A surge of anger blasted through Silas, but then the man shoved his shaggy black hair back from his brow, and Silas recognized him. Brody, shifter and spy for King Leofric.
Of course. Silas noted the open window. Gwennore must have let Brody in while he was in eagle form, and then he’d shifted. That explained why he was wearing a sheet.
“She’s the reason you and Eviana were kidnapped,” Brody grumbled, referring to the queen. “Why on Aerthlan would you want to help her?”
Gwennore stood still, her hands clasped around the bedpost as her mind raced with one thought after another.
Yes! Silas smiled to himself as he listened in. At last, he’d found someone who thought the same way he did.
After a few moments, she said, “If I can help the queen, she might stop having children kidnapped.”
“But if she’s being poisoned, something dangerous is going on,” Brody argued. “You shouldn’t get involved.”
She frowned. “But shouldn’t I use my gift—”
Silas barged into the room. “Can you really help?”
Gwennore gasped. Startled by his sudden entrance, she let go of the bedpost just as Brody gave her laces a sharp tug. She stumbled back against the shifter, but when he caught her, she trampled on the edge of his sheet, accidentally pulling it off his waist.
“Shit!” Brody dropped to the floor, scrambling to cover himself with the sheet.
“Ack!” Gwennore slapped a hand over her eyes. “I didn’t see anything!” She lurched forward, but her foot caught on the hem of her gown and she fell forward onto her knees. She caught herself, her hands planted on the floor.
It had all happened so fast, Silas was caught off guard and started to laugh. But then he noticed how Gwennore’s white-blond hair had swept forward, the ends trailing on the floor. When she shoved her hair back, her back arched and his mouth dropped open. Holy Light. This was how she would look in a moment of wild passion.
With her gown askew, her breasts were nearly spilling out of the bodice. He stared at her, entranced, and by the Light, he wanted to touch her. He wanted to cup her breasts in his palms, tug the bodice down till he could see her nipples, see them tighten into sweet little buds. Then he would tease them. Taste them.
Not again! Her thoughts screeched into his head, and his gaze jerked up to her face.
He’s staring at me so fiercely! He wants to squash me like a bug! Anger blazed in her eyes as she scrambled to her feet. “I am not an insect!”
Silas flinched. How could she think—
“Don’t ye dare give me that horrified look! I’m a woman and I have the exact same female parts as every other woman on the planet!”
Damn. Silas gulped. It would be hard from now on not to think about her female parts. Or his own parts that were reacting. “I assure you, I will never forget.”
“Sheesh, Gwennie,” Brody muttered.
Heat flared in her cheeks, and she glanced frantically around the room. Dear goddesses, what have I done? Should I crawl under the bed? How can this day keep getting worse?
“My lady.” Silas stepped toward her. He wanted to tell her she was beautiful, but he suspected she wouldn’t believe him right now. With her cheeks inflamed with embarrassment, she was refusing to even look at him. “Could you excuse us for a moment? I need to talk to Brody.”
“Of course!” She dashed from the room.
Silas winced at the sound of the door slamming. “I didn’t mean to upset her.”
Brody snorted as he rose to his feet. “You should have thought of that before you had your dragons kidnap her and Eviana.”
“The dragon that kidnapped Eviana is not under my command.”
“Whose command, then?” Brody tied the sheet at his waist.
Silas sighed. It wouldn’t help matters if he admitted that the king and queen of Norveshka were responsible for the abduction of the Eberoni princess. “A mistake was made.”
Brody scoffed. “You could say that again.”
“I want peace with Eberon and Tourin. And I will offer my sincere apologies to King Leofric when I deliver his daughter safely to him tomorrow.”
“You can do that?”
“Yes.” Silas nodded. “I’ll bring the princess and Gwennore down the Norva River by barge. We’ll leave at dawn, and by noon, we should be at Vorushka, close to the border. If Leofric can meet us there—”
“I’ll make sure he does,” Brody replied. “Before I go, I should verify that Eviana is all right.”
“Of course.” Silas motioned for the shifter to follow him through the door to the dressing room.
Silas pushed open the door to the nursery. The servant was back, and the little girl was pushing a small pram around the room, loaded down with a dozen dolls. Gwennore’s gown was properly laced up now, and she was sitting by the fire, trying to tame her beautiful hair with a brush.
Brody watched silently for a while, then retreated to the bedchamber. “I’ll trust you to take good care of them.”
“You have my word.” Silas joined him. “What is this gift Gwennore was talking about?”
Brody gave him a wary look. “I don’t think it’s any of your business.”
“She seemed to think she could help us.”
“That’s not happening. Whatever is going on here, it sounds dangerous. I don’t want her involved.”
A twinge of annoyance shot through Silas. “Do you care about her that much?”
“She’s a good friend. And a good person. I’ve seen her get hurt too much. I don’t—”
“Who’s been hurting her?” Silas growled, and when the shifter looked surprised, he paused, wondering why he had reacted so strongly.
Brody tilted his head, watching him carefully. “She’s been enduring some prejudice at the Eberoni and Tourinian courts. Snide remarks and rude stares from other courtiers.”
“And you let the assholes get away with it? What kind of friend are you?”
Brody scoffed. “I’ve offered my help, but she always refuses. She doesn’t want to cause any strife between her sisters and their subjects. I’ve never seen her lose her temper before. That is, until she encountered you.”
Silas stiffened. “I wasn’t being snide or rude.”
“You were staring at her.”
“Because she’s—” Silas stopped himself.
Brody’s eyebrows lifted as he waited.
Silas motioned toward the open window. “Didn’t you need to go?”
Brody snorted. “Fine. See you tomorrow.” He pulled off the sheet, shifted into an eagle, and flew out the window.
As Silas headed back to the nursery, his heart began to thud in his chest. It was time for a long talk with Gwennore.
Chapter Six
Gwennore winced as she accidentally ripped out a few more strands of hair. How could this day keep getting worse? After promising herself that she would vent her rage with glorious indignation, she’d finally done it. In the worst way possible.
I have the exact same female parts as every other woman on the planet!
With a groan, she dropped the hairbrush on the table next to her chair. Of all the stupid things to say!
She glanced over at Eviana, who was babbling to the dolls, happily bestowing names on each of them. After everything the child had been through today, she was still able to find joy. I should be resilient like that, Gwennore thought. And most of all, I need to be strong.
After all, it was her weakness, her reluctance to stand up for herself that had set up the scenario resulting in Eviana’s kidnapping. So, instead of being embarrassed, she ought to feel relieved. And proud. She had, at last, released her anger and defended herself.
But why had she picked General Dravenko to be on the receiving end of her rant? He was, most probably, her best hope for getting Eviana home, so he was the last person on Aerthlan she should have yelled at. What a foolish mistake for someone who prided herself on always being reasonable and intelligent.
Why him, of
all people? Had she finally reached her limit where anyone would have set her off?
She shook her head. There was a growing suspicion in her mind, one she was trying to ignore, but what if she’d lost control with the gorgeous general because his gawking stare had hurt her feelings more than the others?
With a sigh, she leaned over and rested her face in her hands. He could definitely be considered the Most Handsome Man on the Planet, what with the way his leather breeches clung to his long muscular legs and the way his shirt and leather breastplate accentuated his broad chest and shoulders. She suspected he was even taller than Leo and Rupert, and the way he walked with those long legs had nearly caused every woman in the castle to faint. Including Gwennore.
Some might say his jawline was too sharp and his gaze too intense, but she thought it suited the aura of power that emanated from him. And there was passion—she could sense it in the glittering green of his eyes and his wide, expressive mouth. Power and passion—he embodied them both, and she found herself acutely aware of him in a way she’d never felt before with any other man.
From the first moment she’d seen him, she had hoped he could be her tall and handsome stranger as foretold by the Telling Stones. But the sad truth was something she couldn’t avoid. She was an elf, Norveshka’s worst enemy. It was no wonder the general had looked at her like she was a bug. And now, after her ridiculous rant, he probably thought she was a fool.
How could she ever face him again?
“My lady? Are you all right?”
It’s him! She kept her head buried in her hands and felt the sudden rush of heat radiating from her cheeks. Why was the man’s voice so smooth and appealing? It reminded her of the dragon, but with Puff, she’d felt a degree of comfort. This man had her on edge.
Would he go away if she ignored him? If I make a snoring sound, will he think I’m asleep?
“Lady Gwennore,” he said softly in Norveshki. “Are you awake?”
There was no help for it. She would have to talk to the man for Eviana’s sake. Straightening up, she feigned a yawn. “I was just resting.” She ventured a quick glance at him and noted his mouth curled up and his eyes twinkling with humor.
Great. He thought she was amusing. It was better, though, than being regarded with horror. Puff had found her amusing, too, but the embarrassment was easier to take from a dragon than a gorgeous man. Puff, can you still hear me? Please come back and take Eviana and me home. If anyone can save us, it’s you.
The general’s smile faded. “We need to talk.”
“All right.” She eased to her feet and winced as a shot of pain crossed her back.
“Are you injured?” he asked.
I’m a wreck. My back is killing me, and I’m so mortified I want to crawl into a hole. “I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not.” General Dravenko frowned at her. “Did the dragon hurt you?”
“I’m a little sore, that’s all. It happened when Puff caught me, but I’m sure he never intended me any harm.”
The general muttered a curse, then turned to Nissa. “Heat up some water, so you can make some hot compresses.”
“Yes, my lord.” Nissa ran into the dressing room.
“It was an accident,” Gwennore insisted. “Puff won’t be in trouble, will he?”
“Would you stop calling him Puff? He’s a war dragon, for Light’s sake.”
“Then he works for you, right?” Gwennore asked. “Pray, please don’t punish him. I would have fallen to my death if he hadn’t caught me. If anything, he deserves an award.”
The general’s eyes narrowed. “You’re quick to come to his defense.”
“Of course. He saved my life. I shall always be grateful to him. And he was really very sweet and gentle. He held me so carefully—”
“I saved you, too.” General Dravenko gave her an annoyed look. “You would have spent the night in the dungeon if I hadn’t—”
“That’s not nearly as terrifying as a plummet to my death.”
“Would you like to go to the dungeon, then? It can be arranged.”
“Are you threatening me?”
He gritted his teeth. “No. I’m trying to protect you. And I can do it better than a damned dragon.”
She snorted. Who was he kidding? His manner of protection was a disaster. Everyone in the castle was going to believe they were lovers.
He hissed in a breath, drawing her attention back to his face.
Blast him. It should be a crime to have both a gorgeous body and a beautiful face. But she wouldn’t let him intimidate her. After all, she needed his help. “I appreciate your protection.”
He gave her a dubious look that made her wonder how much he could see through her.
She cleared her throat. “I suppose I should thank you.”
“I suppose you should.”
She blinked. That sounded familiar somehow. Hadn’t her conversation with Puff gone much the same way?
“We need to talk.” His brusque words interrupted her thoughts as he started toward the bedchamber. “Come with me.”
She huffed. Didn’t he realize what it would look like if they were alone in a bedchamber? Oh, wait. Brody was still there. If the general tried anything unseemly, Brody could shift into a dog and bite him. Hopefully, on his gorgeous rump.
The general halted with a jerk, then glanced back at her. She quickly looked away, so he wouldn’t know that she’d been watching his buttocks while he walked.
“Are you coming?” he asked softly.
“Excuse me.” The maid suddenly emerged from the dressing room with a large copper kettle of water, and he stepped aside to let her pass.
“Thank you,” General Dravenko told the maid, then looked at Gwennore and beckoned with his hand. “Come.”
Gwennore’s heart fluttered as he strode into the dressing room. The way the man moved was lethal, like a wildcat prowling through the forest.
She glanced over at Nissa and found her standing nearby, gawking at the open door that the general had just passed through. The kettle tipped in her hands, allowing water to drip from the spout onto her slippers, and she didn’t even notice.
Gwennore groaned inwardly. “Could you watch Eviana for me? I need a moment with the general.”
Nissa sighed dreamily. “Don’t we all?”
Gwennore’s cheeks grew warm. “I’m going to talk to him for a few minutes. That’s all.”
Nissa broke free from her trance. “Yes, my lady.” She bobbed a curtsy. “Begging your pardon, my lady.”
Gwennore started toward the dressing room, then hesitated as she passed by the servant. “Does the general … talk to a great number of women?”
Nissa shook her head. “I don’t believe so. He’s from one of the Three Cursed Clans, and that frightens most women away.”
Gwennore recalled how Olenka had reacted to the prospect of a courtship with the general. “Why? Are they afraid they’ll go insane like the queen?”
Nissa winced. “Please don’t speak of it anymore. It is forbidden.”
“Why? What could happen to you?”
Nissa grew pale as she glanced around the room. “People disappear.”
“What?”
The maid scurried toward the hearth to hang the kettle on a hook over the fire. She obviously didn’t want to talk, and Gwennore didn’t want to frighten the poor girl with more questions. Still, she found herself extremely curious about this so-called curse. It couldn’t be real, yet something sinister was going on here.
Brody would tell her it was none of her business. Or that pursuing the matter could put her in danger. He had a point, she thought as she strode through the dressing room. She needed to keep her priorities straight.
First and foremost, she had to convince General Gorgeous to return Eviana to her parents. It shouldn’t be hard, since Brody would be there to help her. She closed the bedchamber door behind her, then strode into the room.
Brody was gone.
She glanced around o
nce again. General Dravenko was across the room, his back to her as he gazed out an open window. “Brody left? Without saying good-bye?”
The general turned to face her, and she was struck with the realization that she was alone with him in a bedchamber.
She stepped back. “We shouldn’t be here.”
“We need privacy to discuss some important matters.” He motioned toward the open window. “Brody was in a hurry to let Eviana’s parents know that she’s fine.”
“They will not feel at ease until they have her back.”
“I understand.” General Dravenko closed the window. “And I fully realize the damage that has been done. As soon as I learned what was happening, I tried to stop it—”
“You sent Puff?”
“Yes. I am sorry he arrived too late. And I apologize for the pain and suffering—”
“It wasn’t your fault.” Gwennore waved a dismissive hand. “But you can rectify matters by returning Eviana and me as quickly as possible.”
The general opened his mouth to respond, then hesitated. “There are several other things I’d like to discuss first.”
She lifted her chin. “After you agree to send us back, I will feel comfortable discussing those things with you.”
His eyes glinted with amusement. “Are you negotiating with me?”
“I’m protecting Eviana the best I can.”
“She is safe here. You have my word.”
“But that’s the problem. She shouldn’t be here. She should be with her parents, don’t you agree?”
His mouth twitched. “Leofric should hire you to be his chief counsel.”
Her heart skipped a beat. That was perhaps the most flattering thing she’d ever heard. She remained in a daze till she realized he had moved toward her. Only the bed was between them now.
She retreated another step.
“I have a question for you.” He tilted his head, watching her carefully. “How are you able to hear the dragons?”
That again? She shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“Do any other elves have the ability?”
“I don’t know. Am I being interrogated?”