Page 87

Katana grinned. “I have never made a sword, but I have made rings and other pieces of jewelry.”

And that told anyone everything they would need to know about how different they were.

Chapter 27

THANE

The afternoon sun peeked out from behind stark gray clouds, threatening rain. Thunder rumbled in the distance, but despite a coming storm, it was relatively warm, and the bees and birds fluttered about. Thane peered up at the top of the colossal wall that surrounded the dragon territory, waiting for one of the beasts to soar across it. It wouldn’t be long before they noticed intruders on their land.

Thane sat on the grassy knoll under the cover of a bundle of redwood trees. He ran a whetstone along the edge of one of his swords and watched Katana move from one wildflower patch to another gathering her favorites along the way. The sway of her hips in her fitted peach dress did things to him he didn’t care to admit.

“Why are we still stuck out here?” Fennan put his hands on his hips and lifted his chin up at the wall. His black curls bobbed against his forehead as he shook his head. “I thought they knew we were coming.”

“They do.” Thane continued sharpening his sword.

“This time they know who you are. They shouldn’t keep the High Elf King waiting.”

“We can’t send a magical message without Hel here, so we wait for them to notice the smoke.” He pointed the tip of his sword at the small fire they made. “Toss a few pieces of wetter wood on if you want them to see it faster.”

Leif scratched at his scalp, tugging on a knot, then went back to digging under his dirty fingernails with the tip of a dagger. “It won’t be long now, Fen. Have a bit of patience.”

“As if you’re one to talk.”

“As your elder, I’ve got plenty of patience.”

“You’re not that much older than me.”

“Thirty years, ya wee lad.”

Fennan rolled his eyes. “In elven time, that is nothing.”

“Still something.”

Thane smiled and shook his head. It was nice to be away from the pressures of his duties and surrounded by his friends again. Being away from Valeen allowed him to simply be, without annoying thoughts ofwhat ifwandering through his head. If Ronan took more time, he wouldn’t mind. There was something calming about being in the woods doing a mind-numbing task like sharpening his blades.

On his other side, Katana settled on the ground with her legs crossed and began braiding her long blonde hair, weaving in some of the blossoms she’d picked. He typically prided himself on being able to read people, but unlike her sister who always made certain everyone knew when she was pissed off, Katana was more of a mystery. A darkness plagued her and yet she was sweet and thoughtful. The violence of her past didn’t make her bitter like many others. She lifted her chin and smiled at him, as if she knew he was thinking about her at that moment.

After being naked with her in the hot springs, it was hard to focus on anything else but what might have happened. That night was an accident. She hadn’t known he was there when she stepped into the pool with nothing on. They seemed to keeprunning into each other in innocent ways that could be… more. And every time she was around, he felt almost an electric current that seemed to flow between them. Like if she moved, he would know it. It had to be her magic; what else could it be?

Piper dropped into a squat in front of Thane and offered her silver flask. “I don’t know if you need this, but I do.”

Thane took the flask and smelled it. A strong brandy. Today was not a day to risk drinking anything that dulled the senses. “What are you worried about? I’m not leaving until I get this alliance.”

She frowned and let out a breath that puffed her freckled cheeks. “A lot of this rides on me.”

“Who says?”

She deadpanned. “Thane. Let’s not pretend what happens or doesn’t happen with Ronan and I could sway the outcome of this alliance. If he wants to break it off with me, it could ruin our chances.”

With his hands still on his hips, Fennan turned. The golden hoop in his ear caught the sunlight. “What are you talking about?”

Piper snatched back the brandy flask, and after a generous few gulps, she lifted a shoulder. He knew exactly what she was talking about. Thane hadn’t pushed her to decide, but a betrothal to Ronan would likely help, if the King Drake Drakonan allowed it. Dragon royals were particular about who they married. Although, Piper wasn’t his bargaining chip. He could give the dragon shifters the one thing they wanted most. A way back to their homeworld of Ryvengaard.

Leif put his dagger away and stood. “You’re not thinking of marrying him, are you?”

“I’ve thought about it.”

“You’re going to marry him, not because you love him, but because you think it’s your duty? Piper,” Fennan ran his handover his hair, “we don’t need you to do that. What made you think so?”