by Helene Gadot
The woman frowned. "You were captured by others?"
"Yes. And escaping from them is how I ended up in your country."
She grimaced. "You'll have the chance to tell your story to the Assembly."
"And will I be let go if they believe me?" I stomped on the hope. It seemed they were taking me to their capital. No one lived to tell tales about it.
"We'll see." Based on my captor's tone, it sounded like I was trapped.
The horses broke through the trees, a massive mountain looming before us made of mostly rocks with the occasional scraggly bush.
"We're here."
I tried not to hear my doom in his words.
FOUR
They led the horses right up to the bottom of the mountain before dismounting. The dragon used surprising gentleness as he assisted me off of our mount. I bit back a groan at the thought of climbing up this mountain on foot, barely standing straight as it was.
The dragon kept a tight, but not painful grip on my upper arm and pulled me to the rocky wall, revealing a door. My brows folded in surprise and confusion.
"We live inside."
I took a last glance at the sun and sky over my shoulder before he led me through the door, the others parting and waiting for us to pass before closing us inside.
It wasn't as dark as I expected, torches lined the cavernous tunnel, casting a golden glow against the rocks. My breath caught at the jewels glittering along the walls, my fingers itching to touch and stroke the gleaming gems.
The tunnel led to stone steps and my lungs squeezed at the amount. I couldn't even see the end as they spiraled out of sight. My mind whirled with questions as the dragons herded me up the stairs. Why did they live inside a mountain? How many lived here? Or was this their prison? Was my fate to be trapped here, never to see the sun or trees or sky again?
I was just a simple bard, trading songs for food or coin, using my voice and ukulele to bring attention to the problems in our country. I just wanted the lives and deaths of my parents to mean something, to matter. I never expected it would bring me into a political coup.
The only hope I had was Princess Indigo planning to meet with the dragons soon. If she met them here, she could get me out of here. If I remained alive that long. If the meeting was successful. But without her to vouch for me, if I tried to explain one of my kindreds was the prince, they'd definitely execute me as a spy.
I needed to keep to my story of being a simple bard who was captured by evil Faligreans and barely escaped by running into the dragon lands. Or even my true story, minus the assassins and prince. There was a chance it would help Indigo when she met to get their assistance in overthrowing her father. Even if Indigo didn't find me, I still wanted to do whatever I could to help her. I wanted the king off the throne and I would sacrifice anything, everything to make sure it happened.
A hundred steps later, I heard more than the echo of our boots. Chatter and laughter trickled to my ears. I stumbled as I tried to hear more, but one of the dragons steadied me. My legs shook with weariness and a heavy ache as I pushed myself to keep moving, not wanting to be hauled up the rest by one of the dragons.
We finally reached the landing and my jaw dropped at the sight as I lurched to a halt. I couldn't believe what I saw. It was a city. A city gleaming with precious stones in the walls. Sunlight dripped through the top of the mountain, joining with lanterns and torches to light everything up. Homes with balconies and stores were built right into the sides of the mountain and the stairs led to walkways with vendors with carts selling their wares. Children skipped and played along the ledge, swerving around the people shopping. It was amazing.
My captor dragon nudged me towards the next set of steps and I fought a groan, not sure how much more I could take.
"One more flight, and we'll stop."
I barely kept from whimpering in relief. Some of the agony from being ripped away from my kindreds faded, leaving a scratchy, itchy sensation behind. Oh no. Had they found me? Somehow picking up my trail and throwing themselves into danger to save me? They could jeopardize everything Indigo was working towards.
The stubborn fools.
I turned my head, peeking from the corners of my eyes, searching for some sign of them. The pain was still present enough I didn't think all three were there, maybe just one or two. Probably Whistler. If they were there, and I wasn't losing my mind, they were staying hidden.
At least there was that.
As soon as my foot hit the bottom step, a roar echoed around us, so loud it made my ears ring and teeth buzz. A dragon burst from the crowd, his eyes wild as he raced over and yanked me from the others and into his chest. I struggled against him, fear and panic banging in my chest, overcoming the scratchy feeling.
Everyone stopped what they were doing, staring at us in confusion and horror.
He growled and gripped me tighter. "Mine."
FIVE
Not again.
This could not be happening again.
The deafening silence broke apart as everyone watching gasped and muttered to each other. I stared at my new kindred, shock and horror freezing me in his arms. He stared back at me with similar feelings broiling in his brandy colored eyes. He was beautiful, skin dark bronze, thick and lush lashes lining his black eyes, a neat beard covering the bottom half of his face, lining his sharp jaw. Why were all my kindreds so damn attractive? It seemed like at least one of them should look like a chewed up old hunk of a potato.
He set me very carefully away from him and released me like touching me burned, stepping back and looking over at the dragons who brought me in. "What the hell is going on, Marcus?"
The one I rode with answered. "We found her near the border and brought her in on suspicion of espionage."
My new kindred took a menacing step towards Marcus. "And you harmed her? I smell her blood."
Normal people couldn't smell blood. Did some extra senses remain from their pasts as dragons?
"She was in that condition when we found her, Bastian. She claims she was making an escape from captivity." He conveniently left out the bump on my head was from him.
"Who held you captive?" Bastian spun to ask in a demanding tone, fire flashing in his eyes.
I backed away from him, ignoring the bond tugging me towards him. "It's a long story."
He stalked closer, backing me into the wall. "You will tell me."
I shoved him. "Back the hell off. I'm not obliged to tell you anything."
He scowled. "You are my kindred. I want to know who harmed you."
Marcus stepped forward. "We have to take her to the Assembly, Bastian. You know this."
Bastian snarled. "I am the Assembly."
Marcus stood firm. "You're not all of it. And she's barely standing on her feet. She's exhausted and in pain. We planned to let her rest and clean up while we gathered the Assembly."
Since when? They made it sound like I was headed straight to the dungeon. Being the kindred to a dragon on the Assembly apparently got me special treatment.
"I'll take her to my quarters for that while you gather them."
"She may be your kindred, but she still has to answer for crossing the border." Marcus really refused to stand down. It was actually a bit impressive.
"Understood. I'll bring her there."
The woman frowned. "Go easy. She looks terrified."
Bastia growled and swept me up in his arms, ignoring my shriek. "There are hundreds of stairs between here and my quarters. You need the help. I will not harm you."
He couldn't even if he wanted to. But the rest of them could. Finding my fifth kindred here might have been a blessing if it kept me safe. But I didn't want another kindred. I hadn't wanted any of them, but how was I supposed to be the kindred for a prince of Faligrey and a dragon on the Assembly? And joining with the assassins and the prince was one thing. They were close and knew each other and loved each other. They would not accept a dragon into our strange relationship very easily. And I had no p
lans to ask them to.
How many more kindreds did fate plan to drop into my lap? It was getting a bit ridiculous. Was it my penance for denying every bond fate brought me? Would I keep finding them until I stopped fighting it and accepted what was in store for me?
I didn't regret accepting the other four, so maybe there was a fit for this one as well. But I didn't see how. And I wasn't sure how much to tell him, how much I could trust him.
For now, I planned to stick to the story I planned. It was safest and probably smarter.
Bastian set me down outside of a door and reached into his pocket to pull out a key, unlocking it and gesturing for me to enter. I swallowed nervously before stepping inside. It was simple and filled with books. It reminded me a lot of Aster's rooms. The walls were stone like the rest of the place. It was darker than the halls and market downstairs, no natural light making it in here.
I jumped when he shut the door behind us, closing us in together. Alone. I turned slowly, eying him warily.
"You can wash through the door in there and then I want to take a look at your wounds. I'll gather some clothing for you while you clean up." He pointed at the door on the left side of the room.
I nodded and hurried for the bathroom, leaning against the door between us with closed eyes and a breath of relief, the pain growing back to full force in my chest. I sank to the floor, choking back tears, wanting my kindreds. My real kindreds. I wanted them here, holding me, surrounding me, kissing me. I'd find my own way out of this, but it didn't lessen my wish for their presence and comfort.
I gripped my matted hair in my hands, hissing as the pain shot through my fingers, reminding me I needed to clean my wounds if I ever wanted to play the ukulele again. I missed my instrument as much as I missed my kindreds.
I sniffed and brushed the tears away and forced myself to my feet and over to the tub. The water spluttering from the faucet had a strange smell, like minerals and metal, but it wasn't unpleasant. And it was scorching hot. I couldn't begin to guess how they managed it. The entire place was overwhelming. I expected to feel trapped and claustrophobic, trapped beneath a mountain, but the air was clear and the space was plenty roomy and bright.
It was amazing, what they had built here. No wonder they were able to keep their secrets and remain so private.
The hot water stung my wounds, making me wince and hiss as I sank my aching body into the tub. I was tempted to soak and try to relieve some of the soreness, but I didn't trust Bastian not to burst back in if I took too long. Or as soon as he found clothes for me.
I hurried through the bath and wrapped myself in two towels to cover as much of my body as I could. I eyed the cloak Saber bought me, ripped and covered in filth crumpled on the floor. It was too disgusting to wrap my clean body in. I hoped it could be cleaned and repaired. It was the last thing I had left of them. I couldn't lose that too. I left my reeking clothes where they were, but gathered up the cloak into my arms, rubbing my fingers along the fabric, thinking of Saber and his sweet smile when he gave it to me after I lost my green one. I missed his thoughtfulness and our quiet discussions that lasted late into the night once the others fell asleep. Would I ever experience it again?
With a final stroke, I dumped it into the soapy bathwater, hoping a long soak might save it. I jumped at a knock on the door and Bastian's muffled voice asking if I was all right.
I opened the door and scowled at him. "I'm fine."
His eyes took me in from my bare toes and all the way up my body to my head, his nostrils flaring. Did they really have better senses than regular humans? Something left over from their ancestors who could supposedly shift into dragons? It was certainly looking that way. Which meant it would be even more difficult for me to find a way out of this mess.
He spun around and stomped to the middle of his room where his large bed stood. "Come sit. I have some medicine for your wounds."
I eyed him with suspicion, but forced myself over to him, refusing to show my nervousness. He frowned at me as I hopped onto the bed, my mouth set in a tight line.
"You look better now that you're clean."
Was he attempting to compliment me? He needed more practice. "Thank you?"
He knelt in front of me. "Show me your wounds."
My voice wavered at the sight of him kneeling at my feet. "It's nothing major."
"Show me."
"Fine." I sighed and pulled the towels away from my arms and pulled them a bit up my legs, revealing the still raw skin on my wrists and ankles and my scabbed fingers.
"You did this getting away." He pointed to my fingers. "You dug at the restraints until you freed yourself."
How could he tell? "Yes."
He opened a jar and released the scent of lavender and herbs into the air. "This should speed up the healing and prevent infection."
I nodded and sat in silence as he spread the cream over my wounds, relief immediately sinking into me. He avoided my eyes while he worked, focusing on his task, giving me the freedom to inspect him. Bastian was older than my other kindreds, hints of gray in his beard and sideburns, tiny lines around his eyes. He looked like he was in his early or mid-thirties, probably ten years or so older than me. His lips were set in a stern line, clearly not excited his kindred was me.
A part of me was mildly offended, but I understood how he felt. I didn't want him anymore than he wanted me. Maybe he'd help me escape so we could both get on with our lives.
He closed the jar and rose with a giant step back. "Get dressed. You need to explain yourself to the Assembly." He turned on his heel and left the room.
I hurried into the strange clothes, relieved to see a black cloak to cover up the tight green trousers that formed to my hips and thighs like a second skin and the golden blouse with a plunging neckline I tied off at the waist. Hopefully, this was the fashion for dragons and not some creepy choice made by my new kindred.
At least it was better than the green dress Whist had me wear when we first met.
Bastian burst back into the room and I clutched the cloak to my chest, keeping it closed with my bandaged fingers. He looked me up and down before giving me a short nod and gesturing for me to follow him.
I swallowed hard, my chest thudding as I shadowed him through the spiraling hallway, almost groaning aloud at the sight of more stairs. He took my arm and most of my weight as we began the endless trek to the Assembly chambers.
My body shook and my breaths released in short gasps by the time we made it to the door. Bastian pushed it open and stood back for me to walk through.
I tossed my head into the air and straightened my back, brimming with false confidence.
SIX
A circle of male and female dragons sat at a round table in the center of the room. It was nothing like I expected after being brought before the royals of Faligrey. I expected a spectacle like the king preferred. This was more like a simple meeting.
One of the women pointed to the two empty chairs. "Have a seat."
I perched on the edge of the one on the left, refusing to get too comfortable, to trust their welcoming smiles.
"My name is Cala. Why don't you tell us your story? How did you come to be in our lands?"
I gathered by thoughts before speaking, choosing my words with care. "I'm a traveling bard and have been for years. The king of Faligrey didn't care for the message in my songs, so he sent soldiers to silence me. I was able to escape from them and had no idea where I was running to. I'd be more than happy to return to Faligrey and get out of your hair."
Cala frowned. "Why would you want to return? According to you, the king wants you dead. Your gifts are not appreciated. And you've found your kindred here." She gestured to Bastian.
News traveled fast here.
One of the men leaned forward in his seat to peer at me. "Dragons love music. You could make an excellent life for yourself here, teaching music to those who wish to learn."
"I have a life and people who will worry for me back in Faligrey. And
I refuse to be run off by a tyrant king." I crossed my arms over my chest.
Cala rubbed her bottom lip. "I thought you had freedom of expression on your country."
I bit back a snort. "So did I. Instead, we wait for the king to pass and Princess Indigo to replace him."
"And you believe she will be better?" Cala asked.
"I do." Even if I hadn't met and gotten to know Indigo, I'd believe that. Anyone would be better than him. An old shriveled potato would be better than him.
"I'm afraid we can't allow you to return based on your word alone. Not yet. We are meeting with the Princess you approve of. Will she be able to confirm your story?" Cala asked.
"Yes, I believe so." She could, but she could also tell them too much.
Cala nodded. "Excellent. For now, get to know your kindred and see if the two of you would make an acceptable match."
"You have a choice here?" Relief trickled through me, relieving the tension in my spine.
Everyone around the table frowned.
Cala tapped her chin. "Of course. Kindred souls aren't always a good fit. I have heard Faligrey forces the matches."
"They do."
A smile trembled at the corner of Cala's lips. "I take your tone to mean you disagree with that law."
I sucked my front tooth before I replied. "I do. My parents were not kindreds."
Everyone gasped.
"Interesting. And do you have kindreds of your own?"
I hesitated, unsure how I should answer. If they were forcing me to stay until Indigo arrived, it was better to be honest.
"Yes. I have four." I scowled over at Bastian. "I guess five, now."
Cala's brows rose. "The hand of fate is heavy upon you to have been blessed with so many."
"Did you accept those four of your free will or were you forced?" Bastian's voice came out in a growl. He'd remained quiet during the inquisition until now.
I raised my chin. "I will never be forced to accept a kindred. And none of them tried to force me. I accepted them freely and need to return to them."
