Page 166 of Flameborne: Chosen
“I do understand that a word from me could clear the path, Donavyn,” Alexi said a moment later. “However, I also remember my days at that age. It seems to me that a three month delay in their training is entirely sufficient to teach them to control themselves next time, and to make them think twice.”
“Sire, I agree that the current discipline will moderate their thinking. My concern is the underlying character that this kind of stunt reveals.”
“And against a woman,” Diaan, added seriously. “We’ve discussed this, husband. A man who will flippantly hurt those weaker than himself is not the kind of leader our Kingdom needs.”
Alexi frowned. “You say he didn’t strike a blow? Only pinned her against the wall?”
Only?I nodded slowly, frowning myself. “He appeared to commend himself for the restraint,” I growled. “But Sire—”
“He hadn’t lost control, then,” the King said, flapping a hand as if he shooed the problem away. “This wasn’t a violent attack—only in poor taste. Let’s get the man coaching. Not remove him from his future.”
I bristled. “But, the banner, Sire? They sought to defeat her by deceptive means when it was clear that she would pass on her own merit—”
“It was poorly done, and the young man who stole her banner should be informed that we know and will not tolerate future breaches. But you’ve already delivered sufficient punishment, Donavyn. I’ll wager the little bastard will fuck her at some point and both of them will forget their malice. Let’s not forfeit dragon Pairs for a tale that will be told in years to come with laughter.”
I had to keep still for a moment to stop myself gaping, or swearing, or cursing the man.
Diaan seemed equally unimpressed, but she did a better job than I at covering it.
“Husband—”
“Don’t start on me again,” Alexi growled at his wife. “The man is young. Let him learn and grow. Warn them both. Any other conduct issues and they’ll be out. I’ll stand behind that.”
Anger made my body tense, but I couldn’t defy him, he was the King. I wouldn’t even have brought this to him usually, but he’d been there to witness it, and made the call to raise Bren.
I thought he’d be more invested in her success.
But I swallowed my frustration, bowed to them both, and quietly vowed to myself that I’d watch both Lorr and Faren, and the moment either of them revealed this lack of integrity again, they would be out of any chance to become Furyknights. Ever.
I would have excused myself then, but as I bowed again, there was a knock at the door and when the King calledenter,another messenger arrived.
Alexi took one look and muttered that God had determined he wouldn’t sleep tonight. I bowed and the Queen bowed her head as he stood and marched out of the room.
Which left me alone with Diaan.
I bowed to her. “I must return to make certain the Flameborne have all—”
“Donavyn, I found the displays todaythrilling,”she said quickly. As I measured her tone, she rose to her feet and walked to stand right in front of me, leaning back slightly so that her breasts—already encased in a corset top and pressed up so that it seemed her chin would brush them if she looked down—seemed presented on a platter.
I cleared my throat and turned discreetly away. “I’m overjoyed that you found the maneuvers today so—”
‘Donavyn. You’re needed. Now.’
I blinked. Kgosi very rarely summoned me, and almost never with anorder.
“Donavyn,” the Queen said, unaware of my conversation with my dragon. It was rude, but I raised a hand to her to stop and turned my head away as if I were listening, praying she’d understand.
‘What’s going on?’
‘The dragons are unsettled by the violence, there’s conjecture among the humans, and Bren…”He trailed off on the last and my heart went cold.‘Akhane is agitated.’
It hit me that I stood there with my palm up to theQueen.
“Please, I beg your forgiveness, Diaan,” I said quickly. “Kgosi was speaking to me and—”
“Your duties are many, and your diligence to themadmirable,”Diann said with a small smile.
“Thank you, but I regret treating you so flippantly. It was instinct. I apologize. Thank you for your support this evening with the King.”
