The Dragon Nimbus Novels: Volume II

smile. I would very much like to be your friend.
    Quinnault fell in love.
    (Offer them half the Tambootie.)
    Sense reasserted itself into his brain. “If we can negotiate a treaty, you may have half the Tambootie requested, harvested in thirds. We will deliver the first load when the marriage banns are posted, the next when the marriage takes place, and the final third when our first son is born.” He had to keep his eyes closed to keep from giving them everything up front without a thought for the future. If he looked at Katie any longer, he’d give away his entire kingdom without regret.
    “We need the Tambootie now,” the leader asserted. He tried to push his body between Quinnault and Katie.
    Neither of them yielded to him. Nonetheless, Quinnault dropped her hand. “I have a marriage treaty waiting for my signature that promises me a perfectly good princess. My people know her lineage and will welcome the alliance. Her family will secure my entire western border.”
    “And leave you more vulnerable to the south and east.”
    “Do you have a name? Perhaps we could retire to my palace for refreshment. These negotiations could take some time. I will need to consult my Council and my magicians.” Quinnault cocked one eyebrow, trying to appear as if his sanity didn’t depend upon grabbing Katie’s hand again and never letting her go.
    “You may call me Kinnsell, Scarecrow. And we can finish this here and now if you are reasonable. Katie could be your wife by tomorrow night.”
    “You may call me King Quinnault, or Your Grace. I rule by the grace of the dragons and I will not hesitate to call them up to dispose of my enemies.” He glared at Kinnsell. He didn’t need to tell these Varns that no dragon had been seen in Coronnan since his sister had been spirited away.
    Behind him Buan snorted as if amused. Quinnault cursed the steed under his breath.
    “Magicians and dragons,” Kinnsell snorted. “I guess you use the Tambootie to induce hallucinogenic trances that make you see dragons and believe in magic.”
    “If that is what you believe, then we have nothing to discuss.” Quinnault turned on his heel and grabbed Buan’s reins. He didn’t want to go. Didn’t want to leave Katie. But he had to show strength, knock some of the arrogance out of these beings.
    “Your Grace, there is no need to go through the lengthy process of banns and an elaborate marriage ceremony,” Kinnsell said mildly, almost politely. “A simple exchange of vows is all we require. Your laws do say that when marrying a foreigner the bride’s customs prevail at the ceremony.”
    “But I am a ruling monarch. My people must accept Maarie Kaathliin,” he repeated her name with the softer intonation of his people, “as their queen as well as my wife. We must all know her lineage and her dowry.” Maarie Kaathliin. The name had a familiar ring to it. Where had he heard it, or read it. Kinnsell, too, sounded familiar. . . .
    Kinnsell! the servant of the Stargods. Kimmer, Konner, and Kameron O’Hara. No. The Varns couldn’t be delegates of the Stargods. The three red-haired brothers who had saved Kardia Hodos from a plague and given the people justice and magic belonged to the people of the Three Kingdoms, not to the Varns, who hailed from some unknown, unnamed location.
    “I assure you, Quinnault,” Katie said. “I am the daughter of an emperor, descended from seven hundred years of emperors. I believe you value people descended from your Stargods? My family dates back to them. My lineage is impeccable. We would not press you to hasten our union if the lives of many millions of people did not depend upon access to the Tambootie.” She captured his gaze with her own.
    He fell into their green depths and knew she spoke the truth.
    We need you as much as you need me. But be careful of Kinnsell. He has his own agenda aside from the issue of the Tambootie.
    (She will do.)
    Quinnault almost laughed at the amused voice in the back of his head. He had no doubt that Shayla eavesdropped on both conversations, spoken and telepathic.
    “Half the Tambootie, delivered in two batches—at the marriage and half when our first son is born.” He felt an odd reassurance as well as a chuckle of approval behind his heart where the dragons dwelt. “But we must have a public marriage and posting of the banns.”
    Kinnsell and Katie exchanged another of those meaningful glances. The leader turned away first, sighing heavily.
    If this haughty