AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It makes me wonder what happened to her to cause it. And whether there’s anyone out there making her feel safe enough to let her walls down. I never saw it coming, but Legion’s doing that for me.
Just ahead of me, Chaya and Kendall walk close beside one another, talking quietly. I watch them for several minutes, grateful Kendall has found a friend here. Life back home was isolating even with her job and Natalia’s training.
At least, Uziah can’t get to her here.
For the remainder of our walk, I’m lost in my own thoughts, cataloging worries.
Nothing attacks us, but that doesn’t stop my anxiety from inventing scenarios to worry about. Feral bears are hardly the only threat. A town full of people is, in many ways, far more dangerous, and by the time we reach the outskirts, I’m certain I’ve made a mistake in coming at all.
At the first sign of people, I draw my shoulders in tighter and make sure my scarf is secured. No one else seems concerned, but I continue scanning the crowded market area, making sure no one is coming too close as they wander the vendors set up in the square.
Several people call out to Legion and Klyn. They’re casual with the dragon general. Friendly, even. Legion addresses them all by name, asking about their families and whether business is good. It’s not what I expected, but then, neither is he. And if I’m being honest, neither are the people in the market. There’s no trace of the danger from the other day left here. People are chatting, kids are playing soccer in a tight circle, and mothers push babies in strollers.
It's so normal. And charming.
“I thought the farmers market only happened on the weekends,” I say to Chaya.
“This is a Februlune celebration,” she explains. “Every three months, they extend the market days for celebrating newly mated couples. Tonight, they’ll host parties and joining ceremonies for anyone who has just mated.”
“Oh.” My gaze flicks to where Legion is browsing a booth farther back. “So, like a wedding? That sounds like fun.”
She gives me a strange look. “I take it Legion hasn’t explained our customs to you yet?”
“I guess not. Is it something I should worry about?”
She shakes her head. “I’ll let him tell you about it sometime.”
I watch as Chaya and Kendall disappear into the thick of the crowd. Out of pure habit, I bite my lip, debating trying to go after them, when a voice sounds beside me.
“She’s safe.”
I look over to find Legion standing beside me and realize he’s right. I blow out a breath, glancing around. Bron and Klyn are nowhere in sight.
“Where’s everyone?”
“Bron wanted a pastry from Mel’s. Klyn knows better than to tell the kid no, especially about pastries.”
I can’t help but smile at that. “I know the feeling. Kendall’s favorite place to go at home is the donut shop.”
“And what is your favorite place?”
I hesitate, caught off guard by the question. “I don’t know,” I admit. “I mean, donuts are great. I love them. But… I guess I’ve never thought about it before. Kendall always came first.”
“Well, maybe you should.”
“Should what?”
“Think about it.”
I’m not sure how to respond to that. Or even how to do it. Before I can tell him so, a young male soldier rushes up to us, his uniform pristine, his buttons shining in the moonlight.
“General,” he says, offering Legion a salute.
“Riggs.” Legion returns the salute, frowning. “I thought you were assigned the royal residence. What the hell are you doing way out here?”
“The king sent me, sir.” His eyes dart to me, and he adds, “May I have a word?”
“Sure.” Legion brushes a hand over my elbow, as if touching me even through my jacket isn’t the most dangerous risk to everyone in this realm. “I’ll be right back,” he murmurs.
