Page 4 of Emperor of Draconis

Damn, there was Torr again. “How do you manage to have so much free time?”

“I have to eat too. I just wait to eat with you.” He grinned at her.

It was hard not to smile at him. “Fine. I hope Tomi has some good food for us.”

“Tomi rarely works this late. I’m sure we’ll find something good anyway.”

Of course, they did. The food here was always good. They ate until they were almost done then Torr began to speak. “Any issues with the program?”

“Things are better now. I have an assistant who is local and helping me. He just started, but I have a good feeling about him.”

“I’ve heard. I know Earlist and he’s very good.” Torr admitted. “Have you gotten away from the castle much? I thought I would give you a tour of the area. Maybe tomorrow?”

“That sounds nice. What time?”

“I’ll come and get you for breakfast then we’ll head out.”

Once they were done eating, Torr escorted her back to her rooms. She was tired and ready to sleep. Tomorrow would be a busy day. The emperor was wearing her down and she was giving in more each day. It was easier to let him help her get her bearing around here than to fight him off. Getting ready for bed, she was asleep in no time. Dreams filled her night until she woke feeling sleepy and disagreeable. Torr might regret spending time with her today.

She was ready just as he arrived. “Good morning, Kitty. I hope you slept well.”

“Not really, but I’m sure I’ll be alright after breakfast.” At least she hoped she would be.

“Let’s go so we get the best choice.”

It worked out well and Tomi cooked eggs Benedict for them. “This is so good. I’ve never had anything like it before.”

“On Earth, this is a gourmet treat. I’d say many people have never had it and I’ve only had it occasionally. Tomi is such a sweetheart.”

“You are so lucky to have a wonderful family.”

“Do you not have a family?” She asked.

“I do, but my parents travel and find enjoyment wherever they happen to be. My father became emperor at an early age and was glad to pass the responsibility down. My mother is not the maternal type. I love them dearly, but they are how they are. My brothers are both kings and busy with their kingdoms. One is on Gurshaw while the other is on Tamberine. They work hard and look out for their people. I am proud of them, but rarely see them and then it is for the business of the empire.”

“That’s sad. I have to admit I’ve not spent much time with my family, but I wish to change that now.” Kitty said.

“Maybe if you mate, you’ll have a chance to settle down.” She saw the look in his eyes. He meant with him and soon.

“We’re done eating now. We should go.” She observed.

He let her change the subject, but she knew he would change it back. They went to the roof and she shot him a puzzled look. “I plan to change so you can ride my dragon.” She turned beet red. Kitty wanted to ride him and not only his dragon, but this would move them into intimate territory. Moving closer wasn’t a good idea. “You’re not afraid, are you?” He taunted her.

“Of course not.”

“Then come along.” He directed.

Damn! Now she was committed to the ride. She watched as he changed form in a flash. His head and most of his body was gold and as he turned to her, she saw his eyes were green. He snorted in a demanding fashion and she knew he wanted her on his back. The guards set a ladder next to him and she began to climb. Once she was settled on his back and had her arms wrapped around his neck, he immediately took off.

He flew far and long until she saw water. The scent of fish hit her, and she realized they were circling ever lower to a factory. There were apartments close by that she imagined the workers lived in. As they landed, she realized some of the people coming out to see them were on the ship she’d taken here.

Carla, the woman with the anxiety condition was in the crowd. She must have taken a job here recently. She stepped up to them. “Kitty? What are you doing here?”

“We came to check on you and the others from Earth.”

“I just got here today. I’m not sure I’ll stay. Maybe we should go somewhere private to talk.” Carla led them away to where she was staying. “It’s not a bad place, but I’ve never worked a factory and I’ve been breaking out in a rash since I got here. I think I’m allergic to fish.” Tears filled her eyes as she expected recriminations.

“That’s okay. I wanted you to come to the castle with me. They have a program Danny might qualify that would work well for him. I’m also working on something for you that’s near the castle. We’ll send a car for you, okay?”

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