The Dragon's War (20 page)

Humorously, the Emperor was ranked far lower than either his Bard or Knight Commander in this impromptu contest. Both Nerthus and Dagna were greeted with enthusiasm by Raine, while she greeted the Emperor with mere politeness. The dragon greeted the Bard, gave the Knight Commander a knowing stare, and barely acknowledged the Emperor. The Tavinter ruler received extremely high marks because she hugged the Scinterian and the deep camaraderie between the two was evident. The dragon even deigned to tease her, which was evident by the Scinterian’s laughter and the Tavinter’s blush. The Lady Jorden and her mysterious companion approached, and the onlookers peered around one another to watch the show.

“Jorden,” Raine said, extending her arms, and Jorden gave her a peck on each cheek.

“Raine, it’s so good to see you again. Talan,” Jorden said, more formally.

Talan’s amber eyes slid to Syn. “Ah, my little thief.”

Syn managed to look even more uncomfortable than she had throughout the evening. Her eyes went to the bracelet around Talan’s wrist.

“I see you still have the fade bracelet.”

The dragon smiled, which was sometimes worse than her frown.

“I wear it always.”

The bystanders noted that the Lady Jorden appeared to have a professional relationship with the Scinterian whereas her companion’s seemed to be more personal. And the dragon treated the companion with something close to disdain. But even the disdain garnered points because it bespoke of familiarity and some sort of deeper relationship. The dragon appeared quite entertained by the roguish figure.

One of the more interesting interactions of the evening came about when Maeva’s young lover approached the pair, and there was a strange, intense exchange between Kiren and Raine. The young woman embraced the Scinterian for an extended period of time, then Raine placed her hands on the young woman’s shoulders and they had a quiet conversation. The dragon was content to stand back while this lengthy conversation took place. There was a gentleness in the Scinterian’s manner that she had displayed with no one, and those closest to her could swear that her eyes were violet as she spoke to the girl. Finally, Raine released her and they parted. The Scinterian seemed almost a trace melancholy as the silver-haired woman took her in her arms. And most surprisingly, Maeva had watched the entire exchange without jealousy, merely a thoughtful look on her face.

The dragon had shown little regard or attention throughout the night. It was not that she was rude; she was merely disinterested, as might be expected from a thousand-year-old creature of enormous power. The one exception to this was when the raven-haired mage and her brother approached, and the dragon kissed them both and held them with affection. It was then that the shock of understanding went through the assembly that these were the dragon’s children, and an avalanche of implications crushed down upon many, not the least of whom was the Emperor, who could not fathom how he did not know that the Baroness of Fireside was the daughter of a dragon. And the Scinterian appeared to occupy a quasi-parental role, both friend and peer to the youngsters, but clearly respected and loved by them. It was perhaps the most extraordinary family gathering anyone had ever seen.

Finally, Raine and Talan were left alone for a brief period, and they were content to stand back and enjoy one another’s company. It was simple to pick out the snippets of conversation throughout the hall since both of their hearing was abnormally acute.

“—did you hear? There were tens of thousands of Hyr’rok’kin—”

“—I have never seen Feyden embrace anyone—”

“—she built a canyon, from the sand, to change the terrain—”

“—do you think that mage sleeps with her brother?”

“—they said the Scinterian fought like one of the gods, killed thousands—”

“—what I wouldn’t give for our High Priestess to look like that—”

“—the Tavinter wields some strange light magic, a ball of sorts—”

“—the Queen of the Ha’kan led her troops into battle, can you see the Emperor—”

“—they say she is also Arlanian. I brushed up against her and it was exquisite, such a surge of lust—”

“—they said it was a wave made out of sand, swept away the enemy—”

“—those Tavinter make no noise at all—”

“—how do you think Maeva knows the Lady Jorden?”

“—flying Hyr’rok’kin, can you imagine it? What else—”

“—can you imagine the two of them in bed together?”

This last conversation caused Raine to turn to Talan, for it was about them. “Why does everyone want to imagine us in bed?”

Talan laughed her low, throaty laugh. “Do you have to ask? Dragons are known for their lust. You are both Arlanian and Scinterian, offspring of the greatest lovers and fighters of all time. I enjoy imagining it anytime I am not actually doing it.”

“Do you know,” Raine continued, “that the dwarves have a statue of us, you in dragon form and me naked?”

“I would like to see that.” She ran her fingers through Raine’s hair. “And there have been many incidents. Remember the wood elves at my altar?”

Raine grinned. Yes, there had been many times where the two had been caught in the act, most of the time so engrossed in one another they were unaware until they were finished. And even when they were aware, they didn’t stop unless they were in danger. One had to have priorities.

“I’m sure those accounts spread far and wide,” Talan said.

The Reception was a great success and the tired throng went to bed happy. Maeva retired with her young lover. The Ha’kan Royal Staff all retired together. The dragon’s daughter retired alone, but Maeva’s agents reported that the Knight Commander soon joined her in her suite. The dragon’s son was reported to be entertaining four women at the same time. Maeva had politely inquired of Talan if she wished to sleep on the Terrace, but the dragon declined, saying she would remain in human form for the night, and retired with Raine to their suite.

Throughout the evening, Skye had carefully avoided the subtle and unsubtle offers she had received, even those from the Royal Guard, and for a very specific reason. She returned to her suite, alone, then stood gazing out her window at the night sky. The stars were dim, washed out in the bright light of the full moon.

Skye did not know it, but Raine, too, stood gazing out at the moon, waiting expectantly. She turned to Talan, who also waited.

“She is here.”

Skye turned around at the light that glowed in her room, the radiance of the portal that opened, then enlarged. A woman with white hair, lovely pale skin, fine features, red lips, and divine breasts, stepped through the portal. She was furious.

“And did you forget our bargain so soon?”

“Of course not,” Skye said, calmly ignoring the sorceress’ anger. “I am at your disposal.”

Ingrid’s eyes narrowed. She was enjoying the righteous anger she felt and did not want this whelp to diffuse it.

“You would leave with me now?” Ingrid asked. “If I demand it?”

“Of course. I would never go back on my word. But—,” Skye continued on before the sorceress could interject, “I have an alternate proposal.”

“What?” Ingrid said, crossing her arms and momentarily distracting Skye with the breasts that pushed upward.

“I—,” she shook her head, clearing her senses. “I propose that you stay here with me instead.”

“Stay here with you?” Ingrid said, incredulous. “You’re just going to stay confined to this room, let me fuck you right through the Ceremony of Assumption?”

“Well,” Skye said calmly, “that is one possibility. Or, we could get that out of our systems tonight, and you could attend the ceremony with me tomorrow.”

“What?” Ingrid asked, flabbergasted.

“I was invited as the leader of the Tavinter, and my invitation specified that I could bring a guest. You could be my guest.”

“You’re asking me on a date?” Ingrid said, her incredulity now full-blown disbelief.

“I am.”

Ingrid had to sit down. She stared across at the girl who was proving to be a far more wily opponent than she had ever imagined. She tapped her lower lip with her fingertip, trying to fathom this development. Finally, she gave up and accepted she might not ever understand this Tavinter.

“Fine,” she said, “but get over here.”

Skye got to her feet and obediently approached, the sorceress. “Do you want my blood?”

“Not right now,” Ingrid said, surprising Skye. She snatched the girl and threw her face-down, bent over the bed, exciting them both. She skillfully loosened Skye’s breeches and dropped them to her knees on the floor, then thrust her fingers up inside of her. The girl was already wet, telling Ingrid that they were equally aroused by the situation. And they had a common goal, for Ingrid was tired of the girl’s calm demeanor, and Skye wanted nothing more than to lose control to those skilled fingers. And the sorceress worked a different kind of magic, subjugating the young woman completely until she moaned and thrashed about, giving in to the skill of that hand. And it brought the sorceress enormous pleasure as she dominated the Tavinter leader, thinking the only thing better would be for Tova to hear her offspring cry out the sorceress’ name in the throes of unrestrained passion.

Several rooms away, the tension drained from Raine’s shoulders and she relaxed. She moved away from the window and joined her lover in bed.

Chapter 13

T
he Ceremony was to begin mid-morning, giving the late night revelers a chance to sleep in. Everyone began gathering once more in the great hall. Raine appeared, again dressed in Arlanian clothing, and this time Talan was not at her side. This was not unusual, for the dragon often slept late, and Raine was happy to handle their social obligations. Although no one would speak of it, many were glad, for the Scinterian was far more approachable alone than she had been with the intimidating presence of the Queen of all Dragons. She moved through the company in a relaxed manner, and all were subject to the longing ache that the charismatic Arlanian produced. When Idonea began hanging off of her, the tongues began wagging even more furiously than they had with Drakar.

The Queen was wondering where Skye was, and Senta was just preparing to retrieve her when Skye appeared in the doorway. Her arrival caused many to pause in their conversation. There was a lovely woman on her arm, another creature of dark power, and it was apparent that many in the room knew her, and if not displeased, were at least startled by her presence. The Ha’kan, particularly, gazed at her with expressions of reserve.

“Well isn’t this fun,” Idonea murmured.

Raine took it upon herself to stride across the hushed room, Idonea in tow. She released Idonea’s arm and stepped forward, stopping directly in front of the couple. She examined the sorceress for a moment, then gave her a short bow.

“Ingrid,” she said politely.

“Scinterian,” the sorceress said, cold but cordial.

Raine examined Skye, who looked unharmed and did not appear to be under duress. “Is this your guest?”

“It is,” Skye said firmly.

“Very well,” Raine said, then gave another stiff bow to Ingrid. “Welcome to Mount Alfheim, then.” Idonea recaptured Raine’s arm as the Scinterian spun on her heel.

“Let me know if you want to play,” Idonea said over her shoulder, her eyes full of dark mirth, and the two began walking back across the room.

The room let out its collective breath while the sorceress sent a fuming glance at the back of the departing mage. The dragon’s daughter was the only mage in Arianthem more powerful than she, and had been besting her in their last conflict before she was forced to leave, a fact that Idonea had just reminded her of with the taunt.

“You just couldn’t resist, could you?” Raine said under her breath.

“Of course I couldn’t,” Idonea said. “When do I ever pass up an opportunity like that?”

“Never.”

“Is everything all right?” Senta asked as they approached, her eyes still on the sorceress across the room.

“Yes,” Raine said. “Everything is fine. Skye does this of her own free will.”

The Ha’kan stared at Skye and the sorceress, wary, but without judgment. It was a legitimate way of dealing with the situation, but that did not mean it was not dangerous.

“She has always been reckless,” Senta said of Skye, “even at the Academy. That is a Tavinter trait.”

Maeva had observed the scene, and now Raine excused herself to speak with the Directorate.

“So let me get this straight,” Maeva said, “the Tavinter is now fucking her mortal enemy?”

Raine had to smile at the crude, but highly accurate summary. Maeva wielded profanity as skillfully as she did flowery prose.

“Yes, that’s about right. It’s the Ha’kan way,” Raine said.

“So,” Maeva mused, “if I went over there and declared war on Queen Halla…?”

Raine burst into laughter. “Trust me, there are far easier ways with the Ha’kan.”

The situation seemed to be defused, so everyone returned to their gossip, although they continued to cast curious stares at the sorceress. Skye made her way around the room, providing polite introductions, the most awkward of which was when she introduced Ingrid to Syn, forgetting that they had already met on several occasions.

“A yes,” Ingrid said, “the thief who stole something precious from me.”

Syn cleared her throat, clearly uneasy around the sorceress.

“You are in good company, then,” Jorden said, “right up there with the Emperor.”

Ingrid turned her attention upon the noblewoman. There was something intriguing there, an underlying steel that was not evident in her outward gentility. This woman was more than she appeared.

“Indeed,” the sorceress said, liking the noblewoman more for whatever dark secret she held. They moved on.

“Whatever do you think Skye is doing?” Jorden asked.

“I saw that woman naked. I know exactly what she’s doing,” Syn said, earning a slap from Jorden.

The sorceress was coldly polite to everyone with an air of arrogance that trumped even that of the very arrogant Alfar. But no one outdid a dragon. When Talan strode into the room, she passed aloofly through the crowd with stately grace, giving the sorceress a glance that indicated she was of little consequence. Ingrid would have burned at the slight had Talan not treated everyone exactly the same way, all but Raine.