The She-dragon stopped so quickly, both Brannie and Aidan almost rammed right into her. She pointed a small but angry-looking finger in their faces.

“You will do as I tell you, Branwen.”

Brannie grabbed Keita’s finger and twisted it down until she yelped.

“Vile beast!”

“This isn’t about who’s in charge, cousin,” Brannie calmly explained. “Because whether you’re a royal and I am a grunt, we are—in the end—both Cadwaladrs. And I’m not about to let you do something that will bring shame upon our kin. So let’s just get over to the Eastlands, kill whoever needs to be killed, and then at least attempt to get back home before they kill us all.”

Holding her wounded finger against her chest, Keita glowered at Brannie. But it was obvious she had nothing to say back to her. What was there to add? Brannie had the best argument-ender . . . Cadwaladr logic.

But because there was nothing for her to say to her cousin, she focused her rage on Aidan.

“And you,” Keita said, stepping closer to Aidan, “I told you to distract her. And fucking her once is not enough of a distraction. And yes!” she barked, glaring at Brannie. “Everyone knows you two fucked. But get it together, Aidan! Do your job!”

Stunned, now Aidan had nothing to say. He could only stare in shock and horror at the princess.

What had the evil She-dragon done? If Brannie thought for a moment . . .

But Brannie was bent over at the waist, laughing. Hard.

“You don’t believe me?” Keita asked.

Brannie straightened up, her hand against her side. “Do I believe that you ordered Aidan to fuck someone for your own ends?” She wiped at a tear. “Of course I believe that! But do I think he did anything because you told him to? The same dragon who turned down the Protectors of the Throne to be Mì-runach just so he could piss off his da?” She now wiped both hands against her eyes to remove the tears. “Thanks for that, Keita. I needed that laugh today. And you know what?” she asked, abruptly changing the subject. “I’ve never been on a boat. I’m a little worried.”

She grabbed Keita by the back of the neck, turned her around, and shoved her. “Now let’s go get the rest of this done. I need an ale before the Mì-runach and the Riders finish it all.”

Brannie started to follow but Aidan—who’d finally stopped being so stupidly stunned—caught hold of her arm and tugged her back.

“I never—” he began.

She held up her hand. “I wasn’t lying to her. If anything, because she told you to do it, I’m sure you went out of your way not to.” She stepped back, arms held out from her body. “But look at’cha, weak bastard. Couldn’t resist me, could ya?”