The Dragon Who Loved Me (Dragon Kin #5)(106)

“That was smooth,” Keita sneered.

“Quiet, lizard!”

Dagmar pointed at Annwyl. “Do you realize that you have a big scar right across your face?”

“Yes.”

“Just going to leave it there, eh?”

“Why shouldn’t I? I think it’s stylish.”

“My father would like it,” Dagmar admitted. “Which does nothing but horrify me.”

“I like your father.”

“And that horrifies me more.”

“Is it true,” Talaith snarled, pul ing the chair beside Annwyl out and dropping into it, “that you took my daughter with you to see that murdering lowlife scum lord?”

Keita grinned. “We just cal him daddy.”

“Not that murdering lowlife scum lord,” Talaith snapped. “Gaius Domitus.”

“I did.” Annwyl looked at Dagmar. “He’l make a good al y. His sister, though . . .” She shuddered a bit. “She makes me look forgiving and benevolent.” She leaned forward. “Her flame is so hot . . . it can melt the scales of other Fire Breathers. It melted stone.” Morfyd rested her hands against the table. “Are you sure?”

“That’s what Rhona told me. Double-check with her.”

“Why does it matter?” Dagmar asked.

“I’ve just never heard of that before. Unless she’s a witch.”

“Not that I know of.” Annwyl ate a few more raisins. “Rhona also said that once the sister was released, the other Irons were terrified of her.”

“If she can melt the scales of other Fire Breathers . . . they should be afraid.”

“Yes, yes. That’s al quite fascinating, but . . .” Keita sat up a little tal er, fluffed her hair a bit. “Notice anything different?”

“Your hips getting wider?” Morfyd asked, which got her punched in the leg. “Ow! You viper!”

“Anything else?” Keita pushed them. “Anything new about me?”

They al shook their heads, not sure what the royal was talking about.

“This.” She smoothed her hand over the bare, unmarred flesh above her left breast, where her bodice slipped low.

“What about that?” Morfyd snapped. Back five minutes and the pair already going at it like pit dogs.

“Can’t you tel ?”

“Tel what?”

“This is where I’m going to al ow Ragnar to put his Claim brand upon me . . . when I’m ready to al ow him to do that . . . in a few years or so.”

“Years?” Annwyl asked.

“Uh-huh. Don’t you think this spot is perfect?”

They al stared at the smiling royal, their mouths slightly open, until Dagmar turned back to Annwyl and said, “So this Rebel King . . . a right bastard or is al that just legend?”

“A little of both, I think. And he’s young . . . for a dragon.”

Keita threw her hands up in the air as they al went about ignoring her because it amused them to do so.

Annwyl wouldn’t say it was right what they did—but it was fun.

“Good morn to my lovely family!” Gwenvael happily announced from the top of the stairs. He looked his old self again, Annwyl thought. No more scowling and so bloody cheerful. “How is everyone this glorious morning?”

Dagmar rol ed her eyes and muttered under her breath, “Oh, piss off.”

“Now, now, my love,” he said to his mate, completely missing the fact that Fearghus and Briec were walking up behind him—and not one of the females bothered to warn him. “Have no fear. I won’t be leaving you anytime—aahhhhhh! You heartless bastards! ” Gwenvael yel ed after his brothers tossed him over the banister and he landed on the floor.

Damn but it was so very good to be home!

“Rhona!”

Rhona, busy pul ing on her boots, watched the triplets run up to her.

“What?” she asked once her boots were on. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing! Look. Look!”

They forced a piece of parchment at her and she opened it and quickly read the words, lifted her gaze to her sisters. “Did you tel Mum?”

“Not yet,” Edana said. “We wanted to tel you first.”

“I . . . I can’t believe they’re taking you so early.”

“You’re upset,” Breena guessed.

“No, no. I’m . . .” She was overwhelmed. The triplets would be heading to Anubail Mountain. They would be trained as Dragonwarriors. Just like al Rhona’s other siblings. Just like most Cadwaladrs.

“You’re crying,” Nesta accused.

“Of course I’m not!”

“Then what’s that leaking out of your eyes?”

“You are upset,” Breena insisted.

“No. It’s just . . . just . . .” Unable to hold it in anymore, Rhona burst into tears and sobbed out, “I’m losing my babies!”

“Awwww!” Her sisters surrounded her in a group hug, now al of them crying.

“You’l never lose us,” Edana insisted.

“What’s going on?” Vigholf asked from behind them, his mother next to him. Rhona had left the pair alone to talk while Rhona put on her boots.