Page 34 of Wings of Frost and Fury
“Then why are you staring?”
“Your fingers are beautiful.”
“My fingers?” Her eyebrows rise, and her mouth softens in a surprised smile. “Thank you. You have nice hands as well.”
“But these hands aren’t mine,” I say. “You gave them to me. I have huge claws.”
“You do.” She sets a bowl of berries on the table and pops one into her mouth. “Is it strange that I’d like to feel your claws on me?”
“Very strange.”
“And would you crush me, dragon? Would you sink your claws into my flesh and press your weight down until my bones cracked?”
The very thought causes me physical pain. “Never. I will never harm you, nor will I allow anyone else to do so.”
“Not even your prince?”
“Princes,” I correct her. “There are two of them. And no—not even them.”
“Why?” She narrows her eyes, taking another berry and perching on the edge of the table. “Because I let you come inside me?”
“That is one reason, but I have others.”
“Enlighten me.” Her tone is slightly sharper, a hint of command in it.
“You are beautiful. Beautiful things should not be crushed unless there is a very good reason. And you are powerful. Power should not be wasted.”
“And?”
“And I like the way you speak. I like the thoughts you share.”
“Do you?” She scoffs a little. “Most people think I’m too sarcastic, that I never take anything seriously enough. I make a joke of almost everything.” I’m about to reply, but she gestures impatiently to the food. “Eat, dragon.”
With each bite, a new world unfolds in my mouth. Crumbly cake, juicy strawberries, sweet icing. Flaky pastry, tenderchicken, soft vegetables, rich gravy. I like the creamy density of the cheese, but it’s the savory, crunchy boldness of the bacon that makes me hum with pleasure.
Thelise watches me experience each new food, smiling like she’s truly enjoying the sight.
“How do you feel?” she asks, a few minutes after I’ve cleaned the plate. “Anything troubling your stomach?”
“No.”
“I suppose that means everything is in working order,” she muses. “Very good. And now, dragon… you said you had some captives that you took from the Capital and brought to Ouroskelle?”
“Yes.”
“Can you tell me anything else about them?”
I’m not sure how much Kyreagan wants me to share, and despite my growing fixation on this woman, I remain loyal to my clan. “I can only tell you that in addition to your magic, we need supplies—things for washing and for hair. Clothes… other items.”
“Of course.” She hops off the edge of the table. “I shouldn’t leave in case the charm I placed on you becomes unstable. I’ve taken hairs from several men in the area. I can use one of those to craft a quick attraction spell that will bring a man to my door. I’ll sendhimto the market for me.”
“These men run errands for you?”
“Sometimes.”
“Why?”
Thelise lifts an eyebrow and gestures to herself. “Why do you think?”
