“You were.” He nuzzled my throat, making me shiver. “And how’s that working for you now?”
“Better than expected.” I tilted my head, giving him better access. “Though I’m still waiting for you to apologize for being so intimidating that first day.”
“Never.” His teeth grazed my pulse point. “You were very late. I had every right to be irritated.”
“You looked ready to breathe fire.”
“I was controlling myself admirably, I’ll have you know.” He lifted his head, his amber eyes dancing. “If I’d actually been angry, there would’ve been scorch marks.”
I laughed, remembering how worried I’d been standing across from him in Grandmother’s garden. My stern dragon king who’d seemed so utterly incapable of understanding my messy existence.
And now here we were, trading kisses in my research tower like we’d been doing this for years.
“What are you thinking?” Raoul asked, reading my expression.
“How much has changed.” I traced the line of his jaw, marveling at the intimacy we’d built. “When I arrived late to our wedding, I thought I was forming a political alliance, one that would let me continue my research in peace. Instead, I got you.” The words came out thick with emotion. “A partner who celebrates my work instead of tolerating it. Someone who flies me to mountain peaks so I can take measurements, who doesn’t mind when I accidentally freeze our breakfast.” I paused, swallowing hard. “One who loves me exactly as I am.”
“Always, sweet. Every scattered, beautiful part of you.”
“Love wasn’t in the plan,” I whispered against his mouth. “But it’s the best discovery I’ve ever made.”
We kissed, pouring everything we felt into it. Our bond sang between us, weaving tighter with each passing day.
Fletcher chose that moment to wake with a snort.What’s going on? Is it time to chase rabbits? Or shall we meander to the kitchen for a snack?
“After I’m done kissing Raoul,” I whispered against my husband’s mouth.
“Is there an end to that?” he asked with a sparkle in his eyes.
“Never.”
Fletcher sighed and covered his eyes with his paws.
The tower’s best feature was the wide balcony that wrapped around three sides, offering panoramic views of the volcanic peaks. Raoul took my hand and led me outside as the sun began its slide below the horizon.
We stood at the railing, his arms around me from behind, watching as light gilded the mountain ranges. Our kingdom spread around us, peaceful and thriving.Somewhere down there, monitoring stations collected data that would help protect all of dragon-kind. Courts that had been rivals now worked together.
And it had all started because I’d been late to my own wedding.
“I can feel your smile,” Raoul said, his chin resting on top of my head.
“I was thinking about how my terrible punctuality led to all of this.”
His laugh rumbled through his chest. “Perhaps we should make you late more often.”
“I’m reformed now. Mostly.”
“Mostly?”
“Well, when I’m tracking particularly interesting thermal patterns…”
“I know, sweet. That’s just one reason why I love you.”
We stayed like that as the sun sank lower. Fletcher eventually joined us, sitting on my feet with a contented sigh. Below, the palace came alive with evening lights. Above, the first stars began to emerge.
I thought about Sasha’s upcoming wedding, about Grandmother’s matchmaking schemes, and about all the careful plans we witches had made for our futures. My plan had been to study weather magic and perhaps marry if need be.
Instead, I’d found passion and a love so deep it reshaped everything I thought I knew.
