Dragonfyre by Donna Grant

powerful as Theron, and his vengeance was swift.
    “He’s the one who committed the murders, isn’t he?”
    Aimery sighed and nodded.
    “I’m sorry. I cannot imagine to know how it feels to be betrayed in such a way.”
    “I hope you never find out.”
    “Was he high ranking in the palace?”
    “Nay. He was working his way through the ranks of the army, just as I did. I recognized his skill and knew it could be to our benefit.”
    She grimaced. “So you befriended him.”
    “Aye. I didn’t see him for what he was.” He stopped and raked a hand down his face.
    “My judgment comes into question now. Theron has every right to remove me as Commander.”

    “For one mistake?” She couldn’t believe it. Surely Theron had more mercy than that.
    Aimery’s blue gaze settled on her. “Kyndra, I make life and death decisions for my men and our realm. If I make a mistake, we could lose everything.”
    “You’ve proven your worth a thousand times over. Have you ever made a mistake before?”
    “Not like this.”
    “Then give Theron some credit to recognize that. Even he has made mistakes by sending his own brother into the Realm of Shadows.”
    Suddenly, Aimery grinned. “Are you trying to cheer me up.” Kyndra bit the inside of her cheek and shrugged. “Maybe. I just want you to realize that you are worth more to our realm as a Commander than you think.” Her breath stilled in her body as his hand reached up and pulled a lock of her hair from her eyelashes. The need to step into his arms, to feel them wrap around her as she gave in to the desire swimming through her blood, would be so easy, feel so wonderful.
    She watched him rub the strand of hair between his long fingers. Her dark locks amid the flaxen ‐ haired Fae had always made her feel different, out of place. Her parents had told her few were granted the gift of dark hair in their race, but Kyndra would have gladly given it to someone else.
    But now, as Aimery stroked her hair as if he were mesmerized, she found she liked being different.
    “I love your hair,” he murmured.
    She closed her eyes as he took a step toward her. With her heart hammering in her chest, she waited for him to pull her against him, to claim her lips in another kiss that would set her world on fire.
    But he did neither.
    She opened her eyes in time to see him drop her hair. Disappointment filled her, even though she told herself it was for the best.
    “It is rare for a Fae to have dark hair,” he said. “Though I’m sure you know that.”
    “I do. It is said to be a great gift, but being so different is more of a curse than a gift.” One side of his mouth lifted in a grin. “Because so many wanted you.”
    “Only because of my hair. They thought by having me as their wife I would somehow elevate them.”
    “Is that why you took the vows of the Order?”
    She had never told anyone of how she hated having hair so different or of the men chasing her. Everyone thought she had cared more for the dragons than men. It was true. To an extent.
    “I took the vows because it was my destiny.”
    “And it made no never mind to you that by taking them it kept the men from you?” he asked with a raised brow.
    She shrugged. “Oh, that might have factored into things.” When he did nothing but stare at her, she shifted from one foot to the other, growing more uncomfortable by the moment.
    “With your beauty, you could have ruled the realm, Kyndra. It isn’t just the color of your hair, it’s your strength, your splendor that brought those men to your door. Hiding behind the dragons won’t stop what everyone sees.”
    “And what is that?” she couldn’t help but ask. No one had spoken to her as Aimery did, and it made her stomach flutter.
    “You were meant to be adored. And not just by dragons.” Her eyes followed him as he turned and continued down the canyon floor. No one had ever made her doubt her decision to take her vows, until Aimery. He made her think of a future she