“Wouldn’t dream of it, Gran.” Tide’s grin looked mischievous. He glanced at Torrent and his grin grew wider. There was something going on between them, Candy wasn’t sure what it was. Sibling rivalry, good humored teasing? She didn’t know.

Dinner comprised of five courses. Candy felt like she might burst by the time they finished the dessert round.

“Let’s take our tea in the living room.” Torrent’s grandmother gestured towards the overstuffed leather sofas.

The evening had turned out to be fun. It was easy to see how much this family loved one another. How much they respected each other.

Rain put her cup down. “It’s time for me to take these old bones to bed.” Each of her grandsons gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“I’ll walk you.” Torrent held his hand out to his grandmother. He helped her to her feet. In this moment, he wasn’t the king, he was the grandson, the brother.

Rain smiled and gave him a tap on the arm. “Such a good boy. I’m fine. Candy…”

Oh shit! “Yes?” She stepped towards the older woman. “You can take me to the door and see me out if you will?”

She nodded. “Yes, of course.”

Rain linked her arm with Candy’s. “Good night, all.”

They wished her a good night right back and then Candy heard Lake suggest whiskeys.

“I’ve enjoyed meeting you.” Rain looked down at her to maintain eye contact. These dragon women were huge. Even the old ladies of the species.

“Thanks for being so nice and for making me feel so…” She wanted to say part of the family but that didn’t quite gel. Not yet anyway. “Welcome.”

“Walk out with me.”

Candy nodded, feeling nervous. This was the part where she got into trouble for breaking Torrent’s heart.

Rain led her into the hallway and shut the door behind them.

“I do care for your grandson… I swear… I…”

“Of course you do, dear. You love him,” she stated. “It’s easy to see that the two of you are crazy about each other. My grandson explained that he did something out of jealousy. He said that”—she looked up in thought— “ah yes, he said he was an arrogant asshole.”

Candy burst out laughing. It was partly because she had been so tense. “Is that what he said?”

“Yup, and I believe it too.” The older woman took ahold of both her hands. “I also married the king, it feels like just yesterday.” Her eyes clouded in thought and a small smile took residence on her face. “I know all about it. It takes a certain kind of male to lead a kingdom and they really do need to be taken down a rung or two early on in the relationship. They try and rule everything, including their relationship. It should be a partnership, but you know that don’t you?”