Kailigh returned to Cinvarra’s room. The girl was still sleeping so Kai prowled around, finally coming to stand next to a tall potted plant.

“You’re in the wrong spot, aren’t you?” she murmured to it, dragging it closer to a window with light. “There. Better.”

She caressed a leaf, lips curving, a bit of energy flowing from her fingertips into the browning foliage. The leaf plumped, brittle edges turning green again and she turned away, satisfied, to see Cinvarra sitting up. Kai crossed the room quickly and sat next to Cin, placing her hand on her youngest child’s forehead.

“Baby, when did you wake up?”

“Just now. Where are we?”

Kailigh hesitated. But she hadn’t raised her children to avoid the truth. “I had to go to Lord Maddugh to heal you.”

Cinvarra turned her head, lavender eyes sharp. “What did you give him?”

“Three weeks of our time, all four of us for… courting.”

“What?”

Kailigh grimaced, and explained as briefly as she could.

Cinvarra grinned. “Sere must be frothing at the mouth.”

Sometimes she was glad she didn’t have sisters. “Not quite.” Kailigh’s expression firmed. “We have more important things to talk about.”

Cinvarra’s eyes slid sideways.

“Cinvarra. I want to know why you disobeyed orders during the fight.”

She’d ordered Cin and Persia to flee, and Serephone would help Kai cover their retreat. Cin hadn’t budged, grabbing her pistol and calmly joining the fray. Persia had then had no choice but to stay put as well—it would have been more dangerous to try to force an unwilling person to retreat than to stay put and focus on not getting shot.

Cinvarra’s dry lips thinned. Kailigh reached over to pour a glass of water from the jug sitting at Cinvarra’s bedside, waiting until the girl took a few sips. Delaying sips. Kai had time.

“I don’t really remember.”

“Really. You think I buy that?”

Cinvarra sighed. “Ma. I’m tired of being treated like the baby. I’m seventeen and a better shot than Persia. I have a right to defend myself instead of running.”

Of all the nerve. “That’s the silliest thing I’ve ever heard. The middle of a kidnapping attempt isn’t the time for you to assert your independence.” Kai heard her own struggle to keep an even tone. She stood. “We’ll be nipping this problem in the bud, once and for all.”

Cinvarra’s eyes widened. “What are you planning? Shouldn’t we be talking about the bargain you struck?”

“You just focus on getting all healed up. And when you’re at full strength, we will have a long talk.”

Kailigh measured the combination of stubbornness and fatigue on Cinvarra’s face, weighed it against the carrot her youngest child dangled. Cinvarra would be the most cooperative of the three with Maddugh’s price. She’d always been the one to indulge Persia’s talk of babies.

“Fine. Lie back down. We can talk more about this in the morning.”

“A Dwyrkin husband,” Cin murmured, laying back obediently. “They are handsome, aren’t they? And they can hunt.”

She fell back asleep. Kailigh brushed loose strands of her hair away from her forehead. “Yes, baby. I think they can.”

Once Cin was asleep, Kai sought out Serephone and Persia. “He didn’t leave ahead of the regularly scheduled departure to lick his wounds,” she warned.

“Reinforcements,” Serephone said.

Kai nodded, grim. “Yes. Persia—I know you have friends at Stella’s in town. Can you have one of the working girls keep an ear out? I want to know the instant the airbus is sighted again. We’ll have to move quick—and strike as soon as he disembarks.”

“Ma…” Persia hesitated. “What about bystanders? Everyone always comes to watch the airbus dock. And the vendors.”

“I know, but if we wait for him to get into position, we’ll be at a disadvantage. He’ll be returning with more men and more firearms.”

Serephone’s mouth thinned. “Warn everyone there might be fireworks. Tell vendors to come armed. Might be on our side. No one likes a trafficker.”

No. But no one had the nerve to organize an offensive, either. Everyone was afraid of the repercussions if it did turn out he was backed by a patron in Seattle. But the time for fear was over. It wasn’t just traveling working girls Ruthus snatched now. He was upgrading.

Kai sighed, feeling a moment of shame. She hadn’t cared—enough—about the missing saloon women before. She’d had her own daughters to see to, and no desire to get involved in a mess that would bring attention to them. Maybe if she had, maybe if they’d been less selfish, it wouldn’t have come to this.

“Spread the word, quietly,” she said. “Use the telegraph, don’t go into town unless you must. And don’t go alone and for Stones’ sake, sneak. Maddugh thinks he can keep us all wrapped in wool.”

Persia snorted.

* * *

She was walking through the gardens again, attempting to ignore the itching in her fingers—some of the plants were just not well cared for at all, and Kailigh’s natural affinity for green things screamed at her to do something about it. She paused in front of a rose bush. It wasn’t like Maddugh would be upset by a little harmless gardening. She reached out a hand, sparks of energy flowing to her fingertips, and caressed a velvety petal.

A man coughed behind her. Kailigh jumped, whirling, a curse on her lips. “Steam and Stones, make some noise when you walk!” How the hell could anyone move that quietly? She hadn’t even sensed he was near.

Amnan regarded her, impassive. “Apologies. I forgot human women are easily frightened.”

Is that what the boy thought? She crossed her arms. “Yeah? Well, what’s your business, then?”

“My father asked me to make you aware of the arrangements for this evening.”

Arrangements? “And?”

“There will be a faire to honor you and your daughters. An introduction to our town, with vendors and dancing.”

“Piss poor timing.” She needed to go hunting, not chaperone her daughters at a dance. Ruthus was out there, and needed to be dealt with permanently.

His brow creased briefly. “I don’t know the term.”

“It means—never mind. So, he wants to parade us around, huh? Who’s invited?”

“It will be held in the town square, so anyone who would like to make your acquaintance, may do so.”

Of course. Her mood soured, a bit. “I wish I’d known his Lordship’s plans ahead of times. I would have packed the girls some nicer clothing.”

He shrugged. “That is nothing. I’ll have a woman of the house choose some dresses from the stores in town.”

Kailigh frowned. “I’d rather do it myself. I’m on a budget, and I know best what suits my girls.”

Amnan looked annoyed. “Your budget is irrelevant; the clothing will be a gift from my father. Tell the woman what you want and she will bring back several options. I’m sure there will be something suitable to choose from.”

He didn’t sound ready to budge, and she wanted to choose her battles anyway. “Fine. Will your Da be explaining to the townsfolk the consequences of being overeager to make the acquaintance of my girls?”

Forest eyes gleamed, with anger or humor she couldn’t quite tell. “None of my people would touch a woman against her will. But it will be made known you are all under the protection of my house. Any who offends you will be dealt with severely.”

Truth rang in his voice. Between the oath and her own faith in both her blades and those of her daughters, she was mollified.

“All right then.” Kailigh paused. “Just so you know—I would be happy if my daughters found good providers to wed. In time. So, I won’t stand in the way of any respectable male with a good living who presents himself properly. The girls may be a bit more resistant— they’re younger, and more idealistic about love and such things.” She snorted.

His brow rose. “And you, mistress? You count yourself too old for love?”

She waved a hand. “Love is a safe home to raise your children in, a father who doesn’t beat them, and food on the table three times a day. My babies are grown, so I have very little use for such things at my age.”

“Interesting.”

He sounded like his father…

“I see why my father finds you amusing.”

… which was definitely a bad thing. Time for another discussion with Lord Maddugh, anyway.

Amnan’s eyes narrowed speculatively and his hand rose. He took a small step forward as Kailigh stared at him, nonplussed.

“If my father is not to your liking—”

She raised a hand, a little creeped out. “I think that’s enough of that.”

Amnan took the hand, rubbed his thumb across her knuckles, and reeled her in with an effortless strength. “My father is not the only eligible male of rank, and he shouldn’t always get first choice of the tastiest morsels. It spoils him to have no competition.”

Was he really comparing her to meat? Really? “You’re Maddugh’s son. In my mind, I equate you with my daughter.”

He paused, brow raised. “I am not your daughter. In fact, I’m older than you. Am I not as appealing as Maddugh?”

Kailigh, amused now that she realized this was a boy’s pissing contest with his Da, patted his cheek. “You’ll have your time, son. But thank you for the compliment.”

He sighed, releasing her, then shrugged. “Might have been interesting.”

Were all the men here mad?

* * *

Kailigh persuaded a member of Maddugh’s household to direct her to where the Dwyrkin Lord was this time of day. As they walked the halls, Kailigh observed evidence of his dual nature in carved wood trims depicting dragons in various poses. The paintings on the walls were mostly forest scenes as well, some whimsical with dragonlings playing under sunlight. The house was larger than it appeared on the outside, and they passed any number of people. She wondered how many Maddugh housed in his personal residence—and why. She didn’t know much about the Dwyrkin, but the custom of keeping such a large staff seemed feudal. And a waste of personal resources, unless he was just that wealthy.

Her escort abandoned her at a door on the second floor. Evidently, while the first floor was open concept and mostly taken up by the large living/receiving hall, the second floor was for personal and guest rooms.

“Enter.”

She turned the smooth silver handle, entering an office. And stopped, staring at the warrior who executed strike after strike, body flowing with the grace of water. She’d seen the ocean once, as a girl. The waves crashing against the shore with powerful, undulating grace.

His eyes met hers for one brief, searing moment, proving he was aware of her regard, but he flowed into the next strike. The thinnest sheen coated golden brown skin, though his face was smooth. Kailigh watched. Inhale, exhale. Mesmerized, having never seen a male so… alive. Strength, grace, and beauty combined with the danger and discipline of a man who willingly subjected himself to master a skill as grueling and mundane as hand to hand combat. This was a man who wouldn’t cheat on a wife, abandon her alone with three small daughters.

At that thought, Kailigh shook herself from her reverie. Stupid. Physical attractiveness didn’t make a man. Actions made a man, and she’d lived enough years in this town to know Lord Maddugh took his responsibility to his people seriously, defending their land and wealth ruthlessly.

“A moment,” Maddugh said, his voice quiet after he’d stilled. Completing his exercise, he crossed the room to another door and disappeared inside.

Kailigh stepped further into the room, curious. The town hall had a place like this where the mayor set up shop to handle town business. A wide, dark desk clear except for a few paper books set in a corner. No chairs in front—as if the owner of the desk wanted to discourage company. Kailigh suppressed a smile. There was some seating on the opposite side of the room, next to a small bookcase filled with more books. She eyed it a moment before turning her attention to the man she’d come to see, emerging from the room with a shirt on. Pity.

“How may I serve?” he asked, gesturing to the seating area.

“What kind of martial arts were you doing?” Kailigh asked, unmoving.

“From my homeland.” He smiled at her. “Would you like to learn?”

Her brow rose. “If I learned your tricks, I could use them against you.”

The quality of his smile altered. She couldn’t quite pinpoint the expression, but for a moment she froze, abdomen tense with instinctive response.

“I would like it if you made the attempt. Will you sit?”

His words sounded like an invitation, and not a threat. So, he was a man who liked a bit of rough play, huh? She moved to the seat, obeying the thinly veiled command.

“Your son might like it as well,” she said without thinking.

Maddugh froze. “Excuse me?”

She waved a hand, smiling a bit. “Never mind.”

“What did he do?” Maddugh’s teeth snapped. “Amnan, correct?”

“Your son has a competitive streak. Is he your eldest?”

Maddugh snarled. “No. I’ll have a discussion with him.”

“Hmm. Well, there was no harm done. He’s rather charming. But that isn’t why I sought you out.”

He crossed his arms, still irritated. “Well?”

“I wanted to know what your intentions are for this evening.”

He sat in his own chair, crossing an ankle at his knee. “How is your youngest daughter? I’m told she awoke.”

“She did, and her color is almost normal.”

“She’s excused from the festivities this eve. There is time enough after she is rested. I’ll have a woman of my house sit with her.”

Kailigh appreciated the gesture, but shook her head. “No, Cinvarra wants to go, I think. I’ll just have her take it easy once there. And the girls don’t get much time for fun, anyway.”

“Ah. Then I’m glad to provide an opportunity. As for your questions—I have no plans. It’s best to allow these things to proceed naturally, you agree?”

She returned his regard thoughtfully. “You’re truly hoping my girls will just... fall in love with some nubile young Dwyrkin boy?”

He laughed. “Not a boy, I hope. Your daughters seem fearsome enough to warrant warriors.”

True. “There is something to be said for an easily managed husband, though.”

Maddugh shook his head, waving an elegant hand. “No, no. She would soon grow tired of that. What woman wants to mother a man? The sport in that goes sour far too soon.”

True again. Kailigh pursed her lips. “Well, I guess I’ll see what the pickings are this evening. We’re on the same page, right? Any man who gets too friendly, will find himself on the wrong end of a pointed object.”

“Of course.” He continued to hold her gaze for a long moment. “Tell me, mistress. What credentials must a man present to be considered for your hand?”

Kailigh frowned. “You’re flirting, and it isn’t necessary.”

“Not necessary, but certainly enjoyable. You can’t object to pleasure, can you?”

She shook her head. The man was incorrigible. He caressed the word pleasure, implying all kinds of gooey, satin-slick images with it. “The girls will go along with your mad scheme. I’ll even put on a dress and pretend to be happy about it.”

“What makes you think I care about you putting on a happy face? Your frowns are invigorating. I’ve never known a woman who frowned when faced with an offer of luxury and protection.”

She’d be foolish to take him seriously—but then false modesty was just as foolish and Kailigh knew she was handsome enough. If Maddugh preferred a woman with a bit more brain than beauty, she might toy with the idea of a liaison. She dismissed the thought that he would seriously consider marriage. What for? He had sons, and if he wanted more, it would make better sense to pick from among the Dwyrkin women.

But maybe she should test his so-called offer and see how far it extended. Kailigh ran her tongue around her teeth, eyeing him. “My daughters and I will need to return to town to run down the vermin who shot Cin.”

His expression closed. “That won’t be necessary, mistress. My sons and I will take care of this business.”

That wasn’t the response she’d wanted, but it wasn’t the worst response he could have given.

“I’m used to taking care of things on my own, Maddugh. I’d welcome your gun in a fight, but—”

The Lord rose, the subtle shift of his shoulders screaming loud and clear an intent to leap over the desk and… do what, she wasn’t sure, but it might involve bedrooms and locked doors.

“You’d put yourself in unnecessary danger, Kailigh.” His eyes glinted. “When you should be here, caring for your sick child.”

She didn’t like the dangerous croon in his voice. Kai stiffened. “She’s cared for well enough by your household, and I’ve never hid behind a man’s trousers in my life.”

“I’m certain you’re quite capable.” He bared his teeth in a smile. “However, my future queen—”

“Your what?”

He blinked, innocent. “Didn’t we already have that discussion?”

“No. We did not.”

“Ah? I am remiss. Well, what I was saying—”

Kailigh rose hurriedly. “Well, I’m sure you’ve things to see to. Will you have someone escort us to the party?”

“Changing the subject, Kailigh?” He smiled, inclining his head. “Very well. I don’t ask your daughters to mate against their will, mistress. Remember that. They are free to choose men they can love. But they must choose.” He held her eyes. “Their mother should set a good example in her conduct. And stay home while the warriors exact vengeance.”

She fled his knowing suggestive smile, too discombobulated by the whole queen thing to argue about being told to stay home like a good little girl. A man might toy with the word marriage, or wife—but a ruler didn’t play with the word queen.