To Snatch a Gilded Laurel : A Fantasy of Manners Dragon Romance (Bound by Flame) by Alex Callan & Angelica Babineaux

Author:Alex Callan & Angelica Babineaux [Callan, Alex & Babineaux, Angelica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Alanset Books
Published: 2024-04-19T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine – Remy

The road between Castiglione and Vinitore had been a much smoother ride. The castle of Castiglione had been mostly empty, as Isabella’s relatives had been traveling to visit some of their bannermen dotted across the rolling hills. As a result, Aldric and Remy had spent the night on the ground floor, while Izzy had had the whole second floor to herself.

This was for the best; the little inn that they’d shared off the river had given him an unexpected delight. Perhaps half an hour after they’d both retired for the evening, Remy had heard soft moans coming from the other side of the very thin walls. Then, a few minutes later, he scented the most intoxicating smell from Izzy’s room. It was something he’d never smelled. Desire crystallized in a perfect moment. It smelled heady and sweet and… wet. Dragonkin women didn’t get wet, not until they were fully in the depths of their heat, and even then it was all contained within—it definitely did not spill out where anyone could scent.

He’d found himself going back to it every few days, as he and Isabella had taken turns riding next to Aldric to continue keeping their distance. So when he heard his name shouted, it jolted him out of a very pleasant line of thinking.

“Vicomte!”

Remy started, hearing the urgent sound of Isabella’s voice. “Is everything alright?”

“We’re finally in view of Vinitore! Make sure to look out of the windows. You have to see everything.”

The city was set around Vetro Di Mare, a glimmering white castle upon a hill. Surrounding the city were limestone walls, with naval barracks among the outside perimeter. As the carriage rolled up the last foothills, it was as if nature herself drew back the curtain, showing the brilliant sapphire ocean as far as Remy could see. The sun sparkled against the crystal blue water and lit upon the sails of the multitude of ships in the harbor, some of them commercial and others clearly used for warfare and combat. Each warship was docked and a bustle of activity. Even from here, Remy could see the cannons being cleaned and maintained by bronzed, bare-chested soldiers.

Remy leaned out to be heard through the window. “So this is the might of the Aurelian Empire?”

“The might of Branch Echtarch, mostly.” Izzy called back. “Branch Echtarch and Branch Montaze have most of the naval power. We’ve had to skirmish once or twice with the Tideland Kings of Dent. They occasionally try to threaten our northeastern territories. But they are little match for our might,” she said, a clear note of pride in her tone. “Oh, I have so many places to take you to.”

“Can you stop the carriage?”

“Whatever for?”

“I’d like to see it more for myself, with my own eyes,” he said.

Aldric slowed the carriage and Remy walked alongside, keeping a brisk pace as he looked around.

“I do have so much to show you,” Izzy said, clasping her hands together. “Especially the gardens, you’ll love them!”

As they’d moved across the continent, Isabella had begun to dress for the weather.

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