Still, his thoughts lingered on her as hot water magically filled the claw-foot tub in his room and a banquet fit for an entire family of dragons was left on the table in his chambers. When he made to eat, he noticed he was covered in blood, most of it that of the soldiers he’d had to wound or kill to get to Leena. He decided the bath would come first.
“Is the water too hot, sir?” a small elf asked, dipping his wrinkled finger in.
Colin realized he was frowning at the tub, still standing fully dressed beside it. “Er, no. It’s perfect. I just would prefer to be alone now if you don’t mind.”
The little man bounced on his toes. “Oh yes, of course. I’ll be right outside if you need anything.” He bowed low and backed away, the door to the suite clicking shut behind him.
Colin stripped out of his clothing and melted into the bath. Blood swirled off his skin, turning the water red. All the time he’d spent training in the pits, all his schooling as a warrior, it hadn’t prepared him for the deaths. He’d had to kill his own people. Dragons. He’d had to end immortal lives.
He sank under the water, running his fingers through his hair. When he broke the surface again, he pushed those dark thoughts aside. What he’d done yesterday had saved their world. Eleanor was gone. There would be true peace in Ouros.
It was what he’d worked centuries for. Why he’d led the Defenders of the Goddess. And now it was done. He was a dragon without a purpose. But maybe that was okay. For now, for today, he would just be.
After a scrub down and a long soak, he crawled from the tub and dressed in the clean tunic the elves had left for him. He thought he’d have to call the little man to service the bathroom, but when he turned back around, the tub had drained itself and stood sparkling clean, as if he’d never used it. Elven magic, he realized. Brilliant.
He ate quickly and then stretched out on the massive bed, drifting off into a cool and rejuvenating darkness, at peace with his role in the war and accepting that that role was well and truly over.
Colin was having a veryenjoyable dream. It must be a dream, because it felt like Leena was there in his room, tucked into his side with her head resting on his chest. Everything was dark, but he could smell her—blackcurrant and wild primrose.
His hand met bare skin, and he stroked along her spine until his fingers tangled in her hair. She shifted, and then a soft kiss pressed against his mouth.
“I hope this is okay,” she whispered.
He blinked his eyes open. “Lights,” he commanded. “Dim.” The elven magic ignited two of the sconces on the wall, filling the room with a soft, warm glow.
“I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“Are you real?” he asked. “Or am I dreaming?”
She laughed, one eyebrow arching with her smile. “Yes, I’m real. I can’t get any more real than this.” She glanced down at herself, rolling enough that he could make out the curve of one deliciously full breast.
He licked his lips, his inner dragon waking and taking a good stretch. Beneath the covers, his body was ready for her. He was always ready for her. His mouth went dry.
“Turns out my Quanling is here, at the palace, along with the rest of the scribes. She was called in to help in the infirmary when a number of archers were burned in the eruption. I told her everything that happened and about my choice to be your mate.”
“I know that had to be hard for you.”
“Actually, Marjory made it easy. She said she could see the attraction between us immediately. Something about the carriage ride and being able to cut the sexual tension with a knife. She wasn’t surprised, only disappointed she’d have to find someone else to take her position before she retires.”
“I always liked Marjory.”
“So… I returned my quill and scrolls, which means I am currently homeless with no means to support myself.” She smiled as if the idea wasn’t as harrowing as it sounded.
“That makes two of us. With the war won, I don’t even have a job. The Defenders of the Goddess has no further need to exist, and with Gabriel and Raven ruling, I don’t have an official role in the new kingdom, nor do I expect one.”
“I guess that leaves us with each other.”
He inhaled deeply and reached up to cradle her face, just inches from his. “That’s enough for me.”
“Me too.”
“Say you’re mine, Leena.” His throat felt raw, and the words came out all grit and cinder.
“I’m yours, Colin. Always.” Her warm breath caressed his lips, sending tiny shivers along his skin. His dragon was practically panting for her.
He tried to shift her under him, but she pressed him back against the mattress and straddled him just behind his erect cock. “I’ve already tasted what it’s like to have you over me. I think I’ll try something new.”
She took his cock in her hand and stroked him hard from balls to tip, twisting her hand over the slick head before plunging her tight grip to the base again.
