Page 106 of Maleen

The bed shifts again. “As much as I would enjoy some time with my mates this morning, we should all get moving. Craven’s army will be here this afternoon and I need to fly out to the outer city where our division has been prepping the front lines,” Killian grumbles as he reaches between Jesper and Aemon, plucking me out of the bed between them and into his arms before his lips gently touch mine.

My arms wrap around him as I get lost in his touch just before Nero caws. “Did no one hear my plea? Must my eyeballs suffer as I’m forced to watch a display of creatures defile each other!” he cries dramatically.

I sigh before Killian’s words sink in. “Wait! You can’t go anywhere yet! I have something for you all.”

Talyn groans as he peels back the covers and crawls out of bed, his wide muscular back on display making me think of opening the window for Nero after all and keeping all my males secluded in this room for a little longer.

Aemon throws a tunic at him. “Our mate is getting distracted, and as much as I agree with wanting to stay here a bit longer, Killian is right. Today is not the day we can afford to be late. Not with an army practically on our doorstep.”

He catches the shirt and slips it on before winking at me. “I had to give her something to look forward to when everything is said and done.”

I shake my head as I try to organize my thoughts away from the inappropriate ones that are trying to take form and throw caution to the wind. “Come on, let’s go.”

“WHY ARE WE in the armory?” Jesper asks as he picks up a random sword and begins sparring with the air. “Did you get us new weapons? I have to say though, I am partial to my current sword, but for you, I’m willing to carry two.”

My laugh echoes around the room. “No, no new weapons—something that will help I hope,” I tell them as I move toward the locked door.

They form a semi-circle behind me as I unlock the door and then spin back to face them. “I found these while exploring with Ember, Roz, Cynder and Lennox. I had Vasari and the metalsmith work to adjust them…” I push the doors open without turning around so I can see their expressions. “So I hope they fit.”

Jesper’s jaw nearly hits the floor and Talyn’s gaze widens in surprise.

Aemon sucks in a breath. “They’re beautifully crafted,” he mutters in awe.

Killian scoops me up in a hug. “Now this armor will keep my heart safe. It’s made of dragonstone?” he asks, not putting me down as he ventures over to my suit and not his.

“Yes, I’m hoping it will keep all of us safe. I had some made for Ember, Roz, Lennox, Cynder and the Safir Raiders too. They aren’t as fancy as ours, but hopefully one day we can outfit everyone with this kind of armor, though that will take a lot of time.”

Jesper shoves his head into the helm. “Not as long now that we have many more white dragons on our side.”

“That is true,” I say to him, turning back to Killian. “And yes, it should keep your heart safe. All of ours, preferably.”

Talyn laughs. “I don’t think he actually meant his heart when he said that. He was talking about you, Princess.”

My cheeks redden as Killian inspects my armor and my heart melts. Always my protector.

He places the delicate-looking helm upon my head and smiles so wide his eyes crinkle. “Let’s get you fitted, and when this war is done, I will be the one tearing it off you.”

I pull him down for a kiss and then hold my arms out, letting him place every piece of armor. He takes his time, with gentle touches that have me aching for more. He’s steady, and his gaze doesn’t leave mine—now all I can think about is what else his hands can do.

Get it together Rav. We are already running behind as is.

My other mates don their armor as well, and I can’t help but admire the way they look. Like strong leaders, warriors, and I hate that they have to wear them, but at least we will look great defending Damorleia.

“Come on, we should get to the dragons. Roz and the others are meeting us there,” Talyn says as he places his helm under his arm.

“You all go ahead. There’s something I want to do first.”

Aemon steps to my side, already knowing what I want to do. “I’ll come with you.”

They each give me a kiss, making me promise to be quick before we leave the armory behind and head our separate ways.

Nero stays put on my shoulder now that I’m fully dressed, and I can’t help but breathe out a sigh of relief that my armor isn’t too heavy and is quite flexible.

Aemon stays silent, a steady presence at my side as we hurry to the Queen’s room, where my mother has been moved to keep her more comfortable. I couldn’t leave Maleen and head to war without seeing her, and as mad as I am with the situation we are in, I still love her, and will hold onto the memories I have of her when I was a fledgling running around the castle and getting myself into trouble.

My knuckles rap on the door—mostly out of habit—before I open it. My mother lies near the side of the massive bed. One would think she was just sleeping if it wasn’t for the hollows under her cheekbones, her ghostly complexion and the rattling breaths she takes, as if her lungs are filling with fluid.

My armor clinks as I move next to her, taking her delicate hand in mine and giving it a squeeze. Emotions clog my throat when she doesn’t squeeze mine back. I know it’s only a matter of time and it’s surprising she’s lasted this long. It’s almost as if she’s holding out for something instead of joining my fathers in the aether with the Fates.