

He sat in the small room staring the candle flame, he’d chanted the small spell required and sent the note off.

Ran into an apprentice, a miner. Claims to be DuManis clan. Cole DuPrentar. Invited me for dinner, he’s out west of the temple gap.

He set it into the flame and waited for an answer. Carolina’s candles didn’t work instantly, but they were quick enough. And he’d known he’d need to know how careful he had to be around the man.

A paper fluttered into the flame, Carolina’s perfect script present on it. He smiled softly, he could almost hear her controlled careful, low voice as he read the message.

I know the name. I debuted with his sister. Ask for his charter, there is some mining out that way. I’ll ask Trey for more information.

And then another flutter.

Chase says he misses you. Tristan and I do too. He laughed and leaned back. He did miss them, but they were busy and if he were in Dovetail, he wouldn’t be. There was nothing for him to do there. And there was the small needle stabs of watching Annalise and Eric.

He didn’t love her anymore, but it didn’t make watching her happiness easy. Busy was easy, and there was no business for him in Dovetail.

He rubbed his face. But it had been two years with very little to show for it. He’d found The Wheel of The Gods, and he had barely found evidence of the dragons. It was disheartening. Meanwhile, Tristan’s son, who he’d sworn to help train and guide, was growing up without him.

But he’d watched them fly off into the desert and his heart had sung. He was meant to do this. He couldn’t stop until it was done. He walked back down into the bar and saw Danna Finn balancing on a box to reach a shelf.

“Is there breakfast now?” He said. She looked at him.

“There’ll be bread in a few minutes,” she nodded. He smiled and walked over and settled in.

“Your father told you about dragons,” he said. She met his eyes, they were an almost golden shade of brown, and her fiery red hair framed her round face.

“My father told me many things,” she said. “He told me my family rode dragons for Queen Anessa. He said that if we tried to go back to Cammadan, Brayton would kill us and drink our blood. He said that when Queen Annalise rose we’d go back.” Prior looked at her.

“Seven years is a long time to delay,” he said. She shrugged. “Also as far as I know Brayton never drank blood. I could ask Duchess Marina, seems like something she’d know.” Danna blinked at him. “Why didn’t you come back?”

“He died eight years ago,” she said softly. Prior inhaled.

“I see,” he nodded. “I won’t bother you about it again.” She nodded. “There were riders with Queen Anessa.”

“It was an age ago,” she said. “How could you know?” Her voice was playful now, challenging him. He could answer a challenge. Gods, she was stunning.

“I’ve read her brother’s journals,” he said. She cocked an eyebrow.

“In Dovetail?” She asked. “I thought Brayton purged the libraries of that sort of thing.”

“Not in Dovetail,” he said. He remembered the night he and his friend Nika Averran had found the library in Amina’s Temple, the moonlight streaming over the texts. The stories he’d never known, none of them had. The secrets of his kingdom, and home, the gifts the gods gave to their chosen, that put him in even more awe of his queen, her general and the Duchess who sat her right hand. The ones that had given him hope that things taken from him might be restored.

“Even so,” she said, “that doesn’t mean my family were riders.” He looked into her eyes. She was lying. He didn’t know if she was lying to him or herself.

“I think a lot more families had secrets around magic than we ever knew,” he said softly. “Thank you, for talking to me.” She nodded.

“Of course,” she said. “Anything for our queen.” Prior smiled. Words he’d said himself so many times, vows he’d taken, whispered in the dark while Annalise whimpered and moaned in his arms. Anything for you. Until she stopped taking and he wasn’t sure if he had anything left to give.

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The Rider

Danna

Cole rolled off of her and she exhaled running a hand through her hair. He hadn’t wanted to talk tonight, which was both a blessing and surprised her, since he’d nearly gotten into a pissing match with that ranger. If she couldn’t see that he was marking his territory with the stranger she would have argued with him to stay at Tanner’s.

But she didn’t want a fight.

“Swear to Cornan, that gets better every time,” Cole exhaled. She laughed and rolled over and rested her chin on his chest. “The boys wanted to go to Jade’s to celebrate tonight. I told them they could but I had better waiting at home.”

“What’re you celebrating?” She asked. He played with her hair.

“Found a cache of the glass,” he shrugged. She nodded. “Bad timing for a ranger to come through, but it is what it is.” She exhaled. The brightly colored and easily workable glass made from dragon fire was a closely guarded secret at the moment, and Cole was trying to be the merchant to bring it out. “You haven’t seen that beast around have you?”

“No,” she shook her head. “Not in years, you know that.” She’d have to talk to Seshi again. To try to convince him to leave. Maybe the presence of the Ranger would do it. Seshi was distrustful of anyone linked too closely to Queen Annalise, and Bel, his mate, humans in general. Cole nodded and kissed her temple. “The ranger was asking about them too. Maybe you should lay low for a bit.”

“He’ll move along, they always do,” he chuckled and stretched. “Why was he asking you?” Danna felt her heart speed up a little.

“Tanner mentioned my da’s stories,” she yawned, but her heart fluttered. The ranger, Commander Chastain, she reminded herself, had looked at her with the kind of interest she’d always gotten, which was flattering, but once he found out that she knew something about the dragons, his whole face and demeanor had changed. He’d wanted to hear what she had to say. That she wasn’t used to.

“Well, if he bothers you, let me know,” Cole pulled her close. “I don’t need some green coated city boy thinking he can take what’s mine.” She whimpered as she felt him get hard again.

“Cole, wait,” she muttered as he pushed his leg between her thighs to part them. He shushed her and pushed in and she whimpered.

“That’s a good girl,” he mumbled into her hair, “you can take it, honey, come on.” After two years, she should have been used to this, and she mostly was. He liked to hurt her, and it came without warning or even threat. So she waited for him to finish, feeling where the bruises would be in the morning and then waited for him to fall asleep before slipping out of bed, pulling her dress on and grabbing a shawl and riding out past the high dunes to her family’s old barn and stepping inside.

Settled in the hay was Seshi, Lord of Dragons, only slightly smaller than the barn itself, deep violet in color, with amber horns and yellow fiery eyes, that had just opened to look at her. He squeezed himself in here with some magic and was refusing to leave until Danna left with him.

“It is late Danna Finn,” he rumbled. She exhaled. “Did he harm you again? I will eat his heart.”

“No,” she said and shook her head. Seshi huffed, he knew she was lying. “He did find more glass, though, and there’s a new ranger here, looking for you or at least your kind.”

“Ah,” he said, “you have come to try to convince me to leave again. I see.” She nodded. “Danna, you are my rider, descended from the oldest of rider lines. I will not choose another or leave you behind.” She sat down and leaned against his leg. “Jersa is young, and she was probably playing, that’s what made the glass. I will speak to her again.”

“Alright,” Danna said. “What about the ranger? He said he’d seen dragons before.” Seshi let out a soft and thoughtful rumble.

“Perhaps he was there when Appan went to the capital,” he said, “or when The Dovetail Queen freed us.” She exhaled. “Why do you stay here, Danna Finn? Is it only because of your father’s grave? If we went to Cammadan we would be among your ancestors, surely he would want that.”

“Cammadan isn’t my home, Lord Seshi,” she said, “I was born here, lived here always, I don’t want to leave it.” He hummed again.

“This is the same defense you give that man of yours,” Seshi said. “One can be settled into a place that is harmful for them.”

“The longer you stay in the area the more dangerous it is,” she said softly. The dragon chuckled.

“And you claim to not be my rider,” he answered her. “Your concern betrays your heart, Danna.” She laughed, and he circled his wing around her, drawing her closer. “He did hurt you tonight.”

“Not badly,” she whispered, feeling the steady beat of the dragon’s heart, and the heat of his fire in his belly.

“Perhaps not your body,” Seshi said. “But I worry he will continue to rip at your heart and soul until it is gone.” She inhaled deeply and fell asleep. She dreamed of her father, asking why she wouldn’t look him in the eye.

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A New Start

Prior

Prior walked into the tavern with slight hesitation. He didn’t like that he was traveling alone, but he understood why. Coming into a place like this with even a pair of rangers would draw too much attention. At least on his own he appeared to be simply passing through, needing to rest his horse for a few days.

He’d been out for nearly two months now chasing a wing and this was the first time anything new had come up. He’d seen several nests as he came up on this village and then they’d stopped. Nika had mentioned this place had magic in it, though he hadn’t felt it.

It wasn’t as though Prior was particularly magically sensitive. But even he knew what strong magical places felt like, he’d been in Dovetail, the capital of Cammadan enough times to know that feeling and this place was humming with magic.

“What can I get for you?” The man behind the bar said. Prior looked at him and smiled with a shrug. He had long dark hair tied back, and tawny brown skin.

“Whatever’s brown,” he shrugged. He learned long ago not to trust clear liquors in places like this. The browns were usually safe. The man nodded and filled a glass. He glanced around the room.

“You’ve got business here, Outlander?” Another man said, his voice was even but not friendly. Prior held up his hands.

“Only passing through, Her Majesty likes to have her eyes where she can,” he said. The man grunted and stepped aside. Beside him, now visible was a girl, woman, really, in a threadbare white dress, with red hair brushing her shoulders. She was a really red head, too, not auburn like most of the women of Cammadan. Really, fiery red, pale skin, and green eyes. She looked incredibly beautiful, and then she smiled at him.

Oh no.

“You alright Danna?” The barman asked. She nodded. “Then I can say you’re late” She scoffed and rolled her eyes and walked around behind the bar.

“Really, Tanner, you seemed to be managing” she said. She looked at Prior again. “Who’s this then?”

“Nice to meet you,” he smiled and leaned across the bar. “Commander Prior Chastain,” he offerred his hand. She smiled and took it.

“Danna Finn,” she said. She glanced at his uniform. “You came from the Border?” He grinned.

“Dovetail,” he said. Her eyes widened. 

“Long way,” she said. He nodded.

“It is,” he said softly, “Can I buy your drink?” She smiled at him again, what a smile, it lit up her green eyes, this one was more wry, though. 

“Best not,” she said. He frowned. She was probably married, a girl that pretty out here, no chance she was free. “How long are you here for?”

“Not sure,” he said, “I was planning only a few nights, rest a bit before moving on,” she nodded. “But I could be persuaded to stay longer.” She bit her bottom lip.

“I bet you could,” she threw her hair back and laughed. The line of her throat was even entrancing. Prior could not fall in love right now, or even get himself infatuated. Certainly not with some girl in a backwater on the wrong side of tribal lands who was likely spoken for. 

Unfortunately for Prior his heart and his stomach never listened to reason. The place quieted down as the doors swung open and four men walked in. One was clearly the leader, he was white, with dark blonde hair, trimmed fashionably, a little too fashionably for being so far out, and he was wearing a clean brown coat over a blue silk vest. What the hell was a Dumanis apprentice doing out here?

“Danna,” the leader shouted, as they took a table. She looked at the man behind the bar who shrugged and she grabbed four bottles and walked over. He grabbed her by the waist and she pulled back, then he grabbed her wrist. Prior stood up.

“I wouldn’t get in the middle of that, if I were you,” Tanner shook his head. Prior frowned.

“He’s merchant?” Prior asked. Tanner shrugged. “What clan?”

“Dumanis, so he claims,” Tanner said. “Cole talks a big game, has plenty of money and is working a mine a few miles out. He’s been here about six years, maybe?” Prior nodded, he’d have to write to his friend Tristan Dugarry to verify, if someone was working a mine for the Dumanis, Tristan’s family, he’d know. “You really just passing through?” He asked. Prior sighed. The man was sharp, he’d give him that.

“What do you think?” He asked.

“I think the tribe chiefs have been getting sick of finding their young men dead,” he said, “and I think Harran’s got The Queen’s ear, which is bad news for men like Cole.” Prior grinned. “And I know that you lot have been chasing stories for two years.”

“Not stories,” Prior took a long sip, “dragons. I’ve seen them, from a distance, but they’re real.” Tanner shook his head. “And yes, Harran asked me to look into the killings. What tribe are you from?”

“My mother’s Wyan,” Tanner said, “my da is settler though.” Prior nodded, when he was a child, his homeland had been ruled over by dangerous wizard Tyrant, Brayton Dovetail, Brayton had then been overthrown by his cousin, and the rightful queen, Annalise. During Brayton’s reign many people had fled into the desert. Settlers and their children were hard people, they’d had to be. “How is the Chieftain?”

“Very well,” Prior smiled, “Lady Brea too, they’re both glowing in the light of their son.”

“Gods bless the Prince Rory,” Tanner smiled and they clinked drinks. “Do you need a room?”

“Do you have any?” Prior asked. He didn’t mind sleeping under the stars but it had been weeks since he’d had a bed.

“Can probably scrounge up a bath too,” Tanner winked. ” And you can ask Danna about dragons,” he said as she walked back over. She looked alarmed.

“Why would he ask me?” Danna said quickly. Prior raised an eyebrow. That was an odd response.

“Because your da yammered about the damn things every day for as long as either of us can remember?” Tanner said.

“Oh right,” she shook her head. “I have plenty of old stories, don’t know why they’d interest you Commander,” he smiled at her again.

“I’ll hear any story you want to tell,” he said. He glanced back at the merchant, who was glaring at him. “He’s yours then?” She straightened her shoulders.

“What’s it to you?” She crossed her arms. He smiled and held his hands up.

“I don’t want to step on any toes,” he said. She narrowed her eyes at him. “But any information would be appreciated, by our queen.”

“You’re so sure I’m Cammadie?” She tossed her hair. He smiled. “Maybe my allegiance isn’t to Queen Annalise.”

“If you’re Failon or Rastani, forgive me,” he teased back. “Consider it diplomacy,” she laughed. The merchant marched over then.

“Danna,” he said. “We’re going.” She looked at Tanner, who shrugged. “Tanner.” He nodded coolly.

“Cole,” Tanner’s voice was sharp like a knife. “It’s not busy, Danna, it’s fine.” She nodded. Cole looked at Prior who stood up and met his eyes.

“Just arrived?” Cole said. Prior nodded. “How are things back home?”

“All was well when I left,” Prior said, keeping his voice even, waiting for a challenge. Cole nodded.

“Come by,” Cole said, “Tanner knows the place. I’d never want Her Majesty to think those of us out here have forgotten our manners. The Clans remain her loyal subjects.” Prior nodded. “Danna, now.”

“What’s your rush?” She teased as she walked over to him. “Nice speaking to you Commander.” Cole pulled her close and kissed her. Then they walked out. Prior watched them with a bit of a pang.

“She’s his?” Prior asked. Tanner exhaled.

“Unfortunately,” Tanner mumbled. “She deserves better, but it’s not as though better’s to be had in these parts.” Prior didn’t notice jealousy in his tone. “I’m assuming you have a horse?”

“Yes,” Prior said. “If I need to stable him elsewhere,” he drifted, Tanner waved a hand.

“Take him around back, I’ll get the room set,” he said. Prior smiled and nodded. Twenty minutes later he was leaned back in a warm tub with his eyes closed. Nika had been right. Something was happening in this little village, and he was going to figure out what it was.

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Note: What Now?

The Marina Chronicle has a lot of influences. It’s basically me taking anything that I’ve ever been obsessed with and tossing them in a blender and making something new.

As I worked through the ending of the main storyline however, I had a but of a reckoning with certain things that really were impossible to pull out from it’s DNA.

Team Jacob

Brooke Davis

The song “On My Own” from Les Miserables

My ongoing love of A Song of Ice and Fire and it’s adaptations, but especially Game of Thrones

And, perhaps less obviously, Stephen King’s Magnum opus The Dark Tower.

And it is in thinking about The Dark Tower that I decided to make my next step, and my 2023 obsession with the novels of Beverly Jenkins.

Guys, I wanted to write a western. And I couldn’t think of a better western hero than our own beloved Colonel Prior Chastain. All moral and handsome and kind but also totally deadly and sexy, right?

Plus, playing around in Westran, our desert land, I get to do lots of stuff with the Averrans, and I love Nika and Brea so much.

And joining them is a love interest for Prior, ever the romantic. Danna Finn has been lurking in the background of Cammadan for almost as long as it’s existed, trying to find a place. A shipmate of Lefty and Eric’s, where she never quite fit, a friend of Kat’s, but no, not there either. And then I realized her particular brand of survivor and take no shit attitude really suited the story I wanted to tell here perfectly. I can’t wait for you all to know her and fall in love. Prior’s a damn goner for her, because our boy is a hopeless simp, and we all know this, right?

And given what we saw when the wheel broke…just remember moving forward…

Here be dragons…

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Interlude: Elsewhere, Magic Awakens

The Wolf King

King Raniere of Rastan dismounted his horse and slung his bow over one shoulder, and checked his knife on his hip. He hadn’t hunted in a year and it felt good to be back to it. The stag was near, he could feel it, in his bones, the way he always could, the way his brothers always could.

He’d gone out alone this time though, he needed time to think. Kristoff had asked to go to Phania, again, but he still had no word from Daniel on an invitation. He hated keeping his brother from the woman he loved, but Kristoff’s stormy mood wasn’t worth snapping the fragile string of their alliance with Phania. Rila was nagging him about Gregor, who’d gotten into another brawl in the school room, while Richard and Mikhail had sent a tenth governess in fourteen months packing. His sister mothering their youngest brothers was soothing her, for the moment, but he could feel her about to shatter, she’d soon tire of it, and he knew it. A restless Rila was bad for all of them. Nikolai had disappeared into an affair with a trader from Failon and they hadn’t seen him in a month. He was tired, and his family was wearing on his last nerve.

And none of that addressed what the hell he was going to do about Annalise, and the way her marriage to Eric would place her in a greater position of power he was fully comfortable with, especially without a strong alliance.

He glanced up at the moon and took a deep breath, and saw the stag standing before him, too far to shoot, he ran rather than go back to the horse, his feet padding against the snow and his body moving swiftly, he smelled it, heard it’s heart, his body lengthened, his hands fell in front of him and he ran, feet and hands gone, they were paws now, his senses heightened, and he leapt as he caught his prey by the throat.

The Handmaiden

Talia Warwick sat on the back deck of the villa on the beach, a parting present from Prince Eric, much better than the gowns or jewelry her other “suitors” presented her with. His way, she’d realized, of letting her know that what was between them had mattered to him as much as his forthcoming marriage did.

She gasped as rising out of the seafoam in front of her were two women. No, not women, though they were female, naked, their skin shimmering between green and blue, with large silver wings that matched the color of the foam, they regarded her, one nodding solemnly, and the other raising her hand in greeting.

“Hail sister,” she said, her voice sounding like an echo.

“Hail,” Talia said, terrified, and in disbelief that her voice worked at all.

“We go to serve and save our queen, now,” the other said with a wild smile, “you will do the same?” Talia nodded.

“Until my last breath,” she said. They nodded, and flew off.

Talia knew that didn’t mean Elana. She’d never sworn herself to Elana.

Talia had been born to see Karina crowned and to serve her.

The Serpent & The Princess

Jaden Larsen stood in the crow’s nest scanning the horizon. He glanced down at the deck and saw Princess Karina arguing with the Admiral again.

“We will go where I say,” Karina said. “I want to go to Dovetail.”

“I don’t take my orders from you,” Franz growled and Jaden climbed down to meet them. “Your father is indulging you even allowing you on this ship.” The Princess glared at the Admiral.

“I haven’t heard from Lady Katrin since she arrived in Brightcoast,” Karina hissed. “I want to know why.”

“You haven’t?” Jaden said. She looked at him. He hadn’t heard from Kat either, but Karina not hearing from her was more troubling. She shook her head.

“Princess, I cannot invade Cammadan on your whim,” Franz said. “Lieutenant, explain to her.” Jaden nodded and he marched away.

“Something is wrong,” Karina said. Jaden nodded. “Something has shifted, I can feel it, and I need to see Kat, I need to.” He took her hand. “Kristoff is in pain, I can feel that too. It’s too much, and it hurts.” Karina had always seen and understood things that she maybe shouldn’t. He and Kat had talked about it, if something had shifted she was feeling even more and from at a distance, he didn’t know how to help.

“It’ll be alright,” he said gently, “I promise, Kari, I do,” she nodded and they heard a shout from the edge of the deck.

“Living gods!” The sailor said, they ran to the edge and saw it. A gigantic golden serpent had risen out of the waves.

“Goddess,” Karina mumbled. Jaden looked at her. “They did it.”

“Who?” He asked. “And what?”

“Annalise and Marina,” Karina whispered, “they freed the gods, magic is back.”

“Magic never went anywhere,” he frowned. Karina smirked at him.

“Old Magic did, my family’s,” she exhaled. Jaden shuddered. The thought of that chilled him, though it seemed to comfort the Princess.

The Shadow Queen

Delia Bettencourt sat quietly in the dark room, the shadows she’d commanded all her life, dancing around her. They were playful today, excited and a little wild.

“Delia,” the door opened, Lord Andrew Bryant, the man who’d raised her walked in. His dark hair was combed and he was dressed in finery. “What is this?”

“They’re unruly,” she sighed. His blue eyes met her grey and she pulled the shadows in. “What is it?”

“They would like to speak with you Princess,” he smirked. She nodded and followed him outside the room. “Has something happened?”

“I haven’t seen anything since that evening I was pulling to Annalise,” Delia shook her head. “Why?” They entered the parlor and Wyatt and Morgan Allred were sitting. Of course.

“Princess,” Count Allred smiled at her.

“Count,” she said coolly. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“We’ve been told that Annalise is in Westran,” The Count said. “And she is bringing the Phanian prince with her.”

“And this means?” Delia raised an eyebrow. Gods, Allred was tedious.

“Delia,” Andrew said gently, “It means your time is coming.” Her shadows danced on her finger tips.

“My time?” She said. “I thought you wished to crown the other one,” Allred cleared his throat as she made her shadow dance around him. “What made you change your mind?” The count swallowed, and Lady Morgan’s eyes were wide. “My darling niece seems to have accomplished her goal. Perhaps you should adjust your plans.” She circled the black shadow around his neck.

“N-no, Princess,” Allred stuttered, “I am your servant.” She smirked and pulled the shadow in.

“Good,” she rose. “Get me my crown, then.”

The Dragon Rider

The girl in the shabby brown dress, her red hair tied on top of her head in a messy knot, heaved the bucket into the water into a trough when she heard the wings beating above her, a sound like thunder and rain, but steady in a way they didn’t get out here.

“Living gods,” she whispered as the four creatures, scaly like the lizards that sunned themselves on the rocks in the desert, but large bat like wings and four legs, and long tales and claws flew by. Three flew off into the sun but one, a deep purple like a quartz, and horns the color of amber, with glowing yellow eyes to match landed before her.

“Hello Danna Finn,” it’s voice boomed loud and deep. “I have slept for centuries and was glad to wake and know you were here.” She blinked.

“You know me?” She asked. The beast bowed it’s head.

“I have waited for you since I was hatched,” it said, “and dreamt of you while I slept,” she exhaled, “and known you since you took your first breath.”

“I don’t understand,” she shook her head. Her Da had told her stories of such creatures, and the brave folk who rode them, but those people were heroes, magicians and kings. She was most certainly not any of that. “I’m no one.” It snorted, as if amused.

“You are Danna Finn,” it said simply, “and you are mine. I am Seshi, Lord of Dragons, and I have claimed you, at last.” She looked at the dragon and reached out and stroked his nose. “We will speak again soon.” He purred and then took off into the sky.

“Danna,” the angry male voice called from inside. “What’s taking so damn long?” She exhaled. She’d spent too long in the sun, she was hallucinating. That had to be it.

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Interlude: Lefty

Damian Lestoff exhaled and gripped Nikolai’s hair as the Prince of Rastan took him into his mouth. They were leaving in the morning and Lefty had dodged Nicky’s sister to make this rendezvous occur.

He’d enjoyed Rila during this visit and he knew the royals saw him as little more than a shared toy, but he’d play back.

“Gods, Nicky, that’s good,” he mumbled before letting out a groan, pulling away and finishing with a grunt. He fell back against the bed.

“Couldn’t let you leave without having some fun,” Nicky laughed sliding up and kissing him.

“I’ve had plenty of fun,” Lefty smirked. “Your sister is very accommodating.” Nicky huffed.

“Please don’t talk about my sister while I’m holding my cock,” he said, “you could stay.”

“Eric has orders,” Lefty shrugged. “He’s supposed to marry Annalise.”

“Mm,” Nicky kissed him and pulled close, “then he and Raniere will both be kings and can sit around all their lives comparing their crowns.” Lefty laughed and kissed him and wrapped a hand around his cock and began stroking. “Unh,” Nikolai exhaled.

“What’s your stable boy going to say about tonight? Hm?” Lefty teased.

“Ash isn’t,” Nikolai grunted, “a servant. He’s the best damn breeder and racer in Rastan.”

“As you say, Your Highness,” Lefty laughed and kissed him. “But you didn’t want him tonight? He could have joined us.”

“I don’t want to share you,” Nikolai growled. That was bullshit. Lefty had felt it while his lover tossed him to his sister. Nikolai got off on the idea that Lefty was desired by others in his orbit but would always come back to him. “I want to be in you, Damian.”

It had been a mistake to invite Nicky to call him by his first name. It was too intimate, it made him melt. He rolled over, rose up on his knees and Nikolai came behind him and kissed his neck.

They’d arrived in Cammadan, in Dovetail. Navigating the river into the dug out lakeside port had at least been a challenge but Lefty already felt like the city was cutting off his air. He needed to see the south sea, breathe it in, and bathe in it.

“Dress uniform,” Eric said walking into his cabin. Lefty raised an eyebrow at him.

“For you and Raymond, certainly,” he shrugged. “I’ll stay here.”

“Lefty,” Eric met his eyes. “Please, I need you for this. I have no idea what I’m doing.” Lefty smirked.

“Are you asking for help, wooing, little brother?” He sat up.

“No,” Eric said flatly. “I’m asking you to put on the damn uniform and stand next to me.”

“The secret,” Lefty grinned, “is to listen. Pay attention, make her feel as if she’s the only woman in the world. That you would die for her.”

“Annalise is a queen not a tavern wench,” Eric said with a sigh, “and she needs a husband not an orgasm.”

“Dunno,” Lefty said with a shrug, “thinking how frustrated Elana gets and how frosty your other brother is, she might need both.” Eric stared at him placidly.

“Are you done?” Eric raised an eyebrow. Lefty shrugged and stood up. “Don’t disrespect Elana that way, first of all, and second of all, if you really plan to seduce the Dugarry girl, you’d at least better try to look your best.” Lefty laughed and Eric turned to leave.

“Eric,” he said and his brother stopped. “It’s going to be fine.” Eric smiled softly, and nodded.

Lefty dressed and came above board quickly. He looked to the dock and saw her a froze. A daughter of Tumona, undeniably, her dark curly hair pulled off her face in a knot, dressed in a simple blue gown, standing beside a handsome white man with red hair who’d made her laugh.

That must be her. Eric’s queen. And Lefty wanted her, more damned him.

He’d never been happier to be wrong. Not that it changed much. No matter how much he wanted Duchess Marina SanPierre he couldn’t have her. But at least he wouldn’t have to watch her with his brother, wed him, bear his children.

At the ball that night he watched her, twinkling and flirting, her white gold gown revealing her neck and shoulders. Goddess, he wanted to kiss that neck, strip the gown off her and run his hands over her body and make her coo and sigh, melt into him and beg.

Two guards watched her every move, Dugarry, with some kind of leery protectiveness, and another, dark haired and soft looking with a sort of pained longing. She’d argued with him earlier, on the balcony and it had been subtle but he’d noticed.

He’d managed some conversation, perhaps even to flirt, but when her bright brown eyes fixed on him, in a sort of confusion he felt himself shrink. Her confusion was kinder than disgust, but she surely knew who he was and considered him well beneath her notice. Even if she weren’t the single most beautiful woman he’d ever lain eyes on, she was a duchess. He was the spawn of a ferryman and a whore.

After the ball he made his way back to the apartment where they’d put him, Eric and Raymond. Raymond was sitting on the balcony his feet kicked up.

“So,” Lefty leaned against the door, “what do we think?” Raymond looked at him sardonically, resembling his sister more than made Lefty comfortable.

“The queen is hiding something,” Raymond said. Lefty nodded, he’d gotten that sense too. Annalise had been friendly, but was clearly keeping Eric at arm’s length. Raymond eyed him. “The Duchess was involved with one of the guards but it apparently has ended.”

“Tristan Dugarry?” Lefty tried. Raymond shook his head.

“The name being gossiped about was Santino,” Raymond shrugged, “Dugarry is with the queen, apparently.” That was a complication.

“Do you think that’s the secret?” Lefty said. “She has a lover?” Raymond shrugged again. “Eric won’t like that.”

“No,” Raymond agreed, “he won’t.” He looked down. “What else do you want to know about her?” Lefty grinned at his friend.

“What else were you able to find out?” He asked. He wanted to know everything about her.

He’d made her laugh, when he’d asked to kiss her, she hadn’t said no, he watched her, something was happening with Dugarry, but he wasn’t sure what, and now, she was asking to dance with him, and flirting and gods, he wanted her so badly.

“Were I to compare the light I’ve seen in your eyes to the stars,” he whispered seductively, “the stars would be found woefully in adequate,” Marina swallowed and met his eyes. He wasn’t exaggerating, she was so bright, so stunning, he lips curved up into a smile, and she burst into a laugh. He blushed.

“And this works with most girls?” She said incredulously. He smirked.

“Yes,” he admitted, “but as I said, I’ve never been with a politician.” She paused then and leaned close. Too close, so close. Rana save him, let him have this, even if it was only this, as she kissed him. “Well then, perhaps I should stick to the stars,” he managed to mutter when they parted. She giggled again and kissed him again. He gathered her into his arms. It was enough, this moment, it would be enough, he swore.

She could never be his. He knew this. But he could have this moment with her, innocent, perfect.

She’d been standing on the dock like one of the Glora and he’d brought her on board, below decks, to his cabin.

“Have you had a lot of girls here?” She asked. Her voice light and teasing. But something was wrong, her eyes were heavy, the light sharp.

“Here,” he said, “you’d be the first.” She smiled and settled on the bed. “You seem preoccupied.”

“Distract me then,” Marina said. A challenge. He crawled on top of her and kissed her deeply.

“I’m in deeper trouble with you than I’ve ever been in my life,” he admitted.

“I’ve known this kind of trouble before,” she whispered back. “It’s the other thing for me.” They kissed again hard. “Be patient with me?”

“Forever,” he cooed. She nodded and they kissed more, hard, fevered, “Marina,” he said as he slid his hands over her thighs. The heat between them rose, unbearable, but also impossible to resist.

“Love me, please,” she whimpered. They kept kissing. “Love me, touch me, I need you.” It was too much.

“I do love you,” he whispered, “forever, I need you, love you.” It was a vow, he realized. There was no one and nothing else, just Marina.

“How tedious,” Brayton Dovetail smirked pushing him aside. Damian felt himself choking as the shadow consumed him. A laugh, distant, female, soft, and then sharp, like a needle.

“Who do you think you are Damian Lestoff?” The Dark Lady appeared before him. “To stand in the way of those that I ordained be together.” He gasped.

“I love her,” he whispered. “She chose,” Amina laughed.

“You can do nothing for her,” she said, “even now, she dreams of leaving you for another of mine.” He swallowed. “You cannot protect her from her destiny.” He fell back and light bloomed in front of him.

“Don’t let go of my hand, Dami,” his mother’s voice said. “Don’t you dare.”

He jolted awake and Marina was sitting beside him and wiped his forehead.

“Hello my love,” he whispered. She smiled softly. Already she dreams of another one of mine, he wanted to hold her close, to shelter her. But he couldn’t, he wouldn’t hold her back, even if it destroyed him.

Marina was lounging, naked in the apartment in Rastan. He looked at her as he rose to get dressed. His relief these past few weeks at being near her again was starting to subside and he was starting to notice her. How she’d changed and how she hadn’t. She’d grown more beautiful, her body softening into irresistible curves and the light in her eyes playful and sharp. Her shyness was almost completely gone, though he watched her deploy it strategically with Rastani courtiers, and even with the royal family. When he’d first fallen in love with her he’d seen that side of her, political, intelligent, cunning. And yet it was still tempered by her unending kindness, that light of compassion that lit everything she did.

“You don’t have to go yet,” Marina whispered. He looked at her and smiled.

“You have to get ready,” he said sadly. “Raniere is waiting.” She sighed and played with the cover.

“You’re upset about it,” she said. “That I like him.” He sighed and sat with her.

“I never expected you to not like him,” he said, “I don’t like this. You’re not safe. I hate that Brayton is always watching you, that you ever have to see him, and I hate how he looks at you.” Her smiled curled, cat like, a little devious.

“And how does he look at me?” She asked.

“Like he wants you,” Lefty sighed. “Which he does.” She shrugged. “That doesn’t bother you.”

“Most men want me,” she said, “I’m used to it.” It wasn’t arrogance, he realized or even confidence, just fact. “They look at me, and they want my body, my beauty, my magic, my position,” he sat down and pushed her hair off her face. “Even you, my love.”

“Of course I want you,” he said, “I’ve wanted almost nothing else since I saw you for the first time.” She smiled. “It isn’t the same, I love you.”

“What if I told you I’d never lift a finger to help Pharras?” She said softly, “or my power threatened Kat? Or I’d been a good little girl and married Kieran Franz to ease the way for Annalise and Eric?” He drew back. “You wouldn’t love me then, but I bet you’d still want me.”

“I’d still love you,” he whispered. “That’s never changing, Rina, you could never do anything to make me stop loving you.” She kissed him again and pulled him close. “Marina,” he groaned. “Raniere will be waiting, Brayton,” she kissed him deeply.

“Let him wait,” she mumbled, “let Brayton tear his hair out trying to figure out where I am. I’m with you, this is us, nothing can touch us.”

He stared dumbfounded at the spot in the ice garden. Gone, simply gone, as if they hadn’t been here at all. He’d been so close, he should have struck, should have killed them, should have saved her.

She’ll never be safe with you, a voice in his mind, the one that had haunted for years, who are you to protect her? If you’d let her be she’d have been safe, her queen, her witch, they would have protected her.

“Lefty,” Eric was calling through his stupor, “Lefty,” he turned to his brother, “come on, we have to make decisions.” He stared straight at him.

“You do whatever you must,” he marched past him to his room and began packing. Carolina tried to calm him down, it didn’t work, but he heaved his sack onto his shoulders. He would prepare the ship, let the rest of them dither. Nika and Annalise would know what to do, he had to keep her safe, it was all he could do.

“Where is she?” Raniere’s voice was sharp, as he blocked him in the hallway. Lefty sneered at the king. “She did not simply disappear.”

“She did actually,” Lefty bit back. “With your advisor, in fact.” He laughed darkly. “Are you so blind, Your Majesty?” Raniere blinked at him.

“She wouldn’t,” he said, “he wouldn’t. I trust Braga with my life, and Marina.” Lefty barked out a laugh.

“You’re a bigger fool than I thought,” he muttered, “Brayton Dovetail has been spilling poison in your ear, and now he’s taken her.” Raniere stared at him.

“I have tolerated your presence in my home, and the disruption of it,” Raniere said, “because of my brother and sister’s fondness for you, but I will not tolerate,” Lefty stepped closer.

“Tolerate it or not, Your majesty,” he hissed, “I am going to find the woman I love and bring her home.”

“The woman you love,” Raniere said. Lefty glared at him.

“You’re blind, Raniere, and I will not waste a minute I could be helping her forcing you to see,” he shouted. “He tricked you, and lured her here with an offer she could not refuse for the sake of her home.” Raniere glared at him. The fight continued, but he wasn’t speaking rationally, he needed to get to her.

He sat by her bedside as she thrashed and screamed. He wanted to touch her, hold her comfort her.

“If she comes back from this,” Nika said gently appearing in the door, “it will be because you’re here.” He looked at her.

“I tried a million times these past four years to hate you,” he whispered. She smiled. “But from her letters she seemed so happy.” She exhaled.

“She wasn’t,” Nika whispered. “She ached for you every minute. She tried to hide it, I tried to ignore it.” She looked at her. “She loved me as much as she could, but her heart ceased being her own a long time ago.” He exhaled. “She won’t ever give Tristan up.”

“I know,” he whispered.

“I couldn’t accept it,” Nika said, “you were different, but him.” She looked down. “I don’t know, it seems silly right now.” He inhaled. “What will you do about the child?” He pressed his hands together and leaned his face into them.

“When my mother died,” he whispered, “and my father married Aimee, I became hers, because she loved my father and so she loved me.” Nika nodded. “I love Marina, the child will be hers, so I will love the child.” It was that simple.

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