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curiously. She assumed that Raine would join them once the dragons had departed, but something in the courtyard had caught her attention. She was staring down expectantly, as if waiting for someone. That speculation was proven correct as a raven-haired woman appeared at the top of the circular stairway, embraced Raine, then kissed her on the cheek. The affection between the two women was evident, and the dark-haired mage did not release Raine.
    “Speaking of excitement,” Senta said, drawing the attention of the others to the reunion.
    “Oh how marvelous,” Halla exclaimed, and Helena noted as much delight in the Queen’s voice as with the dragons. Helena examined this newcomer, clothed in lovely robes embroidered with arcane symbols. Beneath the robe was a laced bodice that plunged to her navel, a bodice that somehow magically contained the full breasts that threatened to fall out upon her playful mauling of the Scinterian.
    “It’s a good thing that Talan left,” Helena said.
    This elicited a chuckle from many at the table. “Talan fully expects that type of behavior from Idonea.”
    “Ah,” Helena said as the identity of the mystery woman became clear. “That is the dragon’s daughter.”
    “You just missed your mother,” Raine said, out-of-earshot of the Ha’kan but on the same topic. “She and Kylan left to survey the surrounding countryside.”
    “That’s a good idea. I came across several bands of Hyr’rok’kin on my way here from imperial lands.”
    Raine gave her a quick once-over. “You look none the worse for wear.”
    “They were not so lucky,” Idonea said.
    “Good for you,” Raine said with approval. “I might go out scouting later myself. I’ve been itching for a fight.”
    “Not me,” Idonea said, smoothing her robes. “I want to get cleaned up, rested, then get back to work with my little protégé.”
    “She will be thrilled,” Raine said, offering her arm to Idonea.
    The Ha’kan had remained respectfully at a distance, but all rose as the two approached. The Queen held out her hands and Idonea took them in her own.
    “Idonea, welcome back. Your chambers in Dallan’s forum are untouched if you wish to stay there.”
    Idonea sent a smoldering glance Dallan’s way, who true to form, blushed bright red, causing her usual companions to snicker and her recent companions to shake their heads in astonishment.
    “That would be wonderful, your Majesty. I will get settled, and then you and I,” she said, turning to Skye. “Have to get back to work.”
    “I can’t wait!” Skye exclaimed.
    Idonea turned to the First Scholar. “Would you care to join us for lessons?”
    A cool smile crossed Gimle’s delicate features. “I would be delighted.”
    “Excellent,” Idonea said, “this afternoon, then.”
    “Come along, Baroness,” Raine said, “I will escort you to your suite.”
    Idonea’s laughter drifted backward as the two left the terrace. The salutation was a great joke between the two of them, Idonea having acquired it when Raine gave her Fireside, the most luxurious residence in the imperial capital.
    “Let me tell you the fun I had with that title…”
    After a brief respite, Idonea found Raine and the two walked together to the Scholar’s wing of the castle.
    “So how goes your little fling with the Knight Commander?”
    “It continues as it started, wild and unexpected. She appears to have accepted my inability to commit to a single person.” Raine looked unconvinced, so Idonea continued. “Oh, Nerthus is certainly jealous, but if she does not hear of it or see it, she does not ask.”
    “Ah,” Raine said. She changed the subject, growing serious. “So, do you think you could have defeated Ingrid?”
    Twenty years ago, Idonea’s response would have been arrogant, bragging, and likely untrue. Much had changed in the two decades she had spent as Isleif’s protégé.
    “I believe so,” she said in a measured response. “That sorceress is powerful and