Dragons Against Them (Kingdoms of Fire and Ice #2)(39)

“Join us, if you like.”

She froze. Ventured a glance back. Jaxon had straightened to his full height, his russet gaze fixed upon Rosalind. The woman with Jaxon was curled into his chest, a playful grin on her face.

Like hell I will. Rosalind lifted her chin. “I require no bath.”

“Then why have you come to the water’s edge?”

“I only wished to continue our conversation of strategy from this afternoon.” Her gaze shifted from him to the wench in his grip and back. “In private.”

Jaxon studied her for a moment, one brow arched. Then he stepped away from the stranger beside him and offered her a dismissive smack on the rump. “Be gone with you now.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The woman offered him a coy smile, then dipped into a small curtsy before exiting the water. Rosalind averted her eyes to offer the woman a moment of privacy. Though the way the young one trotted by yet wet and naked into the woods, it was clear she needed no such thing.

“Might you fetch me my robe?”

Rosalind looked back toward the water in surprise. Jaxon had not moved from where she’d last seen him. “Pardon?”

“It would be difficult to speak with me in private if I am in the water and you upon shore. So unless you intend to get wet…”

She did not appreciate the teasing tone to his voice. With a frown, Rosalind stalked to the water’s edge and lifted the heavy cloth he had left there. She held it out at arm’s length and again averted her gaze, silent fury pulsing through her. Giselle had said nothing of her son’s plans to be with another woman this night. To interrupt their amorous play made Rosalind feel…

“Jealous?”

“I beg your pardon?” She looked to the water, just as Jaxon’s midriff came into view. The fine spread of russet hair upon his chest appeared thicker the lower it reached, as if taunting her gaze to remain as he drew higher out of the water. Instead, she looked away again, her frown deepening. Insolent beast.

“I am clean and sated, and ye…” His footsteps crunched the dry ground toward her. “Appear hot and bothered.”

“I am nothing of the sort.” She tossed the robe forward, her gaze still averted. “I am focused upon our upcoming attack, while you waste the day away pleasuring yourself.”

A damp hand gripped her chin, angling her face toward his. “Is to seek pleasure a crime?”

Rosalind glared up at him, her pulse drumming like thunder in her ears, infuriating her further. What was it about this man, about his deep melodic timbre, that called to her on such an animalistic level? She found herself wanting to be one with him, ensnared in his strong arms, his length buried deep inside her. A low growl rose to her lips.

“It is if it be with the wrong person.”

Jaxon’s russet gaze began to glow. “And are ye bound to another?”

“I am not the topic of this conversation.”

“No?” He lifted her chin higher and drew closer, his warm breath washing over her face. “I ask ye again, Princess. Are ye bound to another?”

“No.” She hated the breathless sound to her answer. Hated even more how the glow in his gaze intensified. “But never would I bind with a man yet intent on sowing his wild oats.”

Jaxon’s gaze narrowed. He released her chin and took a step back, his gaze dark. “Ye do not understand our ways.”

“Quite true.” She crossed her arms. “Nor do I desire to do so. My time here is short.”

“Ah, yes. Ye who wishes to steal back the heart of her former betrothed. And why is that, exactly?”

Rosalind glared at him. “I seek to rule. My sister does not.”

“Does his heart get no say in the matter?”

“Feelings do not bring power.”

“Ah, but ye are wrong.” He placed a fist over his heart. “Here. This is where the passion to rule lies. If a ruler is dead here, they can no’ be a strong leader.”

Jaxon reached for her then. Drew her close and bent to place his ear upon her heart. An unwanted thrill raced through Rosalind’s veins. She squirmed beneath his grasp, but it was as useless as trying to break free from shackles.

“Ah, see? Ye are no’ dead inside after all.” He lifted his face from her chest and met her gaze. “Ye may yet possess the passion required of a true leader.”

Again she squirmed in his grasp, longing to put distance between them and yet wanting to close it at the same time. “I came. To speak. Strategy.”

“Aye.” Jaxon stood and released her with a grin. “And we have.”

He turned and started for the forest.

“But wait! Where are you going?”

“To Forath.” He paused and looked back at her, a teasing glint in his eye. “Did ye no’ wish to accompany me as I look once more for weakness in your father’s defenses?”

Finally, something he said made sense. “Indeed.”

Rosalind followed Jaxon back to his home and waited outside for the man to dress. He stepped out several moments later, dressed head to toe in dark garb.

“If you wish to accompany me, though, ye shall no’ go dressed like that.” He held out a set of folded clothing. “From Ella. She wishes to keep your gown intact.”

“But how did she— Oh, never mind.”