Page 55 of The Mountain King
Chapter Eighteen
Maddugh threw another party.
“A betrothal luncheon,” he’d informed her. “Just the household, a few friends, and local business people over for lunch.”
Kailigh arrived in the hall, exasperated but amused. She’d dressed, which was tacit approval. The corset she wore was one she’d bought years ago from a traveling merchant. Deep red leather with copper studs, matching cuffs around her wrists. She’d put on her best skirt made of a swath of chocolate satin, gathered here and there to create flounces. It might not be quite up to a rich man’s standards, but her waist was nipped in and her cleavage plentiful—and Kai was certain that was all that really mattered.
Maddugh’s blond son nudged him and his head turned, a grin on his face before he froze. Kailigh’s head tilted as she watched him stride towards her, grin gone.
“Are youmad?”he exclaimed. “I want no bloodshed tonight over you.”
Kailigh laughed. “You’re a sweet boy.”
Maddugh scowled. “Woman, I’m centuries older than you.”
She patted his cheek. “I’m hungry. Feed me, Seymour.”
“What?”
Kailigh shrugged. “Old saying. Don’t know where from.”
He sighed, muttering something about keeping her close and side eyed her breasts. She just arched a brow, smirking. The side tables were packed full of food, and he’d arranged for a small bar. The bartender, jaunty with his white sleeves rolled up and a brightly colored vest and shiny top hat, asked her what she’d be having.
“Whiskey, on the rocks,” she said.
Maddugh leaned towards her, lips brushing against her ear. “Have two, my dear. So I may take advantage of you tonight.”
She snorted. “I can drink any man or dragon under a table, so you’d best getthatthought out of your head.” She accepted her glass, bringing it to her lips and tilting the fiery drink down her throat. Smooth, rich. Ah... the good stuff. “I might be up for a romp, however.” Her body moistened in response to the thoughts running through her head. Maddugh, muscles slick, eyes on fire, above her. The thick length of him ready to make her scream.
“Stone and Steam,” she said, involuntarily.
“What are you thinking, Kailigh?” he asked, voice a deep purr. “You know I can sense—”
“Oh, be quiet.” She blushed a bit, and then slid her arm through his, leading him to the middle of the ballroom where dancing had begun.
Maddugh whirled her around the floor with as much enthusiasm as skill and it took all her concentration to glide along with him, and not simply be a rag doll in his arms. She heard a familiar shriek of laughter and glanced around until she spotted Cinvarra, standing on the edges of the dance with a grin on her face. Her cheeks were still thinner than normal, but there was color under her skin. She looked lovely in the rose-colored gown she wore.
“Did you buy the girls’ dresses?” she asked. She didn’t recognize Cinvarra’s dress.
“I had to bribe them for permission to marry their mother,” Maddugh replied, then paused, thoughtful. “Though Serephone wanted knives. I believe she spent the day hounding the blacksmith.”
Kailigh winced, and then laughed.
Eventually, she left his side, seeking her daughters to discuss their day, and update herself on the progress of their courtships.
“You know the deal I struck with the dragon Lord?” she asked, having drawn the three into a semi-private corner.
“He told us,” Persia said. “You didn’t have to, Ma.”
Kailigh shrugged. “It is no hardship, and I am better prepared for the trials of marriage than you three. Now, you may take your time.”
“You told him I can grow things,” Cinvarra said, her voice soft.
Kai glanced at her youngest child. “No, I didn’t say which daughter. He must have guessed.”
“He said we would talk about a position in his government. And that I need not ever wed unless that is what I chose.”
Kai held her breath. “What do you want to do?”
