by Rinelle Grey
Warrian frowned. “It’s going to take more than that. You’ll need to do some serious grovelling to get her to even talk to you.” An idea occurred to him. One perhaps sparked by Latrima’s conversation earlier. “And for that, you’re going to need time. And you need to be closer.”
His idea was crazy. He’d never get the others to agree with him. And yet, it was the only way out of this mess he could see. It was the only way to give his sister and Ultrima a chance. It was the only way he could even begin to atone for his mistakes.
Ultrima raised an eyebrow. “Just what are you proposing?”
Warrian took a deep breath. “As I said earlier, disband Trima clan and return to Rian clan.”
There was silence in the room. Warrian’s plan was ambitious. The looks on the faces of all the other Trima dragons said it as clear as day. But there was longing too. They wanted this just as much as Ultrima did. Even Latrima’s face was hopeful.
It would be no easy task. The two clans had been apart for three hundred years, and in that time they’d no doubt each developed their own rituals and customs. Trying to merge the two again would be one of the biggest challenges they’d faced.
And to achieve it, Sarian and Ultrima would have to work together closely. If anything could give them a chance to sort out their problems, this was it.
And it was also the only option. Warrian knew it.
And Ultrima knew it too. Warrian could see it in his eyes. “Your clan will never agree to it,” he said finally.
“Let me talk to them,” Warrian challenged. “I’m sure I can convince them.”
It was as if that was the comment Ultrima was waiting on, because he nodded almost immediately. “How about now. They’re at our front door.”
Warrian’s heart thumped in his chest. So that had been what the commotion was about. Talk about putting him on the spot. Could he do this? Could he admit to his clan that he’d lied to them and convince them to do the impossible all in one go?
He had no choice. He had to try.
Chapter 11
Rita stayed very quiet as Warrian and Ultrima walked down the endless staircase together. This wasn’t her place, she knew that. This was dragon business. She might have pushed the two dragon leaders into this, but all she could do now was watch and document this historic moment.
For the first time in her life, she wished she had a video camera. This was beyond the written word. This should be recorded for posterity. Everyone should see this.
That thought was enough to make her increase her pace to catch up to the two dragons. She tapped Ultrima on the shoulder. “I don’t suppose you have a phone?”
The Trima leader was surprised enough to stop to turn and stare at her. “A phone?”
“Yeah, you know, to call people.”
Ultrima looked amused. “I know what a phone is. I’m just wondering why you want one.”
Rita hesitated. She was crazy to be even considering this, but she knew no one else. “I need to call a friend. We should have someone there with a video camera to record this. You’re making history here. This shouldn’t go undocumented.”
“Ahh,” Ultrima said. “That’s a good point. I take it you know someone?”
Rita couldn’t help giving a scowl. “Yeah, the same guy Rian clan called when they were having their meeting with the humans.” That still rankled. It probably always would. But she refused to let her jealousy stop her doing what was right.
Warrian didn’t seem quite so convinced. He scowled. “I don’t want you to call Todd,” he said into her mind, his voice sounding obstinate and stubborn. She certainly shouldn’t be thinking his jealousy was cute.
Rita schooled her face into a scowl. She didn’t want to admonish Warrian in front of Ultrima, but she couldn’t let that slide. She was about to make it quite clear to Warrian she wasn’t going to let his jealousy impact her professional life when Ultrima interrupted.
“Oh, him.” Ultrima paused for a moment then added, almost as if it were an afterthought, “They wanted to call you, you know. Rian clan. But I knew you were otherwise occupied and insisted on someone impartial.”
Rita stared at him, her jaw dropping. “You mean that was your fault?”
Warrian’s clan hadn’t betrayed her. It had been Ultrima’s fault all along. She might have been furious at the lightning dragon, except he’d just made everything so much easier.
She’d wondered what was going to happen now Warrian was returning to his clan. She’d been afraid his clan would try to push them apart since his brothers and sisters obviously had an issue with her.
But apparently they didn’t.
She was so relieved she even forgot about being angry at Warrian.
“I’m afraid so,” Ultrima said apologetically. “You see, I thought if I kept Warrian away from Sarian, she might just listen to me.” His face darkened. “Apparently I was wrong.”
Rita wondered what had happened, but the Trima leader didn’t seem inclined to talk, and Rita wasn’t quite game to push him. “So I can make the call?” she asked.
Ultrima nodded and pulled a phone out of his pocket and handed it to Rita.
“I really don’t think this is a good idea.” Warrian put a hand on her shoulder, his eyes narrowed into dragon slits, concern warring with jealousy. “Isn’t there someone else you could call?”
This time, Rita was too happy to be angry at him. She gave him a gentle smile. “There isn’t anyone else, not who could get here in time.” That was a valid reason, but it wasn’t the real one. There was only one person who could have put that article into the paper. Todd. But he hadn’t even tried to take it for himself. It would be easy to argue that he had no video to go with it, but Rita was pretty sure that wouldn’t have stopped him. That was enough to buy him a little of her trust.
That, and the above mentioned lack of options.
Warrian searched her face, and his jealousy faded from his eyes. “It’s your choice.”
His trust in her helped her be certain of her decision. Rita nodded and took a deep breath, then she dialled Todd’s number.
He picked up almost straight away. “Hello, Todd here.”
“Hi, Todd. It’s Rita.”
“Rita? Are you okay? Are you trapped in that dragon lair?”
“Yes... How did you know?” Silly question. Someone had to be responsible for Rian clan waiting outside the lair, and it made sense it would be the same person as the one who had printed her article.
“We’re right outside, Rita. I brought Rian clan. We’re here to rescue you.”
Rita’s heart warmed. She should have known she wouldn’t have dated Todd if there wasn’t some good in him. “We don’t need a rescue. We’re actually on our way out. Do you have your camera?”
“Uh...”
Silly question. Of course Todd wouldn’t have come without his camera.
“Start it rolling. You’re not going to want to miss this story.”
The End
Want to know what happens next? Part 5 of Dragon Forged - Accepting the Dragon - is available for preorder now!
Rita thought the biggest hurdle she'd face was getting Warrian to admit that he cared for her, but now they have to face up to his clan. The fact that they don't like Rita is minor compared with his sister's anger towards Warrian.
But Warrian has the perfect way to distract his sister, focus her anger on someone else. If only the blowback doesn't take them all out.
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About the Author
If you read a Rinelle Grey story, you can trust in a happy ending. Love will always triumph, even if it seems impossible… Rinelle Grey writes feel-good romance usually in science fiction or fantasy settings. Her heroines are independent and headstrong, and her stories are hard to put down.
She grew up in a remot
e area of Australia, without power, hot water, or a phone, but now lives with all of those and her (happily ever after) husband, daughter, chooks, ducks and veggie garden.
She also writes fantasy under the name Rin Grey.
She loves to receive e-mails at [email protected], or follow her on facebook or twitter.
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