AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Ah, yes. How could I forget her soft and delicate flesh? Sighing heavily, I wonder once more why the gods could not at least have granted her a layer of protective scales. Even fledglings hatch more equipped to face the world and its dangers compared to fully adult humans.
Her comment reminds me of the burned skin on her lower legs and feet. Clenching my jaw, I dart a glance at the door and the snowstorm outside. The Mage will search for us. Of this, I am certain. She wants us dead.
Walking toward the small alcove that must have once served as a kitchen, I retrieve a small bowl, and place the chunks of meat inside it. A pitcher of snow I melted earlier sits on the counter and I pour a cup of water for her as well. We must leave here for my kingdom as soon as possible. But in order to do that, my T’kara needs to heal. And to heal, she must be well-fed and hydrated.
I offer her the cup of water and bowl of meat. She studies me warily a moment before taking it. If she is indeed a witch, she must not be a very powerful one. The acrid scent of her fear permeates the air, yet her expression betrays nothing.
My mate is brave, and this pleases me immensely. Perhaps our union will not be as difficult as I thought. I want to know, however, if she truly has any powers. I’d prefer not to have to sleep with one eye open every night. “Your people accused you of witchcraft. Why?”
She looks down at her hands. “I’m not a witch.”
I wait for her to continue, but she does not. The Order of Mages control the human kingdoms. The punishment for any caught practicing witchcraft, in these territories, is death. I understand her hesitance, but I want answers. So, I move to reassure her. “Magic is not forbidden among my kind.”
Her head snaps up to mine. “I have no magic.”
Something about her answer bothers me. Through our connection, I can sense a falsehood that underlines her words. “Something else then.” I rub my chin thoughtfully. “But what?”
Freyja’s eyes widen slightly. It seems my words ring with truth. Humans are generally more expressive than Dragons, and I study her in fascination as a dozen emotions flit briefly across her features. Still, she admits nothing.
Seer. The word comes to me as if whispered in my mind and I wonder if it is the bond allowing me to sense some of her thoughts. If this is true, our connection is stronger than most. Fated mates are usually only able to hear each other’s thoughts when in their four-leggeddrakenform. Only one way to know for sure if I am right. “You have the gift of foresight.”
Her mouth drifts open. “How did you know?”
“It is true, then.” I lean forward, avoiding her question. I will not speak of the bond until I learn more. “Tell me: what did you see?”
“Wraiths.” She swallows hard. “I had a nightmare that they invaded the kingdom, and I told my uncle—the King. He turned me over to the Mages immediately.” Her gaze drifts to the wall behind me with a faraway look, and I recognize it well. The sting of betrayal is a terrible thing, made all the more painful when it comes from those who are supposed to be family. “I-I had to say something,” she says, fighting back tears.
My brow furrows deeply. “Even knowing it could mean your death?”
Her eyes search mine, full of fire. “How could I hold my tongue when so many could be hurt or killed by my silence?”
“But onlyifyou were right,” I point out. “You could be wrong. It may only have been a nightmare, and you risked your life for nothing.”
“I considered this.” She clenches her jaw. “But I decided it was worth the risk, if it meant the lives of others could be saved.”
My respect for her grows. She is both braveandselfless. Something I’d not thought her kind capable of. Perhaps the gods have matched me well, after all.
When we’re finished eating, I glance down at her legs. “I must apply more salve to your wounds.” I reach for her ankle, but she quickly pulls away before I touch her. It seems she is still hesitant to trust me. “I will not harm you, human.”
“It’s Freyja,” she replies firmly. “Or are we to call each other ‘human’ and ‘Dragon,’ because that will get old rather quickly, don’t you agree?”
She is possessed of both fireandwit. I narrow my eyes even as a hint of a smile tugs at my lips. My human is brave indeed to speak to a Dragon this way. “Freyja,” I repeat her name and am surprised by the low growl that rumbles along with the word. The primal part of me intrigued by she who would be my mate.
CHAPTER5
FREYJA
His emerald eyes hold mine as if in some sort of silent challenge, but I do not back down. Although I am well aware that he’s a Dragon and could kill me rather easily, I am not afraid. He has already gone to great lengths to prove he will not harm me, but I do get the distinct impression that he is used to having his way. I suppose that is true of all kings, but I will not allow him to intimidate me or bow me into submission.
“Will you allow me to treat your wounds?” he asks.
I give him a reluctant nod, and brace myself. If the agony I experienced when I tried to stand earlier is any indication of the extent of my injuries, I am loath to see my wounds.
King Aurdyn is careful to retract his sharp, black claws as he unwraps my bandages. Despite my attempts to bite it back, a small whimper of pain escapes my lips.
He stills, and his gaze snaps up to mine, full of concern. Before he can speak, I gesture for him to continue. “Better to just get it over with as quickly as possible, don’t you agree?”
He nods and then removes the last of the fabric. I gasp at the sight of my ruined flesh. I feared it would be bad, but I did not expect this. Tears gather at the corner of my eyes, but I blink them back. Crying will not change what is done, and I learned during my time in the dungeon that no one cares about my sadness but me.
