“I’m sure it’s not all that happened. Your people are private at best, and damn secretive at worst. Don’t try and deny it, Dwen. You know I’m right.” He was riled up, and probably not completely aware of what he was saying, not that it hurt any less to hear.
Even so, she knew he was right. The far were exactly like that, even among themselves. She was a prime example of that.
“So, dragon war?” she asked, effectively admitting her thoughts to him.
“It’s messy, and hurt a lot of people.” His voice cracked, and realisation washed over her. She turned so she was facing into him, and placed a hand on his chest firmly.
“You lost someone?” she asked softly.
He nodded and looked away. “My mother.”
“I’m sorry,” she whispered. Seeing him like this made her chest tighten and she longed to make the situation better for him. Even if she knew she really couldn’t.
“There’s no need for you-”
“Kinnon,” a voice boomed.
Aledwen noticed Drey’s eyes narrow as a dark haired man strode towards them.
“Drayce,” Drey replied, oddly stern.
“Can I have a word?”
Confusion crossed her dragon’s face. “Sure, but I can’t leave-”
“You have to.” Drayce seemed pretty sure of himself, and Aledwen found herself nodding in acceptance.
“I’m fine. Go,” she insisted with a smile.
Drey still looked unsure, but she gave him a knowing look until he nodded.
“Why don’t you get something to eat?” he suggested.
“Yes, I am rather hungry.” She wasn’t actually sure if she could eat or not, but didn’t want him worrying about her anymore than he no doubt would already.
“It’s all over there.” He pointed towards a long table at the back of the room. “I’ll be back soon.”
He looked at her with indecision written all over his face. It was almost like he was doing everything he could not to kiss her, and she couldn’t decide if she wanted that or not. Regardless, the anticipation was there. As was the disappointment as she watched him walk away with the other man already talking quickly in his ear.
Six
There was so much food, she wasn’t sure where to actually start. If she listened closely, she’d probably even be able to hear the table groaning under the weight of it all. Rather decadent, and rather extreme. Probably too much so. Even the most elaborate party back home didn’t have this much food available.
“You’re supposed to eat it, not just look at it,” an amused voice came from behind her, and she spun around quickly to discover who it was.
The man was tall and lean, but looked like he was still physically fit. A swimmer’s body she believed it was called. It reminded her a little bit of some of the elves. Not unlike the representative of House Paige, but a little bit younger looking. His hair had a slight auburn tinge to it, though she guessed that could have been the lighting. Most striking of all though, was that there was two of him.
She shook her head. No, not two of him. Just twins. Something had clouded her mind to the point she’d forgotten what the phenomenon was called. How annoying. She hoped that wouldn’t happen again.
“I was just deciding what to eat,” she replied truthfully. “Do you have any suggestions?”
Maybe she shouldn’t be talking to two strange men at a ball, but she felt comfortable despite the company, and she felt it best to just go with it, especially while her backup was off talking to another dragon.
She giggled slightly. Her backup was someone she’d only just met, and yet here she was trusting him to protect her. How stupid could she get? In fact, this whole trip was a stupid idea, there was so much wrong with it. And so much right too.
“That depends what you like,” he replied, a cheeky grin tugging at his lips. “I’m Brandon,” he said, holding out his hand. She took it in her own, and gave it a firm shake.
“Aledwen,” she replied.