Arach grinned. “Of course. You're the only other Dragon-Sidhe in Faerie. It wasn't that hard.”
“Well, since you're here, you can help us.”
“Help you do what?”
“Investigate. Did you pass through a village on your way to me?”
“Yes. I saw King Rory and Rivella.”
“That's the village that sank. We're here to take another look. Trying to find something. It would help to have another Dragon-Sidhe smelling around.”
Arach narrowed his eyes at me. “Why are you doing this?”
“To be helpful.” Blink. Blink. Nope, I couldn't tell him the truth. Then he'd never help. He might try to run off with me again.
“Helping the Earth King.” He sighed. “It's not in my nature.”
“It wouldn't hurt to be the first to make a gesture of goodwill toward King Rory. Imagine having him on your side if one of the other kingdoms attacks Fire.”
Arach's eyes widened. “Interesting. You're saying I should form an alliance with him.”
“No, don't be so obvious. I'm saying make friends. Friends are good to have. Especially royal friends. King Rory just took the throne. He's not jaded like the rest of you. And he's already had to hunt a lover and raise a village from a mud hole. He could use some guidance and friendship. And I have a feeling he'd remember any kindness shown to him with great warmth.”
“Hunt a lover?” Arach grinned. “That's something we have in common.”
“I'm not your lover yet, hot stuff.” I reached around and smacked his ass.
Arach jerked, his eyes going wide, then grinned wickedly. “No, but you're my wife by your own admission.”
I smirked. “What did you bring me?”
“Excuse me?”
“You're supposed to be courting me and that means presents. So what did you bring me?”
“I meant to take you on a carriage ride around the Forgetful Forest.”
“That's not stuff. I want stuff.” Inwardly, I giggled. This wasn't me, but this Arach would understand a greedy Dragon-Sidhe better. Dragons were hoarders after all. I mean, his pet name for me meant “My Treasure.”
Sure enough, Arach chuckled. “I will bring you a gift tomorrow. If I think you're worth pursuing.”
I barked with laughter, shoved him away, and headed back to the village. “Worth pursuing! That's hilarious. I'll tell you if you're worth my attention after I take a look at what you bring me.”
“Vervain,” Arach grumbled, sounding so much like my Arach that it made my chest ache. “I was going to kiss you.”
“No, you weren't.”
“Yes, I was.”
I trudged out of the jungle and onto the hard-packed dirt path that led into the village. “No, you were going totryto kiss me and fail. I'm not that easy, Dragon.”
He snorted. “All women are that easy with me.”
“And he's back,” I muttered.
“What was that?” Arach asked as he caught up to me.
“I said, except for me. I was hard to get the first time, and I'm going to be even harder to get this time.”
