The Drache's Love

Chapter 19, Cormac

Betrothed.  Avva was betrothed.  To a human.  I felt jealousy and possessiveness surge through my body.  I had growled and bared my fangs at the human.  He was oblivious, his attention purely on Avva.  He was the last of the soldiers into the mess hall, leaving only Avva and myself outside.  I waited for the doors to close behind him before I pounced.

I grabbed her from behind and dragged her into the narrow alleyway between the mess hall and the barracks.  I pinned her against the wall and claimed her mouth.  Her legs immediately wrapped around my waist.  I pulled back.

“You will not marry that whelp!  You are mine.”

She smiled triumphantly.  “It took you long enough to figure that out.”

And then it was she who claimed my mouth, entwining her fingers in my braids.  What had I done to deserve this woman?  She was mine, and she knew it, even when I didn’t.  And she knew how to use my own jealousy to prove it to me.  I truly had been a coward, but no more.  What I would have given to slip between her thighs in that moment, to solidify our bond, but it was too risky.

“What’s the plan then,”  I asked her trying to catch my breath, and having a serious mental conversation with my c**k about the inappropriateness of it’s timing.

“Oh, it’s simple.  I’ll simply refuse to marry Henry, and point out to father, that as far as diplomacy is concerned, a marriage between his daughter and a Drache warrior will go much further than an integrated army.”

“You really think that’ll work?”

“Absolutely.  Da is nothing if not diplomatic, and will do nearly anything to strengthen the peace between humans and creatures.”

“When, then?”

“I’ll request to visit him in regard to my betrothal tomorrow.  I doubt Melkree would deny me.  It’s technically a matter of state.  But for tonight, I’ll at least have to speak with Henry.  It won’t do to raise any suspicions too early.”

I growled, but kissed her one last time before sending her off to the mess hall.  I needed a few minutes to get my wits together, and to get my c**k in line.  All I knew was that I couldn’t let her go.  If we had to run away, then so be it.

I made my way inside and sat down across from my woman.  She gave me a smile that only I could understand.  A smile that said, “we’re in cahoots”, and I loved it.

Just then, Melkree strode to the center of the mess hall and pounded on one of the tables.

“I’ve just received our first orders.  Tomorrow, we will head to the Strumman border and patrol.  There has been some unrest and some raiding, and King Asmund feels that it’s time to test us out.  I know you’ll make the king proud, but more importantly, I know you’ll do me proud.  Now, eat and rest well.  We begin at first light.”

Avva and I looked at each other.

“Well, I guess I’ll speak to Da when we return, then.  I won’t get to talk to Henry much tonight.  I need to go to bed early,” she said, feigning disappointment on that count.

“As do I,” I replied with a smile.

It wasn’t long before we retired.  Avva made short shrift of dealing with Henry.  Said she always went to bed extra early the night before a mission.  We retired almost as soon as we returned to the barracks, as did every other soldier.  It wasn’t long before all was quiet, and Avva snuck into my bed.