Page 21 of The Dragon's Gambit

“Ugh …” Xander said, rubbing his forehead and looking at Lee. “Looks like Mason has finally arrived.”

Lee nodded and looked back toward the large party tents that were being put up. “We need to go over and greet him and check in on the East Dragon Kingdom.”

“Man, this is going to be painful,” Xander whined. “Reiya, why don’t you head back? I think it’s best for you to stay inside the castle for now.”

“I wanted to walk around outside.” Reiya frowned. She wanted to have a look around and get better acquainted with her surroundings.

“I think it’s best too, Reiya. I’ll walk you around later,” Lee said, directing his attention to her. There were just too many other dragons around. She would be safer back at the castle.

“Fine. But don’t blame me if I decide to paint the whole inside pink because of boredom. Look, Chelsie … another kingdom with the same rules. Don’t go anywhere because it’s safer. I’ll just go count how many stones are on the castle walls.” Reiya turned and stomped away. Was she being a bit over the top? Perhaps. She was just tired of always being confined. Day one, and she was already under castle arrest. She was allowed to pout a little bit. She heard swift footsteps walking up behind her as two strong hands landed on her shoulders, pulling her backward. She heard a soft chuckle near her ear.

“Well, aren’t you in a feisty mood today? Don’t be upset.”

Reiya turned her head so she could look at Lee’s face. He looked amused, and there was a sparkle in his eye. She was glad that her disappointment was amusing to him.

“We won’t be long, and we’re having a party tonight. I promise you’ll have a good time,” Xander chuckled as he walked up beside her, gently nudging her with his elbow.

“You better not leave me cooped up for too long, because I likely won’t stay there waiting. Sorry, it’s a bad habit of mine.” Reiya turned fully and looked at the two smiling men. They were both amused with her, and she felt irritated by their reaction. Itwas like they were laughing at a little kitten that was hissing at them. They found it cute. “I really don’t know why you think the castle is that much safer for me. I mean, that’s where I ran into the grump from earlier.”

Lee’s eyes suddenly turned dark. “What grump from earlier?”

“She’s talking about Clovis. He was giving her a hard time this morning. I think we taught him a lesson, though.” Xander winked at Reiya with a wry grin.

“What did he say to you?” Lee looked at Reiya with an intense glare. He never liked Clovis. He couldn’t be trusted. It was safer to keep him close where they could keep an eye on him. He really embodied the reason for the old saying: Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer.

“He was prying into my relationship with Xander. So, Xander and I gave him something to really think about.” Reiya shrugged with a mischievous smile.

“You certainly like to play with fire, don’t you, princess?” Lee rubbed his forehead.

“Of course, fire is no match for me. Plus, I have a water dragon on my side.” Reiya grinned widely at Lee.

Lee chuckled and shook his head. “So, what you’re saying is, you like creating more trouble for me?”

“No, she just likes causing trouble.” Brody grinned widely as he walked up to Reiya’s side. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on her. It’s what I do.”

“Stay close to Brody, Reiya. We’ll be back shortly.” Lee looked at Brody and nodded before he and Xander turned and walked away.

“How about you show me around our new home away from home?” Brody nudged Reiya’s side. “And maybe help us find something to eat?” He made a small pout.

Reiya giggled as she turned to him. “Alright, Brody. I’ll be a good prisoner and play along. Come on, Chels. I’ll show you my room.”

“You poor thing. This whole place reeks of dragon stench. You’ll never get it off you.” Chelsie patted Reiya on the back. This was horrible. Her dear friend had to live among dragon filth.

“Chelsie, it really isn’t that bad. I’m going to enjoy myself and try to learn as much as I can.” Reiya shook her head at her persnickety friend.

“That’s right. That’s a good attitude to have. Just keep being upbeat and don’t let your horrible situation get you down.” Chelsie rubbed her back sympathetically.

“Gosh, Chelsie, enough already. We know. If it isn’t under a rock in a swamp, it isn’t up to your standards,” Brody growled out in annoyance.

“Hey Pooh Bear, shouldn’t you be out finding some honey?” Chelsie shot back at him.

“No, I’m too busy waiting for you to turn back into your horse so we can make glue out of your hooves.” Brody glared at her with his brows raised.

“Enough of that, you two.” Reiya shot them both annoyed looks, which caused them to look away from each other. She sighed. This was going to be a long day, what with their constant bickering. She looked out in the distance and noticed some interesting creatures scurrying down the hall and into another room. She smiled and shook her head. They were trying to escape from Brody’s presence.

“Brody, let your fairy aura down a bit. There seems to be some company here.” Reiya gently placed her hand on his arm andthen walked off to the other room. She opened the door to see little brownies scurrying about over a desk, pushing papers all over the place.

“Now, this is no way to treat someone else’s things.” Reiya bent down and held out her hand. The three little brownies scurried her way. They glanced up toward Brody and Chelsie with caution before they finally hopped onto her hand. “I’m surprised you little ones have settled in a dragon kingdom. It isn’t exactly the most fairy-friendly place. You’re lucky they can’t see you. Still, you shouldn’t go around causing trouble. I had my guardian take his aura down some, so you’ll be able to move about freely again. I’m sorry. It was probably very intense for you.” Reiya set the little fairies back onto the ground and watched them scurry off.