by Amy Sumida
Oh, but you do need this. And you did say that you had my back.
“Care to elaborate on why I need him?”
A minute went by.
“Danu?”
Nothing.
“Damn it all!” I stomped my foot.
“What are you; five?” Killian looked pointedly at my foot.
“She won't tell me why she wants me with Daxon,” I growled.
“Did she tell you why she wanted you with any of us?” Killian asked.
“Not until after we were together,” I admitted.
“Maybe she can't tell you.” He shrugged.
“She just raised people from the dead,” I grumbled. “She made an entire court obey her.”
“I don't mean 'can't' as in 'not possible.'” He rolled his brilliant eyes. “I mean 'can't' as in 'it would screw up the future if she told you.'”
“Yeah, maybe,” I muttered.
“But you don't have a reason to give Tiernan,” he said shrewdly.
“No.”
“And he's on his way here.”
“Yeah.”
“You could always scry Tiernan and run away,” Killian suggested. “We've jumped several time zones, so twilight is coming soon.”
“That would be a chicken shit thing to do,” I murmured.
He just stared at me.
I pulled out my scry phone, and Killian laughed.
“Seren!” Tiernan answered immediately. “Tell me what's happened. Does the battle still rage?”
“It's over; our people are safe,” I said quickly. “They're even now returning to their homes.”
“Thank Danu,” Tiernan whispered.
“Yes, exactly.” I chuckled. “She was the one who ended the war.”
“Danu made an appearance?” Tiernan's silver eyes went round.
“Through me.” I nodded. “The Sons won't be starting any more wars. She whammied them into obeying her.”
“Dear Goddess,” Tiernan whispered. “She can do that?”
“She's not supposed to, but she did,” I said softly. “She just risked a universal spanking to save Seelie and protect the undersea raths.”
“We are blessed with a kind and loving goddess,” Tiernan murmured reverently. He's always been a bit of a religious fanatic, but then, so were most fairies.
“She also raised the dead,” I added.
“Get over the zombie thing,” Killian huffed. “We've seen it before.”
I glared him into silence.
“Danu brought back the dead?” Tiernan was impressed, at least.
“For the Court of the Dragon Kings,” I confirmed. “It was their reward for their loyalty.”
“That's a hell of a reward,” Tiernan huffed. “Hold on, Seren.”
Tiernan moved out of view, and I heard him telling the coachman to give the order to turn them about, that the war had been circumvented. A few relieved cheers filtered through the crystal before Tiernan reappeared.
“Damn, I should have asked; do you need me to come and get you?” Tiernan gave me an apologetic look.
“No, we're fine,” I assured him. “Twilight's near.”
“Good.” He grinned. “Will you be coming home?”
I paused and glanced at Killian. He bent his arms at the elbows and flapped them like a chicken.
“Yeah, I'll see you in a few,” I said defiantly.
“I'll look forward to it,” Tiernan purred.
I closed the phone and looked up into Killian's laughing face.
“Shut it, Snake Eyes!”
Chapter Fifty
I cringed as the chair hit the wall. It had been a heavy piece of beautifully carved wood, but it splintered under the force of Tiernan's anger.
“Has she not asked enough of us?” Tiernan raged. “To bring another man into our lives is cruel!”
I waited for him to work through it. I didn't blame him. If our roles were reversed, I'd be throwing more than chairs. Honestly, I'd been perfectly content with Tiernan before Raza had come along. I didn't want anyone else, couldn't even conceive of it, but now that I was married to both of them, I couldn't imagine it being any other way. Still; I definitely had the better end of the deal.
“What could he possibly do for you?” Tiernan growled. “What is so important about this fairy?”
“I don't know,” I said gently. “And if it upsets you this much, I never will.”
“What?” He deflated.
“I get it, Tiernan.” I nodded. “It's a lot to ask. If this will make you unhappy, then I will never return to LA.”
“Really?”
“Really,” I whispered as I sidled into his embrace. “Forget that I mentioned it, and I will forget about him.”
“Seren.” Tiernan laid his forehead to mine.
“I barely know this guy,” I reassured him. “I don't love him; I love you. You're more important to me.”
“Damn it, Seren,” he huffed and sighed. “Why didn't you yell back at me? Why'd you have to be so sweet about it?”
“Because this is bullshit, and we know it,” I vented. “You're right; she's asked a lot of us already, and we've done a lot for her. Danu wouldn't even give me the reason for to be with Daxon. Forget it; I'm not going to see him again.”
“Get out of those clothes right now,” Tiernan growled as he pulled at my T-shirt.
I giggled as I helped him out of his tunic. We flung our clothing about, and then I jumped into his arms. Tiernan chuckled as he caught me, then carried me to the bed. We fell upon each other ravenously and weren't satisfied for hours; long enough for me to forget about anyone other than Tiernan. But when we finally lay twined about each other, panting happily, Tiernan reminded me.
“You can't deny the Call,” he whispered.
“Tiernan—”
“Seren,” he cut me off. “I've seen it my entire life. When the Call of Danu is heard, it is always honored. It's one of our most sacred traditions. I can't deny it simply because it affects you differently, or because you hear it so damn often. And even though Danu has asked a lot of us, she has just sacrificed for us too. She saved our kingdom today. I cannot impede her.”
“Let's just wait and see,” I whispered. “I'm glad that I have your support, but now that I'm away from him, I don't know why I was so infatuated. It's like I can finally think again.”
“Yeah, that's the Call, all right,” Tiernan muttered.
“My point is; I can resist it from here.” I nudged his shoulder. “If Daxon is brought back to me by some chance of fate, we can see where it goes, but if not... well, I'm not going to go chasing him.”
“I can live with that.” Tiernan kissed my forehead.
Chapter Fifty-One
The weeks rolled on, and there was still no sign of Shane. All of the humans had been rescued, and I'd gone to Oregon several times to remove their fairy-strikes. Councilman Spalder was thrilled to have the humans home, and that I had a new home in Salem as well. I guess it would make things easier on him if he needed my help again.
I made an effort to stop thinking about Daxon, and I was doing pretty good. I hadn't returned to LA, just as I'd promised Tiernan. But on those rare nights that I was alone, I tossed in my bed and kicked off my blankets; disturbed by vivid dreams of Dax. I didn't think he was sending them either; they were just manifestations of my mind.
I wasn't an extinguisher anymore, so I wasn't party to the hunt for Shane. I mostly stayed in Fairy, going back and forth between the three kingdoms, and having a much-deserved break with my men. But this break was giving me way too much time to think. I needed something to distract me, and that distraction finally arrived in the form of a big, black, dragon-djinn.
“Happy Birthday, baby!” I handed Raza a large box wrapped in paper and tied with a gold ribbon.
We were in the sitting room down the hall from Raza's bedroom in Craos-Teine. There were just a few of us celebrating; Raza's closest friends, his family, my father, Cat, and me. Raza didn't want a big party
. He said it was rude to force his subjects to bring him gifts. I agreed; it wasn't like anyone could refuse to attend their king's birthday party, and then to come without a present would be just as offensive. So, we decided to celebrate quietly.
“Thank you,” Raza said softly.
He just held the box and admired it.
“Aren't you going to open it?” I asked.
“This is my first gift wrapped in such a manner.” He continued to admire the present, smiling at the print of dragons flying across a blue background. “Give me a moment to appreciate it.”
“Oh, okay.” I glanced down at Cat, and she cocked her head at me in confusion.
Finally, Raza carefully untied the ribbon and used his claws to slice at the tape, unwrapping the present like a little old lady. I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing. He even folded the paper and set it neatly aside. The box was something more familiar to him—wooden and carved—but he still ran his ebony hands over it lovingly. After an excruciatingly long time, he opened the lid and lifted out his gift.
“Is that... is that me?” He asked with surprise.
“Yep,” I said proudly. “I had Chad take a few pictures the last time we went for a flight.”
I nodded to Chad, and he beamed at Raza as he said, “It's magnificent, isn't it? I wish I had a woman who thought to capture my image in jewels.”
“It's crystal,” Raza whispered as he looked up at me. “Is it from our cavern?”
“I hope you don't mind.” I bit my lip. “I was very careful about removing the piece. But I wanted the material to be special to you too.”
“It's wonderful, mo shíorghrá. Thank you.” He went to the window and set the crystal sculpture on the ledge. “We've both given each other crystal gifts this year.”
“So we did,” I said with a smile.
The carved dragon had one foot on the ground, but his wings were spread as if he were launching himself into the air. The dwarf I'd commissioned to create the piece had caught every nuance of Raza's dragon form. It was as if he'd been shrunken and transformed into crystal. Sunlight caught the subtle facets and made the mini-Raza come alive, shooting rainbow glimmers across the rug.
“I don't believe you've ever looked so bright, Cousin,” Hana observed.
“Yes, my wife has set the bar high for presents,” Raza said with perfect seriousness.
The group shifted uneasily until Raza burst out laughing. Then everyone relaxed and handed over the birthday loot without worry. The presents didn't matter to Raza, not as much as having us all together to celebrate something that was purely about him. Dragons are narcissistic like that. But the look on Raza's face went beyond pride; he was content, and that was a good thing for a dragon king... a good thing for all of those around him, that is.
“You're doing well, Ambassador,” Rayetayah, Raza's son and the heir to Unseelie, said as he brought me a refill on my drink.
Raye leaned against the wall beside me, and we watched my husband together. Raza was laughing boisterously at something Chad had said. Whatever it was, it made Raza's cousin, Kader, glower as if he tasted something foul. Raza patted Kader's back affectionately, and Kader finally cracked a smile.
“Dad's happier than I've ever seen him,” Raye went on. “I have to admit; I had doubts that you could pull it off.”
“Pull what off? Make Raza happy?” I lifted my brow at Raye.
“No; make Raza happy while you made two other guys happy.”
“Valid,” I agreed. “I had doubts too.”
“So far, so good.” He shrugged. “Just keep doing what you're doing.”
“You know, I think the time we spend apart is nearly as important as the time we spend together,” I mused. “A few days away makes them miss me. It's easier to win arguments when someone misses you.”
“I'll remember that when I set up my three wives in different kingdoms,” he said dryly.
I glanced at him, not entirely sure if he was joking, but his grin said it all.
“Hey, don't knock it,” I drawled. “A man in every port keeps things interesting.”
“A man in every port sounds like a euphemism that I don't even want to think about.”
I nearly spat out my wine.
“Yeah, I suppose it doesn't work so well when you change the sex,” I agreed.
“Changing sex is great, just don't go adding too many partners.” Raye winked at me.
“He told you.”
“He did.” Raye didn't even try to dissemble.
“How does Raza really feel about it?” I asked Raye. “I mean; I know that it's not something he wants, but he told me he was okay with Daxon.”
“He is,” Raye confirmed. “And I heard that the other two gave their approval too.”
“Yeah.”
“So, why haven't you started seeing this guy?”
“After talking to Tiernan, I decided to let things happen naturally, but not to encourage them along,” I murmured.
“Say what now?”
“I'm not going back to LA unless I have to,” I clarified. “I won't go pursuing this relationship. If Danu is right, and I'm meant to be with this man, then it will work out on its own.”
“So, you're not fighting it, but you're not embracing it either.” Raye nodded. “I approve.”
“Well, now that I have your approval, I can relax.” I rolled my eyes.
“You're damn straight.” He winked at me. “It's better to have a raven-mocker on your side than against you.”
“I don't doubt that for a minute.”
“Doubt what?” Raza asked as he slid an arm around my waist.”
“That you are going to love your cake.” I nodded to the doorway, where Mairte was wheeling in a cart with an enormous cake perched atop it. It was formed into the shape of a dragon, of course.
“Dear Danu!” Raza exclaimed in horror.
Mairte froze, the wheels of the cart squeaking to a halt as her eyes went wide.
“What's wrong?” I asked Raza. “Don't you like it?”
“You expect me to eat myself?” He asked. “What kind of barbarians are you? Shall it be a slaughter of the dragon king then? Just pass out pieces of my flesh like I'm that guy with the thorns on his head?”
“Jesus Christ?” I asked in a little voice.
“Yes, him.” Raza sighed deeply and shook his head. “I'm astounded at your thirst for blood, mo shíorghrá.”
Mairte was slowly backing out of the room.
“You just tipped your hand, dragon.” I shook my head at Raza, and then called out, “It's fine, Mairte; His Majesty is just teasing us.”
Mairte didn't look convinced.
“Tell her, Raza, before she faints,” I snapped.
“What gave it away?” Raza pouted.
“The bit about being bloodthirsty.” I grimaced. “As if you'd find that offensive. Please.”
“I suppose I did take it a little too far,” he admitted. “My wife is correct, Mairte, I was merely jesting. The cake is a masterpiece; tell the chefs that I'm impressed and looking forward to hacking myself to pieces.”
“Raza,” I huffed.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Mairte bobbed a curtsy and hurried from the room.
“Well, you did take this dragon theme a little far as well,” Raza noted. “It seems that when people discover your affection for something, it's all they can think of to give you.”
“Nope, I'm not falling for it again,” I declared. “I know you love it.”
“I do,” Raza admitted and kissed my cheek. “But I'm hoping you'll consume me in a different way, later tonight.”
“Agh! What the hell, Dad?” Raye groaned. “Can't you wait till I'm out of hearing range before you conversationally copulate with your wife? I'll never be able to get that image out of my head.”
Chapter Fifty-Two
In the early hours of the morning, long before dawn arrived in Unseelie, my scry phone rang. I was in Raza's bed (I guess it was my bed too, b
ut I never thought of it as mine), still wrapped up in his arms after a long night of consuming my dragon. Yeah, he got his birthday BJ—don't roll your eyes, you know you'd have done it too. Anyway, the ring was followed by a chime, almost like an echo.
I untangled myself from my husband and swept up the phone from the side table. I nearly answered it when I realized that I was naked. I threw on Raza's robe—which enveloped me ridiculously but smelled like him—and padded across the corridor to his office, so I could take the call without waking him. That's when I saw where the echo was coming from. The call was going first to my phone and then to Raza's crystal ball. I guess it was confused by our proximity. I smiled at that as I answered.
“You look happy,” Daxon drawled.
“Dax,” I whispered. “Hey.”
“Hey, yourself.” He frowned and cocked his head. “What kind of crystal ball are you using? Your image is cut off oddly.”
“It's not a ball. It's a scry phone; something Raza gave me for my birthday.”
“A scry phone?” He looked intrigued. “Wait; it was your birthday?”