Summer's Dragon

by Lisa Daniels

  Her former good mood rapidly evaporated, before he let out a groan. “How long have I been out for?”

  “Three days.” She aggressively dusted off a smudge. “Be thankful it’s not three centuries.”

  “Suppose I should be.” He grinned, and the smile tickled her heart for a moment. How annoying. “Still.” He sat up, giving Faye a proud smile. “You clean up nicely. I should be glad to have you as my princess.”

  “Just as long as you stick to the deal, I’ll be the best princess you’ve ever had,” Faye promised, waggling her feather duster at him. He observed the motion in amusement.

  “Oh, don’t you worry, princess. I’ll hold my side. After all, a dragon who can’t shift into a dragon isn’t much of a dragon at all, is he?”

  When he finally teased himself out of bed, he flattered her outrageously. He’d kiss the top of her hand and declare her as the loveliest woman alive, solely to see the blush form on her face. He’d also insist on escorting her around and holding her by the elbow, and rather than aggravate an entire kingdom of dragons, Faye went along and smiled. Sometimes, though, she suspected that Aizen used her as a leaning pole because he was still weak from the efforts of before, and from the loss of his dragon. She saw how it ate at him, when he’d watch dragons longingly from the window as they flew past.

  Easy to feel sorry for him, harder to let go of the past her soul remained attached to. Walking through the halls tucked arm in arm, seeing everything changed, the interior renovated, the old servants’ quarters demolished and converted into a common room, her past seemed to shoot further away from her. Aizen saw the sadness in her eyes and tried to offer her more freedoms, more opportunities to walk around. He introduced her to the current king and queen of Vrytal and let her ask questions about her bloodline, but none of the dragons alive today knew anything about it. Instead, they told her that something in Vrytal went terribly wrong with a dragon summoning horn, and it was the folly of man that caused the dragons to be dominant today.

  Not exactly satisfactory, but Faye knew she wouldn’t get another answer.

  Now, Aizen tried providing her with his latest entertainment – drink.

  “It’s a good, old taste, the ramsin. Can be a bit strong for a first timer, but you look like the kind of lady who can tolerate a drink or two.” He poured her a frothing red liquid from a rounded bottle. He sat opposite her in the bedchambers by the guest table, his feet rather sloppily sprawled upon the table surface. She wrinkled her nose in mild distaste at his manners, but otherwise dropped it, accepting the drink as graciously as possible. Today he was dressed in a nobleman’s short-sleeved blouse, with a green, red and black kilt. He did at least take off his boots, leaving white socks which stretched to his knees and covered his feet.

  The kilt fascinated her, simply because she’d never seen a man wear a skirt before. On the other hand, she wore a simple maid’s smock, nothing like the grand clothes she’d once donned at the castle, back in those distant days before time got snatched from her.

  She tried the ramsin and coughed at the strong flavor slithering down her throat. “Oh, wow. That’s certainly something.”

  “That it is. Don’t tell my brother I have it, though, or he’ll murder me to get a sip. Costs a lot of gold to get some.”

  She gazed into his bright yellow eyes for a moment, licking her lips, feeling another surge of electricity ripple through her skin, before she said, “When are you going to go back to the cave?”

  At this, Aizen’s face fell. “I admit… I’m waiting to get better. But I don’t seem to be moving past how I feel right now. Like I’m permanently drained.”

  “That’s because you are,” Faye pointed out. “You’re missing something. Can’t you just boost yourself with equipment?”

  Aizen swirled his cup, staring at the dark red liquid within. “The gear isn’t the problem. The problem is if I try to retrieve my dragon, I don’t really have an idea of how to go about it, and neither do any of the witches I’ve talked to. Hattie’s a strong and old witch, but she admits she’s never heard of an ice witch before. I used a shell to contact High Mountain – there’s a trio of Quest Givers there who know a thing or two about rare enchantments. The witch there, Morgana, says she can’t help. I even contacted one of the richest dragons I know, a nice chap called Gerran. He’s got no antidotes for something like that, and just wished me luck. It’s almost as impossible as time travel. No offense,” he added, seeing her face drop. “I know you’re miserable yourself, being stuck in your kingdom which has been overtaken by dragons, everyone you’ve ever known and loved long dead. Why should I complain about my dragon soul, huh?”

  He complained because it was a big part of him. Insensitive remark about her lost history aside, she appreciated the dilemma. Also, she did feel a rather strong wave of warmth saturate her blood, likely the effects of the alcohol, sending her heartrate buzzing faster. Her cheeks took on a pinkish blush. She didn’t know whether to sob, laugh hysterically, or lurch over to Aizen and drown his lips with hers. What a strange impulse. Kissing a dragon?

  Well… he did look and sound and smell like a human. He did have those gorgeous muscles, and he did go out of his way to look after her, even when he had no obligation to. He could have just ditched her after getting out of the cave. Instead, he helped save her from the chimera, bound her to him and took her to his home. All for the sake of keeping her safe. Her displacement easier to manage. A question came to mind. “Why not… just get a bunch of people and go fight the witch?”

  “What, and risk everyone losing their dragon souls, too? I don’t think you’ll find anyone mad enough to do that.” Aizen scowled moodily into his drink. A vein twitched in his neck, displaying his stress.

  “Why not let me help?” The idea enflamed Faye at that moment, and a breath of hope exhaled from her lips. “You know, I can actually fight.”

  An incredulous stare came over his features. “Sorry? You can fight?” He paused. “That’s not the impression I’ve gotten.” He put down his drink, and dragged his chair closer to her. “You’ve told me that you used to live in this castle, that you had two brothers and a man you were supposed to marry who had moved in, you told me about the kittens you kept in your closet when you were a kid because your mother was allergic to them, and would have had them killed if she knew. You told me you went to the ice witch’s lair on a dare, and that you want to return home, because you don’t feel like you belong here. And now you claim you can fight?”

  The flush in Faye’s cheeks grew brighter. Aizen had edged himself close now, leaving his knee within bumping distance. Faye wondered what would happen if she shifted her knee now. Would he flinch away or keep it still? And, did he find her attractive or not?

  “Well, you didn’t think I would go to the lair alone unless I knew how to fight, right?”

  “I don’t know. People do things for all kinds of reasons.” No doubt about it now, he allowed his gaze to flick over her. She felt odd at the feeling, like a wave of sand from an hourglass was pouring on her, bristling her skin. How… odd. Now her cheeks started burning, but she held onto her composure, trying not to look at the hint of muscle displayed in the dip of his shirt.

  “Surely I told you that I’m good with a bow and arrow?”

  “I don’t recall. And I’ve yet to see if it’s true or not.”

  “Well, there’s one bow I’m particularly good with… but it was a family artifact.”

  At this, Aizen’s interested perked. “Oh? Family artifact, you say?”

  “Yes. I’m able to wield the Ice Bow that was in our possession. When I was back in my time.”

  “Wait…” Aizen squinted at her. “Are you serious?”

  “Deadly. It was my weapon.”

  “Drat,” Aizen said softly. “We had an Ice Bow in our collection. I think my father’s been meaning to sell it off because although it’s valuable, no one can use it.”

  “I can.”

  Aizen shook his head, suddenl
y excited. “If… if you can use it, then maybe you can come with me. You won’t be dead weight. That thing packs serious power.” Then he sighed. “Oh, I don’t know if we even have it anymore.”

  The excitement that had taken over the former glint of lust she saw in his eyes faded again. “I wish we knew exactly how to break the curse. Even if we manage to kill the witch, there’s no guarantee we’ll break the curse on everyone.”

  “Better than sitting around and never even attempting it,” Faye growled. “You know what my motivation is. If I can’t get back to my time – I’ll try and save people from my time. And, well, it gets tiring watching you mope about the place because you don’t have your dragon soul.”

  Aizen chuckled. “Yes, I suppose I am moping slightly.”

  “Slightly? Hah. I’ll help you. Either with bow and arrow, or the Ice Bow.”

  The shifter nodded at her, determined. “The treasury is big. I’ll make some excuse to my father like I want to pick you out a necklace or something, and you can come with me. I can’t mention the bow or he’ll get suspicious and angry. And… we might need to sneak it out.”

  He reached out and grabbed her hand, cradling it for a moment. “Will you help me, Princess Faye, to retrieve my dragon soul?”

  Faye tried not to act smug or delighted as he held her hand. “Prince Aizen, I will be glad to help you.”

  “Let’s hope you’re telling the truth,” he said, before bending to kiss the top of her hand. Faye’s heart fluttered. The smile grew wider.

  Chapter Four

  Aizen’s father accepted the flimsy excuse of wanting to decorate Faye with something “fitting for her unearthly beauty,” and he even opened the treasury himself, beaming at his son and the princess.

  “Oh, don’t take too long – the pearls are over there,” King Razen said, jabbing his fingers at a glimmering pool of white beads and silver.

  Faye let out a fake squeal of delight and batted her eyelashes. “Oh, darling, isn’t all this beautiful? You flatter me by taking me here!” She went over to the pearls and started picking them up to examine. “How magnificent. You have a fine collection here, Your Majesty.”

  “Now, now, darling,” Aizen said, putting emphasis on the ‘darling’ which spiked irritation and amusement in Faye at the same time, “don’t get your little heart too excited. I want to make sure you have something that perfectly frames your complexion.” He approached behind her, picked up one set of beads, and carefully looped it around her neck, brushing the hair away. His father grinned like a madman, clearly seeing what he thought was romantic attraction, and he closed the door excitedly, exclaiming, “Try not to make too much of a mess!”

  Aizen continued kneeling behind Faye for a moment, his hand whispering along her neck, making her shiver.

  “I feel bad now. Your dad seemed really happy that we were getting along.”

  “Oh, he is. Although most princesses get rescued, when she and a dragon fall in love, it’s considered to be a blessing for our kind. The more royal bloodlines they can be connected to, the more important they feel.” Aizen’s mouth dipped close enough to hiss in her ear, and the unexpected warmth sent violent shudders of pleasure through her skin. His hands touched along the pearls. “I think these ones actually suit you, princess.”

  Faye touched her fingers to it. “Why, I believe you’re right… darling.”

  He released her from his touch, and the air temperature dropped. Faye moved from her position, noting that her panties felt damp, and she frowned. Oh dear. She certainly didn’t feel anything like this for Anthony, who for her appeared rather foppish compared to Aizen, prowling and strong, an animal taint to his yellow eyes. The people of her time would have labelled him as “ruggedly handsome.” Maybe the people of this time would, too.

  They searched for about an hour, and just when Faye was close to giving up in despair – because although the treasury flooded itself with jewels and artifacts and gold, she didn’t see her precious bow anywhere – Aizen exclaimed, “Aha!”

  “Did you find it?” Faye said, walking towards him as fast as she could, trying not to slip on anything. Aizen waved her over, and they crouched by a small black case. Faye’s hands trembled as she reached out for the box, clicked it open, and saw the glowing Ice Bow tucked inside white bedding.

  “Now, let’s see if you can use it,” Aizen said, sitting back and preparing himself for the spectacle. Faye seized the bow and felt the familiar flood of warmth and power trickle down her bones. She grinned as the bow began glowing brighter, rejoicing in the fact that they had reunited after so many years. Even though it still felt like not so long ago.

  Aizen watched the reaction between princess and bow and gave a low whistle.

  Showing off, Faye whirled and brushed along the bow. A blue arrow suddenly appeared wedged in it, and Faye mimed letting go. The arrow whooshed off to plant itself in the wall. Aizen gaped in amazement as Faye explained, “It will hit anything I want it to. I just have to imagine it. But you already have to be pretty decent with a bow for it to even accept being used. Or any idiot with a bit of royal bloodline could pick it up. It’s quite temperamental like that. Aren’t you, boy?” Faye gave the bow a pat, and it briefly changed color from blue to pink. “Ah, I missed you…” She continued petting the bow, and it let out a little squeak.

  “So, a legendary, powerful artifact weapon squeaks. Nice,” Aizen said, grinning. “Wasn’t expecting that.”

  The power continued to hum through Faye’s veins, emboldening her. She gave a wry, seductive smile Aizen’s way, taking in his solid features, admiring more openly the curvature of his body. He raised an eyebrow at her scrutiny.

  “Is everything okay, milady?”

  She stroked the Ice Bow, watching as Aizen followed the movement, and saw his pupils dilate. Oh, my. He’s getting excited. Part of her intended to just tease him a little before departing to try and fight the ice witch. The other part wanted to keep going and see how far they went before they stopped. What intentions Aizen harbored in his mind, if he found her attractive enough to fall into her web of allure.

  “It’s almost like holding a legendary artifact is turning you on,” Aizen observed with an evil smirk. “You should be careful, though. I don’t know how long they’ll allow us to be in here before someone comes in to check.”

  “A while, I think,” Faye purred, and the bow under her blushed crimson. Her heartrate stuttered faster. Dare she? “I mean, your father pretty much thought we were going to do it in here, didn’t he?”

  “Yes, but… I know you’re not so interested. You have no reason to be.”

  “Don’t I?” Faye arched her eyebrow and pursed her lips, before touching Aizen’s stubbly cheek. Did this make her someone of loose morals? Did she care? “I don’t know. Once you get past the initial ‘but he’s a dragon!’ façade, it seems a shame to not be able to appreciate such physical craftsmanship.” She brushed over the two moles just above his collarbone.

  The shifter gritted his teeth in response, before grabbing her roughly, causing her to let go of the bow. “I’ll take that as an invite, princess.” He placed his lips on hers, going along with her act, maybe seeing if she was just bluffing or not. That would be like him – except she intended to see this through until the end. Her hands clutched at his messy hair and she devoured his lips, pushing her body close. He growled into her lips, his yellow eyes black with lust, and their hands ran over one another in heavy strokes and caresses, before he turned her around and bit into her neck. He used one hand to grab her waist and hold her close, and the other to tug down the panties under her smock, baring her ass to him. He then tugged down his pants, and she felt a large erection brushing against her rear.

  Oh, well. This was escalating fast. She considered opening her mouth to protest, to slow down the action and spend more time teasing, except her voice became stifled in a gasp when he moved his hand up her dress to squeeze her breast. Her nipples hardened painfully, and wetness pooled betw
een her thighs.

  “You have one moment to say no,” Aizen whispered then into her ear, “or I’m afraid I’m going to fuck you senseless.”

  Faye blinked. The words sent a melting thrill, a nervous tremor through her muscles. “Fuck me,” she hissed, which converted into a gasp as he bit again into her neck and sucked hard. She was still mostly clothed, but exposed below, and his hand clutched at the breast above her heart as he adjusted himself and slid into her entrance.

  All sorts of interesting feelings went through Faye at that point. Surprise. Shock. Longing and a primal, insatiable urge to see the act through. Maybe it was the power of the bow sending such volatile energy through her. Or maybe it was because she found Aizen a lot more attractive than previously anticipated.

  She let out a shriek of pleasure as he moved inside her, jabbing up at a sweet spot within, enjoying the delicious motion of his erection, and the image of her leaning against the wall, spreading her legs wider as Aizen moved back to now grasp her rear and strengthen the thrusts. Oh, that image was so scandalous. It fired up every cell in her body and fried them in electrical pleasure. Elated, she moaned, squeezing her eyes shut, cheeks burning, urging him to go faster. The emotions in her whipped up like a typhoon, and every hiss and grunt by him spurred her heart to thunder faster. Her legs trembled, struggling to keep upright, and the feeling built up inside her like a soft vibration, increasing in intensity until the orgasm melted through her. She was reminded of how treacle dripped over a cake, and imagined that if she was the cake, it would feel something like that. She gasped, let out a strangled squeak of climax, and shivered as Aizen kept diving into her, hard and fast until he, too, came.

  He panted by her ear, and she felt the damp coat of his brow and flinched, before retreating into his touch when he kissed her on the ear, softer this time.