Page 45 of Flameborne: Chosen
The Queen’s eyes snapped to mine from where she’d been staring murder at her husband for his dismissal of women in the military.
The King raised his glass. “What is it, Donavyn?” he asked.
“I know you’ll have thoughts on her position. As will everyone, whether they have intimate knowledge of the dragons or not. The natural temptation is to question her suitability. But my goal is that we give no room for favoritismoradditional barriers. To continue our tradition of honor I want to see her treated as any other Flameborne would be, as much as possible. Rather than igniting debate, I’d like to… well, if not ignore her sex, certainly overlook it. Your Majesties could be a great asset in turning attention away from the gossip and speculation when it arises. Both nobles and servants will follow your example. And word will spread. Do you think you could see your way to turning eyes and conversationawayfrom her when it's in your power?”
“It isalwaysin my power, Donavyn,” Alexi muttered.
“I spoke delicately,” I said with a smile. “Your influence is precisely why I bring this to you before it’s common knowledge—and why I ask the favor.”
The King waved me off, but the Queen nodded. “We’ll do what we can, Donavyn,” she reassured me. “It may sound dismissive in practice, but we can set a tone of indifference to discourage the Court from getting involved. But you must tell us how she progresses. I want regular updates!” she said firmly.
“Of course,” I said, nodding my acquiescence, but my guts churned. “When there’s news, I’ll bring it.”
“Weekly please,” the Queen instructed. “If Alexi is busy, you can report to me and I’ll fill him in.”
Shit.“Yes, of course, Your Majesty.”
“Oh, Donavyn, surely we are past the titles by now?”
“Let the man honor you, Diaan,” the King muttered, then took another sip from his drink. “Well, this isn’t the news I expected, but for that I am grateful. Is there anything else, Donavyn?”
“No, Sire. As I said, I’ll ensure you’re informed if anything new arises.”
Fortunately, Alexi was tired and dismissed me quickly.
Unfortunately, Diaan insisted on ushering me out of the royal wing.
As we left their private chamber, she took my arm again for the walk through the halls, squeezing my forearm. “I’m very glad that this happened while you’re in charge, Donavyn,” she murmured quietly, keeping her voice below what the servants would catch.
“I’m honored, Your Majesty, but I feel wholly unequipped for the task,” I said honestly.
She gave a tinkling laugh, but quieted quickly and tipped her head closer as she whispered. “I have always appreciated your willingness to accept a woman in a man’s world,” she murmured. “And the word among women is that you always care for their wellbeing—in publicandprivate,” she said delicately. “A man of true honor.”
I blinked. “I’m… I’m not certain—”
“In my experience, the men of this world have often—almost always—overlooked the power women hold in our society. It is, perhaps, not quite so obvious to those outside. But know, Donavyn, that women speak. And powerful women influence far more than is seen. Among the women who wield power, reports are that you are a man who bothnoticesand attends to a woman’s needs with admirable dedication,” she said slyly.
I felt her eyes on the side of my face and my heart went cold. Had the moment come? Was I finally going to have to reject her outright? Or did she only see this as a game?
She was a perceptive woman, excellent at pinpointing what might put any individual off-balance. I’d seen her turn the mood in powerful rooms with a well-timed comment. And I’d seen herflattenboth men and women with a word. She was not a woman I wanted as an enemy.
But neither did I want the King’s wife as aplaymate.
I cleared my throat. “I’m humbled—again—by your admiration, Your Majesty,” I said quietly.
“Please, Donavyn, no one will hear you use my name—”
“—but I fear your reports have been exaggerated.”
She tensed. We were almost at the door to the main halls of the palace. Soon the guards would be able to hear us. I had to hurry.
“The downfall of a job like mine is that it leaves no significant time for, er, personal pursuits. And while I appreciate anyone who would compliment me when I am not there to hear it, it’s also true that Furyknights tend to invite speculation, and compliments on our prowess that we have not earned. Please, take what you hear with a grain of salt. I am merely a man, as any other,” I said quickly.
I didn’t look at her. Couldn’t risk her feeling any more revealed than she already was.
Within two steps the guards were too close to risk anything that shouldn’t be overhead. Then it was time for her to let me go so I could leave.
But when I was about to step away, she squeezed my arm and stopped me in my tracks.
