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He couldsmellThane’s magic, even more his lineage? She shouldn’t be too surprised. Varlett tasted Layala’s blood and knew what she feared about her mate bond with Thane. The harsh sneer on Thane’s face did not ease. With bared teeth, he stared down the taller dragon shifter.

“I only wanted to test if you were as valiant as they say. I won’t touch your lady friend and I mean none of you harm.”

After a few beats, Thane slowly drew his hand back and the tautness in Layala’s every muscle eased some.

“I’m quite sure my father will be interested in speaking with you,” he said, and with that his wings vanished, and the dragon scales turned to flesh, revealing pale skin with rosy cheeks. Those yellow eyes turned icy blue; the male looked like the human form of winter. With the drop of his protective scales the tense atmosphere shifted to one more open. “It’s been what, four hundred years since we had the honor of meeting with a member of House Athayel?”

“Long before my time,” Thane said.

The dragon prince nodded. “I’ll allowyou.”

Thane shook his head. “I’m afraid that’s not going to work. We all go.”

“And these people are?”

“My personal guards. I’d never ask you to come into my castle without your,”—he looked at the other dragons—“escorts.”

“Hmm, I suppose that is fair. I just have to ask, do you like wine? I have some really delicious wine.”

Thane chuckled. “I do. We also stole a bottle from Calladira if you want to exchange.”

“Stole? Well, that’s a story I’d like to hear.”

It was strange how quickly they went from nearly ripping each other’s throats out to talking like old friends. Thane always seemed to be able to charm if he wanted to, and this dragon prince appeared equally schooled in the ways of the court, like Aunt Evalyn had once said.

With a big smile the dragon prince said, “Great, well it’s settled then. You have my word as a Prince of House Drakonan. None of you will be imprisoned or killed if you are peaceful.” He held out his hand to Piper. “My name is Ronan Drakonan.”

Piper’s hand stayed at her side for a few beats before she grasped his palm. The dragon shifter’s hand dwarfed hers. “I’m Piper Fireheart.”

“Fireheart? I think your parents were right to choose that for you.” He kept hold of her hand, even though it was past time what Layala believed to be customary. His crystalline-blue eyes locked on to Piper without an ounce of pause. Did the dragon prince catch a fancy for the redheaded elven warrior? “It’s tradition for elves to choose their female children’s last name rather than inherit their father’s or husband’s, correct?”

“Yes,” Piper answered, pulling her hand away and partially tucking it behind her back.

Layala tried not to smile. Fennan will really enjoy this… another suitor for Piper.She glanced at Fennan. He frowned and held onto his sword handle. Hopefully he didn’t do anything rash.

Prince Ronan turned to Layala. “And you are?”

“I’m Layala Lightbringer.”

“My betrothed,” Thane added casually but the claim itself wasn’t friendly. It was a warning.

With a smile and a nod, he said, “I thought so.” He did not offer his hand but dipped his chin. Then he swept an arm toward the wall. “Well, the only way in is to fly, so you’ll have to hop on. That’s Dax,” the pearl-colored dragon bobbed his massive head. “And Vaper,” the giant bronze had a sleeker snout but a larger horn on the tip of his or her head.

“Greetings.” A feminine voice came from Vaper.

“Mypersonal guards,” Ronan said. “Although we can carry more than one of you, I prefer that you each have your own escort. As I said, as a whole our people are not always open to outsiders.” With a snap of his fingers, the bronze dragon named Vaper called in a deep trill, three times.

What did that mean? That they each needed their own dragon to protect them from others?

Without asking for the other’s names, he said, “King Thane, I’ll ask you to go with Vaper. Layala, with Dax.” He turned to Piper. “Piper, you wouldn’t mind riding me, would you?”

Even though there wasn’t a speck of innuendo in his tone or expression, Layala bit her lower lip and turned away to keep from snickering.

With a low, almost inaudible growl, Fennan stepped up beside Piper, and though he didn’t speak his action said enough.Great, let’s start a fight with the dragons already,Layala thought, and clenched her hands.Thane narrowed his eyes at Fennan and slowly shook his head.

Ronan looked between Piper and Fennan with an arrogant smirk. “Is that a problem?”

“No,” Piper answered. “No problem, Prince Ronan. It would be an honor to be escorted by you.” She turned to Fennan and gave him a small reassuring smile.