Tai frowns. “You cannot mean to take her to them.”
“I must.” He pauses. “I cannot keep her with me. It is not safe. Not until—”
I step inside. “What are you talking about?”
He spins to face me. “I will take you to the Fire Clan. They have your crew. It is not safe for you to remain with me. I must challenge my father—my cousin, as well—for the right to rule.” He pauses. “I must leave you there. You will not be safe until my father abdicates the throne.”
I send him an incredulous look. “And what if something happens to you?”
Instead of answering, he turns back to Tai. “I will contact you later.”
Tai bows. “Of course, my prince.” He leans forward and shuts off the display. The screen goes dark and then Raidyn reluctantly lifts his gaze to mine.
“I can see no other way to ensure your safety, my mate.”
“My mate,” I repeat his words. “When you say this, you make us sound like we’re already married—bonded,” I correct myself, using a word he’ll understand. “Where I come from, bonded pairs make decisions together. One party doesn’t unilaterally decide because they think they know best.” Though that’s not the whole truth, it’s also not a complete lie. Every couple is different, but he doesn’t need to know that. Right now, he just needs to understand that I refuse to allow him to make a big decision for me instead of with me.
Clenching his jaw, he meets my eyes evenly. “I am sorry, but I will not allow you to risk yourself. Gather your things. We are going to the Fire Clan territory.”
His tone is commanding. I hold his gaze with narrowed eyes for a moment before I go back upstairs to our room. I have no belongings to gather, except for maybe a spare robe. I’ll accompany him to the Fire Clan, but only because I’m desperate to see Lilliana and the rest of our friends again. However, I won’t let him leave me there while he goes to wage war against his father and cousin.
He wants me to be his—fine. But I have one condition. When we reach the Fire Clan, I’ll tell him I will accept him as my mate, but only if he promises to stay by my side. As desperate as he is to claim me, he’ll have to agree.
When I come back downstairs, he studies me warily. He probably expects me to protest more, but instead, I face him calmly. “I’m ready to leave.”
Chapter 21
Raidyn
As we make our way to the Fire Clan territory, I pay careful attention to my mate’s thoughts and emotions, grateful that I can sense them in this form. Though I’ve told her I can sense her thoughts, it is clear from the pattern of images that flit through her mind that she does not realize I can visualize them, as well. I probably should have made this clear to her, but I am glad that I did not.
Her mind is a joy to witness.
My hearts soar because she has decided she wants me as her mate. Images of us mating in various positions and places fill her mind. One stands out above all others: She imagines me pressing her against the edge of the bathing pool, her legs wrapped around me as I thrust into her.
This wish I am determined to fulfill when she decides to claim me. Remembering the sweet taste of her nectar on my tongue, I must force myself to focus as I fly us toward the Fire Clan territory.
She wants to claim me as much as I long to claim her but plans to present her decision as a bargaining tool to keep me at her side and safe from danger.
I wish I could stay with her so that we could begin our life right away, but I must deal with my father and cousin. If I do not, she might never be safe. My cousin wants me out of the way so that he can inherit the throne. I must try my best to make her understand that if I had a choice, I would never leave her side.
But in this matter, my resolve is absolute. I will do whatever it takes to make certain she is safe. Even if it costs me my life.
The floating islands give way to mountainous terrain, which in turn fades into an ocean of crimson sand as we enter the Fire Clan territory. I focus my attention away from my mate’s thoughts and toward the red plains below. I must remain alert. I have entered enemy territory and do not want to be caught unaware by one of Varus’ warriors.
I know we will encounter them sooner or later, but I’d rather avoid them, if possible, for as long as I can. When we meet, I must hope that they will listen to reason before deciding to attack.
Skye must sense my trepidation because she sits up and I realize she, too, is scanning the area for signs of another Drakarian.
I scent one a moment before a deafening roar splits the air—a warning call from a Fire Clan warrior. I recognize him as soon as I scent him on the wind. Rakan, Varus’ most trusted guard and faithful friend, has orange-red scales and crimson eyes. I remember him well from my childhood.
He barrels toward us at lightning speed. I cry out to stop him before he attacks. “I have a human female with me!”
Instantly, he slows and hovers beside me, circling once to verify that I speak truth. As soon as he notices Skye, he calls out to her. “Are you all right?”
“Yes,” she shouts over the wind. “We’re here to look for my friend, Lilliana, and the rest of my crew.”
Rakan’s eyes widen slightly.
