How to Drive a Dragon Crazy (Dragon Kin #6)(61)

“You’re going to wear a hole in that rock floor.”

She stopped and faced him. “Why aren’t you worried? Why don’t you care? This seems to be your precious daughter they’re targeting.”

“They’re not targeting—”

“What would you call it? Seducing?”

Fearghus sighed and set his book aside. He lowered his head so that it rested on the inside of his claw while he tapped the talons of the other.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” she demanded, hands on her hips.

“I’m waiting for you to have your explosion of rage, so that when you’re done, I can talk to you like a rational dragon. I gave up long ago trying to talk over your screaming, my love.”

She folded her arms under her chest. “They’re trying to steal our daughter from us, Fearghus.”

“You know as well as I that no one can make Talwyn do anything she doesn’t want to do. That includes the Kyvich.”

“They’re trying to lure her away from the safety of her people. Away from her brother and cousin.”

“Away from you, you mean?”

“I’m the only one who can protect her!” Annwyl bellowed, pointing at herself. “There’s no one else who can protect her like I can!”

“You mean besides Talwyn herself?”

“I knew you’d throw that in my face.”

“You were the one who taught her to protect herself. You also taught the boy.”

“Can’t you call him by his name?”

“He irritated me today.”

“He irritates you every day.”

“Do you expect me to argue that point?”

“You know, our son really does—”

“Does? Does what?”

“Tolerate you more than others.”

“Thank you. I find that comforting when I wake up from an afternoon nap and find him hovering over me like an angel of death.”

“You’re being paranoid. But let’s be honest.”

“Oh, please let’s.”

“Talan is my son and Talwyn is your daughter.”

“Which means?”

“That you should be the one to talk to her.”

“I have.”

Annwyl stepped closer. “And?”

“She didn’t tell me anything she hasn’t already told you. But I know her, Annwyl. There’s something going on.”

“I knew it!”

“But there’s nothing to be done. She’s stubborn and contrary and determined . . . just like her mum. So I wouldn’t bother arguing with her.”

“I am not contrary.”

His eyes crossed and he rolled onto his back. “Of course you’re not.”

“I heard sarcasm in that statement.”

“Perhaps.” He motioned to her. “Come here, luv.”

Annwyl walked closer until she reached his open claw. She climbed onto that, then up his arm and onto his chest until she could stretch out stomach down, her head right under his snout. As always, she showed no fear of his dragonform.

“You know,” he reasoned, “instead of sitting around, worrying about things that may or may not be happening, why don’t you go do something that you might enjoy?”

She planted her hands against his chest and lifted herself up enough that she could look him in the eye. Then she grinned.

“I meant something relaxing with the children.”

“Oh.” She lowered herself back down.

“What I plan to do to you tonight will only be relaxing after we’re done.”

“Good to know.” Annwyl laughed and stroked her hands across his scales, something that Fearghus had always adored. “All right, so what should I do with the children? As it is, they’re never around.”

“Plan something for tomorrow, so they don’t have time to come up with an excuse, and start with Rhi. She always ropes in the other two. And bring that pale boy who’s been lurking around.”

“His name’s Frederik, and from what I hear he’ll be staying for a while.”

“Perfect. Take them for a picnic or something.”

“Will you come?”

“I’m off to Devenallt Mountain tomorrow with Gwenvael and Briec to meet with Bercelak.”

“Anything wrong?”

“No, not at all. Just time to look at Mum’s armies and see if we should be doing anything different. At least that’s the plan. What it really ends up being is Dad and Briec arguing, me sighing a lot, and Gwenvael pissing Dad off so much that at some point he has to duck a tail to the eye. To be honest, I’d rather be on a picnic with the pale boy.”

Annwyl rested her chin on her raised fist. “No Éibhear?”

“No Éibhear what?”

“He’s not coming to this meeting?”

“Why should he? He’s not in Mum’s army. He’s a Mì-runach.”

“I really don’t know what that means, although you all say it with that mix of disgust and horror in your voices.”

“It means he’s a violent bastard that can’t be trusted around the army. So, no. He won’t be there.”