“Of course,” he leaned back in his seat and took a bite of his apple. “Ask me anything.”
I leaned back in my chair and crossed my arms over my chest. “Why did you come out of the trees with no clothes on?”
Greylore laughed and took another bite of his apple. “That’s a good question,” he said, laughing harder. I nodded vigorously. “Well,” he swallowed and wiped his mouth with a cloth napkin, “there’s a waterfall with a beautiful lake on the other side of the woods. I go there to cool off on hot days, to bathe, or simply to swim and relax.” And that’s a pretty good answer. I leaned forward and put my arms on the table. “Would you like to join me sometime?” he asked.
The warmth returned, rushing across my face. My whole body began to feel warm. “I, uh…swimming? I don’t know. Maybe…a waterfall?”
My dream! We were in a waterfall in my dream! I became even more flustered. “I’ve never…um.” Why am I such a babbling idiot today?
“Well, think about it,” he said, saving us both from my incoherent rambling. “It’s an open invitation. Anytime you want to come and join me, you feel free to do so.”
“Thank you,” I said. At least it’s a whole sentence. I quickly changed the topic of the conversation, asking about his family, where he was from, and how he came to live up here by himself. We discovered we had a lot in common. We discovered we both lived lives that had been thrust upon us. And we discovered we both longed for a choice, a freedom to decide the path of our lives for ourselves.
Learning these things about Greylore not only made me feel less alone, but it made me feel things for Greylore that I had never intended. He understood me. And he didn’t know I was a dragon hunter, or the Commander’s daughter, or anything else. I was just Hensley. He liked me for me.
“Thank you for coming to see me today,” he said, handing me the reins. I stood next to Aurora and a sadness washed over me. I didn’t want to leave. “Oh, wait!” Greylore ran back into the house and a few moments later, ran back out holding a white lumpy bag. “Here,” he said. “Take these with you. It’s the latest harvest of apples—a bit of each kind.” He strapped the bag to my saddle, ensuring it was snug and secure. “Make sure this beauty gets at least a few of them,” Greylore said, running his hand down Aurora’s backside.
“That’s very sweet of you,” I said. “Aurora and I both thank you.”
“You should come back tomorrow night,” he said, his tone full of excitement. “There’s a full moon and seeing it reflected off the water is simply breathtaking. It’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.” Greylore gently touched the side of my face with the back of his fingers. “Until recently at least.”
I was mesmerized. His action had caused time to pause, allowing my brain to process the feel of his touch on my skin, ensuring that moment was captured forever in my memory. Then I had a revelation. Father is leaving in the morning for battle. He will be far away by tomorrow night. He will be gone for days.
“I’ll be here,” I said. My heart beat faster against my chest, filled with images from my dream.
“Great,” he said. Greylore kissed me on the cheek and helped me into my saddle. “I look forward to it.” I pulled the reins and turned Aurora around to face the path home. Greylore took a few steps back and raised his hand to wave. “See you tomorrow,” he said. I waved back.
I’ll see you in my dreams.
Seven
Aurora and I moved at a slow walk toward the stable, happy to see Marcum, our favorite stable boy, had met us at the door.
“Hello, Miss Hensley,” he said. “When I saw Aurora wasn’t in her stall, I got worried. I’m glad you’re all right.”
“That’s very sweet of you,” I dismounted and untied the bag of apples from the saddle. “How about you and I make a deal.” I gently placed the bag on the ground and opened the top, pulling out a shiny red apple. He looked at it and he smiled so big his eyes crinkled. I handed him the apple. He smelled it. “Don’t tell anyone you saw me come in this late—or at all—and you can have this whole bag.”
“Really?” Marcum looked down at the bag and then back at me.
“I’m going to take these two,” I reached in and removed two apples, placing them in my shoulder bag. “But yes, the rest of this bag is yours. Do we have a deal?” I held my hand out. Without even a pause, he shook my hand.
“Deal!” He grabbed the bag by the strap, tossed it over his shoulder, and took Aurora’s reins in his other hand. “Oh, and I’ll share my apples with Aurora,” he said, escorting her into the barn. I smiled and waved to him before turning to run toward the back entrance. I needed to get to my room before anyone realized I wasn’t there.
Once inside, I took off my shoes, held my shoulder bag close to my body, and ran down the hallway. My feet pattered against the floor. My heart boomed against my chest. My breath echoed through the empty hallway. I was so close. Hearing the distinct thud of a door closing nearby, I stopped and hid in an alcove, waiting. I held my breath for a moment and listened. A clack clack clack of shoes coming toward me made my chest quiver. Someone’s going to find me. I’m going to be caught. What do I say?
The sound faded, and I realized it was moving away. I slowly peeked around the corner to ensure no one was around before bolting toward my bedroom. Carefully turning the handle, I twisted through the opening and gently pushed the door shut to make as little noise as possible. Once inside, I leaned my back against the door, sliding down until I was sitting on the floor. Still huffing and puffing, I remained seated on the cool floor until my pulse and breathing slowed.
Sitting there, thinking back on the last few minutes, a small giggle escaped from my throat. The giggle grew to a chuckle, which grew to a laugh, which grew to a guffaw. Realizing I was making a lot of noise, I covered my mouth. I think that was scarier than any dragon I’ve ever faced.
I woke to the morning sun streaming through the window, and the chattering sound of people gathered outside. I got dressed and decided to get some breakfast. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. And I didn’t want to.
Making my way down the hall, I smiled and greeted others as they passed by. I thought about my time with Greylore, and the anticipation of seeing him again started to build. My mind wandered. I didn’t see my father at the end of the hall until the last moment. I looked up and he was standing with his arms crossed over his chest, simply staring. Quickly, I stood tall, pulled my lips inward to dissipate my smile, and addressed him.
“Good morning, Father,” I said. “I couldn’t help but overhear the crowds this morning wanting to send you off on your journey.”
“What happened to you?” he asked. His arms fell to his sides and he took a step toward me. His large chest thrust forward.
“Excuse me?” I said. “I’m not sure I understand what you mean.”
“You used to be so strong. So focused. So steady.” Father walked around me, circling, his eyes scrutinizing my very existence. “Now look at you. Walking down the hallway, daydreaming like a common schoolgirl.”
“Sir, I’m sorry but—” Thinking about Greylore made me feel like a schoolgirl, but I was offended at the implication that I was no longer strong or focused.
“You’re becoming soft,” he said. Father’s tone was bitter and cold. “You’re no longer a warrior. You’re an emotional woman—just like your mother.”
How could he use Mother’s memory to insult me? The man who told me how losing her had broken his heart was now using her memory to tell me how disappointed he was in me. How dare you?
“Father,” I pushed my shoulders back and stood tall, proud to be my mother’s daughter. “You’re leaving today. I would rather not spend this time arguing with you or saying things that I would come to regret should something happen to you while you’re gone. Instead, I will simply wish you good luck, safe travels, and I look forward to speaking to you when you return.” My father stood silently.
Wow. I rend
ered him speechless. I need to remember how I did that.
“Goodbye, Father.” I bowed my head slightly as a sign of respect before making my way around him and down the hall.
As I descended the stairs to the dining room, I heard the crowd outside cheering and whistling as they waited to send the Dragon Defense Force on their way. The kitchen staff brought my breakfast and I did my best to put my father’s comments out of my mind. I remembered that my father would soon be on his way. I would be free to see Greylore every day for a week or more. A smile slowly formed, pushing the corners of my mouth upward, tightening the skin around my chin and eyes. I’ll see you soon Greylore.
Eight
Aurora had learned the route to Greylore’s cabin. While riding through the countryside, my mind wandered, imagining a day when I would not be called upon to be a soldier, a warrior, a leader. A day when I could be free to be myself, whatever and whoever that was. A small branch hit the top of my head bringing me back to my ride. I realized that Aurora had made her way without guidance and was on the path leading to the front of Greylore’s cabin, and in good time.
I’d been forced to wait for my father and his forces to leave the city before beginning my journey. A wonderful lesson in the relativity of time. From the back of my horse, in my armor, riding away from the city with the Dragon Defense Force, there wasn’t enough time. Time to prepare. Time to plan. Time to procure all we needed for our time away. But sitting by, waiting for them to leave the city, time seemed to stand still. Everything moved in slow motion.
I felt a fluttering in my stomach as the cabin came into view. I hope he’s excited to see me. He invited me. But maybe he was simply being nice. Maybe he doesn’t really want to see me. My mind began to spiral, stopped only by Greylore himself as he stepped through the threshold. He waved, and all my fears blew away with the wind.
We approached and Greylore reached for Aurora’s reins, rubbing the area between her eyes as he greeted her.
“Hey there,” he said. “How are you doing today?” Aurora nudged him, pushing him slightly, causing him to stumble backward. Greylore laughed. “I missed you, too.” He tilted his head, meeting my gaze and smiled at me.
“Hello,” I said, attempting to contain my excitement. “You said to come back, for the full moon. I hope it’s okay that I took you up on the offer.”
“Of course, it’s okay.” Greylore held out his hand to help me dismount my horse. “I was hoping you would come back.”
His words caused the flutter to return. I pushed down in the left stirrup, pulling my right leg over Aurora’s back. Taking Greylore’s hand, I lowered myself down to the ground and stood face-to-face with him. I was used to being around men of all kinds, but Greylore was truly the most handsome man I had ever seen.
“Put your stuff inside,” he said. “I’ll get Aurora some fresh water and meet you in the orchard.”
I nodded. Walking toward the front door, I watched as Greylore led Aurora toward the stable. Aurora seemed to like him, and she didn’t take to people very easily.
Standing in the orchard, I closed my eyes and basked in the feeling of a cool breeze as it kissed my cheeks. I opened my eyes and took in the magnificence of the scenery. It’s so beautiful here.
Soon he joined me in the orchard. After spending the day picking apples, making pies, and laughing so much my cheeks hurt, Greylore and I began our walk to the lake. Moving over a large rock, he reached down for my hand to help me over. Once I overcame the obstacle, he kept his grip on my hand and we continue making our way to the lake.
“Here,” he said, pointing to a large flat stone on the bank. “This is the perfect place.” We sat down on the stone, but neither of us spoke. We listened as nature serenaded us with the dying light of the day.
Spending the last ten days with Greylore had been wonderful. But Father is returning tomorrow, so this will be the last day we will be able to spend the entire day together.
“You seem sad,” he said. “What’s wrong?”
I touched his face with my hand, doing my best to memorize every contour. The waterfall nearby surrounded us with the vibration of its soft roar. I’m going to miss this.
“Tell, me. What is it?”
“My father is coming home tomorrow,” I admitted. “I won’t be able to come see you for a few days.” I looked down at the lake beneath us and gently moved my toes around in the cool, clear blue water.
“Oh,” he said. I turned and watched as my sadness spread to his face, worried I had spoiled out last day together. “Well, it’s only a few days, right? It’s not like we won’t ever see each other again.”
“No,” I chuckled. “It won’t be forever.” But it will seem like forever.
“We’ll just have to make today a great day, so it lasts us until we get to see each other again.” I tilted my head slightly and bit one end of my bottom lip.
“You know what?” I said, standing up from the flat rock. “You’re right.” I walked around to the shoreline and turned to look at Greylore. “Let’s make it a day we’ll always remember.” Reaching behind me, I unbuttoned the back of my skirt and then tucked my thumbs into the waistband. Slowly, I pushed the material over my hips and down my legs to my ankles. I stepped out of the material and into the cool water.
As I began to unbutton my top, I looked over to see a mischievous grin on Greylore’s face. He stood from the rock and slowly moved to the water’s edge, still watching me as I removed my top and tossed it at him. He chuckled, tossed it to the shore and removed his own shirt and pants, tossing the behind him.
Standing naked in the water from the waist up, I was nervous, scared, and excited. Greylore moved toward me and I stepped back, the cold water moving up my body, sending a wave of chills across my skin. He reached me and wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me in close, our bodies becoming intertwined.
I removed my panties and threw them onto the flat rock before wrapping my arms around Greylore’s neck. Using my legs, I bounded off the rocky bottom of the lake and he caught me. He pushed my legs behind his back and walked deeper into the water.
His lips were sweet. His body was warm. His passion was hot. I wanted him. And from the feel of his body against mine, he wanted me, too.
“I think I’m falling in love with you,” he whispered. I stared into his eyes. His words thrilled me and scared me.
“I think I love you, too,” I said. I slid my body down his slightly, positioning myself to take him inside me. As he slid his large, thick penis inside, I discovered the true definition of pleasure.
I could still feel his juices inside me, smell him on my skin, hear his words in my ear. I think I’m falling in love with you. Leading Aurora back to her stall, I touched my lips as I thought of him.
“Miss Hensley,” Marcum said, frantic and out of breath. “Miss Hensley. The Commander is home. He got home early this afternoon, right after Mother served us lunch.” I glanced up at to the window of my Father’s room to see a light. Shit. That’s not good. “I tried to cover for you,” Marcum continued. “I told him you had left a few minutes before. And when he asked about Aurora, I told him that she was taken to see the vet to be sure she was okay after the wolf attack. It’s all I could think of.”
I put one hand on each side of Marcum’s face. “You did a great job, sweetheart,” I said. “Thank you so much.” I kissed his forehead and handed him Aurora’s reins. “You take care of her and don’t worry about anything.”
I turned to make my way inside, knowing I was going to have some heavy explaining to do. “Oh, yes,” I said turning back to Marcum. There are some apples in the saddle bag and a few coins for you to give to your mother.” Marcum blew me a kiss. I blew him one in return. Turning back to the house, I raced for the back stairs, knowing I had little time to get to my room, change, and get into bed before someone would come to check on me.
Panic set in and I ran. I couldn’t remember a time where my emotions had made such a drastic change. I wanted to r
ewind time. To go back to when I was daydreaming of my time with Greylore. I wanted to run back to Greylore. Maybe that’s what I should do.
Nine
I am getting sick of his summoning me. I made my way down the hall, each of my steps moving closer to a stomp. Why can’t he ask me to come see him? Why can’t he come to my room and tell me he’d like to see me? Or maybe ask to spend some time with me. I’d even be okay with requesting my presence. I balled my fists at my side. Stop fucking summoning me!
Standing in front of the large, dark wooden door, I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to calm myself down before entering my father’s war room. I lifted my arm, and rapped on the door, hard, three times. My hand immediately went for the handle before noticing my father had not responded to my knock. I listened closely and could hear voices on the other side of the door. What the hell? I knocked again, pounding even louder than before.
“Come in!” My father’s voice bellowed from the other side of the wood. I grabbed the handle and pushed. The door creaked as it opened. I stepped inside to see my father sitting in his large black chair near the fireplace. A second man, Davian, sat in the chair next to my father. “Shut the door behind you,” my father said, motioning behind me. I turned to shut the door and heard the men chattering between themselves.
I spun around and stared at the men, their talking abruptly ceased. “Does someone want to tell me what’s going on here? Why did you summon me, Father?” My father placed his large hands on the arms of the chair and pushed himself upward. Once standing, he straightened his jacket and put his arms behind his back.
“How are you feeling,” my father asked.
“Better,” I replied. “The headaches have improved.” My hand instinctively lifted and touched the area on the back of my head that hit the rock. “It’s still sensitive, but it’s better. And the ringing in my ears is nearly gone.” And now I can hear it more because I’m thinking about it. “I still have a pain in my side, especially when I take a deep breath.”
Scales and Flames Page 48
