"You appear to be confusing negotiation with an auction," Max said. "If I decide I want any of you, that will be a separate matter. I will not hand over part of my kingdom in exchange for a beautiful woman warming my bed."
Myrathien leaned back, and for once, she had nothing clever to say.
Shaelvyn took over before the silence could settle.
"Then allow us to rebuild an elven defensive force. Your soldiers will remain outside Daerfaen, and no dragon will enter the capital or any elven settlement without permission from the council."
"No."
"Would you prefer the elves remain defenseless?"
"I would prefer them protected by soldiers loyal to me rather than an army controlled by women who arrived in my citadel carrying hidden weapons."
Shaelvyn's gaze shifted to the side as her hand slid away from her dagger.
"Elves will never accept dragon soldiers occupying their homes."
