of expected it.
“Thanks again,” I said with what I hoped was a friendly smile and not a crazed grin. I held my hand out for the kin to shake, and this time there was no hesitation for him to take it.
“Same to you,” he muttered.
As he released my hand and turned away, I was sure there was a smile on that face for a split second. I watched him climb the stairs for a moment before the sound of boots slamming on the dock made me turn.
“Wait a minute!” Rio shouted. It took me a moment to realize he was yelling it at the kin. “One thing before you steal off into the dark, my friend.” He then turned and offered an arm to me, “Shall we, m’lady?”
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, and took his arm. As we climbed the stairs and finally caught up to the kin, Rio released my arm in favor of putting his hands on his belt, menacingly.
“Now, dragon, it is my duty as a citizen of the republic to ask you a few more questions.”
I really did roll my eyes this time. There had been enough questions today. When I looked at the kin again, I could not help but notice a set of people behind him that seemed to be marching straight toward us.
“Wai-“ I began.
“That thing-“ Rio started.
“Hold it!” The woman behind Levent shouted over all of us.
I jumped as a spearhead was pressed against the side of the kin’s neck, and several female soldiers in full regalia surrounded the three of us. The one who yelled stepped forward.
She was gorgeous and frighteningly serious. Her skin was much darker than the other soldiers, and wisps of light hair escaped her helmet. Immediately, she locked eyes with the dragon-kin. She was not intimated in the least.
“Can I see your documents, sir?” She held out a gauntleted hand with frightening speed.
“Documents?” Rio said, aghast. “Since when?”
“Since the last attack by one of our Estelheinian guests,” she answered.
Despite not even blinking at the kin’s appearance, she paused for a minute