“Spoken like a truly wise queen,” he said, “or as Corvit would put it,she of the prophecy.”
“I really wish he would use my name, but he can’t seem to bring himself to do it.”
“Dragons are like that. ’Tis because they are ancient and caught up in the old ways.”
A hesitant “Yer Majesty?” came from the other side of the door.
“I am coming, damn ye!”
Jeros rose, making Lexi want him all over again as she watched the water trickle down the glistening peaks and valleys of his well-muscled body. Her heart pounded harder, making her a little breathless. She licked her lips. Her mate, her one, was no soft royal. Jeros was her Fae warrior king.
“Shall I send in Rill to help ye dress?” he asked as he stepped out of the tub.
“I suppose so.” She eyed her fingertips. “I’m about to turn all pruny from being in here so long.”
He grinned and shot her a smoldering look. “Are ye complaining, my own?”
“Not on your life.”
* * *
His jubilant mood soured,Jeros exited the dressing room and yanked open the bedchamber door. The butler had wisely scurried back out into the hallway after risking his life to talk through the dressing room door.
“Commander Darkcord awaits ye in the library, Yer Majesty,” Nightleaf gave a succession of apologetic bows.
“Thank ye, Nightleaf,” Jeros said, taking Lexi’s advice that the butler was merely the messenger. As he strode down the hall and descended the steps, he debated on whether a punch to the jaw or the nose would be more appropriate for Darkcord’s audacity.
As soon as he stepped through the library door, the commander threw up his hands and backed away. “The Fae of the Fires are at our southeast border, requesting an audience with their overlord. They refuse to leave until they see her.”
The Fae of the Fires were less dangerous without the dragons, but they were still dangerous enough. Even when peaceful, the beings gave off enough heat to wilt plants and set fire to dry tinder. Their request was not without reason, but it concerned Jeros no small amount. Short-tempered and known for their cruelty, he didn’t know how Lexi intended to handle them, and if one of them challenged her for control...he shuddered. He scrubbed a hand across his mouth, then raked his wet hair back from his face. “I dinna ken if she is dressed yet. Her maid was with her.”
“Ye know they could be here to challenge her,” Darkcord said, his voice barely above a whisper.
“I know.”
“Can ye see them accepting her because she killed Incendium?”
“Not bloody well likely.” Jeros poured them both a drink. “They will know the dragon did it after she freed him—and the dragons are no longer here to protect her.”
“Corvit did say for her to call out to them should she need them.”
“I dinna ken how long it would take them to return.”
“How long would it take who to return?” Lexi asked from the doorway.
Jeros frowned. “Trews? Yer trews from yer world?”
“My jeans and boots are better suited for war. When things calm down, I promise I will dress more appropriately.” She flipped her still damp hair back off her shoulder. “Until then, this is my armor. Okay?”
She had explained to him what the wordokaymeant, but he didn’t like it any more than he liked her garments. The shapeliness of her arse was for him and him alone to enjoy.
“Jeros?” She arched a brow, giving him that look that meant she needed him to agree.
“Fine.”
She came to him, kissed his cheek, and whispered, “Thank you.” Stepping back, she asked, “Now, what is the emergency, and whom are we worried about getting to us in time?”
He nodded at Darkcord. “Tell her.”
