Page 53 of Of Blood and Fire
“It’ll be a miracle if we don’t all fall asleep on our drakkons today,” Hannity added with a half laugh.
I grinned. “I take it, then, that you said yes?”
“To the contrary, I said I’ll consider it.”
“What?” I repeated. “Are you insane?”
“The common consensus amongst the rest of us is yes, she is,” Hannity remarked again.
“Don’t get me wrong,” Kele said, “I do love the man, but there is Bree to consider.”
I turned and continued on. “You’ve spent the last five years bitching about the lack of a marriage proposal coming from either of them, and now, when you get one, you’re on the fence about it?”
“Insane, as you duly noted, Commander,” Hannity said cheerfully.
Kele laughed. “Maybe, but it hit me when he proposed that I really do love them both, and I don’t think I can actually choose between one or the other.”
“Then don’t. Live with them both.”
“In the barracks? That’ll go down well.”
“If last night’s noise is anything to go by, it definitely willnot,” Beth commented.
“In the married quarters,” I said. “That’s what they’re meant for. They have better soundproofing, for a start.”
“Will they allow the three of us to share, do you think?”
I glanced over my shoulder at her. “Are you seriously saying that, after all our soulful conversations over a jug or three of mead, you never ever considered the possibility? I do believe I mentioned it at least once or twice.”
“How can I possibly be expected to remember anything said after three jugs of mead? Be a little realistic here, my friend.”
I laughed. “Talk to Commander Rankin. I’m sure he can arrange something.”
“Or you could put a good word in for me first.”
“And you’re not taking advantage of our friendshipatall.”
“Oh, totally am, and I have no shame in doing so. That’s what best friends are for.”
I laughed again. “Fine. I’ll put in a good word for you.”
“Brilliant. Thank you.”
“Not a problem,” I replied. “But you had best talk to both Wills and Bree about it first. Especially given you’ve been so adamant up until now about the whole marriage to one of them thing.”
“It’s the first thing on my to-do list for when we get back.”
You stop chatting,Kaia grumbled. Hurry more. We need go.
Be there in half an hour.
Need be faster.
I have feet, not wings, Kaia.
Feet need be faster.
I grinned and increased my pace. We got there a few minutes earlier than predicted, earning an amused rumble of approval from Kaia and an exuberant welcome from Gria. After wasting too many minutes on providing her the demanded eye scratch, I grabbed the rest of Kaia’s harness from the hooks and headed over to her, quickly gearing her up.
