“That sounds lovely. Thank you.” I sat down on a chair in the sitting area while he went to pour our drinks.
Orro handed me a glass and sat across from me on the loveseat, making it look more like a regular seat. He took a swig from his glass, sighed, and leaned back to stretch one arm over the back of the loveseat. “Are you sure you don't want to fuck? I have a big dick, and I use it well.”
“No, thank you.” I paused. Normally, I would accept such an invitation. Why had I refused? Because I wasn't in need. Yes, that was it. I had slept with the King the night before and had been well satisfied. “You were right. I reacted violently without explanation. I've been so focused on finding a cure for the Silver Rot, and my lack of success has frustrated me. I fear it's put me on edge. Please accept my apology.”
“I do. Thank you.” He lifted his glass to me. “And I'm sorry I stepped on your tail. I'll be more careful in the future.”
“Thank you.” I sipped my drink, savoring the anise flavor. “I didn't know there were Ricarri courtiers. I thought your people have their own kings and don't like dividing their loyalty?”
“It's a recent development. Ever since the Dragon King of Vix took a Ricarri mate, my people have seen the benefits of joining a Dragon court.”
“So you came here to seduce the King?”
He chuckled. “It was a thought, but we're not compatible, and he's not interested.”
“Then why stay?”
“I actually like it here. Idahk likes it too. It's nice being home, around my people, but that gets old. I like meeting new people from other races and seeing how they live.”
A soft huff came from the bed, and I jerked to look in that direction.
“Easy.” Orro held out a hand. “It's just my dog.” He turned to call to the animal, “Go back to sleep, Leera.”
The dog lifted its dark head, huffed once, and lay back down.
“Is that a Vanrussa?” I asked.
Orro sat up straighter. “She is. You know dogs?”
“Not really. But I've seen a Vanrussa before. I considered buying one, but then I found out how much they cost.”
He chuckled. “The trained ones can be expensive. If you get a pup, they're not so much.”
“Maybe in the mountains. Not in cities.”
“True. And most trainers want a referral. They want to know their dogs are going to suitable homes.” He shrugged. “I could get one for you.”
“Why would you do that?”
“You're helping the kingdom.”
“I haven't done anything yet.”
“That's not what I've heard. They say—”
A boom sounded, and we both jerked to our feet. Leera shot out of bed and came to stand beside her master, looking up at him for instructions. But Orro was already heading for the door. The dog kept pace with him, and I followed.
Shouts came faintly up the stairs. Orro raced for the stairwell. I followed him and Leera down to the ground floor, and we flowed along with a herd of people, all headed outside to the courtyard. Leera stayed right beside her master, her eyes scanning the crowd for threats. My gaze went ahead of us as we left the keep.
“Oh, fuck,” I whispered and came to a halt with everyone else.
The gate and a good portion of the left wall had fallen. The gate mechanism must have failed, and the rot spread.
“Son of a bitch!” Orro growled. When Leera yipped, he petted her head. “Sorry, girl, no offense.”
I would have laughed at that if not for the destruction before me.
“Help me!” a horn shouted. “We've got to move these stones! Drillon's under there!”
