Page 39 of Queen’s Gambit

Chapter 12

Reynard

Distracted and irritable. That was how they saw me. I could tell from the concerned glances Orm kept sending my way. He was right. Despite the familiarity of the War Room and the discussions about how our tenuous alliance would face the oncoming threat, this felt different. My thoughts slipped back to this morning, to the sight of Sana smiling at my dragon. I missed her scent, the clothes scattered on every surface, and the stains her concoctions left on my desk.

Now I was in my ready room, fuming as a servant fussed over my formal attire.

‘What do you mean you can’t find the bastard?’ I snapped at Irsha.

The man buttoning my decorative caftan shuddered and stepped back, lowering his head. My regular valet was busy gathering new furniture for my bedroom, or using an axe to open the chestnut tree that used to be Sana’s wardrobe.

‘I meant what I said. He must have used a portal since the entire city has been scoured by your guards and my guild,’ Irsha drawled, unbothered by my temper.

If someone had told me a man could change in a day, I would’ve laughed at them, but the Grand Master proved me wrong. One night with Lilliana in my damned bedroom, and he held himself like royalty. Even the frown that had followed him since her disappearance was gone. I was almost glad we allowed them to stay… almost.

‘Did you question the servants?’ I nodded for the valet to continue. The soft, dark velvet wasn’t my usual choice of fabric. However, for tonight, I wanted to showcase my strength. Not just for the gathered nobles but for Sana, and I was ready to suffer every inconvenience required.

‘You want me to question the people whose minds Riordan already eviscerated with his magic? And what’s with this outfit? Does it have steel plates? Are you expecting to be attacked?’ Irsha’s second question came at the worst possible moment.

‘He wants to impress his lady. I have to admit, your arse looks particularly perky squeezed into those trews, brother,’ Orm said, walking in. I wished for even a spark of magic to blast him with.

Irsha snorted, inhaling the wine he was drinking. He dissolved into a coughing, laughing fit as my cheeks heated.

‘I asked the valet to prepare something in the latest fashion. I had more important things to do with my time, and now it’s too late, so shut your gobs, you two,’ I answered, but they only laughed harder. After a moment, I laughed with them.

There was no point in dwelling on it; both Irsha’s men and mine were in position. Tangra’s delegation was so heavily guarded I even knew when the Clericus visited the privy.

I was concerned for Lilliana, who was struggling but insisted on getting out of bed. Then I remembered she was in the most secure room in the palace, protected by two battle mages so powerful that if anything threatened her, the gods wouldn’t find their remains. Not to mention Annika’s connection with Vahin. If anything were amiss, my brother would know instantly.

‘Cinared wants to bond with Roksana,’ I said, sharing the thought still at the forefront of my mind. Orm’s mouth fell open.

‘That’s not possible,’ he said, head tilting as it always did when he communicated with his dragon. He cursed, muttering to himself like a lunatic.

‘What?’ I asked when he exhaled, shaking his head.

‘Your dragon is ready for his last rider. Looks like I have an interesting conversation with Vahin to look forward to,’ Orm answered, rubbing his temple. When I gave him a blank stare, he added, ‘Cinared is ready to die.’

You won’t tell her. It’s my decision, Reynard. Cin’s voice in my head made me wince.

Why? That’s a stupid decision. Not the bond. For that, you have my blessing, but hiding the weight of it from her. Sana will skin you alive if she finds out, and she surely will.

You’ll accept us? You told her this? The hope in Cin’s voice was hard to bear.

Yes, I did. I want her safe, and I know she’ll be safe with you. The roar from outside made the glass rattle.

I’ll keep her safe, always. You are my best rider, Reynard. I’m glad I’ve tolerated you, he answered.

I’m your only rider, and I still wonder who tolerates whom.

When I returned my attention to the room, my outfit was complete, and the servant waited with a simple gold diadem in his hands.

‘Have you ever bedded Annika wearing your crown?’ I asked, remembering too late that we weren’t alone.

‘No, but now I think I want to try it. Thanks for the idea, brother,’ Orm answered before Irsha chimed in.

‘Try wearing a mask; women love it.’

I’d almost forgotten that Sana and Irsha had a past, but it still grated on me.