“Anna,” he said, “I don’t know what happened with Edmund, but you were no helpless damsel in distress this morning. I saw a young woman fighting to save herself, not a victim who could not fight back.”
Anna was silent as she considered his words. At the first mention of Edmund’s name she had felt the tension rise, but he continued brushing and she had slowly relaxed once more.
“Really?” she finally said.
“Yes. Don’t allow the shadow of Edmund to defeat you. He is dead and gone, but even alive he was not worthy of your attention.”
“Maybe not,” she said, “but he still would have killed me.”
“Perhaps,” he replied, “but as it turned out, he was the one to lose his life, while you were given another chance. What are you going to do with it?” He paused for a moment. “You are no longer the girl that he kidnapped, but a young woman who has grown stronger because of it. But strength comes in many different forms. You can be a flame, destroying everything in your path, or water, which uses its strength gently, slowly shaping the rocks around it.”
“Which one are you, Max? Are you not already fire?”
“I may be fire personified, Anna, but I can still be like a river, slowly carving out its path through the resisting rock, or a soft breeze, bending the trees to its purposes, rather than a fiery flame, which burns everything in its way.”
He pulled the brush through her hair once more, his fingers following the movement of the brush, before placing it on the table next to the bed and moving away. Anna glanced over her shoulder, surprised to see him already seated in the chair across the room.
“Goodnight, Anna,” he said.
“Goodnight.” She lay down on the bed and pulled the quilt up to her chin, before rolling onto her side and peering at Max through lowered eyelashes. His eyes were closed, his head leaning against the back of the chair. His arms were folded across his chest, while his legs were stretched out before him. He had removed his boots, and Anna could see the muscles in his thighs, taut against his breeches. She glanced away, embarrassed, and focused on his face. The light from the flames in the hearth danced over his skin, and for a moment she thought she could see flames responding from within, but it was just a trick of the light. She closed her eyes, capturing an image of him in her mind, and drifted off to sleep.
She slept restlessly, pursued by faceless men who would do her harm. She tossed and turned, until she felt in her dreams someone holding her tight, his soothing voice telling her that she was safe, and that everything would be all right. A warm hand rested against her forehead, and her heart slowed its racing as she settled back into a more restful sleep.
Chapter 21
Keira saw little of Aaron over the next few days. It was often late when he came to bed, and he would leave early in the morning before the sun had fully risen. Dawn was the best time for hunting, and it also gave him time to catch up on dragon business with the dragon elder, but she was used to him being around and she missed his presence. She would watch through the window as two or sometimes three dragons flew through the open sky, their huge forms silhouetted against the rising sun. She could easily make out Aaron, shining gold between two red dragons, his wings stretching wider than either of theirs.
The days were spent in the company of the other two women in various pursuits. Keira had felt a kinship with Cathryn when they first met the previous summer, and as the days passed, she found she liked Cathryn more and more. The mornings were usually spent with Margaret as Cathryn taught the children their letters and numbers, but the afternoons often found Keira and Cathryn together. When the weather was clear, Cathryn showed Keira the now dormant gardens, and led her into the forest, the trees bare of leaves, while the children trailed behind. A small river ran through the forest, and though the banks were covered in a thick layer of ice, a channel of water cut through the middle. One day Cathryn pointed to a large rock overhanging the water.
“That is where I was when I first learnt that dragons were real,” she told Keira.
“Oh? How? What did Favian do?”
“Not Favian. Aaron.”
“Aaron?” Keira said in surprise. “What happened?”
“Favian and I were sitting on the rock, when Aaron flew overhead.”
Keira was silent for a moment. “Did Favian know Aaron was around?”
“No. He was furious.”
“So why did Aaron do it?” Keira asked, as a yell cut through the air. Turning towards the sound, Keira saw Will hanging with his hands from a branch, his feet dangling over the narrow channel of water. Bronwyn stood on the ground below, her wide eyes watching her brother.
“Will,” Cathryn said, her voice more exasperated than concerned, “what are you doing?”
“I slipped on the rock,” he shouted. “Help me, I’m going to fall.”
“Of course you slipped,” Cathryn said. “It is winter, which means ice. Now hold on tight, let’s get you down.”
“I can’t hold any more,” he shouted.
Will’s hands were slipping, and Keira could see that it was a matter of seconds before he tumbled into the frigid water. Cathryn picked her way over the ice, trying to find a firm footing from which she could lift down her son, when a whoosh through the air had Keira looking up.
Two dragons, one gold, the other red, were speeding through the air toward them, their bodies scraping the tops of the trees. The red one got to Will first, wrapping his talons around the boy’s wrists just as his hands slipped from the branch.
“Will-boy,” said the dragon, lifting the boy into the air and depositing him at his mother’s feet. “What are you doing?”
“I just wanted to see from the top of the rock. Mama said she saw Uncle Aaron from the rock once, so I thought I would look if I could see him too. Besides,” added the boy, “I was fine. I wouldn’t have fallen.”
“It would not have been anything to be ashamed about if you had,” Cathryn said with a smile. She glanced up at the dragon. “I’m sure your father fell into the river many times.”
“I would not recommend falling into the river in the middle of winter,” said Favian dryly. He glanced around to look at Aaron, and the other dragon laughed out a stream of flame.
“At least we don’t feel the cold,” Aaron said. He looked at Keira before settling his gaze on Cathryn. “What exactly have you been telling my wife about me?”
Cathryn shrugged. “I haven’t had a chance to tell her anything, yet.” She gave Aaron a sly look. “Why, are there some things you don’t want me to tell?”
“Yes, there are. But I suppose you still will.” He sighed, sending sparks into the air, then turned his golden gaze on Keira. “Just remember, my sweet, that no matter what Cathryn tells you, I am not the beast I was before.” Keira nodded, but before she could say anything, a little voice spoke up.
“Uncle Aaron, will you take me for a ride?” Aaron looked down at Bronwyn, who had crept up to stand beside her mother.
“Hey, that’s not fair,” shouted Will. “I want to go with Uncle Aaron. I asked first!”
“I’ll tell you what, Will,” Aaron said. “I will fly Bronwyn and your aunty back to the house, and then tomorrow I will take you for a ride all on your own. How does that sound?”
Will’s scowl turned to a smile. “Good plan.”
“All right.” He turned back to the little girl. “Aunty Keira will pick you up, and then I will lift you both.” The girl nodded and turned to Keira, her arms up as Keira hefted her onto her hip. In a moment Aaron swept his tail around them both and lifted them onto his back, while next to him, Favian lifted first Will then Cathryn onto his own back. Bronwyn leaned against Keira as Aaron rose into the air, Favian close on his tail. In a few short minutes they were back at the manor house, the passengers sliding off the backs of their massive mounts, and the dragons were off again.
The next afternoon, Cathryn asked Keira if she would like to accompany her while she attended to patients around the estate.
“I
t is usually a task that Margaret performs,” Cathryn explained, “but she thought maybe you would enjoy getting out of the house. All we need to do is deliver the medicines with appropriate instructions on dosage.”
“Let’s go,” said Keira, already on her feet.
“Right,” said Cathryn. “We just need to get the supplies from Margaret. I believe she is in the parlor. Come along.” Keira followed Cathryn out of the room, down the stairs, through the hall and into the passage on the other side of the building. Cathryn paused for a moment and then pointed to the upper passage of the wing they had just been in.
“See that pillar,” she said, pointing out a carved wooden pillar that stood between the railings of the opposite passage, “that is where I saw Aaron for the very first time. He was in his human form, of course, and to tell the truth, he terrified me.”
“Really?” said Keira. “Why?” Cathryn ducked into the parlor while Keira waited outside, staring at the pillar, and a moment later Cathryn reappeared, a basket over her arms.
“You know about Aaron’s parents, don’t you?” Cathryn said as they walked.
“You mean that they were killed by people in the village? Yes, I know that.”
“And you know that Aaron would have nothing to do with humans after that?”
“Yes.”
“The first time I saw Aaron, he still despised humanity. Favian had convinced him to come to Drake Manor, but Aaron wanted nothing to do with people. And he had not been at the Manor for very long when Margaret invited me to come and stay. I was, at that time, betrothed to another man, but Favian had already made his feelings for me clear to his family, and Aaron was furious. I think Margaret thought he would stay away when he heard I was coming, but he didn’t. The first time I saw Aaron, he glared at me across the courtyard, looking very much like someone I should be very afraid of.”
“What did you do?”
“I mentioned it to Margaret and Owain, but I didn’t know anything about dragons back then. Of course they assured me that Aaron wouldn’t hurt me, but I’m not so sure. If he felt he was protecting Favian by doing so …” Her voice trailed off as she stared unfocused into the distance.
“Did he hurt you?” Keira asked, bringing her back to the present.
“What? Oh no, he didn’t even approach me, but he was very angry at Favian. Favian took me down to the river one afternoon, and it was then Aaron decided to show himself, flying above us. Favian was livid, but I didn’t know why. I still didn’t understand that dragons could take on human form. And I certainly didn’t know that the dragon was Aaron.” Cathryn paused. “But later, when I thought I had lost Favian forever, it was Aaron who offered to help find him. So despite his anger, he still had a good heart. He loves Favian, and really wanted to see him happy.” Cathryn stopped and turned to look at Keira. “Before you came along, I didn’t think Aaron would ever find a mate. I thought he would never be able to love someone, especially not a human, in that way. But Favian always believed. He said he knew Aaron was capable of love, and just needed to find the right woman. And it is clear that Aaron loves you, more than even he ever thought was possible.”
Keira smiled as a tightness she hadn’t even been aware of eased slightly.
“You should ask Margaret to tell you some stories about Aaron,” continued Cathryn. “He spent many of his childhood summers here, and from what I have heard, he and Favian were as thick as thieves.”
The two women arrived back at the manor a few minutes before supper was about to be served, and they quickly hurried to the small dining room, arriving just minutes before Favian and Aaron walked into the room.
“Finally, the children have arrived home,” Owain said, glancing up at the two men as though they were delinquents. Favian cast Aaron a look that spoke of mischief, and for a moment, Keira could only see two boys who had been up to no good.
Aaron laughed, then bent down to give Keira a quick kiss on the cheek before sitting down in the seat beside her.
“Where have you been?” Margaret asked.
“Fishing,” Favian said with a grin. He caught Aaron’s eye, and the two men started laughing.
“No!” Owain said. “Exactly how old are the two of you?” Keira glanced over at Cathryn, who seemed as confused as she was, before turning to look at Aaron.
“I’ll explain later,” he said, leaning close to her ear.
The meal was brought in, and the conversation turned to other topics.
When the meal was done, Margaret led them into the parlor. The fire had died down in the grate, but there was no need for it with three dragons in the room. A flagon of spiced wine had been placed on a small table, and Keira helped herself to a cup before sitting down next to Aaron. Across from them she noticed Owain staring at Aaron intently. Aaron looked up, meeting his uncle’s eye in bemusement.
“Owain? What is it?”
“You’ve changed, Aaron. Grown. I noticed it when you arrived.”
“What are you saying, uncle?” Aaron said cautiously.
“You’re stronger. Not in physical strength, but more powerful. I see you, Aaron, and all I see is white.”
“White?” Aaron sat back in his seat, clearly startled.
“Wouldn’t you agree, son?” Owain said, casting a glance at Favian.
“Yes. I also noticed it when you arrived,” Favian said. “You have grown in power since I saw you at the binding.”
“You weren’t aware of this change?” Owain asked. He looked at Keira for a moment, before turning his gaze back to Aaron.
“No, I must confess I wasn’t. How is it even possible?”
“I believe I know why,” Favian started, but Owain held up his hand, stopping him short.
“No, Favian,” he said. “A man must discover his source of power for himself.” He glanced at Keira once more before turning to Margaret.
“What entertainments have you planned for us this evening, my dear?” Owain said.
“I thought perhaps you could read us a poem,” Margaret replied. “He’s got a splendid library,” she said, turning to Keira as Owain rose with a nod and left the room. “Have you seen it?”
“I have,” Keira said with a smile. She moved a little closer to Aaron, and he wrapped his arms around her. Owain returned a moment later, a large, hand-bound volume of Beowulf in his grasp. It was a story that Keira was unfamiliar with, and she listened with interest as Beowulf slew all manner of dreadful monsters. When he came to his final battle against a dragon, she smiled: always there was a dragon, and always, it needed defeating. She turned slightly, bringing herself even closer to her own dragon, and he glanced down at her with a smile.
“Feel sorry for the dragon, my sweet?” he whispered.
“I think I feel sorry for Beowulf, thinking he can fight a dragon and survive,” she whispered back.
He laughed softly in her ear. “We all have to face our dragons, my sweet. It is just that some breathe more fire than others.”
Chapter 22
Keira woke the next morning with Aaron spooning behind her, his arms wrapped around her body, his fingers trailing patterns over her skin. She smiled and turned around to face him.
“Good morning,” she whispered.
“Good morning,” he said, pulling himself forward on his elbow and leaning in to kiss her. She could feel the hard length of his body running down her side, and she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer. He lifted his head and she could see the flames swirling around in his eyes, and when he kissed her, his breath was hot. She ran her hands down his back, smiling when he released his wings. They stretched out around them, massive and gleaming, and when he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, she felt her body leave the bed as his wings held them aloft. Her head fell back as she lay helpless in his arms, while his mouth and fingers ravaged every part of her.
Later, as they lay tangled together, he stroked his fingers down her skin.
“I can’t stop myself from loving you,” he said, his
voice low.
“Why do you want to?” she asked, but he silenced her with a kiss.
Still later, as the sun rose in the sky, beams of sunlight shone through the open window, landing on his skin, making it glow bright and golden.
“What did Owain mean when he said you had grown more powerful?” she asked.
“I told you before that dragons can see how powerful a dragon is because of how hot he burns. Owain thinks I am burning with more power, but I don’t know what it means.”
“Does that happen often? Growing more powerful?”
“A young dragon grows more powerful as he matures, but most of our power is inherent, growing to a certain level, then no more. I reached my full level of power years ago, or at least I thought I did.”
“Well,” Keira said, wrapping her arms around him, “you are the most powerful creature I know.” Aaron laughed.
“A resounding validation from the human who has met – how many creatures of power?” He caught Keira’s hand as she raised it to smack him, then pulled her in for a kiss.
“Your love is all-powerful,” she said a moment later, “and that is enough for me.”
He stared at her, then pushed himself from the bed.
“It must be time for dinner, and I’m starving.”
“Oh, good. You’re having human food today.” Keira rose from the bed and headed to the antechamber where she pulled out a dark red gown. She felt Aaron come up behind her, and shivered when he trailed his fingers over her skin.
“I’ve been neglecting you,” he said. “I’m sorry.”
Keira turned around, meeting his gaze. “Aaron, your family is important to you, and I don’t begrudge you time spent with them,” she said. She wagged her finger in his face. “Just as long as you don’t forget about me.”
“As if I could,” he said with a laugh. “You are all I think about.” He paused, then added, his voice low, “That’s the problem.”
His tone made her pause and she glanced up at him, but he stepped away and pulled the tunic he was holding over his head. “Take your time getting dressed. I will see you downstairs.” Keira watched him leave, then turned to face the mirror with a sudden sense of unease. Tugging at the laces of her gown, she pulled them tight and tied a knot, before slowly pulling a brush through her hair, but her mind was not on the tasks she was performing. Something was changing. She just didn’t know what.
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