Chapter 9

Chapter9

Sol

Ibrace my hands against the wall and press my forehead to the door. The steadiness of stone and wood ground me even as desire beats a drum through my blood. I can scent Briar’s desire, her need. I flick my tongue into the air, tasting the way she’s drenched the sheets with her orgasm. My hearing isn’t as acute as some of the other species in this realm, but Briar’s little whimper of release will be imprinted on my soul for the rest of my days.

I came to apologize. I was too harsh with her. She’s coming out of a traumatic event and she doesn’t know me. Instead of encouraging her fledgling curiosity, I scared her. More, she doesn’t know this world, and she’s been cut adrift from anything tethering her to her home realm.

Is it any wonder she’s doing what it takes to survive? To ensure her safety?

But every word she spoke, how easily she dismissed her own pain and experiences… It grates on me. I can’t claim to know her. The knowing of a person takes a lifetime, and even then, there will be depths left to plumb. A few short days of playing the coward and ignoring her had done little to bridge the gap between us.

Perhaps that’s what she’s attempting, in her own way.

I force myself to push back from the wall and walk away from the door. It’s a good sign that I didn’t traumatize her with my harsh words. Obviously her interest in sex isn’t completely feigned, but there is her history to consider. Mainly, that I need to know it.

Azazel has that information. It irks me to go begging to him for scraps of details about Briar, but at this juncture, I need all the help I can get. Harm isn’t only in the domain of the physical, and the demon is too savvy not to have taken that into account. I should have remembered than when I spoke so rashly in the library.

I could lose my territory because I let Briar’s recklessness guide us. I don’t wish to harm the woman.

Aldis is waiting for me as I descend the stairs. I eye her. “I have somewhere to be.”

“You do, cousin. Several letters have come in for you, and they are of the utmost importance. Also, the paperwork you’ve been avoiding for days.” Her eyes shine merrily. There is nothing my cousin loves more than paperwork; it’s why I gave her the position of scribe to begin with. We dragons don’t bother with a formal court. Most of us are territorial and have long memories, and it’s easier to confine correspondence to the written word and let everyone stay in their own territories within our land.

We are creatures of tradition, and while that can drive me up the wall from time to time, it certainly does make being king easier. At least on this subject.

I hesitate, which is exactly what I need for reason to take hold. Azazel gives away nothing for free, and going to him with questions will ensure he knows how badly I’m bungling this. No, better to feel through the situation by instinct. Regardless of the regrets I have for speaking to Briar the way I did—no matter how truthful the words were—it’s obvious I didn’t harm her with them.

We can do this. We can figure this out. Together.

But first, apparently I have some paperwork to get through. I follow Aldis to the study and barely hold back a groan at the stacks of paper waiting for me. “Did something happen?”

“It’s second harvest season.” She shrugs.

Ah. Of course. If I hadn’t been so preoccupied with Azazel’s offer and what it might entail, this wouldn’t have crept up on me. Each territory in this realm runs a little differently, and while there is some trade, all us leaders are loathe to rely on each other for fear that it will tip the power balance. Because of that, at some point in the distant past, one of my ancestors completely overhauled our internal industries. Only about half of our territory is farmland, but it’s more than enough to feed our people. Twice a year, when various crops come to harvest, everything is gathered and redistributed to all. It allows us to share crops and make the most of the land available, while also ensuring that everyone has a bit of variety. If, for some reason, one crop fails during one of the harvests, no one will go hungry.

This task can’t be put off.

I find myself glancing at the ceiling in the direction of my rooms. “Aldis, while I get started on this, can you put in an order with the kitchen for dinner?”

She goes still. “So you’re finally going to stop ignoring your bride. Lovely.”

“If I wanted your opinion, I’d ask for it.”

“Sometimes you need opinions even if you don’t ask for them.” She props her hands on her hips. “You took a huge risk bringing her here and marrying her. I know your parents were the ones to call off the courtship with Anika, but there are plenty of our people who were very happy to have them as a leader at your side. Anika is familiar. This human isn’t.”

“Anika isn’t the one stirring the pot.” Why would they? About a year after my parents stepped in, they fell in love with a reclusive dragon who lives on the edge of our territory where it bumps up against the gargoyles’ mountains. “They’re too busy with their little one and husband to worry about what I’m doing.” At that, I do feel a bit of a twinge.

I want children. I always have. I’m happy for Anika, but there’s a tiny thread of envy in there. I want that happily contented life, too.

“No, it’s not Anika. And it’s only grumbling at this point. Nothing to worry about, but I still wanted you to be aware of it.”

This is one of those leadership things that I don’t enjoy. Taking care of my people? It brings me such joy and pride. Dealing with the petty squabbles or politicking? Not so much. Especially in this, when I’m following my late parents’ wishes, Goddess hold them gently. “The entire territory stands to benefit from this marriage, and they know it. The only reason they’re complaining at all is because complaining is a sport to them.”

“True.” Aldis motions to the desk. “Now stop stalling and get to work. I’ll go down to the kitchen.”

I sink into the chair behind the desk. “Tell them to cook whatever Briar’s been eating.”

“Mm-hmm.” Aldis’s amusement filters through her tone, but when I look up to hiss, she’s already gone. It’s just as well.

Earlier, Briar asked me why I hadn’t attempted to seduce her. I had thought to give her time to settle in, but in this moment, I can admit the truth. I was acting the part of the coward just like Ramanu accused me of being. After this morning, the fact I didn’t scare off my bride for good…

It’s time to seduce her properly.

Starting tonight.