Page 59 of Real Scale Blazer
“And I’m the perfect wedge.” Quinn stopped pacing as realization struck. “The human outsider, the king’s potential mate - accepting me could split the court, but rejecting me could destabilize Kai’s magic further.”
“Which means whoever’s behind this is playing a longer game than we thought.” Lydia’s usual cheer faded to determination. “So what do we do?”
Quinn glanced at the setting suns streaming through the library’s windows. “First, apparently, I have a dinner date with a dragon king. One where I need to explain that his advisor might be an unwitting pawn in a magical conspiracy.”
“Very romantic.” Lydia thrust the blue dress at her. “Here. At least look spectacular while delivering bad news.”
“And perhaps,” Reina added softly, “remember that you need not carry this burden alone. The king’s strength is greatest when matched with yours.”
“Now who’s getting sappy?” But Quinn took the dress, warmth blooming in her chest at her friends’ support. “Fine. Help me get ready. But the boots stay.”
“Of course, they do.” Lydia grinned. “How else will you kick evil dragon butt while looking fabulous?”
Later, standing before Kai’s chamber doors in her modified dress (complete with hidden notebook pocket), Quinn took a deep breath. Beyond those doors waited not just dinner with the man—dragon—she’d grown to care for, but another step toward whatever future they’d forge together.
“Together,” she whispered, touching her compass pendant for luck. Then she squared her shoulders and knocked, ready to face whatever came next.
After all, she’d traveled across galaxies for the adventure of a lifetime. She’d be damned if she let little things like magical conspiracies and complicated romances stop her now.
The doors swung open to reveal Kai, and all thoughts of conspiracy fled at the heat in his eyes as he took in her appearance.
“You look...”
“Overdressed?” She tugged at the flowing fabric. “Blame Lydia. Though Reina did add pockets for my research tools.”
His laugh wrapped around her like a caress as he drew her inside. “Only you would accessorize evening wear with scientific equipment.”
“Says the man wearing a sword with formal robes.”
“Touché.” He pulled her close, nuzzling her hair. “Though I notice you kept the boots.”
“Non-negotiable.” She tilted her face up to his, smiling. “Problem?”
“On the contrary.” His voice dropped to a growl that sent shivers down her spine. “I find your dedication to practical footwear oddly appealing.”
“Careful, Your Majesty.” She wound her arms around his neck. “Keep talking like that and we might never get to dinner.”
“Would that be such a tragedy?”
Her answer was lost in his kiss, and for a long moment, mysteries and conspiracies faded into insignificance. They had work to do, dangers to face, a kingdom to protect. But right now, in this moment, Quinn let herself simply feel—the strength of his arms around her, the heat of his mouth on hers, the rightness of being exactly where she belonged.
The rest could wait until after dinner.
Maybe.
FORTY-FOUR
Kai stood on the palace balcony, his massive frame rigid with tension as he watched the suns rise over the Ice Mountains. The purple forests below swayed in the early breeze, but their usual calming effect did nothing to ease the storm brewing inside him. His dragon instincts roared with protective fury, sensing danger lurking in every shadow.
“Ordan.” The name left his lips like a curse, carried away by the wind. His hands gripped the railing, the material creaking under his strength. “You’ve always craved power, but this...” His voice trailed off as his eyes narrowed on horizon.
The sound of determined footsteps pulled him from his brooding. He didn’t need to turn to know it was Quinn—her scent, a mix of Earth coffee and determination, had become as familiar to him as his own. The quick, purposeful stride told him everything he needed to know about her mood.
“You’re leaving again.” It wasn’t a question. He turned to face her.
“I feel like I’m so close to a huge breakthrough.” Quinn didn’t look at him, her dark hair falling forward to hide her expression. “With all the new information you’ve given me, I know I can figure out?—”
Kai moved closer, his presence filling the room. Frustration rolled through him at her continued recklessness. Couldn’t the woman just sit down for ten minutes? “Can you not give it a rest?” he said not trying to hide his exasperation. “After all that’s happened?—”