Brynhild didn’t fall into a puddle of goo.
Well, Tristan wasn’t exactly at his best when trying to gain a woman’s cooperation from this position.
She’d been staring at him while debating some unknown decision. Speaking now with the regal power of a queen, she asked, “You think I am some foolish woman to fall for your smile and honeyed words? I am no such female. I carry the blood of the most dangerous clan to ever
live ... ”
Shit. How had this gone wrong when he’d had her almost eating out of his hand?
While she continued berating him and insulting his lack of intelligence, her eyes changed as they continued to glow.
Her dark irises elongated.
Oh. Hell.
No wonder Cathbad wanted her as a partner.
Tristan had a pretty good idea what kind of being she was with those reptilian eyes.
Power flooded around him and shoved against his chest until he couldn’t breathe. She started changing into a dragon right before his eyes.
An iridescent blue dragon roared. The cavern shook like a volcano erupting. The pond erupted, shooting chunks of ice into the air. Her scary eyes burned bright blue as a hot flame.
She opened her dragon jaws wide enough to eat a tiger in one bite.
Tristan would be lying if he said he didn’t fear what came next.
He’d pissed off the wrong beast.
Fuck it then.
If he had to die at the hands of a rampaging dragon, he’d get his wish.
Cathbad could not turn him into a polymorph.
Chapter 14
Cathbad teleported into Casidhe’s cottage, disgusted by the nasty odor. He shielded his power to hide his visit, just as he had at the centre today.
But he quickly sensed Daegan’s power again.
So the red dragon shifter had been here, too?
Based on the strength of the energy residue, the visit had been recent.
He stepped over debris from a battle that had left the remnants of Casidhe Luigsech’s life here in pieces.
When had that conflict occurred?
What the devil had caused that odious smell?
Were Daegan and Casidhe working together or had that dragon shifter tracked the woman here and kidnapped her?
Cathbad searched more of the room, trying to discern what Daegan may have found here on his own. The mix of scents and destruction left no clear indication of a timeline. He spent another ten minutes studying the smashed glassware, upended planters, and broken furniture.
If there had been anything useful here, someone else had found it. Had that person been Daegan, Casidhe, or someone else?
And just where had Casidhe gone?
He continued into the bedroom, which had a smashed window. The glass had landed inside. What had crashed through the window? He inhaled the nasty stink of demon and sensed an energy trail from Daegan and those other two who had also been at the ancestral centre.
Had Casidhe escaped or had Daegan caught her?
Or had she made a truly fatal mistake and allied with the red dragon?
Cathbad mentally sorted through all he’d seen and figured out.
The Luigsech woman had surprised him by not staying put at the centre until he arrived this morning, but that might not have been by her choice.
He considered how he could find her quickly, discarding each idea until he hit on what might be the most productive one.
It might also be the most dangerous choice.
Everything depended upon Queen Maeve having completed her scrying wall and his ability to get back in her good graces.
That scrying wall could locate Casidhe.
Chapter 15
Lanna hurried from the castle in Treoir realm, running down the steps and out to the lawn, which stretched hundreds of feet to the forest.
Phoedra ran along beside her, staying in step. She murmured, “Reese does not look happy.”
Had Garwyli not sat up during a conversation Lanna had been having with him and announced Reese’s arrival into Treoir, Lanna wouldn’t have taken off so quickly. She’d called her apology over her shoulder, but felt an obligation to help Quinn.
Her Cousin had made a mess of things, but he was a good man and deserved a happy life.
Just as Phoedra had pointed out, Reese stood a ways out on the lawn with arms crossed and eyes shooting fire.
One of the Treoir guards walked up to Reese. She seemed to speak politely, but Lanna could feel the chill in her voice from here. The guard nodded and continued on.
Slowing as she reached Reese, Lanna called out a breathless, “Hello, Reese. Is nice to see you.”
Reese opened her mouth and closed it. She shook her head at something, muttering under her breath, then admitted, “It’s nice to see you and Phoedra, but I’m not happy to be here. I was not consulted about this destination.” Fingers curled into fists, Reese declared, “I am so gonna kill him.”
Phoedra asked, “Who?”
“Quinn.”
“That’s not nice.” Phoedra said it with a tease in her voice, giving Lanna the impression these two used that phrase often, because a smile twitched at Reese’s lips.
Then Reese opened her arms to Phoedra who hugged her. Looking over Phoedra’s shoulder, Reese sent a weary smile to Lanna. When they broke apart, Reese said, “That man is making me crazy.”
“Cousin can be difficult sometimes, but he always cares much about you, Phoedra, me, and all he considers family.” Lanna hoped to remind Reese of Quinn’s big heart. “Beladors and dragon are family, too. Cousin has much room in heart.” Lanna turned toward the castle. “Come inside. We will have tea.”
As the other two fell into step beside Lanna, Phoedra fidgeted with her fingers. “I’m sorry he makes you mad, Reese.”
“Oh, honey, the truth is this is all me. I can’t stand near him without losing my temper.” Reese sounded embarrassed.
When Phoedra didn’t ask why, Lanna took a stab at what she believed was going on. “Is hard to keep secrets, Reese.”
Reese stopped, forcing Lanna and Phoedra to turn to her. “What are you talking about, Lanna?”
Flashing a look at Phoedra, who dropped her eyes, Lanna smiled at Reese. “I think Cousin knows truth.”
A group of four guards walked past them. One slowed
