Page 100 of Shadowborne: Reckoning

“Then yes, sir. Please. Lead the way.”

When the music faded to a close, I bowed over Grace’s hand, then led her towards the tall door next to the windows, out to the balcony, knowing many eyes would follow us into the shadows, and conjecture with their neighbors about the General’s interest in younger ladies.

It was the only part of my bond with Bren that grated. I despised the men who were precisely that predatory, and had never desired any imbalance with a partner. But there was no denying, Bren was made for me. If those around us saw something sordid it in, it was a small taste of the gossip Bren would receive when we were revealed. It made my teeth grind, but I would endure it, stand for her, and treat her as she should be treated, no matter what those voices said.

I pushed the dark thoughts away as we stepped out of the ballroom. The cool air outside was a genuine relief after the cloying heat inside, and I found I was in no hurry to return. Thankfully, Grace truly was fascinated by the dragons and asked question after question, which helped me pass the time I needed to be seen to be apart from Bren. We needed Hanson to believe a rift had opened between us. But I was exhausted and sick of this shallow, self-indulgent crowd. Frustrated that we’d made no progress on the dragons, and now we were running out of time.

It had been years since I’d sat at a tavern and impressed a young woman with tales of Kgosi, but Grace’s interest seemed more childish than flirtatious. Her questions zeroed in on the bond, how a dragon chose a human, and why. And how the dragonfuries thought and communicated with us.

She was fascinated to learn they were moral beings with a faith that exceeded even ours.

“It makes sense, I suppose. If they live longer and see more of the… the unspoken. But still… fascinating…”

I found myself leaning on the balustrade and indulging all her questions. It was a relief to speak to anyone who didn’t offer questions with a knowing look, or sly tone. For a time, I got lost in the simple pleasure of a frank discussion.

But the longer we spoke, the more thoughtful Grace became, until I found myself quiet while she stood next to me, resting her hands on the balustrade and staring wistfully out over the moonlit gardens. “May I… speak candidly, General?” she asked quietly.

I could feel her bracing for a confession, and worried that in her innocence, I may have accidentally encouraged her to emotions I hadn’t intended. Of course, I needed the nobles to believe that’s precisely what I was doing—and intentionally. But it felt… wrong.

“I, uh—”

“I wish there were more women like Bren in this world.”

I swallowed the careful words I’d been about to say. “I agree,” I said sincerely.

To my surprise, Grace turned her head to meet my eyes with none of the nerves or uncertainty she’d shown in the ballroom. “Then, why are you being cruel to her tonight?”

I straightened from my lean on the balustrade, suddenly wanting to defend myself. And even though I knew Bren wasn’t hurt by my actions tonight, I found myself chastened. “I didn’t… That is to say—”

“She loves you. I can see it. I may not know much of… of these… arrangements, but I can see that.”

I cleared my throat. “Lady Grace, it would be impolite of me to speak of such things with an unmarried Lady—”

“Oh please. Why do men only find their manners when they aren’t attracted to you?”

I spluttered. “I never said… You are a very beautiful young woman, Grace. Only—”

She shook her head and rolled her eyes, turning back to the garden. Her yearning look was back. “You can stop stammering now. I won’t make you speak of it. Truly, I don’t wish to know. Admittedly, I know little of what passes between a man and a woman—though I know enough,” she said with a sharp glance at me before she returned her attention to the garden. “It’s only… noblemen will speak in double-talk and flirtation, but they will not simply talk! And… well, I suppose it doesn’t matter. I have never met the man who inspired the fire in me that I see in Bren’s gaze when she looks at you.” She hesitated, her throat bobbing. “Truly, I would far rather mount a dragon than sit atop a man.”

I coughed, fighting a shocked laugh, mentally scrambling for appropriate words, but Grace clapped both hands to her mouth in horror. “Oh dear—was that a lie? The married ladies told me it was something that… but I was never sure I should believe—”

Bemused, I raised a hand to stop her stammers. Her cheeks blazed red and I shook my head. “Lady Grace, please don’t be embarrassed. And don’t worry… you aren’t misinformed. But… I believe that it is the height of impropriety for me to discuss in your presence, so I will leave it at that. Perhaps I could return you to your very safe, unadventurous chair inside?”

I offered her my arm. She sighed, then gave me a half-smile and slipped her hand around my forearm, dropping her gaze as she followed me meekly back to the hall full of two-faced, shallow vultures.

And that pissed me off.

“Lady Grace, if you would indulge me for a moment… if I might say, with the utmost respect: I believe you should absolutely wait to learn of these things until you meet the man who inspires that kind of… fire.”

She looked at me from the side. “Real fire?”

“Dragon hot fire. Yes.”

She gave a soft smile, but it faltered. “Knowing my luck, even if he does exist, he will tire of me quickly. Men seem prone to do that, even with the best of women,” she said with a pointed glance at me.

Shots fired.

I humphed. I wanted to reassure her—both about my intentions for Bren, and her instincts about the men. But I had a role to play here, and I’d warned Bren against growing too attached or trusting with anyone. We still didn’t know much about the lovely Lady Grace. So, I chose my words very carefully. “No matter what occurs between Lady Brennan and I, I do not wish her ill. And I know that she cares for you. Your friendship, though new, is precious to her. Please, do not undervalue that.”