Chapter 10 #3
“I didn’t think you were asking for anything.
I’m the one who was too curious, wondering about your family’s wellbeing, and now I know, and it helps me understand you better.
Yes, maybe I could eventually help your brother, but if you don’t want me to help him, don’t worry.
And there’s no shame in needing things, needing help, needing money.
I’ve spent almost all my life in need, and that doesn’t make me any less than anyone.
The ups and downs of life don’t determine your value. ”
I take a sip of my wine and rest the cup on the table. “They don’t, but they change how people perceive you.” I’m still thinking about Ledeia with a fisherman, and what it would mean for me and Alayel.
“That can be true, and can create obstacles, but obstacles can be overcome. You’ll find the solution for your brother.”
I nod, and then he steers the conversation to more pleasant topics. I tell him about my Dragon Knowledge class, and he tells me about the other classes I haven’t taken yet.
The waiter brings our plates, and at first I’m confused, wondering if they caught some small lobsters, but no, they’re shrimp—more gigantic than any I’ve ever seen, and cooked to perfection, not too tender, not hard.
The texture is soft on my tongue, well seasoned with a light, zesty hint of lime and herbs, coated in the decadent, creamy sauce.
I take my bites slowly, savoring each taste, until there’s nothing left on my plate.
Alayel is staring at me, his plate only half-eaten, and I wonder if he thinks I eat like a savage beast. He wouldn’t be too wrong.
“It was really good.” I smile and pretend I’m not the least embarrassed.
We drink some more wine, then he gets up and goes inside to pay—or maybe to exchange some favor?
At least I drank very little wine, as even with the small amount, my head feels light as we walk back to the academy. As we approach it, a sight catches my eye. Auranius is upside down, grabbing the building of the academy and the castle, his face close to a window.
I frown. “That is weird.”
“What?”
“Auranius,” I say. “I never saw him doing that, but then I didn’t have a view of the academy from the restaurant.”
“I’ve never seen him do that either, but to be fair, I live inside the building.”
“Sometimes he perches on the castle. It’s strong enough to withstand his weight, but this… I don’t know.”
Auranius then moves up again and sits on top of the castle. Maybe this is normal, and I just had never glimpsed it. I don’t know why it gives me the creeps, why a strange chill takes my insides.
“Are you afraid of him?” Alayel’s voice startles me. What a strange question.
“Of Auranius? No. I’m wondering if he’s all right. I’m not sure.”
Alayel stares at the golden dragon, his expression amused. “If I told people back in Cainara that we had a dragon this big flying over our city, they’d be terrified.”
“But people sail here. Wouldn’t they know?”
“Not that many boats come to these parts, and sailors exaggerate, except that you can’t exaggerate Auranius’ size. And if you consider that many in the Sorensen Kingdom think dragons are some myth… Anyway, that’s one gigantic dragon.”
“You got that big window, one day you’ll wake up with his big eye spying you.”
Alayel opens his arms. “Let him look. I have nothing to hide.”
Speaking of dragons, I decide to ask again, and whisper, “You really didn’t put a little dragon in my room?”
He clicks his tongue and shakes his head. “I did not. But I’ll help you figure out who did it.”
We take the same discreet passageway into the academy, and he walks me to my door. I was expecting him to invite me to his room or to make some kind of lewd suggestion, but, so far, he’s been nothing but a gentleman, and quite pleasant.
I stand with my back to my door, Alayel in front of me. So close.
“Got your schedule?” he asks.
“Kingdom of the Riders Studies tomorrow. I’ll pay attention to the bells, and won’t be late.”
He gives me one of his heart-stopping smiles. “Thank you. For coming. For this. For existing. For everything. This was one of the best evenings of my life.”
His words make my heart race, and I try to be playful about it. “No need to exaggerate. But it was nice.”
“Nice is a sunset. You’re much more than that. Impossible to exaggerate.”
His face is so close to mine. His scent so inebriating. His lips so thick. A new heat permeates my body. A want.
He takes a step forward, and my breath stops. Our eyes lock. I don’t know if I want to kiss him. No, I most definitely want to kiss him, but at the same time, I don’t know what will happen if I do. Fear, desire, confusion are battling in my mind while his dark eyes are pulling me in.
His face comes near mine—and he gives me a quick kiss on the cheek, then smirks.
“See you.”
With that, he walks away, leaving me here, trembling, a storm brewing in my mind. Had he tried to kiss my lips, would I have stopped him? Was there any reason to stop him?
The night was lovely. Alayel was lovely.
But he’s a prince. I’m not even a recruit.
Debating with myself will hardly give me any answer.
I insert the key and open my dark, gloomy, small room, close the door behind me, then sit on the bed, resting my face on my hands. What did I get myself into?
A movement on the corner of the bed catches my eye.
Not again.