Beauty and the Dragon

by Melody Rose

  I was now in the middle of what looked like a mix between a candlelit vigil and a tribal dance. Even though Troy had encouraged me to attempt some of the movements, I shook his hand off. I didn’t really think I had a sense of rhythm, and worse, I was chock full of random meats and desserts. I could tell that he wasn’t a huge fan of my rejection, but thankfully, he didn’t overreact.

  While he was keeping his temper, I definitely wasn’t a happy camper. I was getting way too dizzy from the frenzy of movement and the flickering lights, and I just wanted it all to stop. When was he going to just leave me alone? I swear I was going to take on the whole damn clan if there was one more stupid ritual to watch.

  My head was pulsing with a vicious migraine. I definitely needed to put my foot down if it would get me out of this special hell. Before I could even think of what I was doing, I grabbed a candle from a steel brazier in an effort to be noticed in all the activity. I almost heaved it across the glade, but I didn’t want to risk a wildfire. Instead, I waved it around like an emergency flare.

  It kind of was since I needed to be rescued from the insanity.

  “I’m done!” I screamed. “I’ve been damn understanding so far, but there’s no reason why I need to see every damn ritual under the sun in one day, and now it’s already dark!” I continued with my tirade, completely unafraid of what came next. “If you want anything from me, and I mean anything, you will get me out of this whole mess and let me get some well-earned sleep. I’ve been way too tolerant! And on top of that, I haven’t seen a single library this entire time!”

  After I wrapped up my rant, I noticed that there weren’t any drums beating, any warriors dancing, or laughs ringing out throughout the glade. Everything had come to an abrupt halt, so quiet I could hear the candles flicker, and I could definitely feel them. Not that I felt bad about it. Troy had this coming. I had told him that I was running out of energy.

  “It’s a library you want, is it?” Troy responded with ice-cold cruelty.

  I glared at him defiantly, standing my ground with a wide stance. It must have looked pretty funny given my petite frame, but I didn’t care. If I was truly in danger, I didn’t think it mattered if I was polite. He could sic his whole tribe on me, so at least my last breath would be standing up for my right to read. He’d already interrupted my research session in my world, and now he was stonewalling me here.

  Hospitality, my ass.

  “Yeah, that’s right! I’m a librarian, not an anthropologist, or, uh, dragonologist,” I hissed. “I didn’t sign up to shadow you and get dragged all over the place. You haven’t given me one reason to stay except for the wine, and that doesn’t make up for any of this at all!”

  “I never asked for you,” Troy’s voice leaped several decibels, “and I only wanted you to gain a foothold into our clan. The Sage told me that you needed to stay here, so I thought it was only fitting to make it comfortable. But be my guest, Sorceress! Why don’t you just show yourself out?”

  In the dim light, I was able to make out Troy removing the necklace he’d worn since I encountered him. I stopped my rant just because it was such an odd choice. I didn’t know why this was his response to my complaints. Once he had dropped the piece of jewelry into my palm, it immediately disintegrated into dust. What the hell was he up to?

  “What good is this?” I gasped in horror. I couldn’t fully process what was happening, but this didn’t seem to be a good sign.

  “Well, as it happens, Lady Rosalind, that was your only way out of this realm, and as you can see, you weren’t meant to leave,” he explained with an amused sneer. “I suppose I failed to mention that it was the Sage’s personal talisman, and it only had enough enchantment to retrieve you. Do you now see why it was vital for you to adjust to our world?”

  “Get me out of here! I don’t know how you’re going to do it, but just figure it out,” I demanded, horrified that my getaway was a handful of powder. In frustration, I hurled it into the air like a pissed-off magician.

  The crowd of warriors began to recede into the shadows, not wanting to take me on in the heat of my anger. My boldness must have offended Troy even more because he roared so loudly that my head throbbed.

  “It would be my absolute pleasure.” He enunciated each word with venom. “I’ll even do you the great favor of taking you to one of our libraries, as you’ve been begging for insufferably the entire time you’ve been here, you ungrateful fool. You should have revered us rather than dusty books, and you’ll have plenty of time to reflect over your ridiculous request.”

  Finally, Troy was speaking some sense. My outrage thawed now that he was giving me what I wanted on a silver platter. I didn’t give a damn if it was also served with a screaming takedown. I wouldn’t have to endure any forced socialization with a loud bunch of draconic soldiers and could get some “me” time.

  In fact, I was so dizzy with satisfaction that I let him yank me around one final time. The whole stronghold became a blur to me as my flats screeched against the marble floors. At long last, I was at a towering mahogany door, and even though it was closed, I could sense all the books that lay in wait for me behind it. Maybe I was loopy from the long day and utter exhaustion, but I was suddenly ecstatic.

  “I have heeded your concerns, m’lady,” Troy announced with phony formality. “You can help yourself to all the books that your heart so desires, and you’ll have plenty of time to sort through them. Since you’ve made such a tremendous scene, don’t bother to ask me to help you find the volumes you’re looking for. Perhaps you’ll learn some remorse for biting the hand that guides you.”

  With that, he opened the door and then gruffly shoved me through it. Before I could get my bearings, he slammed the door, locking me in with an echoing click. I should have been mad, but honestly? This was exactly where I wanted to be, safely away from dragons while learning all I could about them.

  Instead of feeling punished, I stood there gaping at how fantastic this forced time out was. My heart fluttered in a mania of excitement as I drank in the stunning collection. I had thought that towering bookshelves of this caliber were only in cartoon flicks with wide-eyed princesses. The prismatic pillars of book spines, almost all exclusively leather-bound and treated with gorgeous dyes, soared to the top a vaulted ceiling. As I glided my fingertips against the dizzyingly smooth tomes, I admired the mural painted overhead. An elegant woman in an emerald gown embraced a set of scrolls as dragons swirled above her. I got the sense they were protective of her, and she was similarly devoted to them. A confident smile played on her face, saying she was completely in control.

  Once I had finished being transfixed by the mythological scene, I looked around to see what else I had in my impromptu “prison.” There were even luxurious couches, chaise lounges, and daybeds scattered around. They all had different workmanship but created a nice, old world and eccentric look. I figured that none of them matched because they were loot from various wars. This was basically all I needed, naps and books galore.

  As for food, I felt that I was so stuffed to the gills that I could go without eating for a good couple of days, maybe even a week. Even though there weren’t any snacks in sight, I was honestly appreciative. It was totally logical to keep the place squeaky clean and pristine.

  I wasn’t entirely sure that he would let me out anytime soon, but at least I could die happy if I wasted away from hunger.

  7

  Troy

  Now that I had rid myself of the impetuous girl, I had time to ponder over whether this was truly what I wanted.

  Of course, I let the Sage tug on my heartstrings, and I let myself get worked up on his behalf. I wondered if he was truly on his deathbed or if it was all an elaborate act to live out some mad prophecy that he cherished. Pomi had sung legends of Kalen’s wily ways and impish mischief. Perhaps I was playing right into his hands. At any rate, whatever his intentions were, I wasn’t furious with him. He was entitled to an odd sense of humor in his old age, but I did question t
he merit of his vision and felt compelled to disagree with it entirely.

  Even if I were willing to dignify the idea of a Fated Mate, this Lady Rosalind seemed to be the wrong choice. Surely, a partner I was expected to bond with for life needed to comply with my standards?

  I had never seriously considered such a commitment as my foremost concern was defeating my clan’s rivals, but now that I was forced to imagine a maiden by my side, I took stock of what I desired. Unquestioning loyalty, a fiery spirit, tenacity, battle readiness, and patience with me were all traits I would have requested for my future bride.

  With what I had seen of Rosalind so far, it was as though the Sage had found a woman who was the opposite of everything I sought after. She had been suspicious of me this entire time, shrieked upon capture, was far too timid, and didn’t appear to own a single weapon. Further, she was devastatingly delicate and yet used what small grit she had to make a mockery of me. If she was going to demean me in front of my kin, then she wasn’t the proper mate for me.

  On top of that, my Chieftain and my Sage had to be overreacting about the danger ahead, a victim to their own fears. While we took the precautions to change strongholds a few times in recent history, we had never been defeated in battle. All this hassle over securing a Fated Mate seemed like energy ill-spent. Wouldn’t it have been wiser to channel all our efforts into training and sparring?

  While it was true that we hadn’t been able to tap into our ancient dragon forms in centuries, we still withstood any threat we faced. Since I was a young child, I had dreamt of tapping into my draconic roots to become all-powerful, the most majestic and powerful evolution of myself. Hadn’t I essentially become that with all my persistence? I was hailed as my clan’s Champion, after all. I had become so exceedingly strong that there was very little need for any aid.

  I resolved that I could handle the needs of my clan without the Sorceress Rosalind. She hadn’t even shown me any spells worth praising, and I had no reason to trust her. Besides, the consequences of her defying me would be far more damaging than any perceived advantage she would provide on the battlefield. Though I considered Sage Kalen to be a father to me, I would resist his pleas to court the reckless woman. Perhaps time would tell if she could get in line, but as it stood, she was too much of a risk. A maiden that could not take orders gracefully would result in madness. We needed absolute loyalty to conquer our enemies, and I wouldn’t relent until Lady Rosalind was prepared for this.

  I would have preferred to have thrown her into a cellar without a single scrap of parchment to read, but I knew that Kalen would have frowned upon this. It would have been poor form to treat our esteemed Sorceress like a prisoner, particularly if she was meant to be my Fated Mate. Testing his patience in this matter might lead to exile or the loss of my title.

  Still, I wished that I would have threatened Rosalind more wildly before I tossed her into seclusion. She did not have a single inkling of what my civilization was like, and I could have used that more properly to my advantage. I truly wanted to instill a sense of consequence into her. Only that would compel me to even entertain the thought of deeming her my partner. I smirked as I imagined how she might have responded if I warned her she may be stewed for a proper warrior banquet if she never came around.

  As it stood, she displayed no remorse for humiliating me and actually seemed relieved to be among an amassment of books. It didn’t endear her to me, and I even felt a brooding hatred for this wench, who’d ignored my status in a manner no other woman had. At least I wouldn’t receive any further trouble from her, and I wouldn’t receive any reprimands for my treatment of her. Giving her suitable accommodations, the library she always begged for, could only be seen as a mark of hospitality, and then I could claim that I’d lost the key or that she even used her magic to spirit it away since she despised me so. I wasn’t even sure what a sorceress was capable of, but it sounded plausible. I’m sure if I argued that case, everyone would believe me, and I would remain blameless. I didn’t think that even the Sage could decry the choice I made since he’d see I had the best of intentions.

  Of course, I wouldn’t wait until she perished. I would notify my Chieftain during her moment of need, mentioning that I attempted to provide her time to collect herself but hadn’t heard from her. I might even end up the hero and celebrated for my strong intuition. By then, I was sure that she would be so glad to be released that she’d play along with my deception.

  If she was still testy with me, I could just tell my clan that she had grown hysterical and wasn’t ready for the demands we expected of her. Even Kalen would have to admit that she was weak-minded and anxious, a poor offering for our needs.

  Maybe then, I could convince him to allow me to seek out another mate, one who was actually of my own choosing. One who would support her Champion without a touch of resistance.

  8

  Rose

  I couldn’t believe my stroke of luck now that I was cozied up in this extravagant library for what felt like maybe a week, maybe more. With no distractions, I dove into the library’s seemingly infinite works with abandon.

  There were a couple of antique writing desks with all the works but without the ballpoint pens that I was used to. I figured that I must have been pretty loopy during my first day because I had rifled through the desks and was left empty-handed. Now, I was practically swimming in writing utensils and paper. I had to find my way around an ink well and a quill. My calligraphy was more like chicken scratch, but it did the trick. I did some morning pages when the sun rose but had to sleep once it set because it’d gotten so dark.

  It was actually pretty relaxing, and I thought it was way nicer than having an apartment abuzz with electricity. It was a gentle way to fall asleep that I’d never known before, and I really appreciated it.

  Maybe it was because I was so calm and laidback with my new digs, but I didn’t stink of sweat or body odor. My hair was voluminous and silky even though I hadn’t showered, and my teeth seemed clean as could be. There was a silver pitcher of water that I immediately noticed on one of the desks, and I guessed it was deceptively deep because it never ran out. It also had a fresh, minty flavor to it, so maybe that’s what had kept the morning breath at bay.

  I didn’t think that Troy was nice enough to have this prepared for this stupid little punishment, but it made sense for someone in the clan to stock the library with hydration for hard-working scholars. Someone must have come in while I slept, quiet enough so that they didn’t disturb me, and refilled the pitcher. That was the only rationale I could come up with, not that I cared so much as long as I had my books.

  After a while, I dredged up some candles that must’ve been artisanal. The slick wax was so high-quality that I didn’t have to blow off any dust like I would’ve expected. Now, I was able to read by candlelight if I wanted to stay up late and just snuff it out when I wanted to settle down for bed. I also made little tick marks in my makeshift journal of loose-leaf pages and noted that around five days had gone by.

  This was shocking because if you added that to the first couple of days I thought went by, I had no idea how I wasn’t wasting away from hunger. Just as I considered that notion, it struck me that it would have been nice to have a cup of spicy-sweet chai and some piping hot cinnamon rolls. It seemed like the perfect pairing for comfort in this snug setting, and while I couldn’t indulge in sticky buns as I read, it was probably a good idea to take a short break for the sake of my eyes.

  I rolled my hands into fists and rubbed my eyes, drained from the whirlwind kidnapping and forced socialization I put up with earlier. My thoughts drifted to how badly I wanted to relax and eat, even if that was basically a heresy in an immaculate library. These digs were very close to perfect, but I still needed to feed myself before I could give them all my attention. With a deep sigh, I opened my eyes and considered curling up on one of the fainting couches. It wouldn’t be the best nap in my life if my stomach were twisted with hunger pains, but what other options d
id I have? It’d take a damn long time before I was reduced to begging.

  Once a swank portable dining table and a small leather-backed fold-up chair popped up, I wondered if I jumped from wishful thinking to straight-up hallucinating. I guessed that wouldn’t be surprising since I’d gone through such a hectic couple of days. These two pieces of furniture looked like something I would’ve lusted after in some bougie boutique. They had a modern aesthetic and were obviously from Earth, but since they were so well made, they blended in perfectly. More so, I knew that this furniture was directly out of my own imagination because I always thought heaven meant being able to eat somehow in a personal library.

  Even more incredibly, a ceramic plate of cinnamon rolls materialized onto the table with a dazzle of miniature stars. They were piled on top of each other to create an enticing pyramid, and I was so ready to dig in that I barely even questioned it. My skepticism peaked when a matching mug of tantalizingly orange-brown chai glimmered into view. It was all just so idyllic, down to the small details and up to the puffs of steam. It was exactly what a peckish librarian would want after a long day of reading.

  I wondered if I was getting stir crazy or didn’t realize the toll that all this time without eating took on me. How much time had passed by? I couldn’t even keep track. More importantly, was this all a figment of my imagination? It was all just too good to be true.