Page 18 of Clash of Kingdoms

“Your father is a great swordsman—exceptional by human standards.”

“But I know our enemy isn’t human.”

I pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Then you’re lucky, because I’m not human.”

Her face rested against the plate over my chest, and she closed her eyes, enveloped in my arms.

I held her that way, not wanting to let her go, not wanting to leave this bedroom that was warm with our memories. Whenever we were together, there was no past or future. There was just that moment…and it was easy.

I kissed her again. “It’s time to go.”

She pulled away and gave a nod.

We left the bedchambers and traveled the long road down to the field. The dragons were there, and one of them was Storm, Huntley’s dragon. The other was the one that had flown Ivory to safety when she’d been burned, the one I’d ridden before.

Harlow rubbed his snout and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “He’ll take care of you.”

He pushed against her, wanting her to rub harder.

She chuckled before she gave him another kiss, loving him like he was the family dog.

I watched her be affectionate with the dragon while feeling a hard stare on the side of my face. Without turning to look, I knew the culprit. Her father had a distinct energy, and the emotions inside his chest burned hotter than the average man’s. I met his gaze.

He didn’t turn away, as if he didn’t care whether I knew he’d been staring.

Someone clapped me on the back. “Tell Rancor I said hello.”

I turned to see Kingsnake there, Fang around his shoulders.

“I’m sure there will be plenty of time for pleasantries.” I wasn’t sure if the Teeth would try to kill me on sight or if they would try to capture me to torture me. After all, I’d taken their prisoner immediately after I’d delivered her…and then had fallen in love with her.

Ivory gave Huntley a hug goodbye and then a kiss. Then he said goodbye to his brother.

I felt like that was all we ever did these days…say goodbye.

Harlow returned to me, her hair blowing in the breeze, her cheeks rosy from the cold. Every time I touched her, I was aware of the vitality in her veins, the pounding heart inside her little chest. She was strong and fearless, but so delicate. “Be careful.”

“I will.” I gave her a quick kiss on the lips, keeping the affection appropriate because of the audience gathered.

Her eyes filled with sadness as she let me go.

I walked away and secured my belongings to the dragon’s saddle. Instead of bringing water, I brought blood, hidden deep inside my pack so no one would see.

Huntley came to my side, and with every step closer, his anger became more potent.

I turned to meet his gaze.

“How will they receive you?”

“Coldly,” I said. “I did take their prisoner…”

There was a burst of anger inside him, but that rage didn’t creep into his features. “Anything you can share with me?”

“They fear your dragons. The demons are invulnerable to their fire, but the Teeth are as susceptible as you or I.”

“Then we’ll take more. A few to circle in the air in case we need them to burn everything.”

I nodded in agreement.