by Ciara Lake
“Yes, and please prepare a room for Sarah. I’d like her to stay a while. Do you think Clayne will be all right with that?”
“I would assume so. I’ll see to the preparations. Call me if you need anything.” Timka quickly left the room.
“Why would Clayne object to my staying? I was only teasing before.”
“Oh, I’m sure he won’t. Have some more tea.”
“Really, how have you been? The butler who greeted my groomsman at your door was a tad unfriendly. Should I be worried?” Sarah scooted back, relaxing on the sofa.
“No, everything’s fine.” Arianna poured herself a cup of tea.
“You look beautiful, Arianna. But are you sure you’re not a prisoner here? I’m getting an odd vibe. The man at the door seemed more like a solider than a butler.” Sarah eyed Arianna closely. “If you’re being mistreated here I’ll get your father.”
“Thank you, Sarah, for your compliment and concern. I feel beautiful and happy when I’m with Clayne. When he leaves to take care of business I miss him.” Arianna took a sip of her tea. “I’m not a prisoner. I’m sorry about Copeland. He’s very solemn, and he takes being a butler too seriously. He’s sort of a gatekeeper.”
“Your gatekeeper?” Sarah looked perturbed.
“No.” Arianna shook her head earnestly. “I assure you I’m not a prisoner.”
“Well, okay.” Sarah did not look satisfied. “You really do look different. I guess if you’re not a prisoner, married life must be good to you. Is your husband an exceptional lover?” Sarah grinned at her naughty question.
“Yes, he is.” Arianna lowered her eyes.
“Oh, don’t be shy.” Sarah giggled. “Your hair’s lovely, your complexion’s perfect. You’re really looking fantastic. Sex truly suits you. They say a good fucking can make your health improve.”
Arianna felt her face flush hot. “Hush, Sarah,” Arianna whispered.
Sarah giggled again.
“The sex is wonderful. Clayne is a kind, generous lover. I love to be with him.” Arianna still couldn’t look Sarah in the eyes while she discussed her husband.
“Does he have a big, fat cock?” Sarah blurted out, her eyes shining. “He’s a good sized man from what I can see. Can he use his big cock well?”
Perspiration beaded on Arianna’s brow, under her hair on the back of her neck. “Sarah, shame on you!”
“Shame for what?” She smirked. “I want to know if my friend’s satisfied. Does he take his time with you? He’s a handsome, virile looking man. I only wondered if he had a stallion’s cock.” Sarah raised her eyebrow. “Tell me what I want to know.”
“I can’t discuss my husband in this way. It’s not appropriate,” Arianna whispered. “Someone might hear us.”
“Discuss me how?” Clayne asked from the doorway.
Arianna nearly jumped off the sofa. She was speechless. Damn, someone had heard them.
“Talking about me?” His eyes twinkled. “My lovely mate, I’ve missed you.” He winked at Arianna. “Copeland informed me we have a visitor. Is Sarah asking about my cock? Oh my, dear wife, don’t pass out…you’re too flushed. Should you lie down? Do you need a cool bath?”
“No, just don’t say any more about…you know what, or I will pass out. Sarah’s rather bold.”
“I know she’s bold. She has the personality of a female from another time. I like that about her.” He looked at Sarah and grinned. “Sarah, it’s good to see you. I know Arianna has missed you.” Clayne sat his leather gloves down on the side table near the door.
“Signor MacDagon.” Sarah stood as he approached them. “I realize Arianna has been busy being a new wife. I tried to stay away, but I missed her too much.”
“Please, Sarah, call me Clayne. We’re friends.” He stopped on the other side of the low table and bowed his head.
“You’re home early,” Arianna said. “Is everything all right?”
“Yes, a messenger fetched me with news of our lovely guest. I decided to come home early to greet Sarah personally.” Clayne sat in the wing chair across from them.
He looked exceptionally handsome, his hair free to his shoulders, his blue eyes clear and bright, and a smile that could charm a snake. He was dressed in tight fitting black trousers with a white, snug fitting shirt. The sleeves were short, exposing his muscular arms. Not exactly the dress of the day, but Sarah wouldn’t notice, he was too good-looking to worry about his unusual shirt or long trousers.
“What do you want?” Arianna asked him.
“Mate, I’m being hospitable.” He winked at Arianna again.
“Sarah, please enjoy your visit with my lovely wife.”
“I certainly intend to. No doubt your very helpful butler, Copeland, saw to the expedient message.” Sarah looked at Arianna then back to Clayne as if sizing up their reactions. “He is efficient.” Sarah’s tone was acerbic.
“Copeland was overzealous in his duties, and now Sarah’s concerned for my welfare. She thinks I may be a prisoner here.”
“I see.” Clayne gave Sarah a dazzling smile. “I’ll try to smooth things over. Copeland’s a good warrior, he’s only pretending to be a butler while we’re here. He doesn’t have the best people skills.”
“I guess not. I don’t like him.”
“Arianna, you’re being harsh. He likes you. Copeland wants to keep you safe. Give him a chance. He’s just overprotective.”
Arianna looked down at her hands. “He acted as if Sarah wasn’t welcome. If Sarah isn’t welcome, I’m not either. He even told me to encourage her to leave. It upset me. You owe a lot to Sarah.”
“How so?”
“Sarah encouraged me to relax into this marriage and accept it.”
“I’ll have a word with him about Sarah. He’s only trying to keep you and our home safe. We must protect our identity.”
“You look lovely, Sarah.” Clayne offered some more of his charm to sooth Sarah.
“Thank you.” Surprisingly, Sarah blushed. She looked down at her folded hands resting on her lap.
“I don’t want to keep you from visiting with Arianna. I just wanted to say hello and tell you how I appreciate what you and your father did for us. The wedding ceremony and celebration were wonderful. I understand you encouraged Arianna to accept my marriage proposal.”
“Yes, I did.” Sarah smiled sweetly. “I hope it was the right thing to do.”
“Of course it was, and again, I thank you.” Smiling warmly, he flashed his pearly white teeth. “I hear you wish to go shopping. I can supply you with funds to do so.”
“You’re very generous. My goodness, information travels fast in your home.” Sarah eyed Arianna.
“I can arrange for Copeland and Timka to take you wherever you wish to go tomorrow. I’ll have our cook pack you a meal to take along as well. We can even send the merchants a note this evening telling them you’re coming.”
Arianna cut her eyes at him. “Are you serious, Copeland shopping with us?”
Clayne looked back at her as if surprised by her demeanor. “You can be feisty.”
Arianna briskly turned away from him to look at Sarah.
“I’d go with you, but I have a few important meetings tomorrow that I can’t change. If you could wait a day, I can take you myself, if you’d prefer,” he offered. “I’d enjoy taking you both out on the town.” Clayne’s eyes twinkled with his dripping charm. Arianna rolled her eyes.
“Thank you, you’re very kind.” Sarah inclined her head in his direction. “However, I have an outing all planned. I’d like to go shopping tomorrow, if it’s okay with Arianna. My groomsman, along with my maid, will escort us. I promise Arianna will be very safe. My father employs the best.” Sarah’s tone was insistent.
Clayne’s attempt to control the situation was failing him. Arianna could see his frustration under his charismatic smile which remained pasted to his handsome face. This prince was used to getting his way.
“We’ll discuss this later.” Clayne abruptly stood. “I�
�ll leave you two to your female discussions. Wife, you’re free to discuss my prowess in our bedroom with Sarah.” He continued to smile widely as he headed to the doorway. “I think it was the discussion I may have interrupted.”
Arianna was surprised to see Sarah blush a crimson color.
“How could you say that? Look, you’ve stunned Sarah, and she does not stun easily.”
“She’ll recover.”
“You did this on purpose. You’re a devil.”
“No, my mate, a dragon.” He smirked. “Really, I don’t care if you tell Sarah how big my cock is. Have no guilt in telling her I’m an outstanding, expert lover. I won’t be offended.” He turned to look directly at Sarah. “Dinner will be served shortly. You’re welcome to stay with us for as long as you wish. My staff has prepared our best guest room for you. I’ve seen to your groomsman and maid’s comfort as well.” He bowed from his waist. “Timka will come to get you when dinner is served. Again, it’s a pleasure to see you. As long as you bring joy to my Arianna, you’re always welcome.” Clayne nodded toward Arianna then Sarah.
“I think you’ve made your point.”
“It was my objective.” He turned and left.
“Arianna, you continue to surround yourself with remarkable people.” Sarah stared at the empty doorway.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, for one, there is me. I know I’m not the traditional sort.” Sarah stood and strolled around the room. She examined several vases sitting on a table near the window. “Hmm, these are different and pretty. They must be from the East.”
“Yes, there are many things here from China and India. Clayne’s a collector of unique things.”
“Like you.” Sarah grinned.
“No.” Arianna giggled. “I mean of glass and china pieces of art. He’s traveled all over.”
Sarah picked a vase up and inspected it closely. Placing it back down, she looked at Arianna. “Your mother was eccentric, not to mention our fathers are too. And now you’re in a strikingly peculiar household. I must say, your handsome husband’s indeed unique, in many ways.” Sarah winked. “We’ll talk about his cock later. I still want to know. I’m sure Copeland has a nice cock too. I’m telling you, he doesn’t seem like a butler to me,” Sarah whispered conspiratorially. “Perhaps I can arrange to get to know Copeland better.”
“Are you suggesting what I think?”
“Maybe.”
“Sarah, for shame.”
“What, he’s a handsome butler.” Sarah shrugged. “Anyway, I can’t remember when I’ve been as shocked by a man’s response. Your husband is captivating. Don’t worry, Arianna, I’m not going to try to steal him from you. You’re my best friend. No, you’re my sister, at least in my heart.” Sarah smiled warmly at her.
“You’re mine as well. I’m glad I listened to your advice about marrying him.” Arianna walked over to Sarah and hugged her.
“I’m glad too.” Sarah hugged her back, kissing her on the cheek. “Besides, I wouldn’t have a chance with him. Your husband looks at you like he could eat you for dinner.” Sarah laughed into her hand. “Bravo, you have a stud for a husband, and he adores you. You’re blessed.” Sarah rested against the fireplace. “I’m happy for you. You’ve found a life full of adventure and handsome men.” Sarah smiled softly. She looked down at her hands, examining her fingernails. “I’ve been seeking what you’ve found. A handsome, virile man to be mine.”
“You’ll find what you seek. You always do.” Arianna reached for her hand.
“Do I?” Sarah cocked her eyebrow. “Or do I search in vain, looking for happiness, never finding it? I often feel out of place.” Sarah hugged her again. “Your hair smells nice.”
“Come.” Arianna pulled on her hand. “Let me call Timka, we’ll show you to your room and you can dress for dinner. I’ll show you some soaps Clayne brought from the East. That’s what you smell. I love to wash my hair with these special soaps. They do smell wonderful.” Arianna led Sarah to the doorway, still holding her hand. “Come, Sarah, we’ll have fun. We’ll eat dinner, Zeller’s an amazing cook, he cooks many dishes from…India and…Palestine. Things you’ve never tasted before. After we eat, I’ll have the staff set up a bath for you. They have nice hot water. Then I’ll show you the gowns…Clayne gave me…from…India too. India’s a very progressive place.”
Timka met them as they reached the bottom of the grand staircase in the entrance hallway. “Your room is prepared, Signorina Sarah. I had your trunk brought to your room. If you like I can help you put your things away.” Timka started up the stairs. “Please follow me. I’ll show you where you’ll be staying.”
“Timka, after we dine, Sarah will have a hot bath. Can you arrange one?”
“Of course. It would be my pleasure.”
“Can you put some of my special hair soap from the East…in a cup for her? I’d like her to try it. It makes your hair bouncy and beautiful.”
“Yes, I’ll do that.”
They followed Timka up to the second floor. At the landing they made a left and walked down a long hallway.
“Timka.”
“Yes, Signorina Sarah?” She stopped and turned to look at Sarah.
“After dinner could you send my maid to see me? I need to talk to her for a moment.”
Timka nodded. “Of course.”
* * * *
“Arianna, did you enjoy our dinner with Sarah? She’s entertaining, especially for a female human of this era. She seems out of place.” Clayne watched Arianna in the mirror.
“Yes, dinner was nice. Sarah seemed to have a fabulous time. Am I entertaining too?”
“That goes without saying. I’m constantly entertained by you.” Clayne walked over and stopped behind her chair. “Sarah even made Copeland grin, which is quite a feat. At social events his mood is usually as black as his leathery scales. He’s a lot like me, or how I used to be before I mated with you. It’s amazing how you’ve changed me in such a short time.” He studied her reflection. Her creamy skin glowed in the candlelight.
“Why is Copeland’s mood black at social events?”
“His mother was killed by a member of Saltar’s clan at a lavish social event. She died right along with Queen Maudhnait. The vamp drank her dry when she was defenseless. It’s hard to catch a dragon defenseless, but it can be done, as it was in Clarisa’s case. They caught the women off guard. When vampires drink dragon blood it makes them euphoric, powerful.”
“I feel sorry for Copeland’s loss. That’s awful. I know how it is to lose a mother.” Arianna looked stricken. “Perhaps I’ve judged him too harshly.”
Clayne shrugged. “Perhaps you have.” He placed his hand on her back. Her skin was smooth and warm. “Although, it was ages ago.” Rubbing her back, he looked down at the floor. “But it’s harder to lose a mother or a sister who isn’t supposed to die.” Clayne ran his hand through his hair. “I don’t mean to take away the significance of your mother’s death.” He frowned. “Forgive me. She wasn’t supposed to die either, not if things had been different. Anyway, all death’s tragic.”
“I understand. I guess an immortal’s death is the truest example of an unexpected passing. Those always hurt the most.”
“As I told you earlier, Copeland’s overprotective, trusting no one. He has his reasons, as do I. Betrayal’s a lasting injury.” Pulling his shirt over his head, he shook his hair out of his eyes. “We realize not even immortals last forever, especially when someone like Saltar exists. I no longer take any day for granted. No one should.” Clayne flexed the muscles in his chest, his arms rippled with little effort. “You make me feel more alive than ever before.” He could see Arianna admiring his physique in the mirror. “You like what you see?”
Arianna looked away, her complexion turned pink.
“Don’t be bashful, my mate. I want to hear you tell me what you like. It makes my cock hard.”
“I do like the way you look. You’re the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.
” Arianna looked down at her folded hands as if examining them.
“I like what I see too.” He kissed her neck. “I love it when you touch me all over while we make love.”
“Clayne, you have your mind on…”
“Sex? Yes, I do. Your hands are beautiful, soft. All day I’ve been thinking of your hands touching me.”
She seemed to squirm in her chair as he complimented her.
“Dinner was wonderful.” Arianna tactfully changed the tone of their conversation. “Copeland was charming to Sarah. I was impressed he had it in him. Thanks to all of you for being kind to her. I love Sarah.”
Clayne nodded. “She’s fortunate to have your love. Anyone would be.” He held her gaze in the mirror. “I hope to have your love someday.” Clayne smoothed his hand over her hair. He could tell Arianna didn’t know how to respond. She was still bashful with him.
“Zeller prepared a superb meal.” She continued in her topic, but he could see desire in her eyes. “I doubt Sarah has ever eaten so well. It was delicious. Zeller could cook for a king.”
“He does, when he’s not cooking for a prince.”
“Oh.” Arianna looked stunned. “Timka prepared a nice bath for Sarah too. Sarah really enjoyed it. She got the floor soaking wet. I had a bath too while helping her wash her hair.” Arianna giggled. “Everyone was pleasant to her, I appreciate their kindness.” Arianna looked over her shoulder at him. Her eyes shone in the low light. He had no doubt that Arianna’s dragon ancestor had been powerful, probably a warrior. Amuliana Synvera had told him Arianna’s ancestor had died in the war against Saltar, but she had never revealed his name.
“I’m glad you both had fun.”
“Sarah adores the shampoo. She wants to take some of it home with her.” Arianna turned back to the mirror, picked up a brush, and began to brush her long hair.
“We can give her a small amount to take home, but it must be for her use alone.”
“Of course. I’m certain Sarah wouldn’t share it anyway. She’ll cherish every drop.”
Clayne admired how Arianna’s long chestnut hair shimmered as she brushed it. She was lovelier by the day.
“Sarah’s right about sex.” He grinned as he recalled what he had overheard.
