Arach scowled. “But we just had sex. A lot of it.”
“So?”
“So, I assumed that meant you were coming back to me.”
“I was never with you.” I cocked my head at him. “And I told you I was going to help King Rory.”
Arach started to growl.
“Don't you growl at me!” I bared my teeth at him and snarled.
His eyes glowed.
“Don't look at me like that either, Dragon,” I said. “I'm not going back with you. You'll just put me in chains again.”
“I would not.”
“You would if I tried to leave.”
Arach grimaced. “You will not leave me again, Vervain.”
“You are very welcome to stay here, King Arach,” King Rory offered before I could refute that. “For as long as your wife is in residence. I'd be most honored to host the Monarchs of Fire.”
A tendril of smoke came out of Arach's nose and it wasn't in response to Rory's offer.
“You've got a little something right there.” I brushed at my nostril.
Arach snorted, his lips twitching.
“Be nice,” I whispered.
“Thank you, King Rory,” Arach said. “I think I shall accept your generous offer. If this mystery must be solved before my wife will return to Fire, then I shall help you solve it.”
“Well, I appreciate that very much.” King Rory cast a wide-eyed look at me.
I shook my head subtly. No, we were not going to tell my Dragon-Sidhe husband that I was going back to my time as soon as I finished helping Rory.
Rory slid his hand beneath the table—the one with the ring of remembrance on it.
“We will be going flying tomorrow,” Arach announced. “Hopefully, the culprit won't attack while we're gone.”
“Flying over my kingdom?” King Rory asked in alarm.
“No, I wouldn't want to scare your people,” Arach said. “We'll fly over the Forgetful.”
“Ah. Very well,” Rory said, his relief apparent. “Then I think I shall give you a tour of the kingdom tomorrow,” he said to Rivella.
“I'd like that,” Rivella said.
They grinned at each other.
Ah, young love.
Or maybe it was ancient love. I didn't know how old they were.
“Good luck with Queen Dubheasa,” I said. “Quick tip; don't ever be alone with her. She's fast to stab a faerie in the back. And I mean that literally.”
King Rory chuckled. “All right, I will be on guard. Thank you, Queen Vervain.” Then he waved at the wall. “Now, for our entertainment.”
