Page 100 of Cast By Flames (Dragon's Breath)
“I have two boys and a girl, ranging in ages from five to one-hundred and forty. When your own are older, perhaps we could see if any are compatible for mating,” he suggested, appearing hopeful.
The distance between their territories was such that their toriqan hadn’t attempted an arrangement since long before Aidan was born. It wasn’t a terrible idea, as shifters needed to expand their mating pool to keep their bloodline fresh. Perhaps it also appealed to Wren that Orion did not trigger a slayer's killing instincts, and he had a unique coloring. There was a reasonable chance he could pass those traits on to his offspring.
Still, it was hard to imagine his and Bailey’s son or any of their future children mating with a shifter that far away. He hated to consider it right now, but it was expected among his kind to begin planning early, especially for the highborn.
While nothing would be settled without the consent of the prospective mates, he would be promising the other toriqan a first opportunity at courtships. At least he’d warned Bailey that the topic might come up before the other pendragons arrived. Hildegard had already been eyeing their son as if he were a future prize, which was what prompted him to discuss it with her.
“After the war, we should arrange to visit each other’s lands periodically to maintain our ties. I’m certain many in my toriq would be interested in potential matches,” Aidan said diplomatically.
Wren gave him a pleased smile. “That would be agreeable.”
“We would like that as well,” Syrus said, leaning over to look at him from the other side of Bailey. Since the slayer knew him, Aidan had thought she’d appreciate a chance to talk while they ate and had him seated there.
He nodded at the pendragon. “I would like nothing more than to see how other shifter toriqan live and build stronger relations with each of you. There are too few of our kind to continue the separation we’ve had in recent centuries.”
Of course, since Aidan’s territory was almost equal distance between the other two, the Craegud and Straegud likely preferred to build relations with his toriq rather than each other. It was a long distance to travel from coast to coast through pure dragon territories. The Taugud provided a central point they could all use, including the Faegud.
Bailey picked at her food, and he had no doubt she didn’t care for the subject matter but understood they couldn’t avoid it. She took a deep breath and forced a smile onto her face. “I knowI would love to visit your jakhals. It would also allow me to hunt along the way since it has become more difficult here.”
“I imagine so,” Syrus said with a grin. “Aidan has mentioned some of our pure dragon allies don’t like that you and your friends continue to kill their members during our truce.”
“It’s their fault for straying too close to our borders,” she replied, picking up her goblet of wine.
Wren leaned past Aidan to look at her. “Perhaps your mate could keep you pregnant often enough to avoid antagonizing your neighbors as much. I heard slayers lose their urge to attack dragons during that time and for a period afterward.”
Bailey choked on her wine.
Aidan held back a grin, not daring to reveal the thought had crossed his mind, but he’d always follow Bailey’s preferences. Her body would do most of the work, after all. Having said that, one couldn’t help but think that nine months of pregnancy and six months afterward was a nice break that his mate wouldn’t feel the urge to hunt.
“Are you okay, misanna?”
“I think I need some fresh air,” she said.
The lines of strain across her forehead told him all he needed to know. She couldn’t handle being in a crowded hall with so many dragons for much longer, or she’d lose control. Their conversation had not helped matters.
Aidan stood. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to escort my mate outside.”
“But…” Wren began.
Syrus shook his head at him. “Trust me. You want him to take her out.”
It was clear the Straegud pendragon had enough experience with slayers to understand the problem. Aidan was glad he had an ally on the matter.
Bailey’s back was ramrod straight as they made their way around the table and weaved past other diners on their way to the doors. She drew in ragged breaths as he kept a calming hand on her shoulder. Thanks to his growing pendragon powers, his enhanced senses told him she was at the edge of her control and close to exploding.
Aidan guided her outside, down the steps, and toward the side of the castle. Through their walk, he rubbed soothingly at the back of her neck. They eventually reached a small garden with high hedges concealing everything except the entrance.
“Thank you,” she said after they entered.
No one was there—only the two of them.
Her hand trembled as she reached up to move a strand of black hair from her face. “I couldn’t take another minute in there, but I was trying.”
“I know.” He cupped her cheek. “You did well.”
Bailey shook her head. “I hate that I can’t be a better mate for you. God, I can’t even sit at your side without thinking about killing your allies, especially as they eye our son like some prize—and the children we haven’t had yet.”
He’d assumed her minimal contribution to the discussion was due to that.
