Page 38 of In the Embrace of Dragons

“Choose one,” Ragnakor says, crossing his arms. “To be your pet.”

He remembers that conversation about the hunting dog?

“Teach it to hunt with you,” he adds. “Perhaps it will bring you some... enjoyment.”

I look carefully into Ragnakor’s face, but he’s so good at hiding how he feels. This is such a kind gesture that I’m not sure what to make of it. He is loyal to his king, but he seems intent on making me feel welcome here, too.

At least I have that, though I wish it meant more than simply a friend trying to help a friend.

We observe the puppies for a while, discussing their personalities as they play. I want an affectionate dog, one that will keep me company in day-to-day life as well as out on a hunt. Eventually, I decide on a female pup who keeps coming back to me and whimpering at my feet, begging to be picked up. Holding her in my arms, I relay my decision to the dragon overseeing the litter.

“A good choice,” says Ragnakor, petting the puppy’s head with a gentleness I didn’t expect from him. “She will be a fine companion.”

I hold her up to my face and kiss her tiny, wet nose, and I think I agree.

Chapter Fifteen

RAGNAKOR

Something about seeing Nissia cradling her new puppy in a gentle embrace stirs me up. She is... handsome, in a way no other human is. Her mouth is so striking, her furry eyebrows expressive and sweet. The maternal way in which she gazes down at her new friend warms my heart and makes me imagine her with offspring of her own. There is simultaneously a childlike wonder about her, just as much as there is a mature level of control and self-reflection.

I admire her. It’s that simple. This woman was brought here to a strange land, leaving everything she knew behind, and despite how the king has treated her, still she manages to smile.

I think she will make a good queen.

It is unfortunate that this is the best I can do for her, getting her a dog. I can lend her very little of my time. But it’s late now, and my hours keeping watch are over for the night, so I can spend a little of it with Nissia so she doesn’tfeel so alone.

“What if we get her settled?” I suggest while the queen holds her new puppy and strokes its head. It’s calmed down quite a bit already.

“Sure.” She has a wide smile on her face as we bid the stablehand goodbye and head back to the castle.

“The dog will need to evacuate its bowels often,” I explain as we walk. “There is a courtyard close to your rooms. Your handmaid will want to take her often.”

“I’ll take her,” Nissia says without hesitating. “Not like I have anything else to do.”

It brings me displeasure to hear this, and I set a goal to find ways she can enjoy and entertain herself. I should speak to Quillion about activities he might suggest.

Zephala is surprised when we return with the new dog, but she’s more than willing to go and procure a soft pillow and blanket for it to sleep on. She also returns with a bag of dried meat that she and Nissia can use to help train the dog on how to properly go to the bathroom outside.

Once they’re settled, I head to the door to let myself out.

“Captain?”

I pause and turn to find Nissia rising from her spot on the floor by her new charge. “Thank you. This was kind of you. I... always appreciate your company.” Her expression is shy.

“You are very welcome. It’s the least I can do for the queen of the realm. I know that Vizarios is not the easiest partner.” I shake my head and sigh, because there’s only so much I can say in front of Zephala. “But I hope I can make one thing better for you here.”

I marvel at how Nissia’s big eyes get even bigger, and then the most radiant, most decadent and generous smile splashes across her face.

“Thank you, Captain. You don’t know what that means to me.” She gets to her feet and places her tiny hand on my arm. “I appreciate your friendship more than I can say, and I hope it continues.”

My gut twists. I am sure that the king will not appreciate any suchfriendship. Though he may be my superior in all ways, I will not leave my queen on her own, either. Not when she clearly needs me.

NISSIA

It is kind of Ragnakor to make me feel more welcome, to do something so thoughtful as to give me a dog who can occupy my time. I do know that’s what it is, at the end of the day: a way to keep me busy. Maybe if I take up training my new dog and then use it to go on hunts, I won’t become a pathetic recluse who exists only to be a breeding mare.

A shiver travels up my spine at the thought Vizarios and I could already have made a child. Would he hate it? Would he be cruel to it, too?