Page 76 of Of Blood and Fire
“Can her drakkon?”
I hesitated and reached out to Kaia again.
Can, she said.Is furious.
Kele’s injuries haven’t affected her at all?
Kin live but in pain. Yara needs vengeance.
And will she obey the orders of her queen?
Will. No want to risk kin’s life by being hurt.
That remained a danger, even if she obeyed every single command Kaia gave. If we all returned alive and intact from this attack, it would be a miracle.
I returned my attention to Garran again. “Yara will fly without Kele if necessary.”
He nodded. “I’ll get an update on her condition from the medics; they’re in the best position to make the decision as to whether she’s fit enough to fly or not.”
They certainly were, but if Kele was conscious, she’d be wanting to be up and on drakkon back, no matter what her condition.
“Could you inform Halka and Miri of our plans, and ask them to remain in the aerie after they do the morning flyover?”
“Do you think it’s wise to still do that?” Neera asked.
“The Mareritt may well become suspicious if we don’t,” I said. “Let’s not give them any cause to be on alert.”
Garran nodded and glanced at me. “I’ll inform the rest of your team to meet in the courtyard, ready to fly out by twelve?—”
“And after you do that, can you contact Jakarra and ask what the situation now is over there in regard to rider and soldier numbers?”
He nodded. “In the meantime, you and Damon should get some rest. It’s going to be a long day for you both.”
That was certainly an understatement. I saluted, then turned and walked out, heading for the stairs and our suite on the upper floor, Damon a step behind me. Janis opened the door; Damon ordered her out, then closed and bolted it.
I raised my eyebrows. “The action of a man who has no intention of being interrupted.”
“They have knuckles. They can knock.”
“And have you shielded the entrance to the rodent run?”
“I have indeed.” He caught my hand, drew me into his big warm body, and kissed me, long and slow. “We have six hours before you depart. I believe we should use them wisely.”
“Wisely would mean sleeping.”
“Unwisely, then.”
I laughed. “Why don’t you, dear husband, go get that bath you so desperately need, and I shall wait for you in our bed.”
“Deal. Be naked.”
“And ready?”
“It is my job, wife, to ensure you are ready.” He kissed my hand, his eyes twinkling wickedly, then turned and walked to the bathroom,
I remained where I was, watching him strip off and climb into the bath, sighed in appreciation, and then walked over to the bed platform, undressing and climbing in. He joined me ten minutes later, smelling faintly of the warm, woody soapweed he’d used. He didn’t say anything. He just gathered me in his arms and kissed me.
From that point on, there was no talking. Not for the next few hours. We explored each other’s bodies with lips and touch, teasing and caressing and loving.
