Page 100 of Enchanted Queen
She pulled away and gave me a tight smile. “I don’t like seeing a team member down.” And then she reached in to hug Emric and even John too. “See you all tomorrow.”
We chatted the entire way back to the castle in a sound barrier, our guards either not caring or used to it by now. I explained my issues with Zaire and both of them agreed with me that it was either poor timing or Zaire knew something about the attack on the queen.
“I know you feel partially responsible,” John began.
I snorted my disgust. Of course I felt that way, because Iwaspartially responsible.
“But you weren’t.” John paused. “Also, I watched the advisors all day and noticed a few things. I think we should meet in the morning to discuss.”
That made me smile.
He gave me an innocent shrug. “If I am here, I might as well be of use.”
Emric rubbed his hands together. “We formed a damn rebellion so sniffing out this one should be child’s play. Piece of cake.”
I stopped my steps and turned to face both of them. “I was not in a good place back there. Thank you both.”
“You are coming to care for these people, Keir,” John said gently. “That is not something you should apologize for. It is a magnificent country and culture. I only worry what will happen to you if too many lines begin to blur.”
I raised my eyebrows. Did he mean with Esta? “I don’t wish to be a king,” I reminded him.
He patted my shoulder. “Just consider it, that’s all. You are strong enough to withstand any of the outcomes, of that I am certain.”
It wasn’t until I was laying in my bed when I considered I hadn’t even tried to deny my feelings. My feelings for a dragon queen, who I had never even seen more than the hand of.
When had these feelings crept in on me and how did I shut them down? Nothing would come of them. Nothingcouldcome of them. Somewhere along the way we had become allies. I respected her and cared about her. I needed to leave it at that. This was not my home, and I had no future in Dra Skor.
But somehow the thought of leaving here and never returning didn’t sit well with me either.
As if my thoughts conjured her up, I heard wings beating before Esta landed on my balcony. The winged wolf who had been there took to the skies.
If I was going to have to speak to her tonight, I decided a whiskey was in order. I got out of bed and headed to grab a glass and pour three fingers worth before I opened the door and leaned against the doorframe.
“Bonfire over?” I asked. “Hope I didn’t ruin it.”
No, you didn’t. It will likely run until dawn. I just came to check on you.
“I am fine.”
You didn’t sound fine.
Of course she had likely heard every word of what Zaire and I said to each other. “Okay, I am angry,” I amended. I wanted to say more but after my realization tonight I decided maybe I shouldn’t. Maybe I should keep those lines clear instead of blurred like John suggested. Or had that even been what he said?
What?The queen asked.
I gave her a look.
What are you over there mulling over with your whiskey?
I couldn’t even blame my honesty on the whiskey. “What I should say to you or not.”
She huffed a breath.I thought we made our own rules.
I let out a sigh. “That we do.”
So out with it then.
I cocked my head and took a sip of the whiskey, welcoming the burn down my throat. “Fine. I have a few rules I would like to add to our list. The first rule is that I willneverfeel your scales cold, do you understand me?”