Page 93 of Destined Dawn

“Pip can be cute when he wants to be.” I lean a little towards her. “I once dressed him up in a halo and angel’s wings. He hated it but he looked adorable.” Charmaine actually smiles. “He also loves having his ears tickled.”

She hesitates and then slowly reaches out a hand and strokes her fingers down Pip’s velvety ears.

“Does your family have a farm?” I ask her.

Her hand freezes. “They did.” Pip butts his nose against her hand and she tickles under his chin. “I had a pet cat then. He liked to have his chin tickled like this. It used to make him dribble.” She smiles again.

“Pip has been known to dribble on occasion – usually when you rub his tummy. Or he’s watching you eat.” Pip snorts as if protesting such an accusation and she giggles. “Does your family live here in the capital with you?”

“No, it is just me now.”

“I’m sorry.” I know what it’s like to be alone. I hope she has friends at least. Meeting Winnie and Trent and my fivemates has changed my life for the better in a way I can’t even describe.

“Thank you for helping him,” I say. “You really should be resting with your magic so weak.”

“My master asked me to help you,” she says simply.

“Is he a bit of a hard taskmaster?” I ask, attempting to make the question sound innocent but failing miserably.

Her eyes shift up to mine with suspicion.

“I have to go now,” she says. Pip snorts and licks her hand again.

“Of course,” I say. “I hope we might talk again.”

She bows her head and walks towards the door on unstable legs and I can feel how weak her magic remains.

“Your magic is still weak. You should really rest.”

“Of course,” she says, gaze not meeting mine. It’s clear she has no intention of heeding my words.

“Maybe I could accompany you back to your home. I’d love to see–”

“No,” she says. “I’m sorry, but I have work to do.”

“You shouldn’t be working,” I call after her, but she’s already scurrying out of the room.

32

Rhi

I spendmost of the day wallowing in the bath, floating in fragrant bubbles, listening to relaxing music, and nibbling on more chocolate. It helps ease the period cramps, but as I mull things over in my mind, I grow more and more uncomfortable. I’m thankful for the Black Prince’s offer of protection. I’m grateful for the food and all these comforts. But it doesn’t feel right wallowing in a luxurious bath while I know my friends – Winnie and Ellie and the others – could be out there suffering. Who am I kidding? There’s nocouldbeabout it. I bet they are.

I tug the plug from the bath and climb out of the tub, wrapping myself in a fluffy gown that was also in Charmaine’s box. Stuffing another square of chocolate into my mouth for courage, I head back into the suite to find my mates.

However, I find the suite completely empty. They’ve gone. With a huff, annoyed they didn’t tell me they were going, I collapse down on one of the sofas. Pip snorts and I pick him up and settle him on my belly. He’s always been as good as a hot water bottle when it comes to cramps and it’s been weeks and weeks since we’ve been alone. We snuggle up together, enjoying each other’s company.

We must doze off, because some minutes later I jerk awake at the sound of five men entering the suite.

“Where have you been?” I ask, nudging Pip off my belly, and stretching my arms above my head, each of my vertebrae clicking in turn.

“Sopherina and Portia took us to watch a session of training for the young dragon-riders,” Spencer says, flopping down on the couch next to me. “It seems pretty intuitive to me. A million times easier than broom riding.”

“Sopherina and Portia?” I ask.

“The two dragon-riders who brought us here,” Spencer explains. “You should see what they can do on a dragon. They are incredible.”

“Oh, they are, are they?” I cross my arms over my chest, my bond snarking with jealousy.