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Even with her eyes closed, Glory could sense him watching her. It was the same every other night. She’d gotten used to it a long time ago, and while the feeling had grown to give her comfort and peace of mind as she fell asleep, now she was awfully aware of the empty space around her, leaving her craving his presence.
Slowly she opened her eyes. Deathbringer’s darted away.
“I saw you,” she murmured, her head still resting on her talons.
Sheepishly, Deathbringer focused on her again. “Sorry. I couldn’t help it.” He took a tentative step closer, his head tilting slightly. “Can’t sleep?”
She hummed. “I’m feeling a little lonely tonight. Why don’t you sit here next to me? I could use the extra warmth.”
He smiled. “I’m afraid I’m on guard duty at the moment. I’ll join you after, I promise.”
Glory didn’t feel like waiting. She grumbled. “Well, as of this instant, I command that guard duty’s over. Come here now, husband.”
Deathbringer shivered. “Pulling out the ‘h’ word—how devious.”
“I am entitled to that. Now, I’m getting awfully cold here all by myself. You’re not really going to leave me like this, are you?”
Deathbringer feigned hesitation, as if considering. Then he smiled, radiating his usual playful warmth. “Fine. And I wouldn’t dream of it.”
He padded across the platform. As he settled down next to her, he spread out one of his wings so that it draped across her back like a blanket of stars. She let out a satisfied rumble and tucked her head underneath his neck, basking in his body heat.
“Oh, if only he would do this with me every night,” she lamented, closing her eyes.
Deathbringer ducked his head and nudged her softly with his snout. “I have to watch over you and the heir. You know I function best at this time.”
“Yes, but that also means you barely sleep. Tell me how that’s fair.”
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s fair. It’s my job to keep you comfortable and safe, and I’d do anything to make sure it stays that way, least of all sacrifice a few hours of sleep.”
For a few moments, Glory’s steady breathing was all that filled the gap of silence. He thought she would finally let the matter rest.
Then she let out a soft sigh. “Maybe I should get a new bodyguard.”
Deathbringer smiled despite himself, out of her sight. “You’re replacing me, my queen?”
“Only for your own good.”
“I’m touched, but I’ll have to politely decline. I doubt you’ll find anyone else as devoted to you as I am.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t be too sure of that. I can think of a few RainWings who’d do a good job.” She sighed again. “Still, what’s wrong with watching over me from right here? I doubt it makes much of a difference.”
Deathbringer smirked. “I see better in all directions when I can walk around the platform. Next to you, I wouldn’t be able to concentrate. You’re far too distracting—in the best way, of course.”
Glory rolled her eyes, though she was smiling. “I’m flattered. But as you remember, I’m entirely capable of protecting myself. And at the end of the day I’m still the queen, so from now on you’ll stay by my side throughout the night—that’s an order.”
Deathbringer sighed in defeat, a low rumble from his chest that she could feel against her side. “Then I guess I don’t have a choice. You are the queen. I’d be a fool to argue further.”
Glory grinned. “Capable and smart—that’s why I love you.”
Deathbringer’s heart skipped a beat. Without missing another, he twined their tails together. Glory let her head settle onto the wood flooring of their sleeping pavilion. Fireflies danced around their talons, illuminating their scales in flashes of deep blue and ebony black. The crickets’ calls were the only noise puncturing the stillness of the forest.
Glory’s eyes slowly fell shut. Her breathing slowed. Gently, so as not to wake her, Deathbringer set his head down next to her.
“Good night,” he whispered, knowing she wouldn’t answer.
-END-