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'Adigos,' she moaned, tipping her hips. He chuckled, then pushed inside her. She gasped at the delicious shock of it, hooking her hands around his shoulders and wrapping her legs around his waist.

He moved with a lazy, infuriating rhythm, and she clawed at his skin. 'Adigos … I need …'

'I know what you need,' he breathed into her ear. He moved faster, thrusting harder, and she moaned, pressing her head back and grabbing handfuls of the bedding.

'Warrior,' she whispered.

'You're right, I am a warrior,' he said cockily, finally removing her brassier, laying her round breasts bare. He went up on his knees and lifted her hips, a hand wrapped under her back as he pounded into her. She moaned, her hands above her head as his movements pushed her back and forth. He spun her, pulling her up so they were both on their knees, her back to his chest, and he entered her once more.

His hands covered her breasts, kneading them as he moved his hips. She arched, and he growled, dropping a hand to her core. He sucked on her neck, and she lifted a hand to grab his hair, crying out his name as his fingers circled. She bucked, but he held her in place, working her harder. And then it hit, a cry escaping her lips as she convulsed around him.

Adigos huffed out a laugh and pinched her nipple, still pulsing his hips. She gasped as her body clenched harder. His movements became jerky, and he dug his fingers into her hips. 'Goddess,' he groaned, then stiffened.

When the pleasure had passed, he lowered her onto the bed. She tucked into his side, and Adigos stroked her back, lulling her to sleep. This was exactly what she'd needed … release at the hands of someone who knew precisely what they were doing. She was glad she'd finally gained some benefit from his extensive practice with the maids.

Chapter Seven

THEY ARRIVED BACK INSelise the following day. Fyia had summoned an eagle and sent it ahead with a message for the Spider, so the guards wouldn't shoot the airship down as soon as it came into view. The city walls were packed as they approached, cheers going up when Fyia waved.

They landed on the piazza in front of the council building, Edu and Adigos flanking Fyia as she walked up the steps, making sure the crowd didn't get too close. They needn't have worried; the onlookers shied away from her wolves, who snarled in warning.

A ball released from the clock as Fyia approached the top. She watched its journey before stepping through the entrance.

The Spider, Starfall, and Essa awaited in the council chamber. They stood and bowed, saying, 'Your Majesty,' as one.

Fyia nodded. 'Sit,' she said, taking her own seat. 'Anything I should know?'

'Venir confirmed the flying machines are real,' said Starfall, with a smirk.

'No,' said Fyia.

'Essa's found a location for your new palace,' said the Spider.

Fyia looked to Essa, who nodded in confirmation. 'And I have a layout for your review.'

Fyia smiled. She could always rely on Essa.

Fyia told them of their trip to the Fae'ch, including the attack on the journey there, and the one on the way back.

'We've heard grumblings from a few corners about your changes to the markets and guilds,' said Starfall. 'There could be more attacks.'

'Any word from Sensis?' said Fyia. She had, after all, insisted on the most radical changes in the Kingdom of Moon, where she'd sent her closest friend …

'Last we heard, all was going well,' said the Spider, 'and Sensis took several squadrons with her. The university and guilds are reluctant to admit women, but they're not resisting … not overtly, that is.'

'Good,' said Fyia.

Silence fell for a moment before Starfall said, 'What will you do about the dragon eggs?'

Fyia paused, looking her aunt in the eye as she considered her response. 'Do you believe the Emperor?' she asked.

Starfall laughed. 'Not for a tick. He's a lying ball of slime; there's no way he has five dragons.'

'Do you think he has any?' said Fyia.

'No,' said Starfall, resolutely.

Fyia looked to the Spider, who shrugged. 'The Emperor has seeded rumors he has dragons, but nobody has actually seen them, if they exist.'