How to Drive a Dragon Crazy (Dragon Kin #6)(46)

Ragnar sat down next to her and without looking at him, she smiled and said, “Hello, Uncle Ragnar.”

“Hello, my dearest Rhi. What drama did I miss while I took a bath?”

“One second it was all quiet and I was just sitting here thinking.” She glanced at him, smiled. “I sit and think a lot.”

“I know. I like that about you.”

“Then Uncle Brastias came in and told Auntie Dagmar that her nephews had left in the middle of the night and left Frederik behind.”

Ragnar winced. Such a Northlander thing to do and the only sign of weakness that any Northland male—of any species—was willing to show. Although they didn’t believe in killing the weaker ones of their Horde, they weren’t above “visiting” a relative with the weaker member and then leaving them.

“Poor Frederik,” Rhi sighed. “I’d feel horrible if my kin just left me.”

“It’s not the kindest thing, Rhi, but trust me when I say, it was in Frederik’s best interest. My own father did it to me when I was barely ten winters old. He left me with Meinhard’s father for what he said would be a few days.... I didn’t see him again until I was nearly ninety. And you know what? Best thing that ever happened to me. And I’m guessing Frederik being here . . . best thing that ever happened to him, too.”

“Perhaps, but Auntie Dagmar was not happy.” She dropped her voice to a whisper, although he didn’t know why she bothered, with all the screaming coming from below. “She yelled something about the illiterate boy and Frederik was standing there!”

“Oooh. That’s not good.”

“I don’t think she meant it as it sounded, but you could tell it probably bothered him.”

“Probably.”

“But before anyone could apologize to him, Keita said something about whoring Izzy out and it was all downhill from there.”

Ragnar nodded, looked off.

“It’s all right to laugh,” Rhi said. So he did.

“I love that female!”

Rhi joined him. “I know.”

“What would possess her?”

“She seemed to think it wasn’t as bad as what Auntie Dagmar said. Mum didn’t agree. They’ve been at it ever since. Izzy’s been trying to calm everyone down.... It’s not working.”

“Should I go and help?”

“I wouldn’t.” She reached over and picked up a small tray. “One of the servants brought me cheese and bread. Here. Have some. I find it makes the viewing even better.”

“I agree.” He chose a slice of cheese and a slice of bread to put it on. “Now all this drama aside, how are you doing?”

Rhi sighed and turned her head to look at him, resting her temple against the wood bar. “Not as well as I’d like, Uncle Ragnar. I think . . . it’s time.”

“I think you’re right.”

“They’ll never agree.”

“But your sister’s here now. Maybe she can help.”

“Perhaps.” Violet eyes lowered. “But I’m afraid.”

“I know, Rhi.”

“At some point . . . I much fear I’m going to end up killing someone.”

Yes, Ragnar thought. You probably will.

While Izzy struggled to calm down her mother and Keita, Éibhear turned around and escorted Frederik outside to the stairs. He crouched in front of the boy.

“I need you to do me a favor.”

“It’s all right,” the boy said. “I knew they were planning this. At least I guessed it. I just feel bad for Aunt Dagmar.”

“Don’t. She’s got a lot on her mind. I doubt any of this has to do with you at all. But I do need you to check on something for me. My three friends, I haven’t seen them since last night. Can you go into town and find them for me?”

He nodded and Éibhear gave him a leather bag with some gold coins.

“What’s this for?”

“Just in case. Trust me. Ask for Aidan. He usually talks for all of them.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

“Thank you.”

Éibhear watched the boy walk down the stairs. Nothing worse than finding out your own kin don’t want you. He didn’t blame Dagmar as much as those ridiculous brothers and nephews of hers.

Standing tall, Éibhear headed back into the Great Hall, meeting Izzy at the doorway.

“Can’t stand it anymore?” he asked.

“They’re not letting me get a word in. I’m going to see if I can find Brannie.”

“Then dress shopping? So you can woo Keita’s friend?”

Her lip curled, eyes narrowing. He was glad to see her look of disgust. He didn’t want to think about her even considering involving herself in whatever Keita was up to.

Without another word, she walked out, and Briec and Fearghus walked in. They stood on either side of Éibhear.

“What are they arguing about now?” Briec asked.

And Éibhear could have just said, “Oh . . . nothing to worry about.” He could have.

He didn’t.

“Keita wants to whore out your eldest daughter.”

Confused, Briec frowned, but Keita heard Éibhear and spun around, stomping her tiny, bare foot.