Page 57 of Always Say Yes to a Dragon

“This one will do.” Tika held up a book I’d picked up more for its beautiful illustrations of birds than whatever it had to say about them. Since it didn’t have the treasure bindings I preferred, it was one of the cheapest things in my library, the cheat. “Now open yours.”

I opened my package to find an etched dagger with a large ruby on the hilt. Several times more expensive than the book I’d impulsively picked up years ago, when my hoard was smaller and less impressive. I was a little surprised that the small volume had survived the move from my old, isolated lair in the Rocky Mountains.

“I won that dagger at auction after a minor bidding war.” Tika looked pleased with herself. “I gave the better gift, obviously.”

Elle glanced between us, eyes wide.

I wanted to lie and tell Tika I’d searched high and low for the bird dictionary, or whatever it was. Balancing out the monetary cost with a time investment would be the only way my “gift” could be morevaluable than hers, but she’d never believe I wasted so much time on a book that didn’t even have treasure on it.

“I won.” She preened. It was rare for her to win a gift exchange with me. “So you have to give me two minutes to explain.”

“You’re here to apologize, not make excuses.”

“That’s the terms of my win. Youoweme two minutes. I won’t even take that long.”

Elle’s attention whipped back and forth between us. I squeezed her shoulder, set my watch, and waved a hand at Tika.

“The whole visit was Udar’s idea,” Tika said, jutting out her chin.

I flicked my wingtips dismissively. “Ah, he tied you down and dragged you.”

Elle crossed her arms, her fingers plucking at the sleeves of her shirt.

“He promised he wouldn’t make a scene. He said we would just check on how you were settling in.” Tika pouted. “It’ssounfair that you won’t let us visit you.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’ve visited me every month since I claimed Kilinis.”

“Az told me you liked the shops,” Elle said.

“I do! You humans sell such creative little things, but I have to beg for every visit.”

If bybegshe meantsend me a message or two before I caved. Part of this was my fault for indulging my baby sister too often.

“And you’veneverinvited Udar.” Tika ended her tirade with a puff of smoke from her snout.

Elle stiffened next to me. I wrapped a wing around her. Her hair brushed its sensitive inner skin.

“Udar proved why he’s not invited to visit last night. Crashing my party was incredibly rude.” And this morning, he’d had the audacity to visit my potential mate. I’d had to fight the temptation to prymore details about his visit out of Elle, but as long as she didn’t seem tempted by him, I didn’t want to give her an opportunity to change her mind.

“He’s our brother! I know you two have some stupid rivalry since you’re only a few years apart, but you’ve both been wonderful older brothers to me.”

I ran a palm down my face. “You said you’d explain, but all I’m hearing are more excuses.”

Tika huffed. “He said—”

My watch chimed.

“Time’s up.” I took pity on Tika. She’d never been on the receiving end of Udar’s manipulations before. “I’m sure he goaded you, but you can’t take the bait.”

Tika drew herself up. “Take the bait? I’m not some stupid kid anymore.”

“I’m sure he didn’t mean it like that.” Elle held out a placating hand.

“Besides, what am I supposed to do when you’re the one keeping secrets?” Tika said.

Elle froze.

“Elle isnota secret,” I snapped.

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