My vision blurred. The sting behind my nose returned as his words from long ago wrapped around me like smoke.
“Many, but you are not one of them.”
The corner of his mouth lifted in a smile. Gentle. Steady. He nodded. I turned to his leathers, fumbling at the silver clasps. His hand found mywaist—solid, silent, anchoring me. He understood I needed to do something, to help somehow.
He had suffered. Fought. Bled. All for me. A slow heat built behind my ribs, fierce and hollow, demanding I prove myself worthy of it.
The last buckle near his throat gave way. I slipped the silk-lined leather from his shoulders.
“Kallias,” I hissed. Crimson spread across his tunic, dark and blooming. Bandages beneath clung wet and useless.
“The jacket kept pressure on it.”
“You’re inmyhouse, drenched in blood,” I snapped, shoving the fabric down his arms. “Are you trying to rouse the beasts’ bloodlust?”
He rolled his shoulders free with a grunt, muscles shifting under taut skin.
“No one else on this island bleeds?” He asked, tugging the tunic over his head with a wince.
“They know better than to lie in it.” I scowled at him. “If you’re close to me, then you risk the dragons’ attention. Keep it clean and dry.”
He glanced down as I peeled the wrappings loose. “Stitches?”
The wound traced a jagged path from his upper chest to the far rib. Not deep—but the day’s strain had broken the scab and set it bleeding again. I leaned in, arm stretching behind him to dampen a cloth. The scent of salt, blood, and sweat clung to his skin.
“You might not need them, but the healers know best.” I exhaled. “Father should have sent for one.”
“He seems content to let me suffer.” His laugh rasped low in his throat.
The gash had burned edges where the dragon’s fire had sealed it, ugly and raw. It would scar deep—proud, unforgiving. A reminder etched in flesh. I dabbed it clean, relieved to see the bleeding had slowed.
“He’s notorious for holding a grudge.” I nudged him aside, rummaging for new bandages. “Negotiations start tomorrow?”
“I wasn’t told.”
“Hold this.” I pressed gauze to the wound and handed him the fresh wrap. He pinned the cloth in place. “When talks begin, you’ve got leverage. We lost our trade route with the Innaki. No word from them yet, but war isn’t off the table.”
I circled behind him, winding the bandage snug around his ribs.
“An island willing to challenge the wrath of dragons? Have they hatched any?”
“No. Dragons won’t settle on Innaku.” I cinched the wrap and tied it off. “No, there was an incident and Tsunami ate the crown prince.”
His brows shot up. Eyes wide. “They pick humans off as they please? Should I warn my crew?”
“If they stay respectful, they’re safe.” I stepped back, brushing hair from my face. “Tsunami’s riderless. She answers to no one. That’s the risk when people step foot on Draconis’ shores—you’re at their mercy.”
“This prince must have done something worthy of their wrath. I’d assume being neighbors, they would know better.”
I bit my lip. Adoni had known better. Foolish. Possessive. I saw it now—in the way he lingered too close, how he claimed my title with his tongue as if it were his. It had all been there. I just hadn’t wanted to acknowledge it.
“What is it?” His voice tugged at my gaze. His brows dipped in a hard frown as he searched my face. “What did he do?”
Why did I hesitate? Perhaps I feared he’d see weakness. Or was it shame? Adoni assumed I’d welcome a prince just because I once chased a king.
“Nienna, tell me.” His hands slipped to my waist, anchoring me as though he sensed the urge to run.
“He moved against the royal family.”
