Dragon's Blood: a Reverse Harem Fantasy Romance (The Dragon's Gift Trilogy Book 2)(3)

“But of course,” the duchess said. “We are not barbarians like you. Your family will be treated like royalty during their stay. I’ll even sign an agreement stating such.”

“When will the prisoners be released?” Lucyan demanded. “Are we merely to take your word that they will be allowed to return home?”

“They will be set free as soon as we cross over into Elvenhame’s border and will be allowed to return unmolested. The two of you had best pack your bags,” she said to Dareena, her lips curving into a devious smile, “and you may want to make your goodbyes to your husband. You may not be seeing him again for a good, long while.”





3





Once the agreement was signed, Dareena and Alistair were whisked off to their rooms to pack. They were only allowed to bring a single trunk each, so Dareena had to be choosy about what she selected to take on the journey.

“I wish they allowed us to bring weapons,” she said to Rona as her maid packed her underthings into her wooden trunk. Dareena was perched on the edge of her bed, tracing the hilt of her jade dagger, which she’d worn faithfully on her thigh ever since Drystan had given it to her. She remembered that day quite clearly, when he’d slid her skirts up to show her how to strap the holster on, and Dareena had thought she would combust from his sensual fingers on her bare skin.

Gods, how would she get through this? She’d lived her whole life without the prospect of a desirable mate, but now that she had three, she couldn’t bear the idea of being parted from any of them. Drystan’s fierce, protective embrace…Lucyan’s saucy smiles and laugh-out-loud jokes…she would miss them terribly.

At least I’ll have Alistair with me, she thought, and was incredibly grateful for that. Her noble soldier with his heart of gold would hold her through the long nights ahead.

“Even if you did pack it, they would likely take it away when they searched your bag,” Rona said ruefully. “Best to leave it so it will be here safe and sound when you come back.” Her voice wobbled a little, and Dareena knew Rona was wondering if she would come back.

“Don’t worry about me, Rona.” She pushed herself off the bed and embraced her maid. “I will be perfectly fine. The duchess gave her word that I wouldn’t be harmed.”

“That’s all well and good,” Rona sniffed, pulling away, “but the duchess isn’t the king, is she?”

Dareena bit her lip. The thought had crossed her mind, but as the duchess was an envoy, she represented the king. Her word was as good as if the king himself had come, and she had signed an agreement…

“Oh, what am I doing, making you worry like this?” Rona shook her head. “Of course the elves won’t harm you. They aren’t known for their cruelty, and from what I’ve heard of the elven kingdom, it’s quite beautiful. I’m sure it will all seem like a grand vacation,” she said with a watery laugh.

Dareena smiled, more to ease Rona’s nerves than anything else. “You’re right,” she said, taking a dress from her closet and handing it to her maid to fold. “I’ll think of it as a great adventure. It isn’t every day one gets to travel to a new kingdom,” she added with a wink.

“I only wish I could come with you,” Rona said ruefully. “I imagine they’ve assigned you a maid, so I’ve tucked a list of instructions for her into the bag so she knows how hot to run your bath and what kind of tea you take in the morning.”

Dareena laughed. “You are too kind, Rona,” she said, kissing her on the cheek. “You have been welcoming since the moment I arrived and have taken such good care of me. I will miss you dearly.”

They were nearly finished packing when a knock came at the door.

“Dareena,” Drystan said when she opened it. His eyes glimmered with some undefined emotion, his face unreadable. “Could I have a moment alone with you?”

Dareena glanced over her shoulder. “Go on,” she said quietly to her maid. “I can finish without you.”

Rona nodded. “Please write to us often,” she said, hugging Dareena tightly. “I will go mad if I don’t hear from you.”

Dareena hugged her back, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. “I will,” she promised, and sent Rona on her way.

“All right,” Dareena said as she closed the door behind Drystan. “What—”

Drystan didn’t give her the chance to finish. He pushed her against the wall and kissed her hard, his hands tearing at her dress. Dareena gasped as the gold and white silk fluttered to the ground, and he slid his tongue into her mouth, deepening the kiss as his hands roamed over her naked flesh. They slid beneath her bottom and gripped her tightly, hauling her up against him so that his hardness pressed directly against her already pulsing core.

“Drystan,” she moaned as he blazed a path from her mouth to her ear with his lips.

“This is the last time we’ll be alone together,” he panted. Dareena whimpered as he sank his teeth into her earlobe, then sucked on it. A bolt of need went through her, and she clawed at the buttons of his deep blue tunic, sending them flying every which way. His skin was hot and smooth beneath her fingers as she pushed the fabric back, his muscles flexing as he carried her to the bed.

“Yes,” she hissed as he entered her in one long, firm stroke. Hooking her legs around his hips, she clung tight as he rocked into her, shaking the bedframe with the force of his thrusts. Running her fingers through his thick, dark hair, she kissed his face, his neck, his collarbone, each press of her lips against his skin a benediction, a prayer that the dragon god would keep him safe while she was gone.