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Piper giggled and slowly shook her head. “It was while you were gone with Hel. He got ahold of one of my letters from Ronan and read it. Don’t get me started because I was so angry with him for it. But no, it wasn’t an official proposal. He said ‘you can’t be serious about this dragon bastard. I want to be the one to marry you, Piper. You’re supposed to be with me.’”

“And what did you say?”

“I told him he was an asshole for going through my personal things and to stay out of my business or get out of my life.”

Valeen bit down on her lip to try and not laugh but it burst out. “Holy All Mother, Piper. You’re ruthless. And you thought I was mean.”

“It’s not mean after he snuck into my room and went through my drawers!”

“The elf you loved for years said he wanted to marry you!”

“I thought we solved this dilemma months ago,” Hel said, popping in. He plucked up one of the arrows and with the snap of his fingers had Piper’s bow in his hands. “The dragon prince, obviously.” He had the arrow knocked and released in mere seconds. He hadn’t even taken the time to set up the shot and still hit dead center.

“Well, I didn’t ask for your opinion, did I?” Piper snapped. “You’re the last person I’d get relationship advice from.”

Hel smirked. “Oh Red, it’s alright to admit you have feelings for me. I am the darkness that tickles most females’ fantasies whether they admit it or not.” He cupped the side of his mouth and leaned closer and hooked his thumb toward Valeen, “Just be careful, this one gets jealous easily.”

“I’d rather stab my eye with a hot poker than have feelings for you other than loathing, you sick bastar?—”

Hel snapped his fingers, and no sound came out of her mouth. “There’s only one person in existence I’ve ever allowed to call me names and get away with it and that’s not you. I’drethink what you want to say next.” He snapped his fingers again. “Maybe we should call a truce for Val’s sake.”

Piper narrowed her eyes at him. “Fine. But I’m never going to trust you.”

“I wouldn’t trust me if I was you either. I really don’t have the best record.” He took out a civar and put it to his lips. “I hope you’re prepared to do what you need to to secure this alliance with the dragons.”

Valeen crossed her arms. “What does that mean?”

“It means don’t give him the goods until he’s begging for it, then still deny him but tease. Tease the idea of it until that’s all he thinks about. Assuming his parents approve that is. You’ll get a ring, and we’ll get our alliance. You realize that’s what needs to happen right?”

Piper rolled her eyes.

“I’m serious. Marriages have been used to tether and secure alliances throughout history. Thane should offer his sister, but you seem to be the one the dragon wants. Weneedthem.”

Even if his delivery was crass, he was right. They needed the dragons for this war. “There are other ways if that’s not what you want, Piper. You would likely have to live among the dragons, and it wouldn’t be temporary.”

Piper tapped her boot. “No, he’s right. There might not be a Palenor left if we don’t get the dragons with us. If I need to marry him, I will. I’ll do what I need to do.”

“That’s the spirit,” Hel said, with a slow clap, civar dangling between his lips. “I’d say play with little Ronan between his legs to get the ring but that might get you a wee dragon bab?—”

“Hel.” Valeen scowled. “Can you not be a prick today.”

He laughed, dimpling his cheek. “I’m just razzing her a bit. Gods, you two need to loosen the corsets.”

“Shut up,” they said in unison.

“Oh, two mouthy, fire breathers. No wonder you’re friends.”

“I swear, Hel if you don’t?—”

“You’ll threaten me with a wonderful time? Tie me up and whip me, love. I’m tingling just thinking about it.”

“First of all, you don’t even like being whipped. You’re a closet, sweet romantic.”

He pressed his palm to his chest looking exaggeratingly appalled. “Well, I never, how dare you try to ruin my bad reputation. Besides, I like tyingyouup. That little red number with your arms tied over your head is permanently ingrained in my mind.”

Valeen flushed, recalling the night he’d used soft ribbons to pin her down on the bed under the night sky in Ryvengaard. She couldn’t believe he said that in front of Piper… on second thought it wasn’t surprising at all.

Laughter burst out of Piper, but she quickly covered her mouth as if she was shocked it came out.