Ann was just getting up when Andy returned to the room. She was unhappy that she hadn’t been woken. She decided the results were what mattered the most. They ate breakfast in the garden where they were joined by Nim, Pt’this, and Sapphire. Nim and Pt’this were talking in Dragon. “What are they saying?” Andy asked Ann. They stopped. “Sorry,” Pt’this said switching back to Menthan. “Nim and I were discussing how angry Emeton is with the nobles for their behavior, coming after you as soon as you got back and coercing Shunati into helping. The only reason why anyone knew anything about the meeting this morning was Nim overheard them talking about it.” “Well it’s over now,” Ann said. “Is it?” Pt’this asked. “This round at least,” Ann said. “Do you think they’ll try something else?” Sapphire asked. “Count on it,” Pt’this said. “Though, I don’t think they’ll try anything for a bit. Not with my father as upset as he is,” Ann added. “I’m not one to understand the manipulations of the court but, isn’t this extreme to keep Ann off the throne? I mean, she’s what, ninth in line? What are the odds that she’ll actually ever sit on the throne?” Nim asked. “I was thinking the same thing,” Pt’this said. “I just can’t imagine any reason to go to this length. I’m willing to bet that whatever the cause it’s related to that spell on Remtani.” “But, that was cast ages ago,” Ann protested. “There are those here in court who have never wanted you here.” “And none are mages of that strength,” Ann said. “You guys can keep going back and forth over this unsolvable mystery, or we can discuss a more important matter,” Sapphire said with a grin. “Like, who was that woman Nim had in his room last night?” “What? I didn’t have a woman in my room last night.” He turned to Pt’this. “I told you that then.” “I never said you had a woman in the room. I said I heard a woman’s voice.” “So, whose voice did he hear?” Andy asked. Nim turned red. “It was Joanne. I scried her last night.” “Why didn’t you tell us?” Ann asked. “Tell you what?” “That you had feelings for her.” “Because this isn’t going anywhere. I should never have scried her.” “What are you talking about? I saw the way she looked at you. I saw her kiss you. She obviously has feelings for you too.” “But we’re too different. We’re from different worlds.” “Hello?” Andy waved his hand. “Foreigner here, from her world in fact. Just married someone from your world. Working out well.” “But you two are human. I’m a dragon.” “Half human,” Ann corrected. “You were raised as a human. I’m a hermit. I don’t know the first thing about relationships, especially with a human.” “You haven’t been much of a hermit for the last several years. And you must know something about relationships because it appears you’re in one,” Ann said. “Teach her about dragons, learn about humans. Just be open with her. Tell her about your concerns,” Andy advised. “He’ll say that every time, but it works,” Pt’this said. “It does.” Andy nodded. “Joanne’s the one who taught that to me.” “I don’t know.” Nim still hesitated. “What is there not to know? It’s going to take work, but you can do it,” Ann said. “What did you always used to tell me about work?” Nim nodded. “If it takes work, it must be worth it.” “One piece of advice,” Sapphire said. “Tell her about the bond before it starts.” “Agreed,” Andy said. Nim smiled and nodded. “This has been fun, but since we have today off still, Sapphire and I have shopping to do in town,” Pt’this said standing. “We do?” Sapphire looked surprised. He nodded. “You need dresses for court.” “I have dresses.” “You have three. You need more. “And Nim? You have guests waiting in my receiving room.” “Guests?” Nim raised an eyebrow. He hurried off. “Thanks for the advice,” he called back. Pt’this and Sapphire left too. “So, what you want to do?” Andy asked. Ann leaned close and kissed him. “How about we finish our honeymoon upstairs?”