Page 18 of Cast By Flames (Dragon's Breath)
“I’d suggest you choose your dwelling first thing tomorrow. After that, see Falcon about obtaining rations for yourself and the refugees. My scouts tell me they will arrive in two to three days. There is a lot to be done in little time. Servants have already cleaned the village homes recently and ensured they are stocked with basic furniture, so you will not need to worry about that.”
Relief filled Paul’s eyes. “We can handle it, no problem. Do you know how many will be arriving?”
“I was told approximately forty humans, along with horses, cows, and other animals they have brought with them. Falcon knows the rest of the details and can tell you more,” Aidan said, stepping away from the door.
He was ready for the young man to go so that he could focus on his mate and son for the rest of the evening. If it had been anyone other than Bailey’s brother, he might have put them off until another time. No doubt the slayer told him to approach at this hour while he was in his best mood, but he’d had an arduous day and wanted to be alone with his family.
“Okay, I can do that.” Paul headed for the door, pausing before opening it. “Thanks, uh, milord.”
“Aidan is fine when we’re in my chambers. You know that.” He’d certainly made it clear during family meals. “And be certain to bring Candace next time we have dinner here.”
Paul brightened. “I’d meant to ask about that. I appreciate everything, Aidan.”
He hurried out the door, closing it carefully behind him.
Bailey set the lock in place. When she turned back, she grinned at him and Orion. “So, what game are we playing tonight?”
They always spent an hour after themidnight meal doing an activity together. Sometimes, they played games, others they read or sat outside to watch the keep below and point out stars in the night sky. The entire fortress—linked to him and his family—felt their bonding time, lightening everyone’s moods. Why the pendragons before him, or at least the ones he remembered, hadn’t done the same, he couldn’t imagine.
“How about a competition between you and your mother on who can translate the most dragon words?” Aidan asked.
Orion had already proven to have a competitive streak. They tried to practice the language at least a few times a week to prepare him for school starting after the war. Occasionally, Aidan made it into a contest to help keep him and Bailey engaged and willing to study independently.
“Yeah!” His son jumped up and down. “Kade’s been helping me, so I know I can win.”
Bailey put her hands on her hips. “Was it Kade or your inner dragon?”
Orion shifted fromfoot to foot. “Um, both?”
“No cheating,” she said, wagging a finger at him.
She was competitive as well, and he suspected she went over words whenever she could find the time. The slayer was making an honest effort to fit in with his people, and he loved her even more for it. He’d never dreamed she’d try as hard as she did.
Aidan got out a jar of flame-forged marbles. Each time one of them translated the word correctly, they would get one. Whoever had the most at the end would win.
He waited until they settled into chairs in the sitting area. “What is the wordtibaya?”
“Sky!” Orion shouted quickly.
“Excellent job.” Aidan handed him a red marble, and the boy gave his mother a triumphant grin.
Bailey straightened her shoulders, ready for the next one.
He wouldn’t make it easy for her. “What doesNatakamean?”
“Duty,” she said without hesitation.
Aidan lifted a brow. “How did you learn that one?”
“Orion isn’t the only one who asks for help around here,” she replied, giving him a coy look.
It was the kind of expression that made him want to grab her and take her to bed, but this was their special time with their son. He’d have his mate to himself later.
“Next one,” he began, settling in for an enjoyable evening.
***
Aidan lay naked on the bed, entwined with Bailey in his arms. They’d kicked the sheets away from them after a most pleasurable encounter that left them hot and sweaty. Nothing relaxed him more than time with his mate. The hardships andstressors of the day melted away, leaving him feeling content and fulfilled. How had he gone years without her?
