It forced her to deal with a critical fact that she’d been trying to ignore. One she’d been doing her best to try to dismiss.
With Keegan here, she had to face it. There really was no future for Tanis and Dash.
No matter how much she loved him. No matter how much he loved her... they would never fit together.
Dragons didn’t mix with others.
The barn door opened slowly. “Tanis?”
Her heart saddened by a reality she couldn’t change, she turned to find Dash hesitating. That was a new mood for him. Normally, he was so self-assured and determined.
Hesitant...
Just didn’t fit.
She excused herself from Keegan.
“Is something wrong?” she asked as she drew closer to him.
“I didn’t want to intrude on your time with your friend. But I wanted to let you know that we’ve...” His voice trailed off.
Now she was concerned. Something was really bothering him.
“You what?”
“The elves have reserved a place of honor for your father’s... remains in their temple. I know your religion is very different from theirs, but their priests have agreed to preserve and care for him until you’re ready to take him home and place him with your ancestors. They said that they’ve done their best to follow the dragon rites they know, but they’re sure there are some things your priests keep secret from outsiders.”
Tears gathered in her eyes. Not just because her father was gone. Because of the kindness of those actions. The thoughtfulness.
Of course, he would make sure the elves took care of her father.
If anyone knew how important that would be to her...
It was Dash.
“May I see him?”
He hesitated. “Are you sure about that?”
No. The last time she’d spoken to her father, they’d fought about Davin. She’d demanded her father reclaim his head and her father had refused.
The irony of that wasn’t lost on her.
Maybe if he’d listened to her and done as she asked, it might have saved him. Then again, she doubted it. Ragna had been set on this course.
“I’m sure.” When she started for the door, Keegan rose and started after her.
Dash paused to look up at her. “What are you doing?”
“I’m Princess Tanis’s Shield. My place is by her side.”
He turned toward Tanis. “Shield?”
“Term for a bodyguard. Every member of the royal house is supposed to have one.”
“Since the princess is here alone, it is my honor to serve as hers.”
Clearing his throat, Dash looked a bit green. “Is she going to curl up at the foot of our bed?”
