Dragon On Top

what makes you think we’d believe that?” He stepped as close as he dared, appearing tough to his comrades, but still out of arm’s length. At least he was out of arm’s length for dragons who’d rarely fought as human before. “What makes you think that we’ll believe a little twat like you brought down Grimhild the Vile?” Ghleanna slammed her foot down, breaking the wood chair into pieces. She picked up a leg and swung it. The soldier, unprepared, tried to block the blow with his arm, but Ghleanna spun, changed her trajectory, and sent him flying back twenty feet or so.

Biting pain hit her at the site of her recent wound, but she ignored it. Convincing herself she felt no pain, she tapped the chair leg against the palm of her hand and said, “Grimhild called me a twat, too.” She smiled. A little. “So. . would you lot like to hear how I brought the big bastard down?”

Why, Rhiannon, are you in my head?

First my question. . are you all right?

And that’s what was different between Rhiannon and the old queen. Rhiannon actually gave a shit about her subjects.

I am perfectly well, Rhiannon. And Ghleanna is healing.

Good. Bercelak. . he never says it, but he adores his sister. As do you, I think.

As do I. . you know.

A soft laugh. My dear, sweet Bram. But. . that female. The Empress. What does she want from you?

I don’t know—

Don’t lie to me, peacemaker. You wouldn’t be alive if she didn’t want something.

Why did he bother trying to hide anything from Rhiannon?

She wants a truce.

With me?

Aye. She’s quite. . adamant about it. I can try to put her off until Ghleanna is at full strength but — No, no. See what her terms are.

My Lady?

I am not my mother, peacemaker. I can be reasonable. It’s a new time for us all. A new time of hope and of change and of — You want access to the coast so you can attack the Lightnings, don’t you?

And it is time for those barbarian Lightnings to bow down before me.

You want me to arrange peace with one breed so that you can destroy another?

Get me my truce, peacemaker. Make me a happy monarch.

And then — Rhiannon was gone.

Ghleanna walked out of the army dining hall, Anatolios and Demetrius behind her.

“You do eat well,” she told them.

“Aye.” Anatolios was a little more talkative than Demetrius.

“You must have good representation in your Senate.” “Representation?”

Ghleanna slowed and stopped. She faced the two soldiers. “You do have representation? For the army? Older, ranking warriors who speak for you, ensure that you’re all fairly treated and compensated for risking your lives?” “The Empress’s rule is absolute, as Chancellor Kleitos has pointed out to the rank and file many, many times.” “Huh.” Ghleanna again headed toward her room. “That’s interesting.”

Bram eased into the room, trying to be quiet since Ghleanna was asleep. He placed notes he’d made for the truce on the small desk against the wall and debated whether to go back to work or not.

“Come to bed.”

Startled, he turned. Ghleanna still had her eyes closed but she held her hand out to him.

“I should—”

“If you say work, I’m going to get nasty. Bed. Now.” She opened one eye. “It’s not like we haven’t slept together before.” Bram sat at the edge of the bed and removed his boots. “At least this time your brothers won’t be storming in to wake us up and calling us whores.” He dropped the last boot and asked, “Or will they?” “Not that I’m aware.” She moved over and Bram got into the bed fully clothed. Ghleanna didn’t complain, for which he was grateful. He knew he couldn’t handle being naked around a naked Ghleanna. Not right now.

“Should you be sleeping on your side?” he asked. “And why isn’t your arm tied down?” “Don’t harass me,” she barked back, sounding adorably cranky half-asleep. “The surgeon says I only need to wear it during the day. I think he fears I’ll start swinging a sword before I’m fully healed.” That was probably because Bram had told the surgeon she might do that and did he have a way to keep her from doing so. But Bram wouldn’t mention that. Why cause problems when there were none?

“What if you flail wildly in your sleep? Then what?” “You’ll get hit in the face and my wound will be the least of your worries. Now can we both get some rest?” He relaxed on his side, facing Ghleanna. Her eyes were once again closed, her breathing even. She was asleep once more.

Bram didn’t know how things would be once they left here. Once they were free again, heading to Alsandair to finish what they’d started. But Bram knew what he wanted. He wanted Ghleanna and, as Rhiannon had accurately guessed, he’d wanted her for a very long time. Whether Ghleanna felt the same or not, however, he really didn’t know.

But when she reached out in her sleep and cupped his jaw in her hand, he felt a definite sense of hope.

Chapter 11

“Fruit.”

Bram opened his eyes and stared at the big shiny fruit held up before him. “Yes, it is.” “Plus bread and cheese. Hungry?” Bram sat up, but immediately frowned. “Why is the area around your wound bruised?” Ghleanna shrugged and bit into a big piece of bread.

“What aren’t you telling me?” “Nothing. Eat.”

Bram glanced down at himself. “I’m. . naked.” Ghleanna nodded, bit into a juicy piece of fruit.

“And when did that happen?” “No idea.” She held out another piece of fruit. “Must say, though. . I do like you naked.” He took the treat from her hand. “Thank you. For the fruit and the compliment.” “You’re welcome.”

They ate in silence for a while, Bram busy trying not to stare. Gods, she was beautiful.

“Do you have much work to do today?” she asked.

“I’m afraid so. I heard from Rhiannon.” When Ghleanna frowned, he added, “Something to do with her increasing powers. Which are, I must admit, becoming daunting.” “She’d been held back a lifetime because of her mother. She has much time to make up for.” “I guess.”

“I wouldn’t worry. Rhiannon’s grandmother had that level of power and she managed it fine.” “And Bercelak’s there for balance. A rational thought in the chaos of Rhiannon’s mind.” Ghleanna raised a brow at that and Bram shrugged. “I’ve never doubted the good your brother brings to our young queen’s reign. I merely wish they wouldn’t stick me in the middle of whatever they like doing. It’s off-putting.” “Then you shouldn’t keep hugging her.” “It’s not me!”

Ghleanna laughed, bit into another fruit, and Bram noted, “You have your appetite back.” “Had I ever lost it?”