Curse of a Dragon's Claim

by Ciara Lake

  “Oh, of course he’ll buy you more dresses, as many as you desire. Do you wear the gowns I sent to you?” Krilata sat back in her chair as if more relaxed. “Did you like them?”

  “Shall I get more tea?” Timka interjected, jumping up from her chair.

  “Yes, please, I’d love some. I have much to discuss with Arianna. Thank you, Timka.”

  Timka gathered the teapot and cups and sat them on the tray. Holding the tray in her hand, she disappeared in a flash.

  “I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to your way of travel.” Arianna giggled. “Yes, I wear the gowns you sent me, mostly in the evenings when I’m keeping Clayne company. He likes them best. Thank you very much. I love them. They’re comfortable, and I love their colors too.”

  “There are more where they came from. Surely if you wish to buy dresses here in Florence, Clayne will arrange a shopping venture for you. Perhaps the merchants can come to your home. Soon we can shop in New York, Paris, or London. Also, some of the other immortal realms have interesting things to trade or sell too. I’d love to take you to these places, but for now my mate wants me to stay close to home until this thing with Saltar is put to rest.”

  “Those places sound fantastic. But, no thanks to merchants coming here, I need to get out. I’m tired of being cooped up. I’ve not left this house since I arrived here. I want to see people, be out in the community. Maybe visit my father and friends.” Arianna’s hair came loose in the breeze, and she pushed it back out of her face.

  “You should get out.” Krilata nodded. “When you come to Ejdeha Dragoni we can shop for your joining dress. Has Clayne mentioned the joining ceremony?”

  “Yes, he has. It’s like another marriage ceremony?”

  “Sort of. It’s very special to our kind. It’ll proclaim to the immortal world that you’re his mate and he’s yours. Clayne will share his magic with you and you’ll share your magic with him.”

  Arianna giggled. “Everyone’s always saying I have some type of magic. I wish I knew what magic really is.” Arianna studied her hands. “Amuliana wants me to wield it while wearing Queen Maudhnait’s jewels. At least I think that’s what she said.”

  Krilata waved her hands as if shooing away a pesky fly. “Don’t worry too much about her.” She whispered so low Arianna almost didn’t hear her. “Never let her convince you to keep things from Clayne. Just know you can always trust him. Perhaps if Clarisa had listened to Clayne she would still be here.” Water gathered in Krilata’s bright eyes. “You can trust him with your last breath, if you should have to have one.”

  They sat quietly for a moment.

  “Arianna, perhaps you could sing for us at your joining ceremony. It would be a great gift to Clayne too. During the little bit of conversation I had with my son he expressed a longing to hear you sing. He says you play the piano as if you’re making love to it, with passion and skill as none he has ever heard.”

  “I can sing for him. I’ll prepare a surprise for him and sing a song I love dearly, The Song of the Wind. My mother and I sang it every night. For some reason it reminds me of Clayne.” Arianna smiled.

  “That sounds wonderful.” Krilata nodded, and then looked to Timka as she walked back out onto the patio. “Timka, thank you for taking care of my new daughter.”

  “It’s my pleasure, Princess Krilata.”

  “I’ll be on my way. I have an appointment to attend. I’ll see you soon.” Krilata stood up. Leaning over, she placed a warm kiss on Arianna’s cheek.

  Arianna reached for her hand. “Thanks very much for your visit and kind words. I look forward to our future times together.”

  Krilata stepped back. In a flash, she was gone.

  “Krilata’s wonderful. She really likes you.” Timka grinned. “Let’s go see what’s going on in the kitchen. I know you like to watch our cook. Zeller’s making an excellent dinner, one of Clayne’s favorites. We can look through our pantry again,” Timka cheerfully suggested. “I think they added a few things.”

  “Thanks, Timka. I know you’re trying to keep me from being bored. I appreciate your efforts. Okay, let’s go. But let’s walk to the kitchen.”

  Timka giggled. “No flashing there, you mean?”

  “Yes. Let’s walk like mere mortals,” Arianna teased.

  Arianna and Timka closely watched Zeller prepare roasted rack of lamb. Relentlessly, he rubbed aromatic herbs and spices into the meat.

  Arianna jumped back when Zeller tossed flame from the palm of his hand over the meat. The meat crackled from the rapid heat application.

  “Dear Lord,” Arianna said.

  “I’m sorry, didn’t mean to spook you.” He looked guilty. “I’m searing spices into the meat before I put it in the oven. Helps the flavor, it tenderizes it too.”

  “You can throw fire?” Arianna nearly forgot to close her mouth as she gapped in amazement.

  “Yes, of course, princess, we’re dragons.” Zeller raised his left eyebrow. “We can make fire come from any orifice or from the palms of our hands.” He grinned as if amused by Arianna’s reaction.

  “Yes, of course you can.” Arianna sighed, rubbing her sweating hands down the front of her gown. “I love how you use spices, Zeller. The heat did enhance the aroma. It smells delicious.”

  Zeller smiled. “Thank you, Princess Arianna. I’m pleased that you’re pleased. If there’s something you personally desire me to cook, let me know.” Zeller bowed his head in respect as he scurried about the kitchen preparing side dishes for dinner.

  “Why don’t we make sandwiches for lunch?” Timka suggested. “It’ll be fun. It looks like there is soup on the stove.”

  Arianna walked over to the stove.

  “Careful, it’s hot. You’re a mortal dracvipen. Without your mate’s magic, you may burn yourself.”

  Arianna nodded as she took a nearby towel and carefully uncovered the pot. Some flavorful steam escaped. Inside the pot was a thick, reddish substance.

  “What’s this?” Arianna nearly shrieked. Again, Zeller grinned. I’m for sure amusing these dragons. “It smells good, but it’s red.” She frowned. “This isn’t blood, is it?” Arianna dropped the lid and backed away.

  Timka laughed, she tried to cover her laughter with her hand. “I’m sorry for always laughing at the things you do or say, but I find you entertaining—in a good way.”

  “I figured you did.” Arianna smiled.

  Timka removed the pot’s lid again. “It’s not blood. We don’t consume blood, at least not typically. Certainly not in our human form.” Timka winked. “It’s tomato soup. Another food unknown to your world at this time, but we can enjoy. It’s great with cheese sandwiches.” Timka inhaled the steam. “It smells delicious, Zeller.” She sat the lid down and pulled a ladle out of the drawer. “A tomato is a fruit from a place called the Americas. We make wonderful food with tomatoes. In fact, this part of the world really uses tomatoes a lot in the future. Zeller will make some Italian dishes for us to try.” Timka got a bowl out of the cupboard. She ladled some soup and then tasted it. “Oh, Zeller, it’s tasty.”

  Arianna sat down in a chair then leaned against the table, resting her head in her hand.

  “Is something wrong?”

  “Oh no, I’m fine. I’ve just never seen a red substance like that to eat. For a moment, I really was worried it was blood.” She shuddered.

  “Come here, Arianna, I’ll show you cold cuts and special cheeses. A good sandwich tastes great with tomato soup.”

  Arianna followed Timka to a back hallway where they had a huge cold box filled with chilled foods.

  “This is amazing.” Arianna stood in front of the box, absorbing the cool, refreshing air. “I could stand here for hours in the summer.”

  “Yes, but all the cold air would escape. We hide this back here out of sight. It would stun an outsider.” Timka handed her several things to carry.

  “I’m stunned too. How’s it light inside the box?” Arianna bent down a bit to better look
inside the box.

  “A light bulb, it’s a light without a flame. Light bulbs are from the future too. We don’t have to use candles or torches in Ejdeha Dragoni.” Timka shut the box’s door.

  “Between throwing fire from your hands and fantastic cold boxes which light up inside, not to mention the delicious different foods, I’m in a state of continual stun,” Arianna teased. “Clayne started stunning me from the first we met. But so far the stun has turned out good.” Arianna followed Timka back to the kitchen.

  “I’m glad you’re in such good spirits about everything.”

  They placed their food items on the kitchen table. After Arianna sat down, Timka brought over two bowls of soup.

  “Let’s eat our soup while we make these sandwiches.”

  Cautiously, Arianna tasted it. “This is fabulous.” She licked her spoon. “Thank you for sharing this with me. It’s great, Zeller. I like this tomato.”

  “I’m glad you like it. Tomato soup was one of Clarisa’s favorites.”

  Arianna and Timka made twenty sandwiches, enough to feed themselves along with everyone on staff. “This was fun. Again, I’m amazed at the food we have here. Does Clayne eat lunch in Ejdeha Dragoni? I really wish I could see what he does each day.”

  “Yes, I believe he eats with his father on most days. Perhaps you can watch him train with his men.” Timka wrapped the cheeses back up.

  “I’ve not met his father yet. I hope he likes me.” Arianna put the meat back in their individual little sacks. She pressed the top of each sack to close them. “Even the material the food’s wrapped in is amazing.” Arianna examined the sacks closely then reached for the thin, clear wrapping Timka had used to cover the cheese. “This is interesting, it clings together. Oops, I’m sorry, I put a hole in this piece.”

  “No problem, it happens.” Timka gathered several sealed sacks to head back to the cold box. She handed Arianna some food to carry. “Zaj MacDagon will like you. He’s a good dragon, like Clayne. He’ll love you, because his son loves you and you love his son.” Timka opened the doors to the cold box and carefully placed the items inside.

  “I do love Clayne. I’ve fallen in love so quickly.” Arianna felt suddenly overwhelmed with happiness at her admission. Her body heated with the mere thought of him. “I wish I experienced these things with him.” Arianna touched Timka’s arm. “It’s not as if I’m not enjoying them with you. I enjoy your company.”

  “I understand, Arianna. Love comes fast between mates. They love quickly and forever. It’s only natural you want to do all of this with Clayne. I think he’s having a hard time letting go of his former life. He’s been doing this same routine of training with his men for ages now. Be patient with him, he’ll be gone less and less, I see him changing. As I said, he has already drastically reduced his training time. I think part of his obsession with training is due to fear.”

  “Fear? Clayne fearful?”

  “Yes, he’s damned and determined not to lose anyone he loves again. He’s becoming an invincible warrior. He nearly was anyway, but he strives to be better.” Timka shrugged. “But he’s pushing himself to the limits. Clayne swore he and his family would never feel pain like that again. He was bitter for a long time.”

  “I’m so lucky to have a husband like Clayne.”

  “You are indeed.” Timka looked kindly at her. “Arianna, I believe more and more that it’s Clayne who’s lucky.” Timka grabbed two towels from a drawer. She placed one in the tub of hot water, squeezed out the extra water, then handed it to Arianna.

  “Sarah was right,” Arianna said under her breath as she wiped the table with the cloth.

  “Right about what?”

  “Oh, she was right about marrying him. I was scared and worried. I had a great time making the sandwiches.”

  “I did too. It’s fun to be with you.” Timka smiled as she took the cloth from Arianna. “Isn’t it, Zeller?”

  “It is for sure.” The bulky man nodded. “Thanks for making those sandwiches and cleaning up. I really appreciate your help, Princess Arianna. And you too, Timka.”

  “No, thank you for allowing us in your kitchen, and please call me Arianna.”

  As Timka was rinsing the cleaning cloths, a tall man with black hair and eyes entered the kitchen. This lean man seemed militaristic, different from Zeller, Timka, and the others. He was always watching them from afar as if keeping tabs. Each night he talked with Clayne before he retired for the evening. Arianna felt sure he gave her husband reports of her activities. Once she encountered him waiting outside the music room after she’d finished playing. He wasn’t unkind, only cool in his responses to her. Surprisingly, he addressed her directly now.

  “Princess Arianna, you have a visitor, a Signorina Sarah Allegretti. She’s waiting in the front parlor. Shall I have her continue to wait or ask her to leave?” He seemed to stress the word leave.

  “Thank you, Copeland,” Timka answered. “I’m sure Arianna wants Sarah to stay.”

  Arianna jumped up from her chair, nearly tipping it over. Timka’s lightning fast reflexes caught it before it hit the floor.

  “Oh, Timka, Sarah’s here.” Arianna clapped her hands together. “I’m so pleased she’s come to visit. Thank you, Copeland. I’m going to greet her. Timka, can you bring some tea?”

  “Keep her in the parlor where the humans visit,” Copeland issued the dry order. “I’ll see to her staff.”

  Arianna paused, looking back over her shoulder at him. He looked displeased to have human visitors.

  “Encourage her to leave soon.” His dark eyes met hers. “We don’t need humans here in the house,” he added curtly. “They may become frightened of what they might see.”

  “I don’t want to encourage her to leave. She’s my best friend, at least my best human friend.” Arianna’s tone was defiant. She noticed Timka looked surprise at her response. “I’m not going to send Sarah away as soon as she gets here.” With her head held high, she turned and walked toward the parlor.

  “I’ll be right there with your tea,” Timka called after her.

  “Sarah.” Arianna rushed into the parlor and embraced her friend. “I’m so happy to see you.”

  “I’m happy to see you too. I could hardly stay away.” Sarah pulled back from Arianna and looked her over. “You look well.”

  “You do too.”

  Sarah’s eyes sparkled. “I’ve been curious as to how your marriage is going. I hope he’s as good to you as he is handsome.” Sarah winked. She was dressed in a tan travel dress. It was slightly soiled at the bottom. A fashionable hat partially covered her golden locks. Arianna realized for the first time how unclean Sarah’s hair looked. She had washed it for her house party, but now, three weeks later, it was looking rather matted and oily. Also, her dress was in need of a good laundering. It smelled stale.

  I’m spoiled by my life here among these dragons. It’s changing me. I’m going to have to show Sarah the shampoos. I’ll tell her they’re from the East.

  “Sit down, rest.” Arianna motioned to the sofa. “Are you staying for a nice visit? I have much to catch up with you about.” Arianna took Sarah’s hand and led her over to the sofa. They both sat, happily smiling at each other.

  “Here’s some tea,” Timka announced from the doorway, breaking the silence.

  “Thanks, Timka. Come in.” Arianna waved her into the room. “Sarah, please have some tea. Are you staying for a while?” Arianna asked again.

  “If your husband allows me to.” Sarah smiled. “I want to visit and go shopping with you. Perhaps I could stay a few days or a couple of weeks.” Sarah carefully removed her hat. “I desperately need some new gowns. Look at this one, it’s soiled at the bottom, I can’t wipe it clean anymore.” Sarah sighed as she placed her hat behind her on the sofa.

  “Perhaps someone here can help with that.”

  “It’s fine. I’ll buy a new one.” Sarah waved her hand. “Have you and your husband had enough time together for me to take you aw
ay for an outing or two?” Sarah grinned.

  “We’ll have to ask Signor MacDagon,” Timka interjected as she placed the tea tray on the low table in front of the sofa. “I mean, we must let him know, Arianna,” Timka softened her response. “In case he has some special plans.” Timka poured a cup of tea for Sarah.

  “Who’s this?” Sarah looked at Timka in a skeptical way. “You’re not a prisoner here, are you?” Sarah suddenly had a worried expression.

  “No, Sarah.” Arianna shook her head. “Things are good, wonderful. I love it here,” Arianna quickly reassured her.

  Sarah looked somewhat appeased. “I hope so.” She picked up her teacup. “Mmm, this tea smells lovely.”

  “Sarah, this is Timka Firestone. She’s my companion and assistant.”

  Timka nodded her head.

  “She’s a long time family friend of the MacDagons. She has helped me with adjustment to this household.”

  Sarah’s expression softened.

  “Timka, this is Sarah Allegretti, my lifelong friend, my best friend. Our fathers are business partners. Clayne and I were married at their country home.” Arianna poured some more tea into Sarah’s cup. “Timka, do you want a cup of tea?” Arianna looked up at Timka.

  “No, thank you.” Timka shook her head. “It’s very nice to meet you, Signorina Allegretti.”

  “It’s nice to meet you too. Thank you for helping Arianna. She’s an angel.” Sarah looked kindly at Arianna as she patted her arm.

  “Shall I get you anything else to go with your tea?” Timka asked Arianna.

  “Yes, would you bring something for Sarah to eat? I’m sure she’s famished from her trip.”

  “No, I’m not hungry. I had something in the coach. I can wait for dinner. But I’d love to have dinner with you.” Sarah looked toward Timka. “Please, Signorina Timka, do you mind leaving Arianna and I to talk for a bit? I’d like to get caught up. I promise she’ll be safe with me.” Sarah gave Timka a gracious smile.

  “Arianna, should I tell cook we’ve a guest for dinner?”