Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 127722 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 639(@200wpm)___ 511(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127722 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 639(@200wpm)___ 511(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
Storm looked at Pyre. Pyre looked at Storm. A silent conversation ensued.
I waited for a response, but nothing was forthcoming. “What are your concerns?”
Storm turned back to me. That we won’t be able to fly.
“Then don’t wear it.”
We will try.
When I turned around, I saw Queen Rolfe approaching with Ian and Elora. Commander Dawson was there, escorting her as her private guard. She was back to her regal attire, her dark hair smoothed out and braided with feathers. Her eyes were on the two beasts behind me as if I wasn’t even there.
She came to a halt a way back, her eyes wide as she examined the two dragons before us. Her arms were rigid by her sides, and her eyes combed over their scales. She’d never seen a dragon like the rest of us, and it took her just as long to believe her sight.
Ian was stone-faced with his hands behind his back.
Elora looked like a child eager to rush ahead.
When Mother regained her composure, she stepped forward. “I’m Queen Rolfe of HeartHolme, and I’m very happy you two are here. When my home was faced with doom, you came to the rescue with fire and teeth—and I’m forever grateful for your intervention. If there’s ever anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
Another cow.
I gave a Storm a cold look.
She said I could ask for anything.
“Not now, alright?” I whispered.
Is it customary for humans to make meaningless offers?
I turned forward and ignored him.
Queen Rolfe continued. “Our next plan is to take Delacroix, the kingdom that once belonged to my late husband and me. My eldest son tells me you’ve pledged your loyalty until we prevail over these lands. That debt will not be forgotten.” She took a step, her hands behind her back. “To prepare, Elora will build your custom armor and saddles for riders. Once that’s complete, we will move forward. I will make sure you’re comfortable in the meantime.”
Elora came closer, her measuring string wrapped around her shoulder. “Is it okay if I approach?”
No.
I turned back to Storm.
Ivory spoke next. “They’d like me to do it…if that’s okay.”
Elora couldn’t hide her disappointment, probably because she wanted the honor of touching a dragon. “Uh, sure. I’ll tell you what to measure, and you give me your readings.” She placed the measuring string in Ivory’s hands. “This is the biggest I could find…so I hope it works.”
“I’ll figure it out.” Ivory took it and walked to Pyre, who immediately lowered himself to the ground so she could reach the areas of his body.
I turned to look at my mother and sister and watched them watch Ivory.
I could definitely see it then—see them look at her differently.
38
IVORY
We sat across from each other in his favorite pub, a few blocks away from his gated home. The ale was good and the food was hot, and since I’d never been a picky eater, a hot roast beef sandwich with a pile of gravy on top was just fine.
He’d returned to the bar a while ago, and while he got service from the barmaid right away, he’d also gotten the attention of someone else. A blonde with ringlets in her hair, her body language relaxed at the counter, her eyes possessing a flirtatious smile.
Did that bitch not see me?
He spoke to her as he waited for the barmaid to refill his glass.
I’d lost my shit once before and stabbed him out of jealousy, but I wouldn’t humiliate myself again. I kept my eyes on my food and then drank more of my ale, but he was taking so long I would need a refill by the time he came back.
He finally got his ale and headed back to me. His muscled frame fell into the chair across from me, and he took a deep drink before he picked up his fork and stabbed it into a hot piece of meat slathered in gravy.
My eyes glanced back at her.
She was still staring at him.
I gave her a wave.
She swiveled her ass on the barstool and faced forward again.
What I thought, bitch.
His eyes were down on his food. “Going to stab me again?”
I ignored the question. “Who is she?”
“Jenny.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
He took another bite then cracked a small smile.
“Are you going to tell me?”
“Baby, what does it matter?”
“It matters because she’s under the impression you’re still available.”
“Not true.”
“That’s not what I saw.”
“Well, I told her I was married, so now she knows.”
“So, she was hitting on you?”
“Baby, come on.” He took another drink. “Look at me.”
“Wow…you’re such an asshole.”
This was all just a big joke to him, and he smiled in amusement. “I used to be her client. Told her I was married, and then she asked if Ian might be interested.”
“Can you really be her client when she clearly wants to fuck you for free?”