Dance of Wings, page 26
part #1 of The Dragon Portal Series
Kaia hesitated. “Ummm…”
“You already told Thom, didn’t you?”
“He’s my mate, Malek. Of course I told him.”
Malek stared at the ceiling, muttering a thousand silent curses. “Fine. I’ll be out shortly. And tell Thom to keep his mouth shut.”
Malek carefully moved the blankets aside and eased his arm out from under Sabine. She opened her lavender eyes, blinking up at him sleepily. She ran her hand down his chest, her tactile exploration reminding him of everything they’d shared throughout the night. Damn his meddling family. Leaving this bed was the last thing he wanted to do.
“I didn’t mean to wake you,” he said, brushing her silvery hair away from her face. He kissed her softly. “It’s early yet.”
“Mmm,” she murmured and stretched, causing the blankets to shift even more. He propped himself up on one elbow and traced his fingers along one of her skin markings that trailed down her side like ivy. Small flowers shimmered with a golden iridescence and graced the edges of the design, dipping slightly at her waist until it curved over her hip.
“Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?”
Sabine gave him a sleepy smile. “Is that why you were sneaking out of bed so early?”
Malek groaned and sat up. “No. My sister’s waiting outside the gate.”
Sabine froze, her expression immediately becoming guarded.
Damn it all to the underworld and back. He could literally feel her rebuilding the walls between them. He captured her hand and kissed her fingertips. “She’s not coming inside. I just need to speak with her for a few minutes. You can meet her some other time, once you’re more settled.”
“Don’t be absurd,” she said, pulling her hand away. She stood, the light from the crystal windows forming a glowing nimbus around her. “You haven’t seen your sister in several years. I will not stand in the way of that. If you think me so fragile a creature that I require protection from your own sister, why bother bringing me here?”
Without waiting for a response, she picked up the traveler’s pack from the floor and headed for the bathing room. He stared after her, both perplexed and strangely aroused. He’d never been dismissed in his own home, nor so effectively put in his place.
He hesitated for a moment, wanting to go after her but suspecting she needed space. With a muttered curse, he walked over to a chest of drawers and yanked it open. Quickly dressing in a loose tunic and pants, his gaze drifted toward the closed door to the bathing room. Sabine had closed off their bond, sealing away her emotions from him. He took a step in her direction and then stopped.
Bane was right; the mating instinct was overruling common sense.
In some ways, having her here was making it more difficult to think clearly. Sabine had quickly become the most important person in his life. The urge to keep her safe behind his wards and away from anyone who might harm her was nearly overwhelming.
The quickest way to lose her would be to give into those instincts. She would never allow it, and he never wanted to stifle her light. But he would ensure she remained safe, no matter the cost—even if he had to enlist the aid of a demon.
Forcing himself to turn away, he headed toward the doors to find Bane.
The demon in question was lounging on the couch. He opened one eye, studied Malek for a moment and then snorted. “Idiot dragon. What did you do now?”
Malek pinched the bridge of his nose, a mild headache plaguing him. His sister’s impatience was rapping against his thoughts like pebbles being cast against a window. “My family knows I’ve returned. My sister’s currently waiting rather impatiently outside the gate.”
Bane yawned and stretched. “Then go.”
Malek lowered his hand. “I suggested that. Sabine wants me to bring her inside.”
Bane pushed off the couch, his eyes flashing to silver. “Like I said before—you’re an idiot. If anyone suspects she hesitated at the thought of meeting your family, they’ll line up for the kill. She knows this, which is why it was your job to protect her from such things. You agreed to control access.”
“My sister would never harm her,” Malek said. “As far as the rest of my people are concerned, if Sabine will accept the fact she’s my mate, my entire clan will protect her. But no matter what she decides, no dragon will dare touch her while I still have breath.”
“And what do you think the fae or the rest of the Unseelie would do if she openly admits she’s yours? She’s our queen, you foolish lizard. If you try to steal her from us, you won’t need to worry about the portal reopening. We’ll eradicate your kind for good this time.”
Malek’s power filled the room. “Don’t threaten me, demon. I agreed to your presence because of her love for you, but I will not allow you to come between us.”
“Who are you trying to convince?” Bane said with a sneer. “If you weren’t already doing damage control because you fucked up, you’d still be in bed with her.”
“Enough,” Sabine’s voice sliced through their argument like a knife. Her silvery hair was piled on her head, with a few loose tendrils that curled around her face. The gossamer robe she’d hastily adorned shimmered like moonlight and cascaded to the floor like a waterfall. She was once again wearing her human glamour, but there was no confusing her with a mere mortal. An air of seductive power surrounded her, commanding and holding the attention of everyone in the room.
She turned to Malek and said, “Now that the entire household has likely heard your argument, I suggest you retrieve your sister while I finish dressing. Bane, I need a word with you in private.”
Sabine turned and strode back toward the bedroom suite. Bane followed and nodded toward the upstairs before shutting the door behind him.
Malek glanced upward at the second-floor landing where Bane had indicated. Aeron and Thalassa stared down at him. Their expressions were carefully neutral, but it was obvious they’d been listening to every word. Lyra’s face was pressed against the dark wooden spindles, watching him like an eaglet perched in a nest. Rika had halted halfway down the stairs. When Malek’s eyes landed on her, she continued walking the rest of the way.
“Maybe not the entire household,” Rika said with a tentative smile. “Blossom’s out in the garden. She said something about eradicating evil beetles before she disappeared earlier. Azalia popped in earlier to see if we needed anything, but I told her we’d wait for you and Sabine.”
Malek blew out a breath. “If you’d like to join me, I’ll have Azalia introduce you to the cook and the rest of the staff. I’m sure everyone’s hungry by now.” He looked up at Aeron and Thalassa. “Would you care to join us?”
Aeron frowned at him. “No. We shall stay with our Aderylin.”
Rika rolled her eyes. “They won’t eat until after Sabine does. Bane said it’s a Seelie thing.”
“Fine,” Malek said and headed toward the door. Pushing it open, he and Rika walked into the bright sunlight of the garden. Unless his sister had changed dramatically over the last several years, she would start testing the strength of his wards any minute.
“Did Azalia show you how the calling crystals work?” Malek asked.
Rika nodded. “She said they’re dwarven made. We’re supposed to put our hand on them and say her name. The crystal in her pocket will activate and let her know where she’s needed.”
“Good,” Malek said, guiding Rika toward the east wing.
Rika stopped abruptly. “Bane is worried, but not for the reasons you might think.”
“What are you talking about?”
Rika glanced around to make sure no one was nearby. “Did you notice he stayed outside your door last night?”
It was a little hard not to notice.
“I would never allow any harm to come to Sabine. He knows that.”
“We all do, but Bane is a strategist,” Rika said quietly. “He checked every inch of your estate last night, testing the perimeter wards. He even had Aeron test the sky wards. Afterward, Bane refused to take a room and slept outside your door in case you were suddenly called away. He doesn’t trust the humans working here. Their loyalty is to your people, not Sabine.”
Malek frowned. The demon’s harsh words suddenly made a whole lot more sense. No matter what issues they’d had, Bane had always put Sabine’s safety above everything else.
He blew out a breath and said, “I’ll talk to Sabine about adding a secondary ward to the north wing like we did in the Hall of the Gods. If Bane still has concerns, I’ll see about temporarily reassigning some of my staff to my sister’s home. Now, more than ever, we need people we trust around us. I’ve been gone too long to know how loyalties may have shifted.”
Rika nodded. “I already met Carlin, your cook. For what it’s worth, I think you can trust him. He loves your kitchen too much to risk jeopardizing his position here. I’ll let him and Azalia know your sister’s going to be joining us and see about arranging breakfast for the aderyan.”
Malek arched his brow. “You just wanted to have an excuse to tell me about Bane?”
Rika grinned. “You two may butt heads, but it’s only because you’re both working toward the same goal from opposite directions. Blossom and I are neutral, so it’s easier to see what’s going on.”
Malek chuckled and nodded toward the kitchen. “Go on. I’ll bring my sister to the garden courtyard. She’ll want to meet you, I’m sure.”
She nodded and started to turn away, but Malek stopped her.
“Your ability to see things clearly may be more than you think.”
Rika’s eyes widened. “You think it’s another aspect of being a seer?”
“I think it takes an extraordinary individual to not only see things clearly, but also to wade between a dragon and a demon and show them the truth. I’ve seen you do it on more than one occasion, not just with me and Bane, but also with how you handled Dax in the underworld. We’re fortunate to have met you, Rika. I hope you know that.”
Her cheeks reddened. She threw her arms around him and gave him a quick hug before turning and running in the direction of the east wing.
CHAPTER 27
“And you call my dragon foolish,” Sabine said quietly, laying her head against Bane’s chest. She sent a strong wave of power over him, and his arms tightened around her reflexively. His strength was nearly exhausted, or he never would have lost his temper over so slight a matter.
“He is, but at least he recharges your magic well enough.”
Sabine laughed and looked up at him. The weight of the fatigue she’d sensed was quickly fading thanks to her magic, but he needed to sleep. She pressed her hand against his cheek and asked, “If I ordered you to bed, would you go?”
“No.”
Sabine sighed. “I figured as much.”
She took his hand and pierced her finger with the tip of his claw. Holding it up to his mouth, she said, “Then drink.”
Bane cradled her hand and accepted her offering. Power rushed through him, turning his horns a brilliant silver and casting a bluish light over his midnight skin. She’d always found him captivating when his magic came over him, but the true sight of him while they’d been in the underworld had nearly stolen her breath.
“You should not look upon me so, little one,” he said knowingly and kissed her forehead. “The dragon is already agitated. You’ve shut him out, haven’t you?”
“With good reason,” Sabine said and headed for the bathing room where she’d scattered half a dozen elaborate gowns. A messy pile of priceless jewelry and embroidered shoes were nearby. She’d managed to find her brush and some hairpins, but the rest was beyond her. Malek had caught her off guard this morning, and she’d been at a loss on how to handle her first meeting with a dragon. She needed to appear human, but Faerie had packed clothing more suitable for a queen. The only other option was some of her traveling attire, but those were hardly acceptable.
She gestured to the clothing and said, “I know nothing of the dragon world or what’s appropriate. Malek has concerns enough without me adding such trivialities to the mix.”
Bane surveyed the disarray. “I may have a solution.”
He turned and headed out of the room. She sat on the chaise lounge and pulled out a few more gowns from the traveler’s pack. Malek had been wearing some sort of dark, decorative tunic. It was too risky to attempt glamouring a similar outfit. The last thing she needed was her magic to fail at an inopportune moment. She’d be forever known as the naked fae in the garden.
Lyra ran into the room, scrambled onto the chaise, and wrapped her arms around Sabine’s waist. Sabine smiled and pulled her into her lap. Azalia had been true to her word and had found suitable clothing for the child. She was currently wearing a pale yellow dress that had been altered to fit her wings.
“I flew up to the second floor five times!” Lyra exclaimed.
Sabine grinned. “Well done! Once Malek says it’s safe, we’ll have to take you into the garden and let you practice outside.”
Bane prowled back into the room and narrowed his eyes on Lyra. “How did she get in here?”
Lyra blinked at him and didn’t answer.
“Allow us to assist, Aderylin,” Thalassa said, sweeping into the room behind the demon. Aeron followed her and the two of them quickly began sorting her clothing into neat piles. They argued back and forth about colors and auras.
Bane studied Lyra suspiciously before gesturing to the arguing aderyan. “They know dragons and are Seelie enough to understand the nuances of politics. My solution would have been to either wear armor or go nude. Everything else is rather pointless.”
Lyra looked at Sabine and asked, “You wear armor?”
Sabine smiled and shook her head. “Not usually. In this case, I think it would be better to wear what Thalassa and Aeron suggest. Don’t you?”
Lyra nodded.
“The blue,” Aeron insisted, gesturing to a lightweight dress adorned with silver accents. “Our Aderylin cannot risk outshining Lord Malek’s aura without revealing her nature.”
Thalassa nodded and picked up the gown. “A wise choice. This will complement Lord Malek’s current attire. But she will need appropriate jewelry that showcases her value without diminishing his position. Something fae-wrought, I think.”
Aeron took Lyra from Sabine while Thalassa thrust the garment in Sabine’s direction. “You must dress quickly, Aderylin. I will arrange your hair.”
“You will help me select suitable jewelry for our Aderylin,” Aeron said to Lyra, showing her the costly assortment. “Listen for the resonance and match her aura after she puts on the dress.”
Sabine quickly disrobed and stepped into the dress. Thalassa fastened the laces with a quick efficiency that made Sabine wonder if she’d been some sort of lady’s maid in her former life. She guided Sabine to a chair and quickly began coiling her hair in a complicated updo that showcased her pointed ears. So much for appearing human.
Lyra brought over Sabine’s mother’s necklace, a large blue diamond in silver filigree. It had once belonged to Lachlina and had been the key to escaping the prison in the underworld. Sabine ran her thumb over the priceless stone and met Bane’s eyes. He stared at the necklace, his jaw hardening. He’d been the one who had led her to the prison on Kal’thorz’s orders, a fact that obviously still bothered him. Sabine hadn’t intended to wear it again so soon.
After a moment, Bane gave her a curt nod.
“You like this one?” Sabine asked Lyra.
The girl nodded. “It sings for you.”
Sabine fastened the pendant around her neck.
Thalassa stepped back and studied Sabine’s reflection in the mirror. “Elegant, yet not too formal for a morning at home.” She snapped her fingers. “Shoes, Aeron. We must hurry. The wards out front have already been lowered.”
Aeron brought over a pair of matching slippers and kneeled to place them on Sabine’s feet. She stood and smoothed out the dress.
When everyone nodded their approval, she asked, “Any last-minute suggestions?”
Aeron folded his wings tightly against his back and said, “Lord Malek is next in line to take over the Obsidian Clan. His younger sister will defer to him in accordance with dragon law. In their culture, a greater dragon’s mate is considered their equal. This can be both a boon and a detriment. Those who will challenge Lord Malek may also challenge you, but those who are weaker will not dare risk offending you.”
Thalassa nodded. “While you are in Lord Malek’s home, you will be addressed as Lady Sabine by the household staff. Unless you publicly accept his mate claim, you are only afforded such courtesies while you are in his home. Outside of these walls, you may be challenged or even killed by a servant. Lord Malek may choose to protect you or not, but none will fault him for failing to safeguard your person once you leave his estate.”
Bane crossed his arms over his chest. “If his family does not approve, they might be inclined to arrange an ‘accident.’ We’ll take steps to ensure that never happens.”
Sabine tried to bury her unease. “All right. Anything else?”
Thalassa and Aeron exchanged glances.
Thalassa lowered her gaze and said, “I would offer to act as your lady’s maid while in their presence and to help guide you, but I am unable to bring myself to hide my wings yet. It has been a long time since my magic has been allowed to fly free. I ask for your forgiveness, Aderylin.”
Sabine reached for Thalassa’s hand and squeezed it. “There is nothing to forgive, Thalassa. The beauty of your wings deserves to be admired and embraced, not hidden away. You have already offered a great deal of knowledge. Bane and I can handle this.”
Thalassa’s eyes shimmered with emotion. “You share the light of your soul so easily, Aderylin. I will strive to emulate your wisdom and grace.”
Aeron put his arm and wing around Thalassa. She leaned against him and added, “Your demon will not be welcome among any of the dragons, Aderylin.”
“I would be honored to act as your guard when your demon is unable to attend you,” Aeron said. “I do not have the same knowledge Thalassa does in dealing with dragon politics, but I retained my wings for most of my captivity. My strength is my magic, and I offer that freely to you.”
