She flushed. Her mind returning to that greenhouse. They hadn’t discussed it. What was there to discuss really? They couldn’t deny their attraction to one another. They kept ending up tangled in each other’s arms, like idiots. And if she wasn’t comfortable with that being all it was, then she was going to have to cut him off entirely. Because she couldn’t keep doing this if her heart wouldn’t shut up.

“I appreciate it, but … I’m going to see if Audria will work with me,” she said carefully.

Fordham is better, Tieran grumbled in her head.

She glared at the traitorous dragon.

“Audria is going to be knee deep in Bryonican gentlemen,” Fordham said.

“Maybe I will as well,” she challenged.

He frowned. “Just one, I’d wager.”

Kerrigan winced. She’d walked right into that one. March was another issue entirely.

“Just let me help,” he commanded in that general’s voice she hadn’t heard in so long.

Her spine straightened at the words. “I don’t think we should be spending time together. And even if we should, don’t use that voice with me.”

“Rightfully, I am your crowned prince,” he said, pulling a trump card.

She stepped up to him, meeting his challenge. “Respectfully, I’m not a member of your court. Your father made damn sure of that.”

His eyes darted around the room. “Don’t let anyone hear you saying that. Lorian just needs an excuse.”

She deflated. “I know.”

“Just let me help, gods. Why is it always an argument?”

Yeah, Kerrigan, why is it always an argument? Tieran asked.

“Enough out of both of you,” she muttered and then climbed onto Tieran’s back. Fordham arched an eyebrow, and she reluctantly nodded. “Fine. You can train me.”

He smiled, slow and dangerous. Gods, help her. She remembered exactly what his military training had been like. She was up for some sleepless nights and exhaustion. But what was the difference at this point?

Late in the afternoon, they landed in the Bryonican capital city, Rosemont, wind-whipped and half-freezing. The sea came into view long before they reached the sprawling city and the gray stone of Belcourt Palace. With no mountains in sight, the dragons had been given accommodations in Society housing with plenty of fresh meat while the trainees were escorted across the palace grounds.

Kerrigan kept her eyes straight forward as they crossed the frost-covered yard from the stables. Belcourt Palace was a jewel at the mouth of the Seven-Finger Bay leading out to the Gardic Sea. It was well guarded and damn near unbreakable. One of the first cities to ever be built by the Fae in Alandria. They’d settled in this natural defensive position and dedicated the space to the gods, which was why everything was gilded and bejeweled. Or so they said.