Page 18 of Dragons' Bride
I jump then realize it is just Nora. I rub my face. "Idid. Hell, I think I escaped it twice in the last ten minutes alone." Once at nature's hands, the other at Tavias's. "Actually, Quinton saved me on both occasions."
"Quinton?" Nora grabs my arms and drags me over to the cot, which is swaying with the ship’s motions. At least the arc is smaller here than atop the masthead. I shudder. Nora’s face sparkles as she brings me back to the now. "Prince Quinton? The same Quinton who is usually trying to make your life as painful as possible? Tell me everything."
I lean forward, my forearms braced over my thighs.
“Spill,” Nora urges. “Or I’m hiding all your dry clothes and not handing this over.” She opens the top of a little lidded kettle and the scent of hot chocolate fills the room. My eyes widen.
Nora pulls the little kettle out of my reach. “I don’t make idle threats.”
I feel the corners of my mouth lift, and shake my head despite myself. Talking about men with a friend seems so very normal, except that I’ve never had such a friend before. That, and the minor detail of the men in question actually being dragon princes. Yeah. So much for normal. I purse my lips.
"Um, you are having a chat inside your own head again,” Nora says. “That in no way helps.”
“Sorry.” I start stripping out of my wet clothes. “You know how Quinton has been avoiding me for like two weeks now? I decided to catch him where he couldn't leave easily.”
“You decided to corner an upset dragon one hundred feet above the deck?” She holds out a dry shift for me to slip into. “Should I even bother noting how insane of a decision that was? You really should consider making better life choices.”
“Oh, it gets worse,” I assure her, finishing with my clothing and accepting a freshly poured mug of chocolate goodness. I’d never gotten to try the divine stuff before meeting the dragons – chocolate was not something a slave could ever afford – and I feel like I’m sipping paradise.
Nora’s eyes grow wider as I continue the debrief, and she stops dead in the middle of the cabin when I get to the part about nearly getting us both killed. It is hard to describe the sensation of Quinton breathing for me without reliving the panic that had come before it. Once I say everything aloud though, I have to agree with Nora’s assessment of my decision chain.
"And then Prince Quinton covered up for you?” she clarified. “First with Captain Dane and then with Prince Tavias?"
I run my hands over my wet braid and pull out the ribbon. “Does it make me a bad person for letting him do it?”
“He is the royal freakin’ assassin. Half the ship’s crew would throw themselves overboard if he looked at them too long. I think he can handle an argument with his brother without you offering yourself as a human shield.”
“When you put it that way – ”
“Of course he could just be doing it so he could murder you himself.”
“Not helpful, Nora.”
“Hear me out though. Why is Prince Quinton – broody, dark, blood-magic assassin Quinton – who’s been taking pleasure in making your life miserable every morning, suddenly trying to protect you?”
I have no idea. I pick up a hairbrush as I mull over Nora’s question but she snatches it out of my hand and starts to tame my hair herself.
“Well?” she prods.
"Maybe he does want to be the only one to make me miserable. Dragons hoard everything, so maybe he’s, um –”
“Hoarding the pleasure of tormenting you for himself?”
“I mean I wouldn’t put it past him.” I wince as she pulls on a tangle. “I’ll ask.”
“You’ll what?” Nora sputters. “I’m sorry, but did you just escape becoming one dragon’s dinner only to go back and sit on another dragon’s plate? No offense meant, my lady, but at this point you are asking to be eaten alive.”
“So what would you have me do?” I turn toward her. “Stay away from Quinton altogether?”
She nods vehemently. “I want you to be safe. And Prince Quinton, he’s the opposite of safe. You know those monsters parents scare children about? The ones who come find you if you disobey? They are all probably thinking about that silver dragon when they come up with the stories.”
“I believe you. I… I just don’t think he’s actually a monster.” Before I can lose my nerve, I stand and cock my head to the side, listening to the quiet in the corridor. Either Tavias and Quinton killed each other, or they’ve separated. Given that the ship is still in one piece, I am willing to wager on the latter. “I’m going to go have that talk. And if I’m wrong, well, enjoy crispy fried human for dinner, alright?”
10. KIT
Coming up to Quinton’s door, I knock twice then let myself in without waiting for permission. Clearly, he has no Nora, because Quinton’s cabin is bone bare. Wood panels with intricate carvings line the walls, and the small round window is taking the brunt of the waves that batter the Phoenix's hull. Besides the sleeping cot which is attached to the wall with ropes and brackets, there are a couple of packs in the corner, more weapons than anyone should need, and – finally – Quinton himself. As with most everywhere on the ship, the air is thick with the scent of salt and damp wood.
"Have you considered unpacking?" I ask.
