Page 2 of Dragons Of Shadow and Sea

"Take her to my residence," I order.

In my periphery, my guards visibly falter. They exchange glances. After a moment, my friend Obi clears his throat.

"But, Your Highness." Obi speaks with caution but conviction. "Your mother's law..."

I shoot him a lashing look. It's only our friendship that keeps my temper in control. "Do not speak to me of my mother's laws."

The other intruder--the one with the golden skin and the short, black hair--shakes his head. "Excuse me. Did you say 'Your Highness'?"

"Silence," barks Zahra, my second in command.

They do not listen to her. The one with the wild hair demands, "Who are you? Where are we?"

My mate's eyes light with realization. She puts a hand to her heart, like she might faint. "The Water Kingdom."

"What?" both men boggle as one.

I hesitate. Did they really not understand that? Did they arrive here by accident?

Does that worry me more, or less?

Either way, I can't afford to let down my guard--not any more than I already have.

"Take her to my rooms," I repeat, brooking no argument this time. "I'll deal with my mother."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Obi does not seem reassured, but that's a problem for another time.

"What of the others?" Zahra asks. Her biting tone--and the way she lifts the glowing spheres of magic in her palms--makes it clear what she thinks we should do.

I'm inclined to agree with her most ruthless impulses, but a tug in my chest pulls me up short. I meet my mate's gaze, and there's pleading in the depths of her eyes. I swallow hard, struggling not to stagger backward. I can feel her terror.

And her...

Love.

She loves these men.

And that's impossible. Our connection is brand new. I must not be understanding it correctly. She cares for them, for certain. They are her friends.

Whatever they are to her, if I treat them harshly, I will be poisoning the well from which I will surely someday drink.

I grind my teeth together, and my jaw aches.

"Take them to the witch," I decide. "They are not to be harmed." I narrow my eyes at the men. "Unless it is in self-defense."

Zahra’s voice is clipped. "Understood."

As they're led away, the wild-haired man shouts threats my way. The other man glowers but remains tight-lipped.

My mate looks to me with gratitude and fear.

I close my eyes.

Gratitude.

Fear.

Yes. Both of those sound about right.

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