As he wasforced to tell his father more than once, “I said I’d fight for my mother’sthrone. I never said I’d die for it.” Then he’d add, simply to annoy the oldbastard into one of his frothy temper tantrums, “Don’t you think I’m toopretty to die?

The queen watched Annwyl for several long moments. “You are an interesting . . . thing. I think I understand what my son sees in you.”Annwyl swallowed. “Son?”“You didn’t know?” Annwyl slowly shook her head. “Yes. I think all my children are quite unimpressed with their rank among dragons.”“Yes. Apparently they are.

I’m relying on your innate nature now.” “I don’t under—”“A truce, peacemaker.”“With me?”“With Rhiannon.”Bram blinked. “Rhiannon who?” “Your queen.”“The one you called wide ass?” “One time. Gods that viper forgets nothing!

She and Brastias walked off, but as soon as Fearghus releasedAnnwyl she yelled after them, “We’ll do our best to be good littlemonarchs.”Morfyd swung around so fast, fangs showing, that Annwylstumbled back and then dodged behind Fearghus.“My, aren’t we the brave queen, my love.”“Shut up, mate.