“Fortune favors the brave,” I amended it without thinking.
Arach's brows lifted. “Yes, I like that. Succinct. Poetic. Fortune favors the brave.”
“Dagnabbit! I shouldn't have said that,” I hissed. “Don't repeat it. It's not going to be said for a long time.”
“But you've just said it.”
“And I told you to not repeat it.”
“As you like, A Thaisce.”
I stopped walking to smile at him. “You've finally got it right, Dragon.”
Arach's expression went slack, then tender. “Of course. I should have known.”
I winked at him and swung myself up onto his Phooka's saddle.
Chapter Twenty
Arach took the reins, his body caging mine. The dragon in me didn't notice a difference with him. He was ours; his dragon was her mate. And she was happy to be so close to him. I, however, was reminded of the first time we met—walking the spiral of the dining table in the Castle of Eight. I'd been warned about him. Don't mess with the Dragon King. And I hadn't tried to. But his people had messed with me.
Thinking back, I couldn't believe I'd married Arach. And it was even more astounding that he had turned into my Arach. This man was still the guy who had abducted me from the Castle of Eight, simply for the joy of hunting me through the Forgetful Forest. His idea of fun. It had been so long since the Wild Hunt had hunted humans after all. I still didn't know if he would have killed me if he hadn't realized what I was. I'd been terrified. But then I'd gotten to know Arach and all that drove him. His fears. His dreams. His hopes for his people. He was a good man underneath all of this arrogant violence. I had to try to remember that. And try not to change him.
Shish kebabs. Was I already taming the Dragon King? I couldn't do that. He needed to stay vicious. But I guess that ship had sailed. The next time he met me, he'd know who I was. Hold on. Had he known? Is that why he kidnapped me? No, no, not yet. Damn it. This is what happens when you mess with time. It got so confusing. Arach would know when I returned to him. And our past would be changed because of it. I just hoped it didn't change too drastically.
Maybe I should just have sex with Arach before he changed too much. He'd already found his pet name for me. And he was nuzzling my neck again. I should nip this in the bud. He couldn't get me pregnant. I had a birth control spell in place. So, I was safe on that account. And the surest way to end his ascent into better manhood was to give up the goods.
Fine. I'd sacrifice myself to save our future. Yeah, it would be a real hardship to have sex with my husband.
When we reached Crith-Fuinn, Arach dismounted, then helped me down. “I shall return tomorrow, Wife.”
“Oh, don't go,” King Rory said. “Please, join us for dinner. It's the least I can do after you assisted me today.”
“I didn't do much,” Arach said.
“You tried to, and that's what matters most. And you've given me some good advice about Queen Dubheasa.” Rory waved at the massive stone doors as the Trolls pushed them inward, swinging them on their pivot points. “Please. You can freshen up in one of our guest rooms.”
“He can use my room,” I offered.
Arach's stare shot to mine. He cleared his throat and said, “I accept your invitation, King Rory. And yours, my Queen.” To his men, he said, “Wait here.”
Before I could remember not to mess with this Arach's bad manners, I blurted, “Out here? You're going to leave them out here while we have dinner?”
Arach blinked.
“They are welcome to dine with my court,” King Rory offered.
“That's very generous of you, King Rory,” Arach said. “Very well, attend me until dinner.”
The Red Caps fell into formation behind Arach and me, while Arach's mount shifted into his man form and pulled on some garments that had been stuffed under his saddle. He hurried after us as we followed King Rory into Crith-Fuinn, Rivella on his arm. We strode through the plant-filled corridors, then came to the royal suite, where we left the King and Rivella. Arach's breathing grew ragged as we continued down the hall.
“Here we are,” I said as I opened my guest room door.
Arach nodded at the Red Caps, and Fearghal bowed, blood dripping from his hat, to streak down his cheek. He didn't brush it away. Just went right into assigning positions to the other soldiers. Even the Phooka fell in line. As they went on guard outside the door, Arach closed it.
I went to the bathroom. “I need a shower. I'll be out shortly. Make yourself comfortable.”
“Would you like me to pour you some wine?” Arach asked as he went to a sideboard I hadn't noticed, what with it growing out of the wall.
