Page 7

CHAPTER SEVEN

T alons gripped Melora’s upper arms, lifting her into the air; a gasping yelp escaped her lips as the wind tugged at her hair and dress. When she’d taken her sister’s place, she hadn’t contemplated what being taken by a dragon would mean.

Now she was ascending into the clouds, her feet dangling below her while her stomach felt like it had tumbled to the ground, battered and bruised by the rocks below. Nerissa’s cry still rang in her ears. She prayed to the Great Creator that Papa would spare her sister while she was away—and that she would survive whatever the dragon had in store for her. But first and foremost, she prayed she would survive this terrifying flight.

Her knuckles turned white as she clutched the dragons’s paws—as if her desperate grip would save her should the creature lose his hold. She squeezed her eyes shut to avoid looking at the dizzying distance below while her heart raced like a hummingbird’s wings.

They flew in silence for several interminable moments. The sun moved higher in the sky as they soared further and further away from her home and everything she knew, toward the woods and the mystical Mistral Mountains.

Would she be forced to stay in a cold cavern? What could the dragon possibly want from her? Perhaps he wished her to be his maid, someone to clean his treasures. She certainly couldn’t protect them from anyone. She had no fighting skills—though there had been times when she’d wished that she’d had some knowledge of self-defense, particularly with Sir Calix. Not that a dragon would need protection.

Whatever he required of her, she certainly hoped she would be up for the task.

Just as she became accustomed to the constant whipping of the wind against her face and limbs, the dragon encouraged her to open her eyes. We are nearly there. I think you’ll enjoy the view from above.

Her grip tightened on his paws. His voice echoing in her head was just as startling as the first time she’d heard it. She wasn’t sure she was brave enough to open her eyes. When at last she dared to peek, she nearly lost what little breakfast she’d eaten.

I’ll move lower for you. Perhaps it will help if we aren’t up so high.

She could feel them descending. When his flight seemed to straighten out again, she squinted her eyes, not quite willing to commit, but a bright glint in the distance made them fly wide open. She caught her breath. Were those trees golden ? Surely she would have heard rumors if the forest had golden trees.

Blinking rapidly, she cast her gaze around again. She had to be imagining things, but the trees were still gleaming bright yellow in the sun. As they approached, she noticed more gilded foliage, then suddenly an exquisite manor shimmered into view, tall and majestic amid the trees. She gasped as it winked brilliantly in the sunlight, its walls seeming to catch fire in the light. More shocking still, the dragon descended closer and closer to the golden manor until he placed her gently down near steps that gleamed like molten treasure.

Her mouth hung open as she gazed at the splendor surrounding her. A glittering archway towered above her while sun-kissed blooms and burnished foliage adorned the ground. What was this place? She had never seen anything like it. Almost reverently she approached the archway, placing her hand upon the warm metal that seemed to glow from within. “Is this really gold?” Her awed whisper must have found the dragon’s sensitive ears, because he assured her it was genuine.

She turned toward him, eyes gleaming in wonder. “You don’t live here, do you?” Never had she imagined such an opulent castle for a dragon, and yet the honey-colored treasure seemed to suit the creature. His own scales glinted an iridescent rainbow of colors, with an underlying hue straight from the molten sun and a golden flame marking his chest.

Yes, I do. Welcome to Everrose Manor. He preened as he spoke.

“You live in a golden castle?” She asked again, too stunned to believe it even with the evidence before her.

Could a dragon grin? Because she had the distinct impression his lips had curled up. Of course, and you shall stay here with me .

Reality crashed down on her as she recalled her situation, stealing her breath like a sudden blow. She had escaped her father and Sir Calix to become a servant in a dragon’s golden castle. What would become of her? Would the dragon treat her well, or had things just gotten worse?

She wrapped her arms around herself and swallowed the lump in her throat. “I-I should be angry at you and this whole state of affairs. I can’t believe that Papa would trade his own daughter as payment for his sins.“

The dragon’s enormous head lowered, and he nudged her shoulder. She gasped, then found herself looking into large, kind blue eyes that seemed to reflect understanding. Tentatively, she reached out and stroked his head. The action somehow comforted her. She should be terrified, yet as she looked into his warm eyes, she somehow felt safe.

Suddenly she remembered her manners. She’d just touched the dragon, but she still had no idea how to address him. Backing away, she said, “Forgive me, I’ve just realized I don’t know your name.”

The dragon hesitated long enough for Melora to wonder if her question were somehow offensive. Finally, he said, You may call me Dragon. Come . His voice sounded almost gentle amid the gruffness. Let’s get you settled.

The doorway before them caught her attention. While its double doors were large, rising twice her petite height, they were no larger than expected for a house this size. She glanced back at the dragon. Would he fit? The opening seemed quite small indeed in comparison. She opened her mouth, then closed it, quite at a loss. “I’m sorry, but is there a more appropriate entrance for you?”

He bristled, the spines along his back standing up. The front door is quite suitable. It is my door, after all.

Something about his huffiness made her want to laugh, but she refrained.

He stepped forward and blew a puff of air at the doors, causing them to swing open. After gesturing for her to precede him, he followed, hunching down to squeeze his bulk inside.

She gasped upon entering. Not only was the outside of the manor crafted entirely from the precious metal, so too was the interior. Bright wallpaper with intricate patterns of roses decorated the walls. The seating gleamed with swirling patterns of gold. Even the tile under foot shone as her soft slippers tapped against its polished surface. And high above her arched a ceiling supported by beautifully burnished golden beams. A large, intricate chandelier shimmered in the center of the room, casting twinkling lights across the space. Several arched windows allowed natural light to flood in, adding an extra sparkle. Brocade curtains glowed in the windows, swaying gently in the breeze.

The enormous dragon looked quite comfortable in the cavernous space.

Melora spun in a circle, her serviceable skirts billowing out around her, along with the long golden jerkin. She was unable to hide her delight. “It’s like a dream, isn’t it? I feel like a princess in a fairytale.”

The dragon had that satisfied look about him again.

“I thought this jerkin extravagant, but this…” She shook her head, unable to form any words for the sight before her. “Wow.” The word exhaled on a breath. “Is the entire manor like this?”

The dragon’s claws clicked against the floor. Would you like a tour of your new home?

“Home?” She scrunched her nose up. “I can’t imagine such a place being home. It’s much too grand for the likes of me. Besides,” she placed her hands on her hips, “I’m only here to pay off my father’s debt. Once that is complete, I’ll be out of your hair… uh, claws.”

I’d like for you to think of it as your home while you are here.

She shook her head. “No. I’ll not be staying long, so I shan’t think of it as home.” She looked at him, questions filling her mind.

“Did you forget that I’m here as your prisoner?” There was an unintentional bite to her words. After all, her trust had been broken far too many times, and only a fool would trust a dragon. Her fate was to be his servant. How could he expect her to forget for a moment that she was not here for pleasure?

The dragon scowled, looking quite terrifying. You’ll be no such thing. I’d much rather you feel like a princess than a prisoner. You are my guest while you stay here, not my servant.

Not a prisoner or a servant? Just why had he brought her here? He was treating her with kindness, but she couldn’t fathom why. Melora had heard that dragons always kept their agreements. She steeled herself and spoke.

“Regardless, I demand to be treated with respect while here and refuse to remain forever.” Her fingers bunched into fists as the dragon regarded her with a calm expression. Just what was happening inside its head? She added a bit of flattery for good measure. “Though it is quite luxurious.”

Of course! The dragon lowered the spines on his back, standing up once more as he shifted his large wings. You’ll be treated with the utmost respect here. Safe from that horrible brute your father nearly forced you to marry. Despite the circumstances, I hope you enjoy your stay here as much as possible. Come, I’ll show you to your room.

Well, that went better than she could have expected. But a fresh concern emerged.“Could I perhaps get a tour? I’m afraid I’ll get lost just trying to find the kitchen.”

He nodded and showed her to a few more rooms on the first level, including a sitting room with elegant white sofas. “Oh! They are white.”

Yes

“I’m only surprised they aren’t golden like all the rest.”

Yes, well, it turns out gold isn’t all that comfortable. You’ll probably appreciate this room more than the other sitting rooms for that reason.

“Oh. That makes sense. I’d just never considered…”

Not all that shines is golden, and some things are more valuable, such as comfort. He spoke with a wryness that surprised her. Next, he led her up a spiraling grand staircase. Instead of attempting to navigate the narrow space, he flew up the stairs, landed lightly, and waited for her at the top. The guest wing is to your right, and to your left is the family wing.

“Oh, then I guess you’ll want me to stay in the servant’s wing. Where is that?”

As I told you before, you’ll be treated as a guest in my home, not a servant. Come. He turned right.

Uncertain what to say to that bit of nonsense, she simply followed him. He couldn’t possibly be serious. She had practically been purchased, traded in for her father’s folly—whether this dragon wanted to acknowledge it or not. She just hoped he would be true to his word about letting her leave once the debt was paid.

He pressed down the handle to open the first few doors, swore, and hastily closed them before moving on. She lingered behind, wondering just what was amiss with the rooms. After dismissing the fifth room, she had to satiate her curiosity. While he was distracted, she opened a door to investigate. An opulent room of pure gold greeted her. She could only stare in awe. How could one home hold so much treasure? It was mind-boggling.

Too much gold. The dragon grumbled behind her. I’m afraid that all of these rooms have been corrupted with it.

“Corrupted? With gold?” She blinked, then remembered herself. Of course, he didn’t wish her to sully such rooms. She knew her place. She was a simple laundry maid, despite the high price tag her father had placed upon her.

Come, perhaps there is a room left untouched this way. He turned toward the family wing.

“Oh, but that is the family wing. Surely those will be much too elegant for the likes of me.”

Quite suddenly, she found herself directly confronted with the dragon’s large face. What do you mean by that statement? What lies has your father told you?

She narrowed her eyes and folded her arms. “It’s not a lie, Dragon. I know my station. I help provide for my family by doing laundry. See these?!” She held out her hands, showing the reddened, tender areas on her palms and fingers. “These are the hands of a working woman, not some noblewoman or princess who lives in a golden castle. That’s why Papa sent me to you—to work for you, not to bask in opulence.”

The dragon looked down at her hands and huffed, a growl rumbling in the back of his throat. I should have roasted him when I had the chance.

Seeking a distraction, she pointed toward what could only be the master bedroom. “Is that your room?” Though she couldn’t see how he could possibly fit, as these doors were even smaller than those to the entry hall.

No. I sleep in the tower. However, the master of the house will sleep there.

The master of the house? To whom did he refer? She’d seen no one as of yet who could be considered such.

He began again to peer into each room in search of a suitable one, starting at the end of the hall and working his way toward the master’s suite. Thinking to help him narrow down the choices (though she wasn’t entirely certain what he sought—less gold, perhaps?), she opened the first door on the opposite side of the hallway, closest to the master suite.

Before she could even peer inside, a growl rent her ears and claws gripped her dress, pulling her backwards. Not that one! What do you think you are doing? That room is off limits! The door slammed shut.

With a terrified gasp, she wrapped her arms over her head and cowered, her entire body trembling as the dragon loomed over her. For the first time, she feared the beast. “I merely wanted to help.”

This is my home! I’ll not have you snooping in any room you wish! You are never to go near this room again. It, too, belongs to the master. Do you understand?!

She nodded, remaining crouched on the floor. The dragon had spread his wings and puffed out his chest, looking even more formidable. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t know.” What would happen to her? She had been only a day in his presence, and already she had made Dragon angry.

His wings stilled, collapsing in upon themselves as his posture relaxed. I apologize. Of course, you couldn’t have known. This has been a trying day. Now come, I believe I found a suitable room for you. He swung around, his talons clanking on the floor as he approached a room in the middle of the hallway opposite her.

Drawing a hesitant breath, she pushed herself shakily upright and followed him to peer into a room that, while not full of gold, had its own elegance. A delicate peachy-floral wallpaper brightened the walls surrounded by white crown molding. Matching gauzy curtains framed two large windows, brightening the room. Dominating the room was a canopy bed with a light floral pattern on the quilt. Yet the room was large enough to fit a sofa and a chair along with a vast wardrobe. She could never imagine having enough clothes to fill such a space.

Heart still racing after her encounter with the dragon, she gaped at the exquisite room. He couldn’t possibly mean for her to reside here. She backed up. “Oh no, I couldn’t, possibly. I-I’ll just find the servant’s quarters.”

Nonsense, he grumbled. No one is using this room, and it’s the most comfortable. Besides, it’s the least I can do after my outburst. He nudged her with his large head, pushing her back into the room.

How could she possibly refuse a dragon?