by JF Jenkins
The lack of faith is what makes me weak. He didn't like that realization. "Well, I'm going to change that now. If I'm possessed, I'm going to need it to save me. Now let's see...." He skimmed through the texts until he found what he was looking for. "And the False Prophet of the Great Evil will come, causing men to go astray. Though he tries to stop the coming of the Great Dragon, nothing can prevent God's will from being so. Do not be frightened oh children of God, for even though the False Prophet will cause the Great Evil to enter the realm of humans, this is the first sign of the Great Dragon's coming. All those with a true heart will not fall to the Great Evil's ways, though he shall try to corrupt many who are pure to bring about his manifestation. The Great Dragon shall be born of Inero blood in the city where the waters meet...."
Jason stopped reading again. Perfect timing because Gwen was coming back with a stack of books.
"I think I have a week's worth of reading here." She smiled, and it put his heart at ease. His fears started to melt away. "Did you find everything you're looking for? Or do you need some more space?"
He closed the Holy Book and put it under his arm, standing from his research station. "I have what I need for now. I'm going to check this one out, so I can take a look at a few things."
Gwen peeked at his book cover and raised an eyebrow. "The letters on it look strange."
"They're written in dragon. Only priests and dragons can understand it. Some day you'll be able to know what it says." After they made love, she'd become like him.
"What is it?"
"The Holy Book."
"It doesn't look like any of the one's I've seen."
He laughed. "Humans have a different one than the dragons. The human priests took the dragon copy and translated it into human. In doing so they changed a great deal of the meaning in the text so that it's more applicable."
"Interesting, care to tell me what has you interested in it?"
"It has to do with my problem. That's all you need to know right now. I don't feel comfortable diving into it at the moment. I think something has happened, and it all ties together."
Chapter Twenty-Eight
The Oceina
Tai tried on another dress and scowled, growling a little in frustration. This one wouldn't work either. All of the tight, form-fitting gowns that were considered in-style would not be flattering for her. She was starting to carry more fat. While Darien insisted she didn't look any different, that it was still too soon for anything substantial to be seen, she noticed it. Everywhere. Her hips, her face, her thighs, her butt, and especially her breasts. The size six she used to be comfortable in was a little tighter than she would have preferred. Maybe nobody else would look at her and think "pregnant", but they'd still notice she was heavier. By the time they'd wonder if she was in fact pregnant or not, she'd be done carrying the egg. That was still around four months away though. Too long.
With a sigh, she grabbed a different dress from her pile. This one was a strapless pale pink, almost white, one that flowed out once it reached her waist. There were tiny snowflake-like designs that were covered in glitter. It wasn't poofy, so it would blend in well with the semi-formal feel of the dance. Putting it on, she felt like a flower in it, but what she saw in the mirror made her happy. I actually look amazing in this one.
You always look amazing, Darien said. Just had to let you know in case you forgot.
She shook her head with a big smile on her face. As much as she wanted to buy it, she didn't know if she should. So instead, she took one last turn spinning in front of the mirror, engraved the image of herself looking so stunning into her mind, before taking it off to hang it back up on the rack. If there was a way for her to buy it without Darien knowing, she would have. Then again, what if he does ask and I come back and it's gone?
When the other girls went up to pay, she joined them, without the dress. As tempting as it was to buy, she didn't want it to go to waste hanging in her closet. Pink wasn't exactly her favorite color either. It worked for this time, especially with how creamy and soft it made her light skin look. Another color would have been preferred all the same.
"Let's get something to eat. Besides, I told my brother I'd meet him at the food court in about ten minutes because he's driving me to skating practice," Allegra said.
Tai swallowed. Allegra's brother was Alex. Not something she had been anticipating. Looks like we're wrapping up and going to the food court, she told Darien. Whether or not he was at the mall yet himself, she didn't know. They'd agreed to meet up in around an hour. She thought it might take that long. If they were going to be parting ways earlier though, then he could come find her sooner.
Allegra looked at Tai and then at her empty hands. "Nothing? Didn't find anything you liked?"
"She's not going," Alivia said, speaking on her behalf and Tai wished she hadn't. Especially not to Allegra of all people. "She didn't even know about it."
"Oh."
"Things were different back home," Tai mumbled unsure of what other excuse to give.
"That's okay. You should still think about coming even if you are alone. They decorate the halls beautifully. Lots of lights are strung up. It's magical," Allegra said.
"If I change my mind, I'll let you know."
"Okay. Because it's a week before Festival Break, so there should be no family excuses," Alivia teased.
Tai didn't say anything to that. She was married to a dragon. Maybe they celebrated the festival differently and that was why Darien hadn't mentioned the school dance. They could already have other plans. The dragons played a huge part in the occasion all over the country. She couldn't believe how quickly time was passing. Two weeks and it was already time for the festival? The coming of winter holiday lasted for a month. Students returned shortly after the beginning of winter.
"Anyway," Alivia said, putting an arm around Tai, "It's been great having you with us. How about I buy you dinner to help make up for you missing out on all of the fun?"
"That's not necessary, but all right. I won't decline offers of free food," Tai teased.
Cheese fries, Ethan's voice said.
That sounds like an excellent idea. She smiled. He was almost always agreeable with her which was wonderful because Tai didn't know if she could handle anything else. The more like Darien he was, the better.
A few minutes later she had her fries smothered in cheese sauce and a root-beer float. She listened as the girls talked accessories and dates. Normal girl things. There wasn't much to say, but she loved to eavesdrop.
"Park said he got us reservations for a pretty swanky restaurant. As much as we'd love to join you for dinner, Allegra, I can't pass that up. I almost forgot it's going to be our one-year anniversary! Can you believe I forgot and he remembered? Isn't it supposed to be the other way around?" Alivia said.
"Usually," Tai said. Though she wasn't one to talk because she had no clue when her and Darien's anniversary was. Would it be the day they first met and consummated their marriage? Or would it be when she finally accepted him as her husband? Too many "what ifs" were in play. I guess I should ask him what he thinks.
As if on cue, Darien appeared at the entrance to the food court. They made eye contact and he smiled brightly. It always gave her butterflies when she saw him smile like that. When he was happy, it was as if the world was frozen in that moment with him and everything became better. He expressed his emotions with such purity they were contagious. She returned his smile and she could feel Ethan growing excited inside of her. There was no other way to describe the experience. She couldn't feel the baby move exactly, but his emotion started to pour into her to the point where it saturated her. A second ago she'd only been smiling. That soon changed to her bouncing in her seat, and she fidgeted with her hands on the table.
Daddy! Ethan said.
Yes, that's him. She couldn't help but laugh. Both Alivia and Allegra stared at her with a raised eyebrow before exchanging a look with one another. Tai waved a hand.
"I just
remembered something," she said. Hopefully she wouldn't have to explain anything further.
Alivia shrugged. Allegra didn't seem as easily convinced but she didn't say anything. She glanced up and raised both of her eyebrows. "Looks like a boy is crashing the girl party. Hey Alex."
Tai jumped slightly in her seat when she heard Alex and not Darien. Then behind her, his deep voice spoke.
"Hey sis. You got everything you need?" Alex glanced down at the other two girls. "Hey ladies. Looks like a successful trip."
"Oh yes," Alivia said with a smirk.
Alex sat down next to Tai, opened his mouth to say something, but his eyes were staring at something far away. She knew what it was. "Hey Darien."
Darien sat down across from her and grabbed her hand, making brief eye contact with Alex. Alivia waved. Allegra scooted away and leaned her head on a hand. It was hard to tell what Tai's friends thought of Darien. For the most part, they seemed to get along and like each other. They used to not give him the time of day, but because of her they were forced to interact with him. He was easy to like, so she wasn't too surprised when they came around. All except for Allegra and Alex. Alex was obvious about why it was hard for him to warm up to Darien. They got along and were civil, but as long as Darien saw Alex as competition, they wouldn't be close friends. Allegra on the other hand was a mystery. Sibling loyalty maybe? Tai didn't know. She didn't have brothers or sisters.
"I guess the party is over. But we have to do this again sometime and soon," Alivia said. "And maybe we can have the boys come along too. If they're good." She winked.
"That would be nice," Darien said. He took one of Tai's cheese fries. "Are you all done? Did you get enough to eat?"
"Yeah, we can go," Tai said. I should be good until dinnertime. Which wasn't far from now, but the craving had passed for the time being. They both stood from the table, Tai collecting her purse.
Darien stared at her, frowning, and his head cocked to the side slightly. "Didn't you get a dress? I mean, that's why you went shopping right?" The confused frown on his face would usually be considered adorable, but it only annoyed her then.
She rolled her eyes, and glared at him momentarily. "Why would I get a dress? It's not like I need one."
"I...."
She put up her hand. We can talk about this later.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
The Oceina
"Okay, I think I missed something here because you seem mad at me and I don't know what I did," Darien said as he paced around the bedroom. He scratched at his chin, trying to figure this out. It wasn't her birthday, so he didn't miss that. He was positive he'd told her he loved her because he made sure to do that every morning. He already knew he wasn't spending enough time with her. But this seemed a lot more specific.
Tai was sitting on the bed, curling her toes, staring at them while she did so. "You didn't do anything."
"Talk to me and tell me what's going on here."
"I mean it. That's kind of the point."
"I know I've been kind of present in body but not in mind lately. As soon as things are more settled, I am going to make it up to you. I promise." He paused. "What were the dresses for?" When she said she needed a dress he'd thought she wanted one for every day wear, and the whole point was to get girlie and have a good time. But she hadn't gotten a dress, and every time he asked about why, she dodged the subject.
"The festival dance," she said in barely more than a whisper. He could smell her tears starting to rise.
"Oh...." He'd never thought of that. He'd been so absorbed in business, he completely missed it. Every other year in the past, he didn't go so it wasn't something he even looked forward to. "Wow I messed up." The movies always glorified the school dance, and he didn't even bother to ask her? "We can go if you want. I mean, I'd like to go. A lot and—."
"You don't need to ask just because you feel bad. It's fine. Besides, none of the dresses fit me right, and the one that did.... It was nice, but it wasn't me. I'm too fat." She sniffled a little.
Darien sat on the bed and pulled her close to him. "I'm not asking because I feel bad. We've never had a formal dance as a couple, let alone even have a song. I would love to take you out for a night on the town, get beautiful. I'll ask you five hundred times if I have to if it'll get you to believe me."
She shook her head, tears spilling down her cheeks. "No, it's fine. I'm just overwhelmed and frustrated."
"Why?"
"Because I'm fat!"
"You are not fat you're—."
"Don't say pregnant." She glared at him and he clamped his lips closed.
He took in a slow breath, trying to keep calm. Sometimes when she had the rare mood swing, she got them hard. "I was going to say beautiful, Tai. But you don't need to answer me now with a yes or a no. I will ask you again, when you're not expecting it, and you won't have a doubt in your mind about it being what I want."
She stared at him, her face a mixture of uncertainty and happiness. A confusing expression for him to try and decipher. He had no idea what it meant or what he was supposed to do next. So he sat, holding her, and for the first time in a while he felt a lot more connected to her.
Chapter Thirty
The Inero
"Kat, wait up!" Ashley ran across the garden and around the wives' pool. Kat slowed her pace so she could catch up, though she wasn't sure if she wanted Ashley to or not. Kat would try to be nice, no matter how hard it seemed. Being judgmental wasn't a good way to be. They hadn't spoken for a few days, so she was curious to see how well Ashley was fitting in.
"Hello, how are you today? Adjusting well?" Kat had a lot of questions for Ashley. The temptation to ask Matt about her was great, but she didn't want to bother him with petty woman's gossip. Not when he had a lot of other things to do for his father. She could find this all out on her own. Ashley seemed nice. Something about her threw Kat off, though. If only she could put her finger on it.
Ashley pulled her long blonde hair back into a ponytail, all smiles. "I think I am. It's a lot different than home, but that's kind of the point. The differences are nice."
"I know it's different in Oceina. I'll be honest and say I don't know much about what it's like there. Outside of nothing like here I mean," Kat said with a small laugh.
"Their world revolves more around the humans for one. The dragons spend a lot of time accommodating their needs and maintaining their divine power through honor and peace. Here it's done through power. It seems a lot more effective of a method. Don't get me wrong, I don't believe the humans should be treated poorly simply because of how they were born. After all, I was once human. But now that I'm not, I shouldn't have to live as one either," Ashley explained and took Kat's arm to lead her towards a grove of trees.
Her words surprised Kat. She hadn't expected such bluntness, but Ashley's mentality was not a common one either. Then again, most of the Inero women weren't well educated in the dragons, divinity, or politics. Kat barely understood them herself, and she wasn't sure if it was a topic she wanted to get involved in. It didn't feel like her business.
"Interesting," Kat said, wanting to encourage her to keep talking.
"The way they choose their mates is different as well. It isn't something most look forward to. Unlike here. The women are appreciated a lot more by the Inero, I've noticed. When they are taken away to be Elite, they aren't lied to." Ashley rubbed her arms.
"I had no idea," Kat whispered.
Ashley gave a small smile and a shrug. "They do only love one woman their entire lives. My husband meant it when he said it at least."
"But you were still unhappy?"
"Because I didn't love him. I was in love with someone else from home. He's since died, so it doesn't matter anymore even though I've now left that place. But I'm thankful for meeting Josiah. He's been good to me, and shown me those things I'd been missing. He reminds me a lot of my former love."
Kat listened to her story, fascinated and shocked. Her mouth hung open slight
ly. "He let you go though, your husband I mean. He loved you, but he let you leave?" In Inero, she didn't think that would have been allowed. She knew of a good number of wives who didn't love their husbands yet stayed in their relationships because he claimed to love them. If they had wanted to leave, she was pretty sure the husbands would retaliate badly. The men were allowed to leave the women, but it didn't seem like the women could leave the men.
Ashley nodded. "Yes."
"He must have really meant it then. It's too bad things didn't work out, but I'm glad you're happier here. I wish you well in your new relationship. Many years of happiness." That seemed like the right thing to say.
Kat wasn't sure if she should feel bad for Ashley or be more wary of her. Ashley's words sounded genuine in tone, but something still felt wrong. Why did she smell like boiled cabbage? What did that even mean? Maybe nothing. It could have only been Kat's sense of smell going crazy because of her pregnancy hormones. She was so close to being done. The egg would be considered full term within the week. The closer she got to the date, the more she hurt, felt bloated, ate like her stomach was a bottomless pit, and picked up on the smallest of sensations. Light blinded her eyes more easily, the tiniest of smells she noticed, and the lightest of touches irritated her skin to the point where wearing clothes drove her crazy. She couldn't wait for this to be over with so she could be comfortable again.
