'All tried to entice him?' hissed Cat. 'What the hell is that supposed to mean? How hard did they try?'
Kassie started to laugh. 'C’mon, Cat, you’re not jealous are you? That’s really not necessary. We’ve all seen the way Alek looks at you.'
'Well aren’t you guys bothered?' I demanded, feeling like a silly fourteen year old all of a sudden, who just happened to be crushing on the hottest guy at school.
'Nope,' sang Sian. 'I love it. ‘Cause Daron’s all mine.'
Loi and Kassie gave approving whoops and whistles.
Grow up Catherine, my rational voice snapped, you’ll see soon enough if he has eyes for another. The other voice wailed at the thought of some blonde temptress oozing herself all over him. I pulled myself together when we rounded the corner to the solar. Loi halted abruptly in front of us, I had to stop so fast that Audi ran into the back of my calf with a startled yelp. 'Loi, what the heck?' I demanded.
'LOOK.' She hissed, we all peered around her and gasped.
There—not six meters from us—sat a dragon. We hastily backed up to behind the corner, just our heads peeking around. Even Audi peeked, crouched beneath me.
'Oh my Goddess,' breathed Sian, watching the creature who fussed about the fireplace. Just a bit bigger than Audi, the dragon could apparently switch from all fours to its hind legs with no discomfort. Its forearms had dexterous claws that it seemed to use like fingers. The dragon paused in its grumbling to glance their way. The women froze. Muttering to itself, it turned back to the fireplace, using its long tail to prod at it like a poker.
In the solar, Rumal heard something and walked to the doorway. A bizarre sight greeted him. The four girls and Audi stared around the corner at Nnelg, the fire dragon, their eyes as wide as saucers. Kassie’s mouth hung open in amazement. He leaned back, calling quietly to the others. 'Come look at this.'
Alek, Sabyn, and Daron walked over. Rumal held a finger to his lips then pointed out the doorway. Peering past him, they caught sight of them. 'They’ll be sorry,' Daron said in a quiet sing song. The others chuckled, knowing what came next.
I could hear Sian whispering to herself while we studied the little dragon. It had the most beautiful blue scales, dark blue at the base, they lightened toward the ends creating a stunning shimmer. It was so fluid and graceful in its movements. I leaned forward to see it a little better. A strange voice grumbled in my ears. 'Nosey creatures, I’ll teach you.'
I turned to Kassie in confusion. 'Did you say something?'
She looked surprised and shook her head. I turned my attention back to the little dragon just as it twisted to look at us then—vanished!
'What?' We cried in surprise. 'Where did it go?'
Sian looked up at the ceiling while Kassie and Loi crept forward to look. Audrey cried frantically, spinning round and around, hunting for it. I stood with my hand against the wall staring in disbelief at the fireplace when—
WOOOOOSSSSSHHH!
We screamed in shock, diving out of the way as a blast of fire roared over our heads. Kassie and I, jammed up against the wall together, stared at each other in shock. Then that strange voice spoke up again. 'That’ll show them, bet they won’t forget that anytime soon.' And the little blue dragon sashayed past.
Loud laughter caught Kassie’s attention, detangling herself from Cat she sat up. The four men must have watched the whole episode from the solar doorway because they laughed so hard they almost fell over.
'Very funny,' Cat grumbled as she straightened up.
'Are you going to introduce us?' Kassie demanded to Rumal, while Cat coaxed Audi out from under a chair. Sian and Loi dusted themselves down, watching the dragon cautiously.
Rumal stepped forward. 'Ladies, may I introduce you to Nnelg. Our castle’s esteemed fire dragon, and, Nnelg,' he said with a firm look. 'May I introduce you to Kassandra, Catherine, Sian, and Laura. Elena’s special guests.'
'Humph,' huffed Nnelg. 'Where did they get their manners from?'
'They’re new to our world,' Alek said. 'They mean you no harm.'
Audrey crept toward Nnelg on her belly, he spun to face her. 'What does the dog want?' he asked in an alarmed tone.
'Just to be friends,' Cat said, watching Audi continue in her commando crawl. Nnelg regarded the dog suspiciously for a moment then leaned forward when she was within reach. The two touched noses. He jerked back, cocking his head while regarding Audi with a curiously playful look and swish of his tail.
'Catch me if you can.' Nnelg’s voice flashed out before he vanished again.
Audrey let out a yelp of excitement and shot out of the room. The silence after her piercing bark felt striking, we stood motionless for a moment. Then Sabyn said with a teasing smile, 'Other than meeting Nnelg, did you girls want something?'
'You boys are supposed to be showing us the castle for the next couple of days,' Sian smiled sweetly at the men, who all blanched at the term boys. Daron feigned annoyance while he stared at her but an adoring smile quickly spread on his face. Yes, thought Sian with pleasure. All mine, she beamed back.
In the silence while Daron and Sian gave each other mushy smiles Kassie, Loi, and I rolled eyes at each other before Kassie raised hers to the ceiling then winked at Rumal. Loi just wrinkled her nose at me. I suddenly remembered something.
'Oh! Where are my manners?' I cried, bowing elaborately to Alek. 'Your Royal Highness.'
Alek winced at the tone of Cat’s voice, closing his eyes for a moment. Damn it! He’d meant to mention it to her. A little voice in his head sang out—you’re lying. Alek opened his eyes. Cat still bowed low and now the other three girls joined her. An exasperated sigh escaped his lips. The four of them looked up, eyes alight with mischief, while his so called friends gave him I-told-you-so looks.
Alek stepped toward me so I straightened up, widening my eyes into a look of vapid idolization. Alek stopped short at the expression and his eyes narrowed. He snapped, 'Cat, I’m sorry. I should have told you.'
Matching his tone I replied. 'Yes, you should have,' and returned the annoyed look. The others in the room drifted off with mumbled words, leaving us glaring at each other.
Chapter Twenty
'Really, what did you think I would do,' I demanded, feeling my annoyance grow. 'Fawn over you because of your title? I’m a Kiwi, Alek. Titles have little meaning to us.' Alek looked confused. Oops, he won’t have a clue what that means. Oh well, I’m sure the inference is the same. I crossed my arms while waiting for his response. Those dark blue eyes stared down at me with little expression.
Alek continued to study Cat, mentally berating himself for acting like a child. Then he noticed her eyes looked red. Forgetting the silly argument in an instant he stepped closer, catching her chin with his fingers, tipping her face up. 'Cat, have you been crying?'
Oh man, why did he have to say it like that? I went to turn away but he kept a firm yet gentle hold on my chin.
'Cat.'
Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry. Dammit! A tear escaped, sliding down my cheek. 'No.' Gulp. 'A little.'
Alek pulled me into his arms. 'Why? What’s wrong?'
Tears began to pour down her cheeks, he hurriedly grabbed a seat with her cradled in his arms. 'Cat, tell me. What’s wrong?'
She gave a big sigh and shifted on his lap, her forehead pressed to his chest. In a choked quiet voice she replied, 'Elena told us we can’t go home. It’s not possible.'
Alek froze, unsure of what to say. Two conflicting feelings flooded through him; relief that she wouldn’t leave, quickly followed by guilt. How could he be so selfish when she’d literally just lost her world. Not wanting to put his foot in his mouth with the wrong response, he hugged her close pressing a kiss to her head. 'I’m sorry, Cat.' The words felt wholly inadequate. It brought him back to losing his father and the useless comments people made. Remembering what she’d said to him before he changed the subject. 'What’s a Kiwi?'
Cat blinked, looking up in surprise. 'Oh. Umm, a Kiwi is a
little brown bird that can’t fly and has feathers that are long and hair like. They have long thin beaks to dig up grubs. And they lay enormous eggs in comparison to their body weight.'
Whatever answer he’d expected it wasn’t that. 'Why did you say you’re a Kiwi?' She grinned at him, green eyes dancing in amusement at his confusion. He felt a thrill of delight at the smile.
'The Kiwi only lives in New Zealand which is the country, or realm as you call it, that we come from on Earth. So I’m a New Zealander, but we are known as Kiwis for short,' she announced proudly.
Alek looked at me funny after my explanation so I just gave him a wide, cheesy smile. He chuckled. The sound pleased me. I threw my arms around his neck and pulled his head down to mine; might as well distract myself in the best way possible.
Alek was happy to oblige, pressing his lips to hers. Feeling her tiny sigh of pleasure, he tightened his arms around her. Finally, with no one around to disturb them he could kiss her thoroughly.
My head did some serious spins by the time Alek pulled away and I’m pretty sure I had one of those silly grins plastered over my face. He chuckled at the expression and stroked my cheek. 'I’ve been waiting for a good moment to do that.'
I laughed, feeling my cheeks flush. 'Worth the wait.'
'What was it you came here for?' Alek asked with a sudden look of confusion.
'You’re supposed to give me the grand tour. We only have two days 'cause then Elena is setting us to work,' I announced, feeling a twinge of nervousness at the idea of this sort of work. Though again, it would be a distraction from reality. I swallowed hard when a feeling of despair threatened to loom and shook my head, forcing a smile as Alek stared at me with penetrating eyes.
Alek watched Cat force a smile and his own emotions swung back and forth. She’s doing so well, he thought; what can I show her to keep her smiling properly. 'The grand tour,' he mused over that and lifted Cat, setting her on her feet. Grabbing his cape off the table, he fastened it and turned to Cat who’d straightened her hair and clothes. The thought of mussing her clothes again appealed to him greatly.
Alek gave me a sexy, crooked smile, eyes suddenly darker and I couldn’t help but blush. Trying to get my thoughts to an appropriate place I pointed at his cloak. 'Why the cape? I didn’t see the others wearing one.'
He turned to show me the back. The heavy purple fabric was embroidered with his family shield in gold thread. 'It’s to show my rank. Elena effectively runs the kingdom for me. This is the only thing she asks of me while I’m here, so I can’t object.' He shrugged. 'When I do succeed in my task and I’m crowned I’ll have many more responsibilities. Not that I mind, but it’s nice to come and go as I please. I’ll enjoy it while I can.'
'Where are we going first?' I looked forward to seeing more of the castle. About to answer, Alek stopped when Audrey pelted into the room. Something had her excited; her ears perked up, tail high while she spun in the room, like she hunted something. Nnelg blinked into the room and landed on the table with his wings half spread. He growled at Audi. My jaw dropped in astonishment, I went to leap between them when Alek placed a restraining hand on my arm. 'Wait,' he murmured in my ear. 'Just watch.'
Audrey snarled fiercely at Nnelg but her tail and ears still stood high. I just began to realize they played when Nnelg launched himself at her. The two rolled past us, a blur of fur, wings and a wildly thrashing blue tail. Alek started to laugh at the sight of it. He stopped short when the two rioters crashed into a tall lamp that he lunged to steady. 'ENOUGH!' he bellowed, while holding the lamp.
They both froze.
I started to giggle at the comical, unexpected sight. Audrey sat with a guilty look on her face, Nnelg’s long tail in her mouth while he appeared to chew on one of her ears.
'Nnelg, I’m glad you have a new friend but don’t you think you should take her outside?' Alek crossed his arms, looking sternly at the dragon.
'Elena sent me,' Nnelg replied defensively, 'This dog creature is funny. Where is she from? I can’t understand her at all.'
'She’s not from this world, Nnelg. What did Elena want?'
'To remind you to have the women back in time for tea, I’ve got to go tell the others too, bye!'
Nnelg vanished. Audi yelped and shot out the room.
'What does Nnelg mean he can’t understand her?' Cat looked perplexed.
'Dragons can usually use their telepathy on other creatures too. Obviously he can’t with Audi.'
'Is Nnelg communicating with us by telepathy?' I asked in astonishment. 'I thought he was just speaking. We can all hear him. It’s not like with Loushka.'
Alek offered me his arm, explaining while we wandered down the corridor. 'Loushka can’t be heard by creatures other than griffons and those she links with. Usually it’s just one creature. That’s why we were so impressed when you could hear her.' He winked at me. 'Dragons have different abilities and are able to link with most creatures minds. They’re born with the skill.'
Alek pointed out various rooms when we passed them, stopping to show me the ballroom that linked to the Great Hall. Like the throne room the floor had gemstones embedded within. Silver framed mirrors lined the walls, reminiscent of the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. 'This is where small events are held. For the ball we’ll open this room and the second ballroom that links to the throne room,' he explained, leading me through it. 'Do you like dancing?'
I nodded enthusiastically.
He arched an eyebrow questioningly. 'We have casual dancing in the Great Hall most evenings after dinner until late?'
I laughed then, shaking my head. 'I’m usually in bed early, so I can get up at dawn for my run.'
'Of course. Do you go often?'
'Most mornings if possible.'
'If you want, I could meet you at your room prior to breakfast? Unless the weather’s really awful.'
'Wouldn’t want to mess up that hair,' I teased. We turned down another corridor, two women in richly embroidered clothes walked toward us at a stately pace. Stopping when we were within a couple of feet, they both dipped into graceful curtsies. Alek greeted them while I stood back, observing. I don’t know how to curtsy, I thought, considering the fluid looking move; bowing is much easier, maybe I’ll just stick to that. Both women ignored me while they chatted to Alek and it dawned on me. This must be what the Guard spoke about. These had to be some of those women. They made such an effort to avoid acknowledging me. One, a tall slim brunette, wore a lovely dress in dark blue. Belted tight at the waist to show off her cleavage, she leaned forward just enough to show it to its best advantage. I chomped on the inside of my cheek to stop the laughter that bubbled up. These two just screamed high maintenance. God I wish the others were here, they would have loved to have seen this. The other one, a plump blonde in clinging fuchsia, hung off Alek’s every word with an expression rather like the vacant one I’d given him earlier.
Alek forced a smile while answering the usual inane questions the women here loved to ask. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Cat watching in amusement. Right then, he thought, let’s include you. 'May I introduce Catherine to you both.' He gave them a charming smile and indicated Cat. 'Catherine, may I introduce the Countess Stranson and her good friend Lady Kelanor. Catherine is here with her friends at the Archduchess’ invitation.'
While Lady Kelanor looked impressed and gave Cat a tentative smile, the Countess shot Cat a barely veiled look of contempt.
'Are you one of the women the Griffon Guard rescued?'
I returned a bland smile while maintaining strong eye contact. The brunette—sorry, the Countess—flinched, which felt mildly satisfying. Let’s see if we can turn her green with envy, I thought, resisting a smirk, instead putting on my best dumb blonde smile; learned from Sian of course.
'Yes, we were exceptionally lucky. Alek and the others arrived just in the nick of time.' I beamed at Alek, his blue eyes twinkled at me. Fighting off the giggles, I channeled the feeling of hilarity, smiling broadly at th
e women while fluttering my lashes. If looks could kill I’d be fried on the spot—yeouch—that woman has an evil glare! The Countess went to say something but Alek beat her to it.
'If you’ll excuse us,' Alek gave them a polite smile. 'I have just two days in which to show off the castle and Elion to Catherine.' He swept Cat along until they were out of sight.
'The Countess appears exceedingly fond of you,' Cat suggested with a wicked look.
He gave a short laugh, rolling his eyes. 'That woman has been my nemesis for years now, not that she appears to know it. She’s openly told the high court since I was fifteen that she would marry me.'
'Not tempted?' I teased. 'I’m sure she’d look lovely draped over your arm. She probably has her coronation gown already designed.' The invitations and place-settings too I imagine and if there’s a chopping block list I’ll bet my name is now at the top; I smirked at the thought.
Alek gave me a long look then detached his arm from mine and drew my hand to his mouth, gently kissing it before leading us on. The hairs on my arms went stiff, butterflies pinging about in my stomach. We’d wandered along a bit more before I felt steady enough to speak without stuttering. 'Where are we going?'
'To the kitchen.'
Not what I’d expected, but my stomach gave an approving growl making us chuckle. We passed many more doorways, Alek explained they were various court rooms.
'Are they all in use?' How many people did I see at breakfast? I didn’t think it was this many.
He shook his head. 'No, most are empty. The majority of the courtiers won’t return to the castle until I’m established on the throne. There’s no reason to be here without a ruling monarch.'
The Arrival: An Epic Fantasy Romance Page 21