Page 5 of Queens Will Play

“You think I’m lying? Dude, for real now, give it a rest,” Vanzir said, his eyes spinning at a dizzying rate. He was angry, all right. “You know what Aeval’s like. It’s not my fault she wants a kid who can ascend to the throne.”

The tension was so thick that it felt like pea soup.

“No, but that doesn’t mean she has to give you up, does it? It’s not like most of the Fae are monogamous,” Smoky said.

“Did you not hear me? Her advisors are on her back because she’s bedding a demon. At least, that’s what she told me.” Vanzir furrowed his brow, glaring at Smoky.

Smoky let out a long sigh. Morio glanced at him, then at Vanzir. “Why now, though?” he asked. “What do you think set this off?”

Vanzir glowered another moment, then slumped against the back of the sofa. “I have my suspicions that her advisors are afraid that she might listen to me in official matters. I’ve seen this grow for the past couple of years, but I thought they’d get over it once they saw that I had no interest in ruling by her side. And I don’t. It’s just nice to feel part of a family. I never expected to be a father, but I love Lahi, and I want to do right by her. Now, not only have I lost my partner, but I’m going to lose my daughter, if Aeval has her way.”

“And she didn’t defend you?” Trillian asked. He sat beside me and wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me back against him. I nestled in his embrace.

Shaking his head, Vanzir said, “No. When I asked her why she agreed to this, she told me the matter isn’t up for debate.” He blushed, staring down at his hands. “I never expected a fairytale ending. I know that she doesn’t love me in that all-consuming way. But it sucks to have it pointed out to you.”

I frowned. “I didn’t send a read receipt, so she doesn’t know that I’ve seen her message yet. I’m going to ignore it for the night. You can stay here. I’m not about to kick you out. But we have to diffuse this. I refuse to let her put me in a position between choosing my friends or my peers. Meanwhile, I’ll have Vine prepare a room for you.”

Smoky waited until Vine led Vanzir away, then turned to me. “I don’t like it,” he said. “He must have done something to cause this. He’s a troublemaker, and he’s always been one.”

Bingo! A light bulb flashed and I realized that even after everything we’d all been through, Smoky still didn’t trust Vanzir. Irritated, I stared up at him.

“You can’t possibly think he’s after me. Not now. Not after all we went through together against Shadow Wing,” I said, my voice low.

Smoky held my gaze. I’d hit the nail on the head. He had adjusted to losing one arm, but it had hit his ego and he still felt the sting. And it made him insecure.

“Let him stay here. I care not,” he said. “But if he causes problems, he’s out.” He turned and stalked off toward the kitchen.

I turned back to Morio and Trillian. “I can’t believe he’s still stewing. I thought everything was all right. I thought he’d gotten over that incident years ago.”

“He’ll never let it go,” Trillian said. “Not fully. Dragons have long memories, and they begrudge every slight. You’re his wife—he accepts Morio and me because we make a quartet that works. You’re happy. But let anyone try to slide in and he’s going to bristle. And now, Vanzir is no longer mated, and you two have a history, as horrific and difficult as the situation was.”

“Also,” Morio said, “you have to remember: Smoky’s rage at Vanzir sent you right into the hands of his father. He’ll never, ever forgive himself for what happened. Smoky carries the weight of the past on his shoulders.” He wrapped his arms around my waist, kissing my neck. A shiver rippled down my back. Even after all these years, my men could turn me into jelly.

I sighed. “Meet me in the bedroom. I’ll get Smoky.”

They nodded, heading toward our quarters.

Smoky was in the kitchen, leaning against the fridge door open as he stared at the food. I gently took the door from his hands and closed it, then stepped in front of him.

“Look at me,” I said.

He met my gaze. “What do you need, my love?”

“Come to bed. I need you. I’m tired and heartsore thinking of the past. Come, make me forget,” I said, realizing that it was true.

Today had been hard. As much as we honored those whom we lost, the heartache of the past years weighed heavily on my heart. I took his good hand and brought it to my lips, softly kissing his palm. He closed his eyes, one tendril of hair reaching out to entwine around my waist. As I leaned in, pressing against his chest, he caressed my shoulder with another length of hair, and yet another slid across my butt, lifting me to cradle me against his chest.

“I need you. I need my men tonight.” I pressed my face against the brilliant white of his shirt.

“I can’t say no to you,” he whispered. “Are the others waiting for us?”

I nodded.

He wrapped his arms around me, carrying me toward our bedroom.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I can’t help it—you’re mine. I share you with Trillian and Morio, because it’s the only way I can have you. And I’m all right with the arrangement. It feels normal; it feels right. You may rule over the Court of Shadow and Dusk, but you are our queen first and foremost, and we do not share you with others.”

I nodded, clutching his shoulders. He was so strong, more powerful than anyone I’d ever been with. The dragon within was only inches from the surface, and Smoky carried that energy proudly. The smell of his musk surrounded me, shrouding me in his hunger.