by Bianca D’Arc
“No, but—”
“Then there’s no reason for us not to see where this might lead,” Kaden said in a determined voice.
“No pressure though,” Marcus assured her, as if reminding them all. “We like you a great deal, Lucia. You’ve already proven your care for our dragon partners and they love you for it. I think the Mother of All put you in our path for a reason, and I don’t want to frighten you, but knights often know immediately when they meet the right woman.” His eyes sought out Kaden’s over her head. He took a deep breath, as if for courage, then went on. “I felt something when I first saw you, but the danger to Rey and the revelation that Linea was his mate had my head spinning. But it feels right to have you here, with us. I think you were meant for us, Lucia. I think I could spend the rest of my life loving you.”
Lucia caught her breath at the tender revelation. No man had ever said such things to her, and she realized from any other man, the declaration would have been wrong. But from Marcus…it felt right, but altogether too scary. He still reminded her of the life she’d been forced to leave behind. He’d tried to show her other facets of his personality, but when she wasn’t caught up in his passion, she still saw his polish and poise, his rich garments and cultured background. They’d have to work on that before she could ever be truly comfortable in his presence.
Kaden squeezed her waist, claiming her attention. “I owe you gratitude, no doubt, but this feels like so much more. I want to get to know you better and see if you could fit in with our little family. You could complete us, Lucy, and make us the happiest of men—and dragons.” He winked at her.
“But there’s no pressure.” Marcus’s words belied the very real pressure she was beginning to feel. He knew it too. The irony in his tone spoke volumes.
She liked Marcus’s dry sense of humor, and the fact he acknowledged the depth of the position they put her in made her feel better somehow. Unable to deal with much more, she shook off their hands and stood, looking down at them both. She drew on all her childhood lessons of deportment to face these two with a dignity she wasn’t feeling at the moment.
“Gentlemen,” she tried to sound stern, “I have no idea why you’re teasing me this way.”
“Sweetheart,” Marcus spoke for both, “we’re not teasing. We’re in earnest.”
“Then,” she sniffed and blinked back the tears welling in her eyes, “I have no idea what to say to you. Please,” she grabbed the sides of her rough skirt, “give me time to think. I wasn’t raised to expect anything like this.”
“Talk to Rey and Linea,” Kaden advised, catching one of her hands when she would have fled. “Let them explain how it is between knights and their mates if you cannot ask it of us.”
Swallowing, she refused to look at either of them as she nodded, though she discovered Kaden’s concern was easier to bear than Marcus’s. Kaden was rough where Marcus was smooth and he didn’t remind her of the painful past, but rather of the protective Jinn warriors who’d put their lives on the line to save hers. Kaden let her go and she took off across the room to the area behind the bar, where her small room—and safety—was located.
“She’s magnificent,” Marcus said as they watched her flee with a grace few tavern wenches ever achieved.
“And beautiful,” Kaden agreed. “Too good for the likes of me, though with your highbred manners, she’s a perfect match for you.”
“You sound jealous!” Marcus rounded on his friend, teasing in his expression, though underneath there was serious thought behind his words.
“I am, dammit.” Kaden swiped the glass off the table and finished his wine in one swallow. “If not for Rey, she would never look at a rough soldier like me. I don’t know how to talk to her, how to handle her, how to—”
Marcus cut him off. “But you know how to love her.”
That stopped him cold.
He did. He knew very well how to love her. In fact, the seed of love was blooming even now in his heart. He looked at Marcus—the man he’d share Lucy with, if she could handle being their wife.
“You too?”
Marcus sighed and propped his head on one hand, elbow on the table. “In the tumult of the past days, I didn’t realize it at first. It just felt so good to have her around. It felt right to have her caring for Rey and talking with him and Linea. Like that was the way it always should be. And then I realized…it probably was. But she fears me, Kaden. Or rather, she fears the memories I bring back.”
“How’s that?” Kaden was shocked by the sorrow in his friend’s tone. Marcus was one of those knights who always seemed sure he could overcome any obstacle. His positive attitude was something Kaden aspired to, but never seemed to achieve, and here Marcus was, as down as Kaden had ever seen him.
“I kissed her yesterday.” Marcus rubbed one hand over his face. “Actually, I propositioned her, and grabbed her butt. Damn, she has a fine ass.” He seemed lost in reverie for a moment while Kaden seethed. “She nearly ran from me, Kaden. She came right out and told me I reminded her of all that she’d lost and tried to leave. Then I became a barbarian and grabbed her ass.”
Kaden laughed. He couldn’t help it. It just sounded so ridiculous coming from Marcus in those cultured tones of his.
“It’s not funny,” Marcus snapped.
Kaden tried to wipe the smile from his face. “Sorry. All right. What happened then?”
“She seemed intrigued, but in the end she ran away.” Marcus sounded so glum, Kaden could almost forgive him for making the first move on Lucy.
“So how do we get her to agree to be our mate?”
“You court her. Woo her. Do whatever it is human males do to show her how good you will be for her.” Linea spoke to both knights. She was resting quietly with Reynor, who slept on, but her jeweled eyes followed the knights.
“Good idea, milady,” Kaden said, “but most human women don’t expect to have two husbands. The idea of it might be unsettling to her.”
“Judging from the way she kissed you both, I think she’s more open to our ways than you believe. Still, it couldn’t hurt to show her the Lair. Let her talk to some of the other women. Maybe you could have some of your friends visit here and bring their mates so she can meet them. I doubt she’ll want to leave Reynor here while he’s still so sick.”
“You are a clever strategist, Lady Linea,” Kaden acknowledged, toasting her. “We’ll do that.”
Chapter Five
The next day, they put their new plan into action. Several knights and their mates came to visit Rey and Linea throughout the morning and afternoon, the dragons craning their heads in the special, large doorway to see their comrades in the small space. The tavern became more popular than ever, with folks coming in for lunch, dinner and evening entertainment, and to see the dragons and knights up close. It was a treat, even for those who’d lived their whole lives in the shadow of the castle.
Reynor was doing much better physically and seemed to enjoy the attention and well wishes from people he didn’t even know. Lucia was kept busy delivering fruit people sent to Rey and Linea as well as drinks they bought for the knights. It was a kind gesture they gladly accepted and returned.
Lucia watched the other knights and their wives, astounded at first by the casual way the threesomes came and went. They were comfortable with each other in a way that spoke of love and deep understanding. Lucia had seldom seen such obvious commitment among lovers, and each new trio seemed happier than the last. After her initial shock, Lucia scrutinized them when they weren’t looking, wondering if their apparent happiness wasn’t some elaborate hoax. It seemed odd to see so many three-partnered relationships with nary one unhappy member or any hint of discord, but that’s exactly what she saw. The thought gave her pause.
“Lucia.” Marcus caught her attention as she passed their table. The hour was late and many of the tavern’s patrons had already headed for their homes. A quick glance told her the knights had drunk more than their normal share of the libations sent to them as they lau
ghed and talked with their friends. Four other knights and two ladies sat with them, several dragons crowding the tavern yard.
“Yes, Sir Marcus? Is there something you wanted?”
“That’s a loaded question, my sweet.” He winked. “Can you stop for a moment and join us? You’ve been rushing around all night long.” His tone was disapproving, but she heard the teasing in his words. Still, he was right about the workload. The tavern had been busier than usual, thanks to the attraction of knights and dragons.
The work was more demanding, but the money was good. Increased patronage meant increased gratuities for her, and more income for the owner. He wouldn’t begrudge her a few minutes rest now the crowd was dissipating, surely. Not after her actions had brought the dragons and knights—and their windfall—to his door.
“I guess I could sit for a minute or two. If you’re sure.” She felt distinctly uncomfortable, noting the difference between her rough clothing and the costly silks in which the ladies were dressed.
Kaden took one of her hands and squeezed, offering reassurance in his touch. “Join us.”
It was the sparkle in his dark blue eyes that decided her. Allowing him to tug her closer, she took the seat beside him, which placed her next to one of the other women. Lucia looked at the others with some trepidation as Marcus made the introductions.
“Lucia, this is Hal and Jures and their mate, Candis. They’re from the Northern Lair, visiting for a few days. And across the table is Bellon and Jeth and their mate, Marta.”
Far from turning up their noses at her common appearance, the women made her feel welcome. They shared small talk for a few minutes and Lucia learned that Marta and her men lived in the suite next door to Marcus and Linea. They were neighbors in the Castle Lair, though they appeared older than either Marcus or Kaden.
After a bit, the men started talking among themselves and the ladies turned to her with friendly smiles. Lucia sensed no animosity from either of the women though the difference in their stations couldn’t have been plainer. Lucia was a servant. She’d been waiting on them all night, in fact, but these women spoke to her as if she were an equal.
“So do you have any questions for us, Lucy?” Marta asked. “Is it all right to call you that? Kaden seems to call you Lucy, but Marcus is a bit more formal.”
Caught off guard, she smiled and squirmed a bit. “Sir Kaden probably calls me Lucy because Sir Reynor decided early on he liked the sound of it better. And it’s fine with me. I actually like it.”
“Still so formal? Calling them sir?” Marta looked deflated.
“Well, I’m only a servant, after all. It wouldn’t be right—”
“That’s garbage.” Lady Candis’s pronouncement was blunt and sounded rather final. “I was a farm girl when Hal found me. You’ll discover we don’t care much for rank in the Lair, only that our men and dragons are happy and well cared for. If you can do that, you’ll be welcome among us.”
“But—”
“They haven’t asked her yet, I bet.” Marta’s glance slid from Marcus to Kaden back to her with a speculative gleam. “The fools.”
“Asked me what?”
“To live in the Lair,” Marta said with breezy assuredness. “It’s clear the dragons already love you. You’d be welcome, Lucy.”
“But the key is,” Lady Candis chimed in, “do you love them?”
“Yes, of course. Reynor and Linea are both dear to my heart.”
“Not the dragons, silly,” Marta chided her. “Though that’s important, of course. Do you love Marcus and Kaden?”
Stunned by the woman’s blunt question, Lucia’s gaze shifted to the men. Each was attractive in his own way, though she still feared the memories Marcus brought back, though she couldn’t deny his attraction, and she had no such qualms about Kaden. Both men had sought her out, made her feel special, and kissed her as if she really mattered to them. Each was unique—Marcus with his debonair flair and Kaden with his rough warrior ways—and she felt deep stirrings of admiration and passion for them both. But was it love?
She didn’t dare answer, even in the privacy of her own mind.
“I’m not used to the idea of having more than one lover.” She hedged with the ladies who eyed her with varying degrees of expectation.
“Oh, that’s the best part.” Marta’s eyes glowed with mischief. “Two men are most definitely better than one.”
“Mmm,” Candis agreed with a laugh, “when one makes you angry you can ask the other to punch him in the nose for you.”
“But disharmony in a Lair relationship is rare indeed,” Marta jumped to reassure her. “The men know if their lady is unhappy, they will both suffer, and the dragons too. And nobody wants to deal with unhappy dragons.”
“So that’s why all of them looked so happy. But,” Lucia lowered her voice, “how does it all work exactly? Do they take turns?” She blushed at her own brazen question but the ladies didn’t seem to take offense.
Marta patted her hand again. “Occasionally, but at heart, we’re a triple. We do all things together.”
Lucia shook her head, confused. “I just don’t see how it’s possible.”
“Oh, it’s possible, all right,” Candis confirmed with a knowing grin. “And darn pleasurable. There’s nothing quite like having two men to warm you on a cold winter’s night. Two men to see to your every need. Two men to cherish and protect you. And two men to love.” Her gaze drifted fondly to her mates, talking animatedly with the other men.
“Give Marcus and Kaden a chance to prove it to you, Lucy. They say you can hear dragons. It’s clear you were meant to live in the Lair.”
“You can’t?” Lucia was surprised by the longing in Marta’s tone.
Marta shook her head. “Sadly, no. At times I hear echoes, but I do love the dragons and know they enjoy my company too.”
Lucia couldn’t imagine what it must be like to live in such close company with dragons and not be able to hear their silent speech. Her heart went out to the other woman.
“Say you’ll give it some thought, Lucy,” Candis urged. “Come to the Lair and see if you could be happy living there. You’ll find a lot of people—and dragons—will be happy to welcome you.”
“I will think on it, but they haven’t asked. I wouldn’t want to be presumptuous.”
“Oh, they’ll ask.” Candis grinned and a knowing smile lit Marta’s pretty face as well.
* * *
“You know, you two still have to clear the air,” Marcus reminded Kaden and Reynor later, after the other knights and their ladies had gone. The tavern was empty now. Only Lucia remained with the two knights, sitting companionably between them.
They’d drunk, perhaps too much, but were reasonably sober as Lucia observed the men and learned more about them. Marcus had been charming. Kaden had been quiet but earnest when he’d worked up the nerve to speak. His reticence was endearing and the way Marcus included him rather than shut him out as other men might have done, impressed her.
Kaden lost all reticence now though, as he sat back and drained his cup. He glowered at his friend.
“It’s none of your business.”
“Actually,” Marcus stared down the other knight, “it is my business.” He looked from Linea to Reynor and back again with a pointed glance.
“Leave it be, Marcus,” Reynor said with a smoky sigh.
“With all due respect, I cannot.” Marcus shook his head. “When you and Linea join, what affects you and Kaden will affect us all.”
“If I cannot fly, there will never be a mating flight,” Reynor shot back. “Much as it pains me, Linea must seek another.”
“There will be no other.” Linea reared her head in annoyance. “You are my mate, whether you can fly or not.”
Kaden shot to his feet, his eyes wild with a mixture of anger, regret, pain and remorse. “I’m sorry,” was all he could choke out before leaving the table. He stormed away toward the back of the tavern and the room he’d rented there.
> “Go to him, Lucia,” Marcus pleaded, shocking her with the pained compassion in his gaze. “He’s hurting.”
“What’s going on?” She didn’t understand everything that had just been said. She felt out of her depth, but her heart ached for the knight and dragon who were so wounded.
“He blames himself for Rey’s injury.”
“I don’t blame him. I’ve told him that over and over, but it does no good.” Reynor’s voice in their minds was both exasperated and weary.
“He needs to put this guilt behind him and concentrate on Rey’s recovery. Perhaps with all of our prayers, Rey will fly again.”
“You will fly, Rey, if I have to throw you into the sky myself.” Linea’s loving determination eased some of the tension.
“If you say so, my love.”
Chapter Six
Lucia didn’t go back to the guest quarters often, and never for social visits. While some of the other serving girls spent time entertaining the guests in a very private manner, it was neither expected nor encouraged. This was a respectable establishment, a tavern first and foremost, with a few guest rooms for the odd traveler. It was not a brothel.
She knocked on Kaden’s door with trembling fingers.
“Go away, Marcus.”
“It’s me. Lucy.” Reynor called her that, as did Kaden, though nobody else in this land of dragons used the shortened version of her name. She liked it though. Especially from those two males.
“Lucy.” The whisper reached her on the other side of the door. He was in pain. That much was clear from his tortured tone. Daring greatly, she tried the door, finding it unbarred. She pushed it open, peering around the edge.
Kaden sat on the edge of the bed, his elbows resting on his knees, head down in a pose of utter dejection.
“Kaden?”
Bloodshot eyes rose to meet hers. “You shouldn’t be in here, Lucy.”
She took a step forward, letting the door close behind her. “Do you want to talk about it?”