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CHAPTER TWELVE

M elora held her breath, her feet dangling in the air above the staircase. Hot breath ruffled her hair as Dragon clung to her, his paws wrapped firmly about her. She had to trust him to keep her safe as he descended because, with her arms pinned to her sides, she couldn’t even hold on. His wings beat steadily as he gently lowered her to the ground, setting her down in an upright position, then landed beside her at the base of the dripping stairs.

The air rushed out of her lungs as her heart continued to pound with adrenaline. She was safe. They were safe.

The rag she hadn’t realized she’d been strangling was suddenly plucked from her fingers.

What’s this? Were you cleaning the floors? Dragon held the offending rag in the air between his claws.

She cringed as his voice boomed in her mind, unconsciously covering her head. Words failed her, but Dragon didn’t seem to have the same problem.

At least, I assume that is what you were doing, not polishing the floor into a death trap. Didn’t I tell you not to worry about any of that? You are my guest. What were you thinking? You could have been injured!

She shook her head. “I’m sorry. I only meant to help.”

Well, stop! This is not helpful! He shook the rag at her before flinging it to the ground.

She watched the dirty blue fabric land with a wet smack on the floor. Her lip trembled, and a tear made its way down her face to drip off her chin. “Isn’t that why you brought me here?”

Dragon huffed as he noticed her distress and lowered his head to her level. No! Look, I’m know I’m a terrifying dragon. I’m not trying to scare you. I just hate to see you injure yourself. Especially doing something as unnecessary as polishing my floors.

She looked up into his reptilian eyes, which were nearly as blue as that rag, and found genuine distress. She wiped her eyes. “You’re not mad at me?”

Mad at you ? Far from it! His wings twitched in agitation, and he shook his large head back and forth. I’m mad at myself for endangering you and pushing you over the stairs! I was terrified that I’d drop you!

Something warmed within her. He wasn’t as terrifying as he let on. Her thoughts turned to earlier that morning when she had found him in pain and vulnerable. She released a breath, along with the tightness inside her chest. There was no need to fear him.

Taking a step forward, she reached out her hand and pressed it against his warm scales, stroking his side. “Thank you. I’m safe. I didn’t mean to polish the floor until it became impossible to walk on. It never occurred to me that it might cause you to slip. Perhaps what you need is a few rugs to make it easier.”

The tension seemed to seep out of him. I’m the one who should be apologizing — first for crashing into you, and second for letting my fear and temper run away from me. However, I demand you cease all cleaning activities at once! I stand by what I said before. You are my guest, not my servant.

“What would you have me do to pay off my father’s debt?

Nothing!

“Nothing? My sister and I did most things for my Papa and even took in extra laundry to help pay…” her voice trailed off. Why was she telling him this? He didn’t need to know how desperate they had been.

Fire sparked in his eyes. Regardless of what your father made you do before, you are not responsible for his debt! But I thought it appropriate to inconvenience him by taking you so he would lose the money he stood to make from your marriage. Now perhaps you will have time for hobbies and doing things you enjoy.

“Hobbies?” There was never time for hobbies… she barely had time to think beyond taking care of herself and her sister and planning out how to avoid Papa’s anger. What would she do with free time? Her teeth teased her bottom lip.

Yes, hobbies. Surely there is something you’ve longed to do or try.

She fiddled with her dress, grasping desperately for something she could mention that would satisfy him. What hobbies did people even have? “I’m rather good at sewing. I make my own dresses and my sister’s dresses. Perhaps you have something in need of sewing or mending I could do for you.” Her eyes lit with the prospect of finally finding something she could do for him. Until he moved his tail and she came to her senses.

He was a dragon! What need had he of clothing?

Sewing? You want to spend your free time making something for me ? He said, his voice tinged with confusion.

Her shoulders slumped. Of course, she was horrible at the one thing he asked of her. “I’m sorry. I’ve never had much time for hobbies. I promise I’ll find some skill to make you proud.”

Don’t have time ? M ake me proud? He grumbled the words, shaking his wings in exasperation. It is not me you need to make happy. I merely wish for your comfort and joy while you are here.

“Oh.” No one had ever wished for her comfort and joy before. She’d barely had time to think of survival and finding little things to make Nerissa happy, but her own happiness?

What do you and your sister enjoy doing together?

“Um… Sometimes we like to go on walks together.” It was true—they often walked together to collect and deliver laundry. Besides, it was safer if they remained away from home as much as possible.

He studied her with those uncanny blue eyes of his.

“I always love being outside,” she continued. “I enjoy the feeling of nature all around me. The smell of the plants, the beautiful flowers and trees and animals. Feeling the wind on my face with all that open sky. In those moments, I am truly free.” She closed her eyes, picturing the beauty she described and how she and Nerissa would enjoy being outside regardless of the weather. Warm breath wafted her face. She opened her eyes to find Dragon watching her.

How would you like to go for a ride?

She blinked several times, not understanding what he meant. “A…a ride?”

His head bobbed. Atop my back, not like last time. Then you can enjoy the freedom of the sky in relative comfort.

Her lips parted and her eyes widened with realization. Dare she take him up on such an offer?

Imagine the wind on your face, letting go of all worries, and simply relishing the journey. His wings spread in anticipation.

Excitement surged inside her belly as she bit her lip. Could she really do it?

I will keep you safe. I promise. He held his paw out to her in a very human-like gesture.

“Alright. Let’s go!” She grasped his paw, her eyes bright with anticipation.

* * *

A urie sighed as she gently laid her hand upon his paw, his scales tingling at her touch. He hadn’t realized just how much he missed human contact until Melora showed up in his life.

He led her outside as if he were a gentleman. Except he was no gentleman. The scales upon his body, the flutter of his wings, and the swish of his tail proved just how beastly he had become. He was a dangerous dragon—a monster. He glanced toward her as they entered the courtyard. Her posture was relaxed, a smile dancing on her full lips. She didn’t seem to be scared of him at all. So, why was she constantly annoyed with him when he was a human? What was he missing?

Closing her eyes, she breathed in the crisp afternoon air, her expression radiating joy. He couldn’t look away. Her eyes opened, taking in all of the golden foliage.

Unconsciously, he puffed out his chest, feeling proud of the wealth surrounding them.

When she looked over at him and smiled shyly, weird things happened to his stomach. “I’ve never done anything like this before. How should I…?” she said, her voice trailing off in question. She shook her head.

He bent his knees and crouched down as low as possible. Go ahead and climb on.

She took several tentative steps toward him, eyeing his back as she determined how she should ascend. She reached out to touch his shoulder and hesitated, making him shiver as her fingers caressed his scales.

You can step on my paw and grab my wing. I promise it won’t hurt me. Not that he had any kind of experience with being ridden but her petite form couldn’t weigh much at all.

“Are you sure?”

The long-suffering look he gave her made her laugh. With his permission, she stepped on his paw and used the leverage to grab his wing and hoist herself up.

The closeness of her nestled comfortably in the divot in front of his wings, gripping his spines so trustingly, made him feel powerful in a way he’d never felt before—as if she was right where she belonged. But that was crazy. He wasn’t even supposed to be a dragon!

Spreading his wings, he took off. He was surprised at how perfectly she fit. Her hands tightened against his neck, and he felt a rush of warmth. Conviction filled him. He would do everything in his power to protect this woman.

Perhaps he would strengthen the obscuring spell he’d placed around Everrose Manor to further protect her. No one was going to take her from him. He’d make certain of it!

* * *

M elora gripped Dragon’s surprisingly smooth iridescent spine in her hands, her gut a whirring riot as he took off running, his large wings flapping. A swooshing filled the pit of her stomach; it felt as if its contents had been left somewhere behind them as his feet left the ground.They rose higher and higher into the air, his flight smooth and graceful.

When she noticed the ground far below them, she gasped and squeezed her eyes closed, leaning forward. Dragon’s scales were warm and solid beneath her.

What do you think? His voice came to her mind crystal clear.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been this high before.” She practically had to shout to be heard over the wind.

I’ll never let anything happen to you. I promise. You are safe with me. Here, this should help.

She felt a deep hum of magic as he breathed a stream of shimmering air. The magic tingled against her skin, calmed her nerves and wrapped her in warmth, settling her stomach as they flew through it.

Wind lashed against her, whipping her hair across her face as she lifted her head just enough to see ahead of them. They soared through misty clouds. Dew collected upon her skin and clothing, making her laugh in wonder. The frantic beating of her heart slowed. She sat up further and reached her hand out to touch the clouds swirling through her fingers. The sky was vast and beautiful. The air smelled crisp and clean.

She looked around a bit more, taking in the wispy clouds with sunlight filtering through them. The trees of the forest below were small, all blending together. The ocean expanded widely to the right of them while the Mistrial Mountains were far in the distance.

“Why can’t we see the castle? All that gold should make it obvious. We can’t have gone that far.”

I’ve been working on an obscuring spell around Everrose to keep people away. I quickly discovered how dangerous owning large amounts of gold can be. It’s unwise to flaunt it.

“Yes, that makes sense.” She thought of all the things her own father had done for gold, which got her to wondering. “Except, how did my father find you, then?”

He had the golden jerkin. It allowed him to find what was only ever meant for you.

Her heart raced for a whole new reason. What did that mean? She thought back to Aurelius giving her the garment. Had he really desired her to have it for more than just her modesty? Had he wanted her to find him? He had told her to look for him in the forest… But how did Dragon know?Had Aurie told him?

Her question died in her throat as Dragon growled, banked sharply, and hurtled towards the ground. She gasped and leaned forward, grasping his spine once again. The wind pulled tears from her eyes with the speed. The howling of a wolf rang through the air. Another growl rumbled beneath her as they headed into the forest.

Several wolves barked and yipped below them, the sound becoming more frantic as they neared. Dragon blew hot shimmering air at them as he swooped down. Their barking stopped. They shook their heads in confusion and whimpered. After a moment, they darted away in retreat.

“What just happened? What were those wolves doing?”

They were magicked to find you. Thankfully my magical boundary stopped them from getting any further.

A knot tied in her stomach.

“Me?” She shook her head. “Why would anyone want to find me? That’s ridiculous. Surely, they were trying to find the gold, or perhaps they were just hungry.”

Yes. Trying to find an entire castle of gold made much more sense than someone spending magic to find her.

Dragon grunted. You are much more valuable than you give yourself credit for. I know I would spend all I have to find you if something happened to you.

Her cheeks warmed and she buried her face in his neck. What a silly thing for him to say. No one wanted her, except perhaps her sister. Her father only tried to sell her off to the highest bidder.

Nevertheless, Dragon’s words warmed her heart. How had they become such close friends after so short a time?