FireDrake by Bianca D'Arc

girl with the same teasing respect he gave her mother, the same caring concern and desire to make them smile. He might be a rogue, but he was a kind one and that combination, Krysta discovered, was dangerous indeed.
    “So what fills your days, Krysta? I know you’re a Guard, but are you always on patrol or have you some other duty?”
    The question drew her back to the moment and reminded her of her duty. Judging by the sun’s position, she had only a short time left before she must begin her work day.
    “I train the new recruits in weaponless fighting. Many of us share that duty, but in fact—” she wiped her mouth as she finished her breakfast, “—today it’s my turn. I have a nice class of talented young men and women waiting for me.”
    “Ah, Jinn freehand fighting? That’s a skill I learned many years ago, though I was too large for many of the more intricate movements—or so the armsmaster said.”
    “You might be at that.” She looked him over with a considering eye. “I’d almost forgotten that Drake of the Five Lands was adopted of the Jinn. What clan are you?”
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    FireDrake
    “Black Dragon.” He said it casually, though they both knew the Black Dragon Clan ruled all of the many Jinn clans. They were the ones responsible for calling most of the wandering Jinn clans together here in Draconia. “I was lucky enough to have gained their notice when I was still just a boy, away from home for the first time with no knowledge of the wider world. Without their guidance, who knows where I’d be today?”
    “I imagine you always land on your feet, Drake.” She smiled at the picture he painted with his words of him as a youth.
    He bowed his head in acknowledgement of her small praise. “It is a skill I’ve learned through much trial and painful error.”
    “Speaking of learning—” she glanced out the window again, “—I must go see to my students.” She stood from the table and reached for the small purse at her belt, but Drake stayed her hand. His gentle touch jolted her, the warmth of his fingers causing little tingles on her skin.
    “Allow me.” He produced a silver coin from his own pocket, tossing it onto the table. It was much more than the simple fare was worth, but she knew he was probably leaving the extra for little Mary Pritchard, or trying to impress Krysta with his largess.
    Probably a little of both. Krysta smiled and thanked him as gracefully as she could manage.
    Drake towered over her as they left the inn, reminding her of her femininity in a very basic way. Her limbs almost shook with the tingling heat of awareness. He was a tall man, but not brawny. No, he had the sleek muscles of the jungle cat, primed and ready to strike, though his loping stride was deceptively lazy.
    “I’ll walk you to the garrison, if you don’t mind the company. I’m going that way and find I’m reluctant to see our time together end.”
    Oh, he was charming.
    “I don’t mind. But Drake…” her conscience rose to remind her of Mace, “…I have to tell you, I’m committed to Mace. I don’t want to lead you on or give you false hope.”
    “Committed, huh?” He seemed to ponder her meaning. “Has he offered you marriage?”

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    Bianca D’Arc
    “No.” She shifted uncomfortably as they walked. “But I’ve committed to learning where the mutual attraction leads. I’m not in the market for a husband—or two.”
    “I’m glad you’re aware what mating with a knight entails.” She did, but only vaguely. Still, she wouldn’t get into that discussion with Drake. Mace would tell her all about it, if they ever got to that point. “I’ll be brutally honest with you, Krysta.” He stopped walking, tugging on her wrist to make her face him. “I don’t think I can stay away. You’re unlike any woman I’ve ever known before and I want whatever time you’ll give me.”
    “I won’t stop seeing Mace.”
    “I didn’t ask you to.