by Tara West
Safina was hardly aware of Abby tugging on her sleeve as she gawked at the silver candlesticks and fancy potted flowers. Abby slid open a door, stomping into a grand room with walls covered in dainty blue flowers. All along the top edges of the walls were intricate carvings inlaid with gold. The ceiling was tall and dome shaped, reminding Safina of churches in Rome her Mother had described. In the center of the ceiling was a painted scene of cherubs dancing through the clouds. Safina spun a slow circle, gaping at more fine vases, thickly padded chairs, and a tall glass window framed with heavy floral drapes.
“Heavens, Abby.” She gasped. “This is a palace.”
Abby scowled. “It’s nice, but it’s not as cozy as my nana’s place.”
“Abby. Is it you? Is it really you?”
Safina turned, awestruck by the fairest woman she’d ever seen. She had pale hair piled on top of her head in little ringlets, smooth porcelain skin, a pert, turned up nose, and eyes of a dazzling blue. Her features were so perfect, she could have been carved from marble. Safina smoothed a hand down her freckled arm, feeling suddenly self-conscious about her own beauty, for her mortal flesh was no match for this earthly angel. It was only when the woman turned to the side, clutching the door frame with whitened knuckles, that Safina saw her protruding stomach. It did not mar her beauty. If anything, the blush of motherhood added flattering color to her cheeks.
“Y-Yes,” Abby stammered as her face paled. “It’s me.” Defiance radiated in her eyes as she dropped her trembling hands to her sides.
Safina felt the unsettling weight of Abby’s apprehension in the marrow of her bones. Something told her Abby’s friendship with this girl was a complex one, and bitter as well.
Charlotte let go of the door frame and took a hesitant step toward Abby, then another, before she launched herself into Abby’s arms, sobbing into her hair while clutching her shoulders.
Abby patted her friend on the back as if she were trying to burp an infant. “There, there,” she said with little inflection in her voice. “It’s all right.”
Abby’s mock endearment only made Charlotte cry harder.
Safina felt like an intruder watching this one-sided display of affection, for it was clear Charlotte’s love was not returned. She wondered what Charlotte had done to earn Abby’s animosity.
Abby scowled, struggling out of her friend’s embrace. “You’re mussing my hair.”
Charlotte pulled back, searching Abby’s face with the intensity of a firestorm. “Abby, how is it possible that you’re well?”
Abby shrugged. “I suppose the injury wasn’t as bad as it looked.” Then she turned to Safina with a wide, frozen smile. “Charlotte, this is my new friend, Safi.”
Safina’s knees weakened the moment the pale-haired beauty turned her eyes to her. She had no idea why a mere mortal would have such a disconcerting effect on her, but she wanted nothing more than to disappear beneath the plush padded carpet she was soiling with her gritty boots.
Safina clenched her hands, bracing herself for Charlotte’s censure. What she wasn’t expecting was for Charlotte to smile warmly. “I’m sorry. Please excuse my manners.” She made a slight curtsy, so Safina did the same. “Safi?” She quirked a brow, looking from Safina to Abby. “Is that all?”
“You might as well be on a first name basis.” Abby plopped onto a finely embroidered sofa, not seeming to mind that she knocked a little tasseled pillow onto the floor. “Safi is already like a best friend and a sister to me.” She toyed with a piece of lace on her skirt, frowning like a petulant child. “Ever since you decided to extend your honeymoon.”
Charlotte quickly crossed to the sofa. She sat beside Abby, pulling her hands into her lap. “We didn’t mean to be away from Galveston for so long, but Mr. Carter was busy securing more investors for his father’s business.”
Abby pulled back, sneering. “Mr. Carter? Have we become so formal? I called him Teddy before you ever knew him.”
Safina knew she was the awkward interloper. She desperately wanted to hide behind the floral draperies but instead sat on the edge of a chair, back stiff, as she’d seen her mother do earlier.
“I know, Abby.” Charlotte reached for her again, the plea in her voice more pronounced. “Please forgive me. It has been so long.”
“Oh, all right,” Abby huffed.
“Did you receive any of my letters?” Charlotte asked meekly, toying with the lace hem on her dress.
Abby shrugged. “I did, but I’m afraid I’ve been too busy to write back.”
Charlotte flashed a pained smile. “No matter. We have plenty of time to catch up.”
“Sure,” Abby said as she inspected grime beneath her nails.
Why was Abby behaving so cruelly toward a friend who clearly desired her affection? Safina knew if she’d had a friend like Charlotte, she’d cherish that friendship and never let it go.
Charlotte acted as if she’d hug Abby again, but when Abby pulled back with a stiff neck, Charlotte turned to Safina. “Safi, isn’t Abby’s recovery a miracle?” she asked with a trembling lip.
Safina flashed Charlotte what she hoped was her warmest smile. “Aye, it is.”
“Oh, heavens.” Charlotte placed a hand on her chest, leaning back against the sofa. “My heart is thumping. Where is Josiah with that tea? Come closer, Abby.” She patted the seat beside her, frowning as Abby scooted farther away. “Tell me all about your recovery.”
“It was nothing, really,” Abby said with an indifference that was starting to grate on Safina’s nerves. “I just needed rest and my nana’s love.”
“Oh, Nana must be so relieved.” Charlotte heaved a sigh. “I meant to call on her yesterday, but I was sick nearly all day.” She frowned, smoothing a hand over her round abdomen.
“That’s okay.” Abby’s cheeks colored as she glared at Charlotte’s stomach. “She didn’t seem in the least bit put out.” She flashed a smile that didn’t mask the coldness in her eyes before nodding to Charlotte’s chest, which was covered in several layers of white frilly fabric. “Is that frock from France?”
“Yes.” Charlotte perked up, beaming. “Do you like it? The deep lace yoke is all the rage in Paris.”
Abby snorted. “It makes you look like a chicken. You should come to my yard and peck around. You’d fit right in.”
Charlotte’s face fell before she plastered on another smile. There was no masking the hurt in her eyes. Safina felt pity for the poor woman, followed by a surge of anger. Why was Abby behaving so cruelly toward her? Safina had had her fill of taunting mortal girls in her lifetime and had just about had enough. Then her mother’s warning reverberated in her ear. “There are two sides to every story, child. Do not judge in haste.”
The door slid open and in walked Josiah, pushing a small silver cart laden with heavenly smelling goodies, the aromas of which made Safina’s nose twitch and her mouth water. Those two morsels Abby fed her earlier had only served to stoke her appetite, not appease it.
“Oh, thank you, Josiah. I’m famished.” Charlotte’s hands shook as she stood and poured tea into small cups. Even from a distance, Safina’s dragon-touched senses could hear the woman’s rapid heartbeat. She was still unnerved by Abby’s rejection.
Charlotte handed the cup and a dish to Josiah, who set them on a low table beside Abby. Safina moved to the edge of her seat, her nostrils flaring as she inhaled the spicy, fragrant scents. She so badly wanted to snatch the tray and devour everything in one hungry swallow, but she feared she’d anger her new friends.
“Do you take cream or sugar?” Charlotte asked.
Safina’s eyes bulged when she realized Charlotte was looking directly at her. “Aye.”
Charlotte’s genuine smile infused Safina’s chest with warmth. How could Abby find fault with this kind-hearted beauty? Charlotte dropped one white lump, then another into her tea and stirred cream into the mix before handing the delicate cup to Josiah. Anticipation swept up Safina’s spine when he set the tray beside the tea. It
took all of Safina’s willpower not to pounce on the offering.
She beamed at Josiah. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure, miss,” Josiah answered with an infectious grin.
Safina eyed Abby carefully, following her example as Abby took a small bite of square bread and sipped her tea. Safina nibbled the end of her bread, too, amazed to find the inside filled with a sweet and fragrant meat. Before she could help herself, she’d shoved the entire treat into her mouth, moaning as she savored the rich flavors. She eagerly finished off the rest of her tray and then grabbed the tea off the saucer. The cup was so small, it would hardly serve two mouthfuls. Trying her best to keep up the appearance she was a proper lady, Safina swallowed her drink in four small gulps, letting out a belch of satisfaction when she’d drained the cup. The tea certainly was delicious, not as robust as mead, but enjoyable nonetheless. She set the empty cup back on the saucer with a clank, smiling broadly at her friends.
The censure she saw in Abby’s hardened eyes was enough to make Safina shudder. And then she belched again, this time with no warning, so she was not able to cover her mouth. Abby’s scowl deepened. Safina had no idea why Abby was so cross. Was it that second belch? Had she eaten too fast? She took note of Abby’s tray with the partially eaten bread and untouched pastries. Surely Abby hadn’t meant for Safina to waste her food.
Safina eyed the silver cart across from her, licking her lips at the sight of several more pieces of uneaten bread and pastries. She repressed a growl as a fly swarmed the food, stealing bites for himself, no doubt, while the leftovers grew cold and stale. Safina wondered what her friends would say if she walked over to the cart and helped herself to more, for the food Charlotte had served her certainly wasn’t filling enough.
At the sound of Josiah clearing his throat, Safina caught his expression, wondering if he was snickering or scowling as he shook his head and clucked his tongue. Safina bowed her head and tried to ignore the rumbling in her stomach. This was so unfair. A dragoness needed real food, not crumbs. Mortals and their strange customs were so tiring.
A jolt electrified Safina when Charlotte cried out, stumbling forward, and much to Safina’s dismay, knocking the cart of tea and treats to the floor. Luckily, Josiah caught Charlotte in time, helping his mistress to the sofa. Clutching her abdomen, Charlotte curled up in a fetal position.
“Charlotte!” Abby jumped from her seat, grabbing Charlotte’s shoulder. She looked at the manservant with fear in her eyes. “Josiah, ring the doctor.”
The man headed for the door.
“No, no, Josiah.” Charlotte grabbed the back of the sofa and slowly pulled herself up. “It’s okay. This is a daily occurrence.” She flashed a half-hearted smile at Abby while patting her abdomen.
Safina vaguely remembered her mother having to tend to a young woman in their last village who had also been far along with child. The babe’s movement rendered the poor mother immobile, and the dragon queen had to guide the child back into place.
“You’re not in labor?” Abby asked with a voice that shook with fear. Interesting that when pressed during an urgency, Abby showed concern for her friend.
“Goodness, no.” Charlotte laughed and then winced as she arched back. “He’s kicking me again.”
“I’ll go ring Mr. Carter, then,” Josiah said before hurrying out of the room.
“Oh, dear,” Charlotte moaned. “Teddy can hardly attend to business if he’s always fussing over me.”
Abby frowned, placing a trembling hand on Charlotte’s abdomen. “Can I do anything?”
“No, Abby. It will pass eventually.” Charlotte twisted in her seat, no doubt looking for a more comfortable position. “I fear he’s going to be a rough and tumble boy like his father.”
Safina bent on one knee beside Charlotte, homing in on the child. She reached out, placing a hand next to Abby’s. Her dragon-touched senses could feel the flutter of the babe’s heartbeat. At once she was struck by an image of the child. She saw that it was a girl, awake and alert, straining for the sound of her mother’s voice. Safina was in awe of her discovery. She was becoming more empathetic, like her mother. Perhaps she’d soon master her healing powers, too.
She looked up at Charlotte with a wide smile. “’Tis a girl. I can hear her heart beating.”
As soon as Safina had spoken, she knew she’d broken a mortal taboo. She sensed Charlotte’s shock and the prickling of skin on Abby’s nape.
Abby let out a burst of nervous laughter. “No you can’t, silly goose.”
Safina’s face flushed, and she cursed herself a fool for not being more circumspect. For so long, she’d wished for mortal friends, and her thoughtless confession put her new alliance at risk.
Charlotte blinked at her. Thankfully, Safina didn’t read judgment in her eyes, but the poor woman was certainly confused. She offered a hesitant smile. “I did hear my baby’s heart beating last week when Dr. Morris called.” She leaned back as the babe began to settle down. “He let me listen through his stethoscope. It was the most wondrous sound.”
“I’m sure Teddy was thrilled,” Abby said with a touch of derision in her voice.
Safina realized the tension between Abby and Charlotte somehow stemmed from Abby’s feelings toward Teddy. She wondered what this man with the “horse face and soup strainer moustache” had done to Abby, for she was certain the blame was with Charlotte’s husband. If she had learned anything from her mother, it was that men were not without guile.
“He wanted to be there,” Charlotte said on a sigh, “but he was on business in Houston. The doctor says I’ll deliver next month.”
Safina suspected the babe would come much sooner, but she decided not to voice her opinion again.
Abby sat back on the sofa while shooting Safina an urgent look. Safina sensed Abby wanted her to get up off the floor. She obediently stood and quietly sat back down on the chair, smoothing out her dress and pretending to be a lady of quality, not some backward hatchling.
“Have you picked out names yet?” Abby sat beside Charlotte, patting her knee in an awkward display of affection.
Charlotte nodded. “Theodore James Carter if it’s a boy, just like Teddy and his father. Teddy wants a son to carry on the family legacy.”
“Mr. Carter’s father is a banker, too,” Abby said to Safina. “The family lends money to half of Texas.” Abby leaned toward Charlotte, the weight of her stare so heavy, even Safina shifted in discomfort. “And what if the babe is a girl?” she asked. “What shall you name her?”
Charlotte blushed before looking at her abdomen. “To be honest, Teddy and I have not settled on a girl’s name yet.”
Abby pulled away. “Well, whatever name you pick, I’m sure it will be lovely.”
Again, Safina sensed an undercurrent of unease in Abby’s words and manners. Something was left unspoken between them, and though they skirted the crux of the problem, it was plain to see the feelings of resentment bubbling at the surface of Abby’s aura, like a steaming hot cauldron on the brink of bursting.
Charlotte’s bottom lip trembled as she rested her hands on her stomach. “I-I just want the baby to be healthy, and for us both to survive the delivery.”
Abby’s mouth twisted as if she’d just eaten a spoonful of sour porridge. “How morbid, Charlotte.”
“My mother died birthing me, and my grandmother died birthing my mother. It seems we are cursed. I am only seventeen. I don’t want to die,” Charlotte cried out before burying her face in her hands.
Abby scooted closer to her, placing a hand on her arm. “Well, then, you won’t die. Your mother and grandmother had midwives. I’m sure your husband will get you the best doctors. You needn’t worry your head a bit.”
“Thank you.” Charlotte sniffled, dabbing her eyes with a finely embroidered cloth. “Teddy says it’s normal for women in my condition to cry.”
“Sure.” A look of annoyance flitted across Abby’s features. “I guess.”
“It’s just that we ar
e young, Abby, and life is so precious.” She grabbed Abby’s hands, forcefully pulling Abby toward her. “You know that, right?” Charlotte beseechingly searched Abby’s gaze with so much intensity, Safina could practically feel the woman’s gut twist with a keen sense of desperation.
“Yes, yes, I know that.” Abby rolled her eyes, pulling away.
“I visited you in the infirmary. Maybe you don’t remember.” Charlotte pasted on a smile that was clearly forced. “I never thought you’d recover.”
“Well, I did.” Abby scooted to the edge of the sofa, brushing imaginary dust off her skirt.
A knock sounded on the door. Safina turned, hoping to see Josiah with a new cart of goodies. Instead, in walked one of the most handsome men Safina had ever beheld; tall with broad shoulders, a strong jaw, thick dark hair, and sharp grey eyes. Eyes that were alight with worry as he focused on Charlotte. Safina could feel distress jumping off his skin. He strode toward Charlotte in long, purposeful strides.
He wedged himself beside Abby, grasping Charlotte’s shoulders. “Are you all right, my dear?” He tenderly brushed the back of his hand down her face.
Her cheeks flushed bright crimson as she looked deep into his eyes. “Yes. Our child is growing restless, is all.”
He planted a tender kiss on her forehead. “Only a short while, and you will no longer bear this burden.”
Her eyes fluttered shut as he rested his forehead against hers. “A burden I gladly bear,” she said on a sigh.
If Safina had felt like the interloper before, it was nothing compared to the awkward ache that settled in her chest at the young lovers’ display of affection. They acted as if they were the only two people in the room, shielded by an invisible cocoon of love.
Watching the two exchange tender touches and secretive glances, a feeling came over Safina she’d never felt before. She knew at once she was envious. Oh, so envious. For the passionate feelings that surged through the lovers shot straight to Safina’s heart like a bolt of lightning, nearly knocking her backward with the strength of it. These two were not just of one mind and body, but their souls were entwined, too. At that moment Safina realized what she wanted most in the world. To be loved exactly as Charlotte’s husband loved her. If only there was such a man. But Safina’s shoulders fell at the memory of her mother’s words. “Guard your heart against mortal men, for once they discover your secret, you will only be a monster in their eyes.”