“I love you, Keira,” he whispered.
His body was bare against hers, but she knew that he did not feel the cold. She pulled away slightly and turned to look at the river. The ice stretched across the surface, cold fingers gripping the edges of rocks and limp reeds. In the summer, this place where the river changed its course was a deep pool of calm water, just beyond the reach of the raging river. She had been here with Aaron before the cold had come, and knew that the water was deep.
“The one thing I miss most about summer,” Keira said slowly, “is being able to go swimming.”
“In a few short months it will be summer again,” he said, with the infuriating practicality of a man who had seen many, many summers. “We can go swimming together,” he added softly, his warm breath brushing against her cheek.
“But I don’t want to wait,” she said, looking up at him and meeting his gaze. “In fact, I want to go swimming right now.”
Aaron frowned at her in confusion. “I’m sure you do, but you cannot survive the cold, my sweet.”
“Hmm,” said Keira, stepping away from him. “The cold. That is a problem.” She pulled on the tie of her cloak, releasing the knot, and it fell to her feet.
“Keira. What are you doing?” Aaron’s voice was sharper, but she laughed, taking another step back.
“I’m going for a swim, Aaron. Are you going to join me?”
“You cannot go swimming,” he repeated. She could hear he was getting worried, and she sighed.
“I won’t get cold, Aaron. You will keep me warm.”
“But the water –” Aaron started, before stopping and staring at her. “That is an insane idea,” he said, a grin started to tug at his mouth. She dropped her gown to her feet and stared at him as she shivered in her chemise.
“Better hurry, Aaron. I’m starting to get cold.”
Keira smiled as a flash of light filled the air, and the huge dragon gingerly stepped out onto the ice.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” he asked as Keira pulled off her chemise and held it against her chest. Already the ice was starting to melt around him, pooling at his claws. He opened his wings as the ice grew thinner, spreading them above him as he breathed flame onto the melting surface. A small hole appeared where he breathed, growing larger as he applied more flames to the spot. All around him the water was starting to steam, and then, with a sudden groan, the rest of the ice gave way beneath Aaron’s weight, and he launched himself into the air. He transformed into human form midair, and landed next to Keira, his wings still spread behind him.
“Take off your boots,” he said. Gingerly, she pulled off one boot, and then standing on her toes, quickly pulled off the other, hopping on the ice as she did so. As soon as her footwear was removed he grabbed her against his chest, lifting them into the air then dropping them both into the icy water. She gasped, then grinned as his body heat quickly warmed the water around them, creating a cloud of steam. Holding his hand, she pushed herself away, moving unhurriedly through the water. It was colder the further away she moved, and she turned, moving slowly through the water back to his heat. Wrapping her legs around him, she pulled him close as his hands wound into her steam-damp hair. His mouth found hers and he kissed her leisurely. He lifted his legs beneath her, supporting her as his hands brushed over her skin, slow and languorous. She clung to him, feeling his bare skin press against hers, and when he claimed her, he covered her mouth with his, swallowing her gasp.
The sun had climbed high above the mountains when Aaron lifted Keira from the water. She shivered as the cold air touched her skin, but he held her close, running his hands over her body, the steam rising from her skin where he touched her. He held her chemise in his hands, warming the fabric, before gently pulling it over her head, and then did the same with her gown. His feet were too big to warm her boots, but he wiggled his fingers to the bottom before pulling them onto her feet, while she steadied herself against his shoulder.
He wrapped his arms around her and ran his hands through her wet hair. She stared into his burning eyes, and when he gently bent down and brushed his lips against hers, she knew that she would never be happier, more content, than she was at that moment. She loved him and he loved her, and there was nothing else.
Chapter 8
Anna lay in her bed, the quilts pulled up to her chin. The sun was already well above the horizon, and weak rays of light were finding their way through the slats of the shutters. It had been long past midnight when she retired to bed, following the midnight mass in the small chapel at the edge of the courtyard. The troupe would be arriving today, and Anna smiled as she thought of the entertainments they would offer. The smile quickly turned to a frown, however, as she remembered her mother’s words. It had been mortifying to be called a child in Max’s presence. If only he wasn’t here, then everything would be perfect.
Pushing away the quilts, Anna flung a cloak around her shoulders as she rose from the bed and went to the window, opening the shutters to allow the light into the room. Her chamber was on the floor below the master chambers, and was situated at the end of the eastern wing. Windows on adjacent walls gave her panoramic views of the mountains to the east, south and west, filling the chamber with light throughout the day. The sun spilled in as she opened the shutters, and she leaned her head out to breathe in the bracing air. In the distance she could see a shape moving through the sky, but it was too far away to tell whether it was a bird or a dragon. She watched it for a moment before turning to open the shutters on the adjacent walls. The creature was circling above the castle, and she could see it from the south-facing window as well. It had drawn closer, and she knew it was a dragon, but it was not gold like Aaron. This dragon was darker, and she realized that it must be Max. She had not seen him in his dragon form before, and her eyes followed him as he lazily circled through the air. The sun glittered against his wings, and he blew out a stream of flame which curled around his head like a smoke ring. He was quite spectacular to watch, she thought, but only as a dragon.
A gust of cold air rushed through the room, ruffling her hair, and she saw him lift his head and then turn in her direction. She pulled herself away from the window, pushing herself against the wall, but when she peeked around the corner, she saw that he was flying straight towards her window. She pulled herself back again, not daring to breathe, her heart sinking when she heard his voice.
“It’s a lovely morning, Anna. Why don’t you come to the window and enjoy it?”
“Go away,” she said.
“Are you scared of me?” he asked.
“Of course not,” she said. She drew in a deep breath and turned towards the window, gasping when she saw the massive dragon hovering only a few feet away. His wings moved slowly through the air, while his scales glittered in the sunlight, throwing reflections against the walls. “What are you doing?” she demanded.
“Stretching my wings,” he said. “Do you want to go for a ride with me?”
“Most certainly not!”
He laughed. “That is exactly what I expected you to say. Like a sullen child. It matters not to me whether you come,” he said.
“I most certainly am not a child,” she said, stung into a retort. “I just have no desire to go with you.”
“Now that I don’t believe,” he said, drawing closer. “I think you are trying to spite me.” She could feel the heat rising from his body as she looked into his blazing eyes.
“Fine! I’ll come!” she said. She glanced down at the cloak that hid her chemise. “But I need to get dressed first.”
“I’ll take another turn around Storbrook,” he said, “and come back for you.” Before she could say another word he was gone, his tail the last thing she saw as he disappeared around the corner. She leaned back against the wall. Why did he always manage to provoke her? she wondered. She was already regretting her hasty agreement. She glanced at the chest that held her gowns, and then reluctantly pulled it open.
When Max returned a few
minutes later she was standing at the window dressed in a dark green gown, the fur cloak laying on the bed.
“I’ve changed my mind,” she said, as he drew close to her window.
“Why?” he said. “Are you suddenly scared of me?”
“No,” she replied. “I just decided that I have no desire to go anywhere with you.”
“Anna,” he said with a splutter of sparks that made her step backwards, “don’t think of this as a ride with me. Just think of me as a dragon, like Aaron. I won’t even talk to you, if you don’t want me to.” Her expression was speculative as she looked at him, before turning her attention to the mountains beyond. In the light of the wintery sun they glistened and gleamed, white against a dark blue sky.
“Very well,” she said. “I’ll come, but no talking.” Grabbing the cloak, she swung it around her shoulders and tied it at her neck. “How do I get on your back?”
“Sit down on the window ledge,” he said. She did as directed, gasping when he wrapped his tail around her waist and pulled her onto his back. She breathed in relief when she felt his solid weight beneath her.
“You could have warned me,” she grumbled.
“No talking, remember,” he said with a snort of humor. He spread his wings wide and plunged through the air, quickly leaving the castle behind him.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“Not far,” he said. “We will head to one of the peaks where the snow lies completely untouched.” Anna leaned down against his neck as the cold wind rushed past them, getting herself closer to the heat that rose from his body. Her cloak streamed out behind her, whipping in the wind. The ties were coming loose, and she lifted her hand to pull them tight again, but Max banked at that moment, and the cloak went flying into the wind.
“Oh, no,” she gasped.
“What?” Max asked, twisting his long neck to look back at her. The movement brought the cloak into his line of sight, and before she answered he was circling around in a tight loop. “Hold on,” he said, increasing his speed as he chased down the cloak. He quickly gained the distance and snagged the garment in his talon.
“I’ll hold onto it until we land,” he said. He directed himself towards a peak in the distance. The icy crystal flakes of snow glittered in the sunlight, making the whole peak shimmer and sparkle. He slowed down as he reached the crest, plowing into the soft snow, his body cutting a wide swath through the pristine perfection.
“You ruined it,” Anna said, but her voice was teasing. She slid off the dragon’s back, and looked around. On all sides the mountain fell away in steep slopes, blanketed in thick snow. “It is so beautiful,” she said softly.
“Glad you came?” he asked. She blushed, but remained silent. “Here is your cloak,” he said, holding the item out with his talon. She turned and gently lifted it off the sharp claw, and throwing it around her shoulders, tied it around her neck once more. Turning in a small circle, she looked at the snow-covered landscape that surrounded them all sides, then bending down, picked up a handful of snow. She had left her mittens behind and the cold stung her fingers, but she ignored the tingle of pain as she rolled the wet snow around in her hand. She turned to look at the massive dragon, his dark bronze scales contrasting with the bright white snow, and smiled as she flung the icy clump at his chest. It melted against his heated skin, running in streams down his body, and Max looked down in surprise. He glanced back at her, but another snowball, this one aimed much higher, was already heading in his direction. He ducked, and it glanced against his neck, once more melting as soon as it made contact.
“That,” he said menacingly, “was uncalled for, especially since I cannot exact a similar revenge.”
“Oh?” she said, “Can’t you make snowballs with claws?”
“No,” he said, “but I can do this.” He swung his tail around his body in one quick motion, shoving the snow in its path into a deluge that landed on her in a dump.
“Why you … you … monster!” she yelled, grabbing handfuls of snow and flinging them at him.
“Never start a war you cannot win,” he laughed, shaking the droplets from his scales. Swinging his tail in the opposite direction, he cleared the snow in its path with a quick sweep, burying her up to her waist in the white powder.
“Hah!” she shouted. “Now I have all the snow!” Scooping her hands through the thick pile, she compressed the powder and flung it at him repeatedly, laughing when he hopped backwards, placing himself beyond her reach. His skin was steaming as the snow melted against his scales, heating the air around them. Her laughter rang out around them, and even though her hands were stinging from the cold she could feel the heat in her cheeks as she fell on her knees into the snow.
He leaned forward, bending his head down to where she knelt. “Are you ready to surrender?” She opened her mouth to deliver a sharp retort, but the blazing intensity of his gaze caught her off-guard, and she could only stare up at him as the words flew from her mind. She pushed herself to her feet and took a step backwards. Looking at the huge dragon who was also so human, she suddenly felt very confused.
“I’m all wet,” she whispered. “Please take me back.” She pulled her eyes away and dropped her gaze. He lifted his head and swept his tail around her, raising her onto his back. Pulling herself forward she settled herself against his neck, wrapping her arms around it as he lifted them into the air. She was silent as Max flew towards the castle, and when he lifted her into her window, she refused to meet his gaze.
“I’ll see you at dinner,” he said, turning away when she didn’t respond. She lifted her eyes to watch him fly away, then turned with a sigh to find dry garments to replace the ones wet from the snow.
Chapter 9
Storbrook was a place of gaiety and laughter in the days that followed. Christmas Day was celebrated with feasting and dancing, while the troupe of entertainers that arrived later that afternoon filled the rest of the season with plays, songs, and story-telling. The entertainments chased away all thought of the cold and snow that blustered around the castle. Roaring fires were lit in every room, and hundreds of finely-made wax candles reached flickering fingers into the shadows, burning low in their sconces through the long evenings. Keira noticed that Anna danced often with Garrick, but she avoided all contact with Max, exchanging only a few polite words. And he seemed just as reluctant to engage her, although Keira noticed that Max would often watch as Anna danced with Garrick, a slight frown on his face as he followed their movements. And Max was not the only one watching – when his back was turned, Anna would cast furtive glances his way.
Evenings were mostly spent enjoying the entertainments of the mummers, but there were some nights when the family withdrew to the solar, seeking more sedate pursuits. The eve of the feast of Epiphany was one of these.
Keira sat in the solar watching Aaron and her father as they battled over a game of chess. Anna had remained in the hall where the musicians were plying their instruments for the dancers, but Max had joined them in the solar, and was engaged in conversation with her mother. Jenny had been charmed by Max’s pleasant smile and easy laugh, and she had just finished telling him how much she enjoyed the play performed by the mummers at supper. The conversation had lapsed when she turned towards Aaron.
“The dragon has not been much in evidence while we have been staying at Storbrook,” she said.
“Dragon?” Max said. “There is a dragon around Storbrook, Aaron?”
“Yes,” Jenny said. “We saw the creature in the autumn. It even carried us on its back after Richard was injured.”
“Really?” Max said, turning to look at Aaron. Richard had just moved his bishop forward to check Aaron’s king, and Aaron was deep in thought as he contemplated the board before him.
“Do you know dragon’s blood can heal someone’s injuries?” Jenny said. “Richard was mortally wounded, but the dragon allowed Keira to stab it with a knife and spill its blood over the wound. It saved Richard’s life, but even so, I woul
d not like to be near that monster again.”
“That is a most interesting story,” Max said, his eyes fixed on Aaron’s face. Aaron moved his queen forward, then sat back, meeting Max’s gaze. “The dragon allowed its blood to be spilt, in order to save a human?”
“That is the story as I understand it,” Aaron said. “Unfortunately, I was not present at the time.”
“Unfortunate,” Max agreed.
“Since it was my life that was saved,” Richard said, his gaze on Aaron’s face, “I can attest to the fact that the dragon did indeed spill his blood to save my life. I will forever be in its debt.”
“No,” Aaron said, turning to look at Richard. “A dragon does not hold a human in its debt.”
“Even when the dragon has spilt its blood on the human?” Max asked softly.
“Yes.” Aaron held Richard’s gaze for another moment before turning to meet Max’s. “Enough talk about dragons,” he said.
“The reason I mentioned the dragon,” Jenny said, “is that I am worried about Anna. I don’t think she is safe living so close to the dragon’s lair. I want her to come home.”
Max laughed. “Storbrook Castle is probably the safest place for Anna to be,” he said. “Aaron will ensure that this dragon, or any others that may venture into the area, will never harm your daughter.”
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