As Anna and Kathleen walked behind the crowds, Anna saw Aaron just a short way up ahead, towering over the rest of the crowd. “Aaron,” she said softly, knowing he could easily hear her above the hubbub. He turned with a smile and a quick word to Keira.
Anna led Kathleen towards them. “I was wondering what had happened to you,” Keira said.
“I found a friend,” Anna said. “This is Mistress Kathleen Hobart.”
“Mistress Hobart,” Keira said with a smile. Kathleen smiled back, but the smile fled a moment later when she looked at Aaron.
“Mistress Hobart? Daughter of Richard Hobart? Earl of Riverton?” Aaron said. Kathleen looked down at the ground and nodded slightly. “I know your grandmother, my lady,” Aaron continued, his tone softer. “She’s a good woman.” Kathleen glanced up with a shy smile.
“Thank you, sire,” she said, before quickly looking away again. Aaron met Anna’s amused expression with a wry smile, before turning back to Keira, who was looking at him with slightly upraised eyebrows. He lifted her hand, and brushed his lips over her fingers as he gazed down at her. Keira stared back at him as his hand moved to her neck, and she gave a tentative smile.
“I believe dinner is served, my sweet,” Aaron said. “Shall we?”
“Are you coming?” Keira said, turning to Anna.
“I will be right behind you,” she assured her sister. She watched as they moved away before turning back to Kathleen.
“I cannot believe Aaron Drake spoke to me,” Kathleen said.
“Why? You are the daughter of an earl, and Aaron Drake is just an ordinary man.”
“There is nothing ordinary about Aaron Drake,” Kathleen said. “There aren’t many men who have conquered a dragon. Grandmother says he is as great as the king, and deserves the same amount of honor.” Kathleen leaned closer to Anna as she whispered, “I think she knew him quite well.”
“Oh.” Anna glanced up at the retreating forms of Aaron and Keira. Aaron’s hand was resting on Keira’s back, and she was leaning towards him slightly. Anna smiled. “Let’s go find our places,” she said.
Anna had been placed next to Aaron and Keira, while Kathleen was seated with her father near the dais. “I’ll look for you later,” Anna said as they parted company. Kathleen smiled, and hurried away to join a short, balding man, tapping his leg impatiently.
Chapter 10
Anna sat with Aaron to her one side, while on the other was seated a young man a few years older than herself, who spent the entire meal pointing out various objects and enlightening Anna on their geometrical qualities. Anna nodded a few times, until she realized that the man needed no encouragement to continue with his conversation, and an occasional glance in his direction would suffice to keep him assured of her rapt attention.
Cathryn and Favian sat on the opposite side of the table, but the hubbub made it difficult for Keira and Anna to maintain a conversation with Cathryn. The distance, however, did not prevent Aaron and Favian from conversing; it took Anna a few minutes, though, to understand why Aaron kept moving his lips while looking across the table. She could not hear his words, but when Favian’s lips moved in response, she understood. She glanced at Keira, smiling when she saw the amused glances she was sharing with Cathryn.
Dish after dish was served – fifteen courses in all – the highlight being the stuffed swan served to the queen, its feathers artfully replaced after roasting. It was served on a bed of lily pads and water lilies, and Matilda laughed and clapped her hands, delighted at the wonderful spectacle. Wine flowed endlessly as laughter rang between the tables, and at one point the king rose to his feet to sing a song to his queen, kneeling down on one knee before her. Matilda looked away with a slight blush and said something to one of the women seated beside her, who laughed as Alfred finished his song.
It was dark by the time the meal was finally done, and lanterns and torches around the gardens blazed in brilliance against the darkening sky. Shadows danced along the branches of the trees, and for a moment the memory of her last time in these gardens made Anna shudder. She glanced at Keira who gave her a weak smile. Aaron squeezed Keira’s hand while he looked at Anna.
“There is no danger here tonight,” he said.
It wasn’t until after the king and queen rose from the table that the rest of the guests rose to their feet, their chairs leaving gouges in the green lawns. The musicians struck up a lively carol, and the king led the queen to the middle of the lawn, where they were quickly joined by other dancers. Prince Rupert stood in the shadows, his eyes narrowed as he watched the dancing. A woman stood next to him, and he whispered something in her ear before turning and walking away.
“That’s Lady Blanche,” Keira said, nodding her head in the woman’s direction. “And on either side of the queen are Lady Joan and Lady Elizabeth. I’ve heard that Lady Joan is getting married, so she will be retiring to the country soon.”
“What will the queen do when Lady Joan leaves?” Anna asked.
“She will find someone to take her place. There is no shortage of young women clamoring for the chance to serve the queen and extend their family fortunes.”
“I think it would be great fun to live at the palace and be part of the royal court.”
Keira shuddered. “I cannot think of anything worse. I don’t think I would enjoy all the palace intrigues swirling around court. I prefer the simple life.”
Anna laughed. “Your life has been anything but simple since you met Aaron.”
“True.” Keira glanced at Aaron. “But living with a dragon is far less dangerous than living at court.”
A waving hand on the other side of the lawn caught Anna’s eye. It was Kathleen, weaving her way through the crowds to reach Anna’s side.
“Thank goodness I found you again,” Kathleen said as she neared Anna. “There are hundreds of people here!”
“Let’s dance,” Anna said, grabbing Kathleen’s arm and pulling her into a line of dancers that was forming across the lawn. Her feet faulted slightly when she recognized the Basse Danse, the court dance she had danced with Jack so many years before, but she pulled herself together in an instant, and following the other dancers, easily executed the steps.
One dance led to another, sometimes carols, which were danced in circles or long lines between the trees, other times the line dances, where couples danced in pairs. Anna danced with Aaron and Favian, admiring the lightness of foot exhibited by the dragons, and allowed the mathematician who sat next to her at supper to escort her into one of the formations. He was quite a nice young man, Anna thought, as long as he didn’t speak. When no men offered themselves, Anna danced with Kathleen, who remained in the shadows except when Anna pulled her onto the lawn.
It was close to midnight when Anna went in search of refreshment. She had not seen Kathleen for a while, but as she headed towards the table with jugs of wine and ale, she heard her name being called, and turned to see Kathleen hurrying towards her.
“My father says it is time for us to go, but I wouldn’t leave until I had a chance to bid you goodbye.”
“Goodbye, Kathleen,” Anna said with a smile. “It was most fortuitous that you bumped into me this evening.”
“Oh, yes! I would have been quite miserable, otherwise.” Kathleen paused, dropping her gaze to the ground. “Will you call on me when you come into the city?”
“Of course I will,” Anna said. Kathleen looked up with a smile of relief.
“Goodnight.”
Turning back to the table, Anna poured herself a cup of wine. The crowds had become loud and rowdy, and more than once Anna’d had to fend off the attentions of an overeager dance partner. Beyond the crowds she could see the river, shimmering in the lamp light. As she watched, a slight breeze stirred the water, making the light dance over the uneven surface. It looked peaceful, a far cry from the unruly crowds. Replacing her cup on the table, she headed towards the banks, away from the jostling masses. She was eager to put a little distance between herself
and the crowds, but she stopped before she went too far, unwilling to move beyond calling distance. It had grown a little quieter, and the occasional plop marked the entry of a frog into the water, while crickets chirped, their quick, shrill sounds repeating each time they leaped. A weeping willow hung over the water and she headed towards it, watching the faint ripples made by the branches dangling over the water. An owl flew low over the river, then swerved towards some unseen target. She watched for a moment before turning around, startled to see someone watching her from beneath the tree. She took a step back, suddenly nervous, but when the figure moved from the shadows into the soft moonlight, she saw who it was and paused.
“My apologies, Your Highness. I didn’t realize anyone else was here. I didn’t mean to intrude.”
Prince Rupert waved his hand, dismissing her apology. “I hate these events. Low, common people fawning over me, paying compliments they don’t mean in order to win my favor.” He took a step closer. “I suppose you’re just the same.”
“That,” Anna said with an indignant tilt of her chin, “is quite unjust. You know nothing about me to pass such a judgment.” She stopped, suddenly remembering to whom she spoke. “Your Highness,” she added, dropping her gaze to the ground. Why could she not hold her tongue? He barked out a short, dry laugh.
“Clearly I have misjudged you. You certainly are not like any of the other guests here this evening.” He walked around her, and she could feel the weight of his gaze as he looked her over, before stopping before her. “You have the benefit of knowing who I am, while I don’t know who you are.”
“Anna Carver, Your Highness.”
“Anna Carver? I don’t know that name. Do I know your family?”
“My sister is married to Aaron Drake.”
“Aaron Drake. Our slayer of dragons.” Anna nodded. In the distance she could hear the musicians start another tune, the music for a popular line dance.
“I should be getting back, Your Highness,” she said. “My sister will be wondering where I am.”
“No. You should dance with me,” he said. Anna gave him a startled look, then glanced over her shoulder to where the guests were forming the lines. She had walked further away from the crowds than she realized.
“I think I should …” she started.
“I insist,” he said, his lips thinning slightly while his voice took on a harder undertone. Anna nodded and placed her hand on the one he held outstretched. “How long do you remain in the city?” the prince asked as they danced.
“We leave tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? That’s unfortunate. I think I would enjoy getting to know you more.”
Anna remained silent. Rupert was taller than Anna by a few inches, and despite his aversion to society, danced very well. His hand touched hers lightly and when Anna took a misstep, he easily covered the mistake. He did not smile, although he watched her closely as they danced, until she could bear the scrutiny no longer.
“Do I have a spot on my nose, Your Highness?” she said.
“No,” he said. “Why?”
“You keep staring at me.” His eyebrows rose slightly.
“I’m just curious about the kind of woman you are.”
“And staring at me will reveal who I am?”
He gave a short snort. “Perhaps.” In the distance the strains of music started fading away, and he released her hand and took a step back.
“I trust our paths will cross again, Mistress,” he said.
Anna smiled politely. She had no doubt he would have long forgotten her by the time the evening drew to a close. “Goodnight,” she said, then turning away, hurried back to the crowds in relief, glad to be away from his presence. She wondered why he had insisted she dance with him, when he disliked the pastime so much. Was it because she had spoken so impertinently? She saw Aaron and Keira standing with Cathryn and Favian and hastened towards them.
“Ready to leave?” Keira asked.
Anna nodded. “Yes.”
Chapter 11
Anna was awoken the next morning by a loud knocking, followed by the door being pushed open. “Come along, sleepy head,” Keira said, walking into the room and flinging open the shutters. “Aaron wishes to leave within an hour.”
“Go away,” Anna mumbled, but instead Keira pulled the covers off the bed.
“Come on, up you get,” she said. “Everyone else is already up and dressed.” Anna groaned and pushed herself into a sitting position. “Aaron wants a few hours to spend with Owain this afternoon,” Keira continued, “and then our plan is to start our return to Storbrook tomorrow.”
“So soon?”
Keira nodded. “I want to get the children home. We will travel through the night, since the days are already so hot. Not that it matters to Aaron,” she added, “but the horses suffer with the heat.”
Anna took the gown Keira held out and pulled it over her head, before turning to the mirror to consider her reflection. Her eyes looked back blearily, and she dipped a linen in the basin of water placed on the table.
“I’ll send a maid to do your packing,” Keira said. “Meet us in the hall.” Anna nodded as Keira left the room.
It was early afternoon by the time they arrived back at Drake Manor. Owain and Margaret were waiting outside, but there was no sign of Will.
“I called him as soon as we saw you coming, but the young whelp needs a lesson in obedience,” Owain said as Aaron and Favian landed on the ground beside him.
Aaron raised his bony eyebrows but said nothing as Favian let out a frustrated growl. “Perhaps you would like to take him back to Storbrook with you?” he said to Aaron.
Aaron laughed. “I’ll have a word with him before I leave.” He lifted his head and sniffed the air. “He’s not far away. I’ll go talk to him now,” and spreading his massive wings, he launched himself back into the air.
The rest of the party entered the house, joining Owain and Margaret in the parlor, where they talked about the funeral and coronation. When Aaron returned sometime later, it was with a quiet Will, who trailed behind his Master, his eyes on the ground.
Lydia clung to Anna before she went to bed that night, her arms wrapped around Anna’s neck. “See you again soon?” she said.
Anna blinked away the tears before replying. “Soon, baby girl,” she whispered.
“Lydia sad,” sniffed the girl.
“I’m sad, too,” Anna said, “and I’ll miss you terribly. “But I’ll be thinking of you every day.”
Lydia nodded. “Me too,” she said.
That evening, after the others had retired, Keira sat with Anna in her chambers. “Are you sure you want to stay?” Keira asked.
Anna nodded. “Yes. If I don’t, I will always wonder what might have happened.” She paused. “Tell Garrick I’m sorry,” she added softly.
“I will,” Keira said.
Anna was quickly absorbed into the routine of Drake Manor. Each day she helped Cathryn with the children’s lessons. Will complained that at the age of fifteen, he had no further use for learning, but a stern lecture from his father made him reconsider. A dragon he might be, but with a life expectancy of three to four hundred years, it would behoove him well to gain whatever knowledge he could. Will was quick to point out that he had plenty of time to gain all the learning he could ever need, but when his grandfather joined the conversation, the argument died on his lips. Of course, there was dragon training, too, and every afternoon Favian or Owain took Will out for a few hours.
Lessons with Bronwyn were far easier. Already, at the age of thirteen, she knew about the four humors of the human body, and understood that as a dragon, she tended more towards yellow bile and blood. Of course, a dragon’s make-up was somewhat different from a human’s, since a dragon is almost exclusively fire, fueled by flesh; and once she started changing into her dragon form, her inner workings would bear little resemblance to those of a human.
Bronwyn spent the afternoon hours with her grandmother, learning needlecraft an
d music, unless Margaret was called away to tend to one the tenants. Margaret was well-known in the area as a healer, and would be sent for whenever someone was injured or ill. It had been under her ministrations that Keira was nursed back to health after she was injured by a dragon. Sometimes Cathryn would accompany her as a helper, and it was on one such afternoon that Anna suggested to Bronwyn that they saddle up the horses and ride through the estate. Anna had been at Drake Manor for nearly four weeks, and had spent many hours exploring the grounds around the house, but the hills that lay in the distance, beyond the river, were new territory that she was eager to discover. The stables lay beyond the courtyard, and it did not take long for the horses to be saddled and Anna and Bronwyn to be on their way.
It was a fine day in late summer. The air was heavy with summer heat, and bees flew around lethargically between the flowers, while butterflies flittered gently about. The scent of lemon from the formal gardens hung in the air, and Anna could taste it on her tongue. They turned their horses towards the woods, which lay a fair distance from the house, beyond the wilderness where wild flowers and grasses grew without check. In the distance Favian and Will circled around the hills, moving lazily through the hot air. It was a relief to reach the shade of the trees, and Anna pulled the neck of her gown away from her skin in an effort to cool herself down.
The path through the woods was narrow, and the women rode single-file. The moist, earthy smell of mulch and decaying matter had replaced the dry scents of the gardens, and Anna breathed in the cool fragrance deeply. Under the canopy of trees, the birds chirped as they flitted from one branch to another. Squirrels jumped above their heads, and between the trees, light caught the delicate threads of a spider’s web. In the distance Anna could hear the burbling sound of water rushing over rocks. It grew louder as they continued on the path, and then the river was before them, cool and inviting. Without a moment’s hesitation, Anna slid off her horse, and slipping off her boots, walked into the water, Bronwyn a step behind.
dragon archives 04 - dance with a dragon Page 6
