Page 25 of Escaping my Dragon

“Why can’t they do that here?” I’d complained to my Grand Vizier.

Tutu explained. ‘They don’t want you watching while they indulge in sin.’ AKA tried to make a baby the human way.

Humans could be so strange. As if I cared about their grunting and moaning. I even encouraged it. “That’s it, Apollo. Put a baby in her belly.” I could use more servants. Did they appreciate my helpful advice? Not one bit.

To add to my chagrin, Iolana wouldn’t return for bedtime. The betrayal. She knew that for the past several nights I’d been having nightmares and only plastering myself to my first servant provided any comfort.

Tutu rolled from the lounger he’d been lying on and cinched his robe, declaring, “Fear not. I shall find us some more snacks.”

“I knew I could count on you!” Tutu never let me down, and he never kicked me out of his bed; however, sleeping with him meant controlling an urge to suffocate. The man snored something awful.

Eyes closed, I resumed floating in the pool and found myself thinking about the father I’d met recently via video conference. A human man who could transform into a dragon. A wondrous ability, but not as great as mine. Poison breath to smite my enemies, but at the same time, I had the opposite gift of healing. Way better than Abaddon’s fire, or Pollita’s lightning. Although, Persephone’s ice power did have me a little jealous once she showed me how she could make instant popsicles.

The reminder of those delicious treats had me yelling, “Tutu, check the freezer for some Rocket Pops.”

“Are there enough to share?”

The sudden voice had me yelping and flailing in the water, only to find myself plucked free of the liquid and dangled by a dragon I recognized.

“Abaddon? What a nice surprise.” I grinned despite Iolana advising me my smiles showed too many teeth.

“Glad to see you, too. I hope you don’t mind, but I didn’t come alone.”

“Are Pip and Maddox with you?” I asked even as movement drew my gaze upward. I gaped as the lights from the yard illuminated the pink of Pollita’s scales, but my eyes rounded as a shimmering beast alit, massive in comparison to Abaddon who, larger than me already, meant I was bug-sized to the newcomer.

But I wasn’t afraid. I wiggled until Abaddon set me down and I raced for the big dragon. “Father!” For who else could it be but him?

To my shock, he transformed before I arrived and held his arms wide open to scoop me into a hug.

“Hello, son,” he stated, and I almost burped gas in excitement.

“I can’t believe you’re here!”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, as well.”

“No welcome for me?” sassed Pollita.

I turned my head to offer her another wide grin. “Your turn is next.” My little legs pumped as I went to greet one of the females of my clutch and a possible future mate for when I chose to reproduce.

Or maybe not.

I noticed Abaddon scowling as she hugged me to her bosom. And was the steam huffing from his nostrils tinged in green?

“Why are you all here?” I asked, choosing to stay cradled against Pollita, despite it obviously antagonizing Abaddon. Let him steam. As Tutu liked to say, competition never hurt anyone. Of course, he said that in regard to commerce, but I thought it could apply to other situations.

Speaking of whom, he emerged, arms laden with snacks, only to drop them. “Tigger!” He shouted my name in panic.

“Fear not, Grand Vizier. They come in peace. I think?” I glanced at my father.

“Sorry for the lack of warning; however, we are here on an important mission and didn’t dare announce it beforehand lest our intent be intercepted.”

No need for father to explain who he feared hearing. “Malone,” I growled. “I guess he didn’t die in Scotland after all.”

“Not according to my dream,” replied Abaddon.

Dream? I opened my mouth to ask what he meant when father said something that distracted.

“While Malone is still a problem, there is an even greater one we need to concern ourselves with.”