Page 57 of Retrograde

And how much did I want them to send as a gesture of goodwill from one leader to another?

“Accept it, but make note that you haven’t had much Thovudin wine because of embargos where you studied and you do plan to support your own companies,” Maple suggested. “Didn’t someone have a honey place they found and wanted you to spotlight?”

I had no idea, but I agreed with her and asked her to find out because I needed to fly. It was already on my schedule, but luckily Benson saw this coming because he had everything ready—everyone on standby.

I was heading to go do that when I heard a commotion, but Belinda was there looking amused. I simply raised an eyebrow.

“Nope, you’re overloaded enough. Go fly and relax. Don’t push, simplybe, okay?”

“Just tell me because we know my brain won’t shut off if I’m worried there’s a problem in my castle,” I argued.

She sighed. “Apparently, the Blount boy heard one of the mating prospects snark that they wanted to catch a glimpse of you before you fly to see what he’s competing for.” She rolled her eyes when I did a double take. “It was gross but harmless. I’ve heard your friends cracking comments who has nice butts.”

Yeah, that was fair, but we did it in my suite or somewhere privately.

Not where we could be overheard.

“Thorn said something?” I checked.

She snorted. “Knocked the kid out cold.”

“Good.” I shrugged and told her where my head was. She agreed that the setting wasn’t appropriate and would make sure to “educate the child” like he wasn’t a grown man.

But mentally I shivered. I knew all about Belinda’s educating when you fucked up and I didn’t envy the guy.

He deserved it.

Still Thorn… Was just so damn confusing.

Really, he was.

Flying was exactly what I needed. Now that Iris was getting out more, she didn’t even go crazy or race. Eloise still wanted her turn but also just enjoyed the chance for us to fly and have fun.

And she was beyond amused that Benson, Onyx, and others kept looking at us like they were ready for my antics.

Nope, not today.

That was when I jinxed things. I could never just have time without drama or bullshit. Even my relaxing day was completely overtaken because I’d been ready to have a nervous breakdown.

“Belinda!”Eloise shouted in my mind, startling Iris and me.“Magic! Belinda coming!”

Fuck. Something was wrong.

Really wrong if she was coming in dragon form and using magic—enough magic for Eloise to sense.

I let out the distinct roar that there was danger, basically sending up the alarm for everyone with us… But also on the ground. We were flying over Nerthus, and if there was a problem, then anyone below us was at risk too.

I turned to Benson to make it clear we should get back to the castle and that was when I saw it.

A dozen dragons racing towards us—powerful dragons.

Fuck.

Iris was about to kick it into high gear assuming we were the target, but Eloise was already tuned in.

“Save Benson.”

Because he was the target. They wanted to take out my head of security thinking that would disorient everyone and then I’d be easier to handle. It was actually a smart plan.