Page 7 of Dragon Blood
She broke eye contact with him, forcing her attention to the room at large, getting her heart rate under control, suppressing the need to turn around and get back on her ship.
Greetings registered as murmurs while her mind latched on to the man standing between the Steelscale women, both good friends to herself and her mother, who’d stepped away to talk with Kolina and Elora.
Astred struggled to focus on the small talk, her dragon seeking Kai’s unique scent, dragging her thoughts toward him over and over again.
His scent, his smile, the feel of his lips and hands on her. The texture of his skin under her fingers, the aura of peace and contentment as they lay with their naked bodies entwined.
She drew a deep breath, shoving the precious memories away.
Kymri grasped Astred’s hand, whispering. “Red, are you unwell? You look a little flushed.”
“What? Yeah, fine. Just… weddings make my scales itch, you know?” She offered a wan smile.
Kymri’s gaze turned sympathetic. “I know you’d rather be at sea, but I’m so happy you’re here with us.”
Astred squeezed Kymri’s hand back, her focus settling on her friend. “I am too. Truly. Besides, thanks to you, my mother finally left the island. On my ship.” She grinned at her old friend.
“This is my brother, Kai. Mother finally found him and convinced him to come. Apparently, we met once when I was a baby.” Kymri released Astred’s hand, turning so that her gaze lingered on Kai’s face as though he were a long-lost gift.
A true treasure…
Astred’s heart flipped as she finally met his eyes again, his expression guarded, jaw tight.
…that holds my heart. Still.
He bowed before her, as he’d done for her mother. “Princess.”
“You don’t need to do that,” the words rushed out.
He straightened, brow quirked.
From the corner of her eye, Astred noted a petite, dark-haired woman approach Carson Perenga. His mate, Lirikai.
Everyone else noticed her presence, quiet conversations falling silent, as the ancient, legendary Barra’kidai waited for their attention.
Thankful for the distraction, relief swept Astred as Lirikai and Carson led the gathered guests out on to the terrace overlooking the ocean. The arrangement of the dining area felt both modern and old world, beautifully decorated with flowing snowy fabrics and fresh creamy blooms.
The arrangement allowed for small, intimate conversations. A trinity of circular tables draped in more embroidered linen, gleaming porcelain and sparkling flatware. Crisp name cards indicated the seating plan.
Astred’s chest tightened.
Three tables of ten seats each and Red’s card was next to Kai’s, with Regina’s on her other side.
No one’s looking. I can swap with my mother.
…Who had Joey Kane, head of The Organization, seated to her left.
Damnit, she’ll want to talk to her.
Astred resisted the urge to rub her nape.
Politics.
Dragged into discussions with Mother and Ms. Kane, or awkward small talk with Kai.
I can ignore him…?
Fuck, no, that would be noticed and raise questions I don’t want to answer.
