“Just because you can throw her through the skylights doesn’t mean you should,” she complains. She’s smiling, though.
“I could throw you that high, too. Would you like to try?” I catch her waist and lift her off the ground.
She shrieks and I put her down, laughing.
One of my guards clears his throat. “My lord, Captain Drayk requests an audience.”
Lamira reaches for Kaylar, swinging our cherubic young to her hip with graceful ease. Kaylar smiles, reaching for me, her big brown-purple eyes bright. She has her mother’s copper curls, but they appear a deeper red against her lavender skin. “More!”
“Sorry, baby. Your father has work to do,” Lamira chirps.
I reach for my mate’s hand as she turns away. Pull her back into me. “Sleep when Kaylar sleeps,” I advise.
Her lips curve into a naughty smile. “I don’t think I will,” she whispers. “I’m feeling a bit disobedient.”
My cock thickens and I have to twitch my tunic to hide the bulge. “Then you’ll be going to bed with a red, hot ass tonight, little slave.” I tug on her jewel-encrusted collar.
She winks as she turns away. “Counting on it.” I watch as she and our young leave the Great Hall, then sit on the dais to hear my warrior’s report. I already heard report of their mission from my Master of Arms, Seke, but I can guess why Drayk is here now.
Drayk enters, his large shoulders square and tense.
Yes. I’m sure of it now. I’d recognize the effect of a human female on one of my warriors anywhere.
They transform from calm, solid, unemotional war machines to violent, protective and often overwrought beings. And the confusion that accompanies that change can be challenging.
“My lord.” Drayk bows low.
I incline my head. “Congratulations on your missions. I understand you were successful with both.”
His skin turns a shade darker purple. “Thank you, my lord.” He clears his throat.
I wait.
Let him fumble for the words.
“You, ah, heard about the human female?”
I nod, slowly. “I did.”
The female from Lamira’s vision. The one who will start diplomatic problems for us with the Ocretions.
“I’m, ah, here to discuss her future here.”
I keep my face impassive. “Yes?”
He shifts from foot to foot. “Do you require any information from me, my lord, to make a determination about granting her asylum?”
“Yes, Captain. What is your opinion?”
He lifts his chest. “She risked her life on Fonquin to assist with our mission. But she also attacked me when we found her, and carries a poison lethal to Ocretions.”
“So I heard.” His assessment is unexpected. I thought he was here to advocate for her. It appears he has reservations about her trustworthiness.
“I believe she should be remanded to my custody for further observation, my lord. Before a determination is made.”
Ah.
I work hard to hide my smile.