“Arach tracked me, and the Ballybogs warned Nori, that's the Kelpie, of Arach's arrival so—”
“The Ballybogs?!” this time, Rory growled it.
“Yes, they liked Nori,” I said. “You know how simple they are. He made mud, and they love mud.”
Rory grunted.
“Look, you can speak to them later, maybe after you've calmed down a bit, and explain that they should never help a faerie from another kingdom hurt this kingdom.”
“Speak to them? What is he going to do, grunt?” Arach asked.
“The Kelpie sure seemed to understand them,” I said. “If he can, I'm assuming their king can as well.”
“They do have a language. It includes a lot of gestures, but I do know it,” Rory said. “And you're right, Queen Vervain. They are a simple-minded race. I will explain things so this doesn't happen again.”
“Good.”
“So, King Arach tracked you, and the Kelpie ran, taking you with him?”
“Yes. He gave me the Kiss of Water.”
“He gave youwhat?!” Arach snarled.
“It's just some magic. Relax,” I huffed. “He breathed into me, and I was able to breathe water for a day. That's how he took me into the Water Kingdom.”
Smoke trailed out of Arach's nose.
I blew it away, as you might the barrel of a smoking gun or a candle. The Dragon King grimaced.
“With the exception of the magic-suppressing manacles, Nori treated me well, but I wasn't in his custody very long. He took me to Dubheasa, and you know the rest.”
“So, he didn't touch you?” Arach asked.
“Not inappropriately.”
“Beyond the kiss.”
“That was barely a press of lips.”
Arach bared his teeth.
“Oh, cut it out,” I said. “You've been with hundreds of women by your own admission, and I don't give a Rat Boy's ass about it.”
Arach scowled. “Why not?”
“Because I know it didn't mean anything.” I shook my head at him. “And the Kiss of Water meant even less. He wasn't even the only one to give it to me. Before they moved me from Under to Castle Deuraich, another Kelpie had to—”
“How many men did you kiss?!” Arach's eyes started to glow.
“It wasn't that kind of kiss!” I snarled.
“You will not kiss any other man from this moment forward, Vervain.”
I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing.
“Vervain!”
“Yeah, sure.” I lifted my glass and shouted, “To Fire and Earth's alliance!”
