Before the clan-wide meeting in the great hall on Skyhunter, Honoria and Asher had met with the Protectors first. Since Asher had remained on Skyhunter and knew who had been loyal to the clan and who had chosen to side with Marcus King, Honoria had deferred to him selecting the head Protector, Robin Driscoll.
Asher and Robin had been imprisoned together, and more importantly, had both survived mostly intact. Even if Robin and Honoria had never interacted much as youths, his trust in Asher was absolute. Meaning, if Asher trusted her at his side, Robin would, too. And between Robin and Asher’s support of her, others had warmed to the quasi-outsider being anointed their leader by the DDA’s mandate.
Robin was now at the back of the great hall, waiting for their signal. Honoria and Asher's first joint meeting was going to be flashy for a reason—to show they would be doing things in the open, allowing others to disagree with them without fear of punishment.
Well, as long as their disagreements didn't cause harm. The clan may already know about them being the new leaders, but it would be the first time Honoria and Asher met them all as such. She didn't think violence would erupt, and she hoped their plans for the evening would help prevent or discourage it.
Her dragon paced inside Honoria's mind. What's with all the dramatics? Dragons like honesty. That should be enough.
But the human halves want a leader who is more than your average person, hence adding a little dramatic flair.
If you say so.
Asher touched her arm and she glanced over. He murmured, "Ready?"
"Are you?"
He smiled. "Probably a bit less so since all I think about is wanting out of this blasted brace around my waist."
"Don't even think about taking it off. The muscles in your back aren't at full strength. Wearing the brace means you can stand longer than without it. And even if we don't plan on this meeting taking hours, it might go long, and I hardly think a clan leader lying prostrate on the floor will instill confidence."
"I wouldn't be on the bloody floor. We're fancy here on Skyhunter and have chairs now."
She narrowed her eyes. But before she could make a retort, Asher lowered his voice even further, to the point only she could hear it. "However, I'll keep it on. That way when the brace does come off, I can lay back, take it easy, and let you and your dragon take charge."
Her beast growled. I'll take him up on his offer. So hurry and conduct this meeting as fast as you can so I can ride him hard.
Hush. This can't be rushed.
But I want him.
You just want to beat his dragon.
No. Both human and dragon halves belong to us. I want to claim Asher and make it official.
Since her dragon would keep trying to make her case, Honoria focused back on Asher. She shrugged. "So you must mean I can tuck you in, say goodnight, walk away, and have you follow my orders, then yes, we can do that."
"Cheeky female."
She winked. "Always."
Asher chuckled, and the sound made her insides flip. He would never be the same male from over a decade ago, and she accepted it. But it was nice to hear him laugh again. She'd just have to try and make him do it more often.
Her beast huffed. That is another human thing. Fuck him often, and he'll be happy.
Honoria choked back a laugh and just in time as the clock outside the great hall chimed the hour. A few beats later, the main doors to the hall opened.
Taking a deep breath, Honoria stood tall and watched as the members of her clan filed in.
Yes, her clan. Well, hers and Asher's. Still, her heart skipped a beat at that thought. Skyhunter was indeed home again, and now it was up to her and Asher to make sure it survived.
Asher lightly touched her arm for support. They had both decided to keep their public displays of affection to when they were alone for the time being. Well, unless they trusted the people they were with not to use it against them. Otherwise, if they were open about their nonworking relationship with everyone, many of the clan members might start doubting Skyhunter's future, especially if their relationship fell to pieces.
Her dragon growled. It won't.
I don't think so either. But remember, these people have had a rough tim
e of it. And that's an understatement, to say the least.