Page 140 of Red Dragon
When Jhiton glanced over, Vorik looked seaward and hurried to lightly say, “Does her trying to kill you again change your mind about inviting her to the tribe? If I can convince her to do so, may she come live with us?”
“Queensdon’t leave their kingdoms to live with nomadic dragon riders.”
“No, probably not.” Vorik almost wished that Syla hadn’t been able to establish leadership over her people, that she’d been forced into exile and walked into his arms. But that wouldn’t have been best for her or her kingdom, and he couldn’t truly wish that she were an exile, possibly with assassins trailing after her. He wanted her but he also wanted the best for her, and he knew he was not that.
“I wouldn’t rescind my invitation, though, no,” Jhiton said. “You and she would have strong children who would be a boon to our people.”
“Which is more important than her trying to kill you.”
“I might get a little vexed if shekepttrying.”
“She’ll probably be too busy as queen to think about assassinating you or even leaving her castle for a while.”
“I don’t know about that. She’s going to try to get the components back, I’m certain.” Jhiton waved toward their headquarters, as if he expected Syla to skulk in during the night to do so. “It’s possible she’ll send someone else—it would be much safer for her if she did—but… she’s the one with a dragon at her beck and call.”
Vorik thought about pointing out that Wreylith, even if shehadbonded with Syla, wouldn’t be at anyone’s beck and call, but Jhiton patted him on the shoulder again and headed down toward the cave. Before he descended, he looked back and said, “I suspect you’ll see her again.”
Even though Syla would come as an enemy if she came, Vorik couldn’t help but hope his brother was right.
THE END
