Page 34 of The Dragon's Gambit
Reiya looked at him curiously. The man lowered his hand from her and sat down. She grabbed a chair and scooted it up next to him.
“I haven’t touched anyone in ten years,” the man said quietly.
“Ten years?! No one? Oh, my goodness.” Reiya reached out, placing her hand over his. No wonder he was craving touch so badly. She couldn’t imagine not being able to touch anyone for a week, let alone ten years.
“No one can be around me. No one. That’s why there’s so much distance between me and the other guests. It’s physically painful for them to be near me.” The man looked over at the other dragons. It was clear he had been very lonely. “I couldn’t even be around my mate when I found her. It’s been pure torture.” The man’s green eyes teared up again as he glanced out at the dance floor.
“What on earth happened?” Reiya asked quietly.
“When I was sixteen, I was a young, arrogant fool. I scoffed at another’s feelings for me. She confessed her attraction to me, but I dismissed her and even mocked her. I was a stupid kid. She was a young witch, and I hurt her feelings … her pride. I even had others tease her. Her grandmother was the head of a very powerful coven of witches. She placed a curse on me so that I would never be able to be touched again. That I would never be able to feel the warmth of an embrace, or to know love. We tried for years to get the curse reversed, but it was too powerful. And no one dared to cross the matriarch of that coven. She even killed her own sister. So, I have been left with this curse. I’m twenty-six years old now, and from the moment the curse was placed on me until just now, you’re the first person I’ve touched.”
Reiya listened to the young man’s story. It was so sad. He was a kid who’d made a mistake. He shouldn’t have to continue to live with that punishment.
“I’m Reiya. It’s nice to meet you.” Reiya smiled and squeezed the man’s hand.
“I’m Mason.”
“Oh, Mason, the King of the East?” Reiya was able to make the connection then. That was why he looked uninterested. That was why it was difficult meeting with Mason … because of the curse.
“And you are the fairy princess that no one can stop talking about. You’re on everyone’s lips.” Mason’s green eyes glinted with interest.
Reiya smiled. She knew everyone was talking about her. She looked at Mason and wondered. She didn’t have any experience, but she was a fairy. She came from a long line of healers … a very powerful line of healers. Maybe she could help this man. “Do you mind if I take a closer look?” Reiya asked quietly. She watched the man nod his head.
Reiya reached her two hands out and rested them on his temples. She gazed into his eyes and concentrated, trying to focus on the different lights. She could see the colors swirling, and finally, she was able to see a mass that did not belong. A chill radiated from it, something full of malice and hate. Everything about it evoked a sense of foreboding and unease, leaving her with an overwhelming feeling of dread.
“Please, hold still,” Reiya commanded with a whisper. With that, she focused on the ominous light. Her body began to react and retaliate against the threat. This light was poisonous. It was dangerous, and her body knew it was unsafe. She could feel the icy stabs trickle up her arms. The frosted liquid seeped into her veins and slithered up to her shoulders. Her chest hurt as her lungs clenched from the cold. A frosty breath blew from her mouth. Her nose stung from the icy chill. The numb, stabbing pains jolted up her arms, causing her to whimper, but she didn’t let go. She continued to draw out the curse, taking it deeper inside herself, where she was purifying the poisonous light.
She could hear the muffled calls of her name coming from Brody and Xander behind her. They were standing at a distance, the curse still keeping them away. She wasn’t done yet. She hadto help him. She struggled to take in a breath as the air she inhaled became like icy needles entering her lungs. Her stomach clenched. It was like getting kicked in the gut as the curse flowed through her. It was almost gone. The evil light inside him had almost diminished. She used her remaining strength to sear the icy light away. Once she felt the light dissipate, she began to fade. She fell forward into Mason, who caught her. She didn’t have any strength left. She could hear the voices surrounding her but didn’t have the energy to open her eyes.
She felt herself lifted away from Mason, her frigid body seared by a familiar heat. She snuggled into it, looking to warm herself, smiling as she nuzzled her head into him. “Lee,” she whispered, her eyes closed. “It’s gone.”
Xander looked at Reiya. She looked so vulnerable, all curled up in Levi’s arms. What she said brought realization and shock to his face. He turned and reached out to Mason. He grabbed onto his hand and pulled him up into a hug.
“Mason, she broke the curse!” Xander gasped. Mason had tears flowing down his face.
“She’s an angel, sent to rescue me from this torment,” Mason rasped out as he sobbed. After ten years, the curse was gone. He could finally go and be with his mate. This new realization hit him, and he looked out over the crowd. He wanted to hold her. He wanted to smell her. He wanted to kiss her. He saw her in the distance, and his feet swiftly carried him away.
Xander watched Mason with a smile. He knew where he was headed. He then turned back to Reiya, who was still in Levi’s arms. Brody was gently rubbing her head.
"Her body is ice," Brody said, his voice cracking as he pressed a trembling hand to her forehead, eyes darting frantically between her pale face and Levi.
Lee growled and looked down at her angrily. “She’s too reckless.”
“Levi, she broke the curse. She’s amazing. She basically saved Mason’s life. We both know he wouldn’t have lasted much longer. He couldn’t continue to live like that.” Xander could understand being concerned for Reiya, but what she did was amazing.
Lee glared at Xander. “Not at her expense. Nothing is worth it if it’s at her expense. I’m getting her inside. She needs to warm up.” Lee turned and stormed away.
“I think Reiya’s in trouble.” Xander rubbed the back of his head and looked over at Brody. “Hungry? We have quite the spread here.” He watched Brody’s eyes trail after Reiya. “She’s going to be fine. Plus, she’s in the most capable hands, and I know you’re starving. When are you not hungry?” Xander smirked.
Brody nodded and looked back at Xander. “You’re right. I know she’s safe with him. Alright … show me how the dragon king feasts.” Brody followed Xander to a long serving table. Xander was right. Of course, he was starving. So he fought against his instinct to be at Reiya’s side. She was with her summon, the dragon deity. She was in safe hands.
Lee took Reiya into his room and pulled back the covers. He placed her on the bed with him and pulled the blankets over her while he continued to warm her with his body heat. She did too many dangerous things. He’d been trying to clear his head when he spotted her in the distance. He could see she was in distress, and he wanted to stop her from hurting herself. He arrived just in time to bring her cold body into his embrace. She wasn’t in distress but was happy! She had smiled, happy she’d helped Mason. He felt her lose consciousness as he held her. This wastoo close for comfort for him. She had put herself in a dangerous situation, and he couldn’t lose her. He would protect her, even if it meant protecting her from herself and her negligent actions.
Reiya was enveloped in a comforting cocoon, seeped in warmth and security. Strong arms held her close, providing a sense of safety and protection. Soft, plush blankets were draped over her, swaddling her in cozy layers. She opened her eyes slowly and looked around. This was clearly not her room. Snuggling deeper in the hot arms she was wrapped in, she turned her head slightly and looked up to see light blue eyes piercing down at her. She could see the agitation in them immediately. She closed her eyes again and took in a small breath. Her body was still tired but was recovering. She wasn’t sure how long she’d been unconscious, but one thing was certain. It looked like she was going to have a fight on her hands. She opened her eyes and met with his unwavering gaze.
“Is it just me, or are you happy to see me?” Reiya teased, and she heard Lee snort in irritation. Yep, he was angry, and she was going to have to go to battle to defend herself. She was proud of herself, too, having just saved a dragon king from a miserable life. He could now be with his mate. She’d accomplished something miraculous and had a newfound confidence in herself. She felt more power inside of her than she had ever felt. And here was Lee, ready to smash it. Well … he could try.
Chapter 23 I’m A Woman
