Page 85 of Dragon Fight

“I wouldn’t worry.” I stared into his eyes when he lifted his head. “I have the feeling it was only a matter of time before that happened. That man has his fingers in a lot of pies and it seems he’s aware of most everything that happens, even in Wyrmpeak.”

“I’ll keep you safe,” he promised me. “He won’t come anywhere near you.”

But while Ged might have wanted to believe that with his entire heart, I wasn’t so sure that was how it was going to be.

51

On our return to our suite at the keep, Soren demanded an explanation of where we’d been. Then he exploded. “You did what?!” Soren and the others stood by, listening to Ged and I talk about what we’d learned. “Marcus fucking Lighthands?”

“I had to talk to him. I could’ve trawled the entirety of the docklands without finding out a thing, nothing but what he permitted,” Ged shot back.

“That doesn’t explain why you took my…” Flynn paused, red spots having formed on his cheekbones, “…our wife down to the fucking docklands and delivered her into the hands of the biggest criminal mastermind the capital is home to.”

Wife. I wasn’t yet used to them saying it. Each time I heard it, I flushed like a maiden in response. But maidenly virtues weren’t going to help me now.

“I appreciate the concern,” I said in cool tones, “but it's misguided. I wanted to be there.”

“Now, Pippin—” Soren started to say.

“I love that you are protective of me, but don’t mistake that for permission to control me.” The room went silent and I knew I had their attention. I slid my arm into Ged’s, and he put his arm around me. “Thank you for taking me, for including me, for making me feel like I’m an equal partner in this.”

“To me, you are,” he replied honestly. “I know the high born have funny ideas about protecting their womenfolk, but my mother would box my ears if I tried, if she still lived. She made clear just how strong a woman could be.”

For a moment, I gazed up at him, feeling a beautiful warmth in my chest, the same one that flared the moment I was close to them.

“And anyway,” I continued, “I think we would’ve come to this in the end, anyway. Marcus seems… interested in Glimmer and I—”

Don’t take that one for a mate, Glimmer said.I felt his mind and it was a tricksy thing.

You could feel Marcus’ mind from the outskirts of the city?I asked her.

My reach goes as far as you do, she replied, somewhat inscrutably.

I blinked and then continued.

“He seems to be a curious man.” That was met by rough snorts from the men. “And one who will do a great deal to satisfy that curiosity. This way we get to control that process.”

“There’s no controlling Marcus bloody Lighthands,” Soren grumbled. “Wing Commander, we need to talk to the general about more weapons training for Pippin. The prince had the right of it. Daggers are a smarter option for her.”

“Perhaps Draven will volunteer to teach Pippin again?” Flynn’s words had a sharp edge to them, and I felt it keenly. I cursed myself for being a jealous, greedy fool, but even after experiencing the most perfect of nights in their arms, I’d still felt like I was missing something when I woke up.

“Marcus has said he’ll find where the boys are and return them to us in return for a favour,” I said, which had predictable responses. I ignored their rumblings. “And I would offer ten times that if it meant we find Lance and the others.”

“Don’t let her spend any more time with that prick,” Soren commanded, stabbing a finger at Ged. “He’ll have her selling the heart out of her chest to him in seconds.”

“Well, he won’t have time for that today,” Brom said, then tapped a letter he was holding. “We’ve been formally invited to the Duke of Skane’s city residence tonight for dinner: as Flynn’s wing, of course.”

“Of course,” Flynn echoed with a smirk.

“Pippin, I thought I might take you down to the dressmakers.” There was something a little fragile about Brom just then, as if he braced himself for a rejection. “All you have are your father’s castoffs and your cadet uniform. As my wife, you’ll be expected to attend palace events and wear formal wear.”

“And didn’t that work out well last time,” Flynn muttered.

“Of course.” Why did I suddenly feel shy with my own husband? “I’d love to.”

The smile he gave me pushed everything else to one side. He held out a hand and I took it gladly.

“What…?”Words failed me as we alighted from the carriage out the front of the seamstress’ shop. She had mannequins in the window to showcase her wares, just like every other milliner, clothier and dressmaker did. But this one had feminine figures wearing… “Are those suits?”

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