I enjoy sexual encounters regularly. They are stimulating and rejuvenating.
Ah. And you don’t usually employ any kind of… er, contraceptive?Syla removed her spectacles so she could rub her face. Had her cheeks grown warm? She’d never expected to discuss such a topic with a dragon. A few months ago, she’d never believed she would everspeakto a dragon.
I do not.
Do you think it was from when you joined with Agrevlari?
There have not been other encounters since then. Fewer males than typical have approached me since I bonded with you.
I’m sorry. I had no idea— Er, I didn’t mean to put a damper on your sex life.Syla rubbed her face again.
Vorik touched her shoulder. “Are you all right?”
“Wreylith is chatting with me about… personal matters.”
“Ah, that explains your facial expressions then. Agrevlari has a tendency to getpersonaltoo.”
“How can you see my facial expressions from behind me?”
“I’m gifted. Your shoulders are hunching too. I thought you might be distressed by the death of your cousin’s father, but that wouldn’t turn your cheeks pink, presumably.”
“No. Iamdistressed by that. We weren’t close, but I’m tired of losing family.”
“Understandable.” Vorik rested his hand on her shoulder.
She leaned back into his touch but didn’t let herself cry, reminding herself that there would be time to mourn once she reclaimed the throne and ended the war with the stormers. She would make sure of it. Sheneededit.
It matters little who fertilized my eggs,Wreylith continued, probably not concerned about the passing of Lord Abbingdar.Among dragons, the males rarely play a role in laying eggs and raising hatchlings.
They don’t help hunt or anything? I bet Agrevlari would be delighted to bring you some of the interesting foods that you crave.
Heis not whom I wish to discuss.
Sorry. Is there… something I can do?Syla wondered if Wreylith was about to tell her that she would need a few months off for a maternity period.
Since I am more mature in years, the egg laying may be more difficult than when I was younger. As powerful and magical as we are, dragons can suffer from stress-induced infections and egg binding.
Do you think the services of a healer might be helpful?Syla touched her chest.
A puny human, whether healer or not, is never needed by a dragon, certainly not to deposit her clutch.
Of course. I should not have thought that.
No. But… you may be present in the cave when I lay my eggs. I will allow you that honor.
Shall I have my medical kit on hand?
Wreylith flicked a dismissive wingtip.
I’ll bring it just in case.
Do not allow it to contain anything slimy or unctuous this time.
I will keep your preferences in mind when choosing appropriate medications.
Do so.
A woman’s yell came from the road ahead, and Syla leaned forward to peer between Wreylith’s horns. Was it her imagination or had that voice sounded familiar?
