by Viola Grace
Brommin was on her right, and Sormin was on her left. Sosa was across from her, wedged between the other two.
Sosa looked at her and giggled. “This is fun. I have never eaten in a public establishment before.”
Trin winked. “This is how I survived. I work and get something to eat on the way home then do it all again on the way to work.”
Brommin chuckled and sipped at his ice water. “You don’t cook?”
“No. Do you?”
He paused. “Um, no. I actually don’t.”
“So, there you go. Cooking for myself is a luxury I haven’t earned yet.” She sat straight and clapped when the salad was set in front of her. She had ordered the same thing for her and for Sosa, so it didn’t matter who got what.
The men got their food a moment later, and Trin lifted her fork. She didn’t hesitate. She dove in.
Watching Sosa eat the salad lashed with sprinkles of shredded meat cast off from the huge cylinder that was rotating next to flames behind the counter was amazing and amusing at the same time. Sosa was on a voyage of discovery, and it was fun to watch.
Cucumber, yogurt, dill, and a dash of salt made up the dressing on the shredded greens with chunks of tomatoes facing upward. It was a light meal that fitted well with the dessert-first theme of the day.
The guards muttered as they ate their wraps. Trin smiled. The sounds were that of men who were happy with what they were gnawing on.
By the time Trin had crunched down the last mouthful, the guards were waiting, and their plates had been cleared.
Brommin asked, “Miss Lem, do you eat here often?”
“As often as I can. There is a great coffee place just down the lane as well. It is a lovely neighbourhood.” She smiled brightly.
She folded her napkin on top of her salad bowl, and it was soon whisked away.
She sipped at the tea until it was gone, and when she glanced around, happy dragons surrounded her. Good food worked with any shifter. They were all appetite motivated. Food, sex, family, their appetites were tremendous.
Brommin gave her a sly look. “You seem to know the neighbourhood well.”
“Yes. I live up the block.”
Sosa shook her head. “Not anymore. You live in the central tower until such a time as there is no longer a dragon senator.”
Trin scowled. “We will see about that.”
Brommin blinked slowly and grinned. “This is definitely going to be an interesting process. When we return to the hub, the senator would like to speak to you.”
Trin swallowed but straightened her shoulders. “Right. Well, I suppose we should be going.”
Brommin got to his feet and pulled her chair out as she stood. She moved to the side, gave a friendly smile and a wave to those who were working behind the counter, and then, she hiked outside where their karros was waiting for them.
She sat sandwiched between Brommin and Sormin as they pulled away from the shop and cruised down the laneway that contained the third shop in her tiny empire. She would be back in the shops soon, in one way or another. No one could keep her from her territory.
Chapter Six
Trin was escorted through the halls by Sormin and Brommin. She couldn’t help but notice small groups of children aging from five to nineteen.
“Why are there so many children here?” She asked it of both of her escorts.
Brommin answered. “They are here for classes. We run dragon courses from the time they can read and write. For one month a year, the young dragons come here to learn about what it will mean to become one of the most powerful shifters in the world.”
They passed through the tower, and to Trin’s surprise, the senator’s private offices were in the centre on the second floor.
Vasic was at the desk outside the two huge doors, which sported their very own guards.
She waved and inclined her head. “Lord Tal, how is Creata?”
“She is concerned for your safety and even talking back to my mother. I am glad to see you safe and looking well.” He smiled, showing the slight hint of fang that he enjoyed keeping available. You never knew when you would have to bite someone.
Brommin blinked. “Right. I forgot. You know each other.”
“Trin is my wife’s oldest and dearest friend. She would be very upset if anything happened to Trin, and then, I would have to let her tear this place apart looking for her. Creata is an excellent tracker.” He smiled brightly. “Oh, and your father is waiting for you.”
Brommin sighed. “Right. Thanks for that subtle warning.”
Trin grinned. “He was making a joke. It has taken him a while, but he is developing a sense of humour.”
Sormin cleared his throat. “If you say so.”
Trin was definitely light-hearted as they walked toward the huge doors. The guards nodded to Brommin, and they pulled the doors open.
The interior of the senator’s chambers was wood panelled, dragon portraits were everywhere on the walls, and the ceiling was over twenty feet up. There was a lot of space in this space.
A man was sitting at the desk, and he was staring at her as she walked toward the single chair sitting in front of the polished black wood.
“Ah, Miss Trin Lem. Please, be seated.”
She quirked her lips. He had obviously been warned about how she liked to be addressed. She moved around the chair, backed up until her limbs made contact through the layers, and she slowly sank into the seat.
Trin kept her hands folded demurely in her lap. She waited, and he stared at her. Eventually, he spoke.
“So, you have caused quite the stir around here.” He tapped his pen on his desk.
“So, I am being given to believe.” She smiled politely.
“Congratulations on having a severely strong dragon. The last crystal dragon was centuries ago.”
She cocked her head. “What is the difference between a crystal dragon and a quartz dragon?”
His mouth opened slightly, which was a funny look for him. “You don’t... right. Education will be the first thing to schedule for you.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Are you saying I am ignorant?”
“No, simply uneducated in the ways of dragons. It will make things easier for you if you understand why we do what we do.”
“That would be pleasant. Do you know why I am a dragon yet?”
He shook his head. “We are looking into it.”
“I hope you get farther than I did.”
“You looked into your origin?” He was surprised again.
“Of course. Like anyone else, I wonder who my parents are. Well, I suppose most people know.”
He nodded. “What do you know about your birth?”
She took a deep breath and faced him straight on. “My mother was in the late stages of pregnancy, and she was struck by a vehicle. I was born as she died. They took me to a hospital, and three days later, I was at the Home for the Unknown wearing the name I currently have. From all indications, my mother was not from this city, but she was walking toward it.”
The senator leaned back. “You know a lot, but do you know her identity?”
“No. There was none, and obviously, no father was in the picture as well.” She shrugged. “It is a mystery that I no longer have time for.”
He seemed surprised. “You don’t wish to know your parents?”
“My mother is very dead, so if my father is alive, he has never looked for me. I don’t mind, but I won’t halt my life to find those answers.”
“That is fair enough. Do you mind if I pursue it? I am very inquisitive.”
Brommin let out a snort. The senator gave him a wry glance. “Ignore my son unless you are choosing him, but that will be decided by you at a later date.”
She blinked and glanced at the dragon on her left. “What?”
Brommin murmured, “A dragoness of your power has the right to choose her mate.”
She blinked and lo
oked back at the senator. “Well, that is something. It won’t be Torm. He is way too grabby.”
Senator Lefarge scowled. “Grabby?”
“He has attempted to contain me twice. I am not appreciative.” She smiled politely.
“I see. Brommin, were you aware of this?”
He nodded. “I was made aware earlier today. He was removed for medical treatment, and then, he will be contained until his rut fades.”
Trin blinked. “Rut?”
The senator smiled grimly. “It is one of the things you are going to learn.”
“Wonderful. When will that start?”
Senator Lefarge looked to Sormin. “When can we get everything in place?”
“I will verify that Sosa is available to act as her companion, and it can begin tomorrow.”
The senator smiled. “Excellent. Anything else?”
Brommin cleared his throat. “I believe that Miss Lem wishes to have autonomy regarding her clothing.”
Senator Lefarge looked her over. “What she is wearing seems fine.”
Trin twisted her lips. “I prefer a more functional daily style that is less restrictive. I am not a fan of lace, and petticoats irritate me.”
The senator scowled. “I would need to see examples.”
“I can call on Vasic for a reference as to my personal taste. The clothing will be more austere, but it will be more functional. That is what I am working toward.”
He asked his son, “Everything is being made to transform?”
Brommin nodded. “It is.”
“Then, until it becomes a problem, it is not a problem. She isn’t a born dragoness, and she will be given the respect and choices for someone who has lived outside the protection of the council. Our ladies are given a uniform for the ease of seeing them in events. No one is going to mistake Trin Lem for anything other than Trin Lem.”
Brommin smiled. “Correct, Senator.”
“Excellent. Well, I hope to hear of your progress soon, Miss Lem. Welcome to our community.”
She got to her feet and paused. “When can I check on my businesses?”
He tapped his pen. “Do you have someone who can bring you data?”
“I do. Can I write letters to him?”
“Or you could call. We have a Meucci for you when you are ready to make a call. Sormin has it.”
Sormin pulled out the communication device and handed it to her.
“What happened to my shredded clothing? My Tesla unit was in there.”
Brommin filled in. “The clothing was gathered by the household, so they probably have your unit. You can ask Vasic.”
She nodded. “I will. When can I visit Creata? She is getting close to having her child.”
Sormin cleared his throat. “They are lions. They are not on the list of protected homes for you to visit.”
She looked to the senator, and she glared at him. He nodded shortly. “We will make the arrangements.”
“Thank you. I have a number of friends out there in the city, and I am not young and stupid enough to be cowed into ignoring them.” She nodded. “Was there anything else?”
The senator looked amused. “I believe you have covered enough for today.”
“Excellent. Can I get a tour of this building?”
“Please. Brommin, Sormin, show her around. Brommin, don’t forget to set up her education. Sormin, work on her guard detachment.”
The men nodded, and Sormin led the way out of the office.
Vasic was at his desk, and Trin walked up to him. “Lord Tal, I am authorized to ask if my Tesla was found in my personal effects after the transformation.” She smiled brightly.
He nodded. “The effects were gathered together after the event, so I will take a look this evening.”
“Thank you. I will pop by tomorrow.”
He raised his brows. “You are staying?”
Trin shrugged. “I have to. I need to learn what I am and how to be a dragon. This is the best place to do it.”
“Excellent. I will let Creata know where you are. She worries.”
Trin inclined her head. “I know. Please give her a hug from me. I didn’t mean to wreck her party.”
He leaned forward. “She was relieved that it was over. All the presents, none of the chit-chat.”
Trin giggled and bobbed a quick curtsey. She turned back to Brommin and Sormin. “Right. I guess I have had enough outside time today. Can I start studying?”
Sormin smiled. “I will bring you a primer that you can go over in preparation for beginning your studies tomorrow.”
“Excellent. Let’s go then.” She nodded and walked down the hall that led to the main expanse.
Brommin moved swiftly and cut her off, offering her his arm.
She scowled but put her hand on the back of his wrist anyway, allowing him to lead her to the lift with Sormin walking behind them. At least Brommin hadn’t pushed the issue. No one touched her without her permission. It was nice to see progress.
“Sosa, don’t you have a mate yet?” Trin was brushing her hair out as she got ready for bed.
“No, Miss. Dragonesses don’t go through the choosing process until they are twenty-five. That is when their dragon gets insistent.”
Trin paused. “I am twenty-five.”
Sosa paused while hanging up the gown Trin had worn. “Oh, I am sure your dragon will give you time.”
“I am not so sure. She is rummaging around behind my eyes at all times, and I am not sure that it is a recent occurrence.” She braided her hair over her shoulder and flicked the rope behind her.
“I am sure it is. Have you finished the primer?”
Trin looked at the picture book about the dragons and shifters coming to the new continent and making themselves at home. It was common knowledge, though she hadn’t realized that the Lefarge dragons were descendants of the original fliers that carried the first settlers over to the rocky expanse.
“I have finished it. I have memorized the names of the original arrivals as well as the initial dissidents in Europe. Even the dates of the public exposure of the shifters during the inquisition are now burned into my memory.”
Sosa smiled. “Excellent.”
“So, Sosa, why are you here as a companion?”
“It is our duty to serve visitors and the nobles when they come to the tower. We even host folk from other cities.”
Trin paused. “I have had a few customers from other cities. How do folks get out of the city?”
“You have to get a writ from the senator’s office. Why do you ask?”
Trin smiled slightly. “The world is opening up to me. I am just wondering how far it can go.”
Sosa nodded, but there was a worried look in her eyes as she left for the night.
Trin walked to the balcony and stared out at the night, her gown ruffling in the breeze. Tomorrow she would start becoming an educated dragon. The world had better watch out, her dragon had plans, and this city was just the beginning.
Chapter Seven
Trin walked with Sormin and a new guard, Irdol. Neither would answer when she asked about Brommin, but then, they weren’t chatty today.
They went to the main floor in the lift, crossed the lobby, and then entered another lift. Sormin used a key, and the lift went down two levels.
The doors opened, and the smell of books, paper, and ink rushed in on her.
Sormin gestured for her to enter. “Your tutor is waiting. We will remain up top until he summons us.”
“I am being left alone with a man?” She was amused as it was a breach of protocol from what Sosa had told her.
“With the historian. If he tries anything, we are sure you will defend yourself accordingly.” Sormin grinned. “Also, Sosa will be down in two hours. She has a meeting this morning.”
“I did wonder why she rushed out. See you two later.” She held her primer to her side and walked out of the lift, into the mo
saic-covered entryway.
The doors to the lift closed behind her, and she didn’t look back. She stepped forward with her skirts making the crisp sound of heavy silk. There was a table with a stack of books on it and a tea tray nearby with two cups situated on it.
She walked up to the table and looked at the books. History of dragons, geography of the continent, rules of deportment for dragons and other shifters. Yes, this was definitely her study stack.
She picked up the book on history and started to flip through the details of the reasons the shifters had left humanity and Europe behind.
Trin was past the second chapter when the shifters were defending themselves against religious oppression and making plans to fly west when she heard the scrape of a boot.
She glanced up and blinked. “Brommin?”
He smiled. “This is my normal assignment.”
“You normally collect books for aging first-time dragons?” She watched as he set his collection of books down on the table next to the others. He was dressed in a proper suit instead of the black leather coat of the guards.
“No, I normally man the archive. I only work in the Tactics and Retrieval area when necessary. Fortunately, dragons only misbehave occasionally. It leaves more time for my studies.”
He went to the tea tray. “Sugar or cream?”
“One sugar, please.”
He set up their tea and carried the cups over, setting them down on the table. “Now, I am going to test you on your basic historical knowledge, and then, we will get into the particulars of the evolution of dragon society among the other shifter species.”
She nodded. “Shall I have a seat?”
“Sit, stand, whatever you like. Are you ready to begin?”
She took a deep breath and set her book of history down. “I am ready.”
“What year did the first magical inquisition begin?”
She cocked her head. “I believe it was Laguedoc in 1184.”
He looked surprised. “Very good. Most put it in the thirteenth century.”
She reached out and patted the book she had been reading. “I just learned that. First, they came for the mages, and the mages flushed out the shifters to save themselves.”