Fire Breather

73.

   "GET to the great hall and tell Ridoc Gamlyn that I need ice now!" Violet shouted as we passed through the foyer.

"I'm fine!" Brennan said around the handkerchief that was trying to stop the flow of blood from his nose. He tested the cartilage and cringed. "Damn it, Mira, I think you broke it!"

"I heard a distinct crunch." Violet glared over her shoulder at her sister beside me as we walked into Garrick's father's office.

"You deserved it," Mira called out, shaking off the guard who reached for her. "Don't fucking touch me."

"Get your hands off her," I snarled at the guard, shoving his hands off her arm. "She's a guest in my home."

"This is a family matter," Brennan muttered, sitting back against the edge of a table.

"Family? Family doesn't let each other think they're dead for six years." Mira leaned against the wall, putting Violet between them while I stayed in the doorway, crossing my arms over my chest. "The only family in this room is Violet and me."

"Mira—" Violet started.

"Lieutenant Colonel?" Ulices interrupted, pushing through the guards until he reached my side.

"Lieutenant Colonel?" Mira's gaze darted from Ulices to Brennan. "At least playing dead for six years earns you rank."

Brennan shot her a look before turning toward Ulices. "I'm fine. Everyone can relax. I've had worse injuries sparring."

"Wouldn't be the first time I broke his nose." Mira sent Ulices a saccharine-sweet smile while he narrowed his eye on her.

A guard pushed past him, handing Violet a cloth wrapped around a thick icicle. "Thank you," she told him. "And tell the same to Ridoc, please."

"Deploy every rider currently not scheduled to scout the Tyrrish outposts as quietly as possible," Brennan ordered Ulices. "We need to know if other riders are deserting, or if they're surging here in preparation to strike."

"With all the extra riders we have," Ulices muttered.

"Switch," Violet ordered her brother, holding out the ice.

"What about the new riot?" Ulices asked. "Same procedure as the cadets' arrival?"

"Riorson and Barber vouche for them, according to Marbh, but make sure the dragons do as well. Get them up to the valley." Brennan nodded as blood dripped off his chin.

"Your blood better not stain these floors," I warned him, narrowing my eyes.

At that, Violet widened her eyes. "Switch," she said again, waving the ice so he saw it.

Ulices glanced at Mira. "You're sure—"

"I can handle my own sister," Brennan assured him.

"Don't be so sure about that," Mira countered, lifting a brow as Ulices left.

"I can't believe you hit me," Brennan muttered. "Do you know how hard it is to mend yourself? You? No problem. Doing it for myself? A giant pain in the ass."

"Oh, do cry for me, big brother," Mira mocked him. "You know, the way we cried for you."

"This is going to be a long day." I sighed, leaning against the door frame.

"I knew you wouldn't understand." Brennan jabbed a finger in Mira's direction and flinched. "Shit, I'm going to have to set the cartilage."

"Understand? Understand that you let us burn your things?"