Page 15 of King of Fire and Scales

And to aid the witch in maintaining her composure.

She went into the room with the two beds, astounded by the upkeep and advanced decor. She once again met with the attendant who introduced himself with an outstretched hand.

“My name is Nerin Breeze,” he said with a nervously manic smile. “It’s nice to formally meet you.”

Thalia shook his hand. He had a bookishness to him with oily black, floppy hair and glasses that kept sliding down the bridge of his nose. And a heart of gold, which the Creation Sorceress appreciated.

“It’s lovely to meet you too,” she replied.

There was a knock on the door, and Thalia was happy to see Sorcha.

“Oh, I thought we were meeting at dinner?” Thalia said.

“I am here to help you with anything you may need,” Sorcha said, eyes glittering like starlight. “Really, anything at all. You name it, I’m there."

Thalia let her into her room, and Nerin’s expression grew ashen. He pushed his glasses shakily back up the bridge of his nose, fumbling with an empty water jug next to the bed.

“Good evening, Sorcha,” he said, stumbling over his words. “It’s nice to see you again.”

Evanth was lying on his side, having fallen into another concerning snooze. Sorcha sauntered up to him, placing a flat palm against his clammy forehead.

“And you, Nerin. What time did you arrive?”

Thalia watched with amusement how Nerin attempted to avert his eyes away from Sorcha’s overflowing bust. The long tunic covered her skin but fit nicely around the generous hillsides of her frame. She smiled to herself, then moved toward the bathroom.

The witch changed out of her sullied traveling attire, then washed hastily in the basin. She felt refreshed in her short-hemmed tunic and left to find only Sorcha and her father in the guest room.

Except, her father was sitting up, the gray, washed-out skin and barren stare gone. There was even a healthy rosiness pricking his cheeks, and Thalia swore the golden rim of his eyes had made their triumphant return.

She felt a glow in her chest and didn’t recognize it, for a moment. She blinked at Sorcha, mouth hanging open in wonder.

“What happened?” she asked breathlessly.

Sorcha beamed at her silently.

EIGHT

DRAKE

Drake was quite pleased with himself for calling in Sorcha and Nerin ahead of schedule. It was all worth it to see the look of recognition on Thalia’s pretty face. Sorcha was a woman who was very easy to become enamored with, not only for her aesthetic beauty but her inherently sunny disposition.

He hoped her enticing presence would help Thalia drop her guard. He had felt her softening since they’d had their romantic ride along the cool evening breeze, but it moved along far too laboriously for the king’s liking.

Perhaps his introduction to Sorcha would imply his tenderness and affection.

Drake had a drink with Sorcha at the inn tavern, then departed to get himself spruced up for dinner. It would take place at a private table meant for visitors of his caliber, on a small veranda.

He wore attire that best walked the line between considerate and casual. But always with the cloak layered over top on the off chance their presence at the inn would be noticed by a traitorous spy. He kept the hood down and ran the edge of his dagger along his jawline to rid of the minuscule peppering of hair that had sprouted over the expedition.

He attended dinner with the Creation Sorceress, Thalia, along with his personal sorceress and handmaiden to his mate. Evanth remained in his room with Nerin, his caretaker, so Thalia could dine freely.

Thalia arrived once dusk had been vanquished, her spirit palpably enlivened. She was wearing yet another short-hemmed tunic but without the leather knee-high boots.

Her hair retained its natural silky polish but had been brushed and pushed out of her eyes. She tucked the curls behind her ear, the quaffed look showing off dangling jade earrings.

Drake didn’t think that she could be any more gorgeous. His heart swelled at the sight of her. This was his mate. This was the woman who would stand by his side forever whether she knew it yet or not. Thalia would empower him, make his magic pulse like the way she made his heart pound.

The dragon in him stirred to be free again, to nuzzle into her touch and feel the power flowing in her veins. He tamped it down, savoring this moment for himself alone. Soon enough, she’d understand the bond they shared. There’d be plenty of time for affection after.

---