by Julie Wetzel
Kathryn cradled the cup as she watched Patrick dress and leave. She was almost glad the dragon had come to interrupt them. The possibilities of what Patrick had wanted to say terrified her, but she would do as he asked. She would listen.
Setting the cup on the tray next to his untouched breakfast, she glanced back at the door. Patrick looked a shambles this morning. His rumpled shirt and cowlicked hair made her want to take him in her arms and hold him until he felt better. A hard night of drinking never did a man good. Hopefully, he was well enough to face off with the dragon today.
***
Patrick looked up at the black dragon. Another sack of gold rested by its leg. “The maidens aren’t for sale.” Sighing, he pushed his wet hair back out of his face. A rain barrel had provided a convenient place to stick his head before coming out to face the dragon.
The creature just snorted at him.
“You don’t want these maidens, anyway,” Patrick grumbled.
The dragon cocked his head curiously.
“They’re flighty, they’re finicky, and they make my life miserable.”
What could have been amusement flashed across the dragon’s eyes.
“There is only one among them I would consider worth it, and I hope someday she’ll tend my brood.”
This was met with a gurgle of sympathy from the large beast.
Patrick stopped and stared at the dragon as the epiphany struck him. “Eggs,” he whispered. “That’s why you need the maidens. You have eggs,” he called a little louder.
A deafening roar shook the castle as the dragon shot a ball of fire at Patrick. The great beast took wing before the attack could hit.
Diving out of the way, Patrick barely avoided the sizzling flames. He sprawled on the ground, steaming. It was a good thing he had dunked himself before coming out. Pushing both hands through his hair, he worked through his thought.
“Patrick!” Daniel yelled as he came pounding up to check on the downed man. “What did you say to him?”
Bewildered at the possibilities, Patrick looked up from the ground. “When did the dragon first show up?”
Daniel stared at him, puzzled. “About eight weeks ago.”
“And when did the dragon take the first of the girls?”
It took Daniel a moment to work out the math. “It’s been a little over a fortnight. Why?”
“Do you remember how long it takes to hatch eggs?” Patrick asked as he pushed up from the ground.
Concern crossed Daniel’s face. “Patrick?”
“Who’s the fastest we have in wings?”
“Zane,” Daniel answered without thinking. “Why?” He trailed Patrick as the lord practically ran back to the castle.
Patrick grabbed the closest guard. “Find me Zane. Now!” He sent the guard off running.
Daniel grabbed his friend’s arm, stopping in him the courtyard. “Talk to me, Patrick.”
A quick turn had him facing the man restraining him. “Suppose this dragon wasn’t eating the maidens,” Patrick posed.
“Okay.”
“Why would a dragon need women?”
Daniel just shook his head. “There was no telling what a dragon would need maidens for.”
“Eggs!” Patrick said the word like it was the answer to everything and turned back towards the castle, leaving Daniel standing there, shocked at the insane idea.
“Wait!” Daniel raced to catch up to Patrick. He fell into step with the frantic lord. “Explain.”
“What do you know about hatching eggs?”
“Nothing,” Daniel answered. “That’s women’s work.”
“Exactly,” Patrick pointed out. “If I’m right, the dragon needs someone to tend his eggs.”
“But, why would he want maidens?”
“Who do you think takes care of the children when mothers are busy?”
“Why not take the mothers?”
Patrick stopped at the bottom of the castle steps and looked at Daniel, shocked. “Would you take a mother away from her child?”
“Of course not!” Daniel said, offended.
“Just because he’s forgotten what he is doesn’t mean he’s a monster,” Patrick pointed out. Looking up the steps, he found Kathryn and a few of the other maidens watching them. He swallowed before turning his attention back to Daniel. “If my hunch is right, he didn’t eat the maidens.” The gasp from the girls was audible. “Find me this dragon before his eggs hatch.” He turned to go. “And send me Zane.” He looked up longingly at Kathryn as he mounted the steps. Their conversation was going to have to wait until later. “I have a letter to write.”
***
“I don’t think this is a good idea,” Daniel protested as Patrick gave Zane instructions.
Turning, Patrick faced the concerned man. “And what would you have of me?”
“We don’t even know if he has eggs,” Daniel retorted.
Patrick threw his hands out in exasperation. “Then explain his reaction. For heaven’s sake, he threw a fireball at me.”
“What did you say to him?”
“I asked him if he had eggs.”
“I still don’t see how the dragon stealing maidens means the creature has eggs. Are you sure you didn’t hit your head when you fell?” Daniel asked.
Patrick glared at his friend. “The fall wasn’t that bad.” Letting out a forlorn sigh, Patrick dropped himself into the chair by his table. “It’s the only thing that makes sense.”
Zane watched quietly as the two men debated.
“Patrick, he wouldn’t need to steal someone to take care of his clutch. His mate would do it.”
Patrick paused as he thought about that. “What if his mate couldn’t? What if his mate was hurt or, God forbid, dead? Oh, God!” He looked up at Daniel, horrified. “He’s lost his mate.”
“You don’t know that,” Daniel said, trying to calm his friend.
Pushing up from his chair, Patrick paced as his thoughts churned. “But that’s the perfect answer. Why else would a dragon that has never been an issue go rogue? He started with livestock. Food for his breeding mate. He killed the men of the castle after they banded together to hunt him down. He killed the rest when they came for his family. Maybe the lord’s son actually found his clutch and hurt his mate. He only started taking the girls after the son’s attack.”
Daniel watched Patrick pivot and pace back across the room. “So why take more than one?”
The concerned man turned that thought over in his head as his feet worried the floor. “What if…” Patrick made another turn of the floor. “What if he’s looking for someone who can take care of the eggs?”
“Then none of the maidens he’s taken are going to do him any good. Why hasn’t he asked us for help?” Daniel asked quietly.
Patrick stopped and stared at him. Obviously, Daniel hadn’t stopped to think about that question. The answer was so obvious. “Would you ask a castle full of strange men to help with your clutch?” The tone in his voice was almost sarcastic.
Daniel’s eyebrows went up in surprise. He paused for a moment as he thought before turning to Zane. “Go.” He waved the waiting man off. “Take the letter to the prince. Use what stealth you can, but this cannot wait until dark.”
Zane bowed himself out.
Daniel looked back at Patrick. “We’re basing this on a whole lot of ‘ifs’. I hope you’re right.”
“Do you have other suggestions?” Patrick asked, hoping.
Letting out a long sigh, Daniel slowly shook his head. “No.”
“Then I want every spare body out looking for that lair.” Patrick turned to head towards the door. “We need to find him before something really bad happens.”
***
A light tap on the open door drew Patrick’s attention away from the map he was studying. Framed by the wood was a beautiful sight. Warmth spread through him at seeing the woman plaguing his heart. “Kathryn.”
She smiled at him and stepped into his room.
&nbs
p; Standing up, he went to her and took her hand. Her small hand fit into his perfectly as he caressed it. “I’m sorry I haven’t gotten back to you.”
A blush ran over Kathryn’s cheeks, and she turned her face down. “It’s all right, My Lord. You’ve been busy.”
Letting out a forlorned sigh, he looked down at their joined hands. “That I have.” He rubbed her soft skin again. Patrick loved the feel of it under his fingers. “But, I would like to finish our conversation from earlier.”
“I would like that, too; but first, I need you.”
Patrick raised a surprised eyebrow at her.
The color on Kathryn’s cheeks deepened in embarrassment. “What I mean is, I need your help.”
He smiled at her. “What can I do for you, my fair maiden?”
Kathryn raised her face to meet his eyes. “Nana needs some more herbs for her hands.” The color started to fade from her skin as she spoke. “I asked Master Daniel if he could find someone to go with me to pick them, but he didn’t have anyone to spare. He suggested that I come ask you.”
“Gladly,” Patrick said, raising her hand up to kiss it before releasing her. “Where would you like to go?” Turning, he grabbed his leather doublet from where he’d tossed it over the edge of the table.
“There’s a willow stand down near the lake.”
“I’m not sure where it is,” Patrick admitted as he pulled on his coat, “but if you can guide me to it, I’ll be glad to take you.” He held his arm out for Kathryn to take.
“Certainly.” She wrapped her hand around his arm, and they started out towards the bailey. “So what did you want to tell me?”
Patrick drew in a deep breath before letting it out very slowly. “I think that’s a conversation best had when we reach the lake.” He looked around for signs of the other young maidens. It was nice that they were being kind to him today, but he really didn’t want them overhearing his confession. It could cause major issues. As it was, he was already taking a huge risk telling Kathryn, but he couldn’t give in to his feelings until she knew the truth.
“As you wish,” Kathryn answered. They walked on in silence, both preparing for the conversation that would take place once they reached the lake.
“My Lord.”
Patrick turned to look at the man coming across the bailey with his horse. Apparently, Daniel had already anticipated this trip. “Thank you.” He took the reins the man held out and released Kathryn. It took only a moment for Patrick to swing up into the saddle. “Shall we?” He held his hand down to the maiden.
She looked at the empty place at his waist. “Shouldn’t you have a sword?” Reaching out, she took Patrick’s hand and let him pull her up to the creature’s back.
“Maybe.” He didn’t really need it. It wouldn’t do him any good against the rogue dragon, and he was much more dangerous than any bandit they might meet, but if it made her happy…
Patrick looked around for the man who had brought him his horse. “My sword.”
The man nodded and loped off to gather the missing weapon. It took him a few minutes, but he quickly came back and handed it up to the waiting pair.
Patrick took the leather scabbard. “Thank you.” He tied it to the strap on the side of the saddle where he could draw it out if needed. “Are we ready now?” he asked Kathryn with a grin.
She smiled shyly and nodded.
Turning his attention back to the man, Patrick nodded. “We’ll be back shortly.” Holding Kathryn tightly in front of him, he pulled on the reins, wheeling the horse around. A swift tap with his heels set the animal into a smooth trot. “So where are we going, My Lady?” Patrick held her steady as the horse moved. He could easily get used to the feel of her against him.
***
Kathryn leaned back into the warm embrace. He felt so good pressed into her back. How could she ever have thought him self-centered and arrogant? She would enjoy just staying in his arms forever. Surprised by the directions her thoughts had gone, Kathryn sat up slightly so she wasn’t pressed into him so hard. When had she stopped hating him?
“My Lady?”
Patrick’s voice pulled Kathryn from her thoughts. “Yes?” she asked.
“Where are we going?”
She could hear the grin in his voice. It made her blush again. “That way.” Kathryn pointed off to the right, in the direction of the huge lake just past the town. “It’s a fair walk down the shore of the lake.”
“Then we shall get there in no time,” Patrick said before kicking his horse into a faster run. They cantered through the town and towards the lake.
The horse’s ground-eating pace soon had the stand of aged willows in sight. “There.” Kathryn pointed to the trees.
Patrick eased up on the horse and let the creature slow to a restful walk as they drew near. “Here?” he asked.
“Yes.” Kathryn looked over the trees. Four willows stood clumped together in a neat circle.
Pulling the horse to a stop, Patrick carefully lowered Kathryn to the ground. Dismounting, he pulled the bit from the animal’s mouth so it could graze on the soft, green grass. “Shall we?” He held his hand out, encouraging Kathryn to lead the way.
With a deep breath, Kathryn turned towards the grove. Picking a healthy-looking tree, she carefully pulled the shaggy bark off in strips, making sure not to take too much, lest she hurt the tree. She could feel Patrick's gaze on her. “So what did you want to tell me?” she asked. Maybe if she could get him talking, this would go a little easier.
Kathryn glanced up at him as she worked. There was a tension there that he normally didn’t have. Was he nervous? Patrick drew in a deep breath, and the tension eased from him as he let it out. She could see he was committing himself to whatever decision he made.
“Even though it’s only been a short time, I find I care greatly for you.” His words were softly spoken as he walked towards her and the trees. He pushed his leather jacket off his shoulders as he moved. “But there are things that you should know about me.” Folding it up, he laid the coat on the ground next to her tree.
Kathryn focused on keeping her breathing steady as she watched Patrick pull off his leather belt. Was he getting naked?
Patrick rolled his belt up and dropped it on top of his coat. “I am not a normal man.” He caught the heel of one boot with the toe of the other and pulled it loose.
Kathryn’s breath caught as he took off his shoes. Oh yes, he was most definitely getting naked, but what should she do about it? “What do you mean?” she asked, trying to keep her eyes on her task and not on the slowly stripping lord.
“You already know that I was raised by the queen.” Patrick crossed his arms over his loose shirt as he spoke. “Do you remember when I said that not all dragons were bad?”
Kathryn turned and looked at her lord, considering him. The only articles of clothing he had left were his shirt and pants, but she had a feeling those would be coming off soon, too. “Yes,” she answered carefully. She had an uneasy feeling that her earlier thought about Patrick and dragons was turning out to be correct.
“Well.” Slowly, Patrick came over, took the willow bark from her hands, and set it on the ground. He pulled on her hands until she stood in front of him. The look in his eyes was intense as he said, “I’m a dr—”
***
The splashing of water and a roar was the only warning Patrick had. Grabbing Kathryn in his arms, he slammed them both to the ground and shifted to his grand form on top of her. His wings burst out in a fray of ruined material, and he cupped them around her as the first licks of dragon fire grazed across his back. He held her tightly, protected under his fireproof scales.
When the raging inferno behind him ceased, he sprang off the terrified woman. Careful not to catch her under his sharp talons, Patrick turned to face the black dragon dripping in lake water. His tail thrashed back and forth in anger. “Mine!” Patrick hissed in dragon with his head dropped down and wings held wide, protecting Kathryn.
�
��Maiden!” the black dragon roared. Its chest bulged as it drew in a breath, stoking its fire for another attack.
Screaming in rage, Patrick launched himself at the creature three times his size. His teeth crunched into the hard scales on the bone frill, and he used his weight to yank the dragon’s head back just as it opened its mouth. A great blast of fire fountained into the air, raining sparks down over the two dragons.
***
Kathryn watched in horror as the pair thrashed about. Part of her had expected Patrick to be a dragon. Taking off the restrictive pieces of his wardrobe led her to believe he would shift for her, but to have him do it on top of her was something else entirely. Her skin tingled from the magic and heat that had washed through him. Her gaze dropped from the dragons locked together to the singed scraps of material scattered across her. He had just saved her life. A great roar drew her bewildered mind back to the epic battle mere feet from her.
***
The black dragon shook furiously, trying to dislodge Patrick from the back of its head.
Ignoring the burn in his clenched jaw, Patrick sunk his talons as deep as he could get them into the black dragon’s neck and held on for dear life. If the dragon should shake him loose, it would leave Kathryn unprotected. His eyes glanced over to her. She had managed to sit up, but she hadn’t come to her senses enough to run off as his horse had. Patrick bit harder, making the rogue scream out in pain.
Furious, the black dragon tucked its wings in and rolled onto its back, crushing Patrick’s wings down. The thing raised its long neck and slammed its head back into the ground, trying to break the painful hold Patrick had on its boned frill.
The jarring impact rattled the lord’s brains around, but he held on as the dragon repeated the punishing slam. On the fourth impact with the ground, Patrick let go and scurried out from under the creature. The thing bashed its own head into the ground a fifth time. Hurrying over, Patrick placed himself between the attacking dragon and Kathryn. She still hadn’t gotten herself together enough to run. “Mine!” he shrieked again as he lowered his head and thrashed his tail. He tucked his wings up against his body, easing the pain of being crunched under such a great weight. Thankfully, nothing seemed to be broken.
