Page 70 of Crown and Dragon

“Shh, you’re not supposed to know we were beyond the Veil.”

“Whatever. Tell me. I need to know.” Fara lifted Tahlia’s chin and examined her throat. “Your lymph nodes might be swollen.” She prodded her throat roughly and Tahlia coughed and pushed Fara’s hands away.

“Well, they are now anyway. Leave me alone. I’m perfectly fine.”

“Except for your weird Weaver scar.”

“It’s great actually. Now I’ll never lose the belt. It’s part of me.”

“Has your magic returned in full?”

“As of this morning. I think I just needed a good night’s rest inside the Veil’s range.”

Fara nodded, but her brow remained furrowed. “If you say so. But I think you should take some time with the crystals and Lija. We have yet to determine how much they can heal a Fae, but they do improve mental clarity and energy levels. We tested it!”

She shoved a sage-green cake into her mouth and kept on talking. Titus, Ewan, Claudia, and Maiwenn found seats nearby. They began discussing the coming trip north.

“Tahlia, you ready for another adventure or do you need some more of Maiwenn’s greenblood?”

Tahlia pretended to be choking. “Yeah, no. I’m good to go when it’s time without any of that poison, thanks very much.”

Titus snorted a laugh and began rolling dice while the others talked about potential pirate landing spots.

“Care for a midnight flight?” a deep voice said behind Tahlia.

She shivered with delight and turned to see Marius looking down at her with eyes that promised more than flying. He wore a black tunic that matched the inkings that peeked from the neckline and over one shoulder. His trousers were tucked into the soft boots he preferred when they weren’t on a mission or training, and he wore a braided belt with one small dagger sheathed near the brass buckle. Scowling, he tucked a hair behind her ear and she swallowed, heat already pooling low in her belly. His jaw flexed as he took her in, his gaze like a hand smoothing down the side of her neck to her breasts. Her body pulsed with want. Gods, the way he could affect her with just a look…

“Fara, I’ll see you in the morning. All right?”

Fara nodded, waving an icing-covered hand at her, then continuing her line of questioning aimed at Ewan. “But don’t you think you need a Healer with your units?”

“You’ll fall off during fighting.”

“I’ll show you falling off.” Fara started toward Ewan, and Tahlia started to grab her arm to hold her back, but Maiwenn stepped in and snagged the back of Fara’s tunic.

“I’ve got this, Tahl. Enjoy your time off,” Maiwenn said.

Tahlia gave her a smile. “Thanks.”

The night wasclear and absolutely bursting with stars. Lija spread her four wings wide and soared above Ragewing. Marius glanced up their way and Tahlia’s heart sputtered as she imagined what might be going through his mind at the moment.

Lija made a content, rumbling sound deep in her belly, which vibrated through Tahlia.

Ah. I’m finally myself again,the dragon said into Tahlia’s mind.

Tahlia leaned forward in the saddle and ran a hand down Lija’s neck.I’m so relieved. I was truly worried about you.

I was worried too.

It’s brave of you to admit it.Normally, dragons were too arrogant to be open about their feelings of vulnerability. It was a rare feeling for them in general, so they had little practice.

That Witch stank of Unseelie power, but I can’t say I’m not eternally grateful.

Tahlia huffed a laugh.I was glad to see her go. I don’t think she likes Fae or dragons, honestly.

No, she does not. But at least she honored her word and healed me when others could not.

Agreed.

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