Chapter Eleven

Safina

I was at a loss forwords, for never before had I been in such a fine structure, more like a grand castle for many lords and ladies than a dwelling for a young woman and her husband. Abby assured me 'twas merely the home of her best friend Charlotte and her new husband, Mr. Theodore Carter. After we crossed a pretty courtyard with fragrant peach trees and ascended fancy tile steps, we stood in what Abby called the foyer beneath mahogany doors tall enough to have admitted me in dragon form. They had colored glass windows depicting a scene of flowers in the spring. Abby pushed a large button on the tile wall that produced the beautiful sound of ringing bells, heralding our arrival.

Oh, Almighty Mother! Here was a palace fit for a dragon royal. I hadn't met Charlotte yet, and already I was envious that a mere mortal should live in such a place.

The door creaked open, revealing a tall, robust man with skin the color of polished onyx who was built very much like Moses. He wore a smooth black suit with a weave so tight not even my dragon-touched eyes could detect a flaw. The whites of his eyes shone as he gaped at Abby.

"M-Miss Abby!" he stammered, his dark skin turning a sickly shade of gray. Even his voice was deep like Moses, and he smelled like Moses, too, a blend of sweet spices, butter, and the starch mortals put on their clothes. My dragon-touched senses could discern they were related, possibly brothers.

Abby planted hands on her hips, scowling up at him. "Well, Josiah, are you going to let us in?"

"Forgive me, miss. You startled me. My mistress has been beside herself, thinking you would never recover." He frowned, wringing his big hands together. "And Lord have mercy, here you are." There was no doubting his surprise. His hands shook and his voice quavered. "You are not an apparition, are you?"

Abby blew out an exasperated breath, swatting at the big man as if he was a fly. "You know I don't believe in none of that hogwash, Josiah." She tugged on my hand, pushing past him. "I don't have a calling card, but I'm sure Mrs. Carter can make time for her oldest and dearest friend."

"I'll get my mistress." Josiah nearly tripped over a finely woven rug while looking back at Abby as if she indeed was a ghost.

"Let's go wait in the parlor." Abby led me across polished wooden floors.

I was hardly aware of Abby tugging on my sleeve as I gawked at the silver candlesticks and fancy potted flowers. Abby slid open a door, stomping into a grand room with walls covered in dainty blue flowers. All along the top edges of the walls were intricate carvings inlaid with gold. The ceiling was tall and dome-shaped, reminding me of churches in Rome Mother had described. In the center of the ceiling was a painted scene of cherubs dancing through the clouds. I spun a slow circle, gaping at more fine vases, thickly padded chairs, and a tall glass window framed with heavy floral drapes.

"Heavens, Abby." I gasped. "This is a palace."

Abby scowled. "It's nice, but it's not as cozy as my nana's place."

"Abby. Is it you? Is it really you?"

I turned, awestruck by the fairest woman I'd ever seen. She had pale hair piled on top of her head in little ringlets, smooth porcelain skin, a pert, turned-up nose, and eyes of a dazzling blue. Her features were so perfect, she could have been carved from marble. I smoothed a hand down my freckled arm, feeling suddenly self-conscious about my own beauty, for my mortal flesh was no match for this earthly angel. It was only when the woman turned to the side, clutching the door frame with whitened knuckles, that I noticed her protruding stomach. It didn't mar her beauty. If anything, the blush of motherhood added flattering color to her cheeks.

"Y-Yes," Abby stammered as her face paled. "It's me." Defiance radiated in her eyes as she dropped her trembling hands to her sides.

I felt the unsettling weight of Abby's apprehension in the marrow of my bones. Something told me Abby's friendship with this girl was a complex one, and bitter as well.

Charlotte let go of the door frame and took a hesitant step toward Abby, then another, before she launched herself into Abby's arms, sobbing into her hair while clutching her shoulders.

Abby patted her friend on the back as if she were trying to burp an infant. "There, there," she said with little inflection in her voice. "It's all right."

Abby's mock endearment only made Charlotte cry harder.

I felt like an intruder watching this one-sided display of affection, for it was clear Charlotte's love was not returned. I wondered what Charlotte had done to earn Abby's animosity.

Abby scowled, struggling out of her friend's embrace. "You're mussing my hair."

Charlotte pulled back, searching Abby's face with the intensity of a firestorm. "Abby, how is it possible that you're well?"

Abby shrugged. "I suppose the injury wasn't as bad as it looked." Then she turned to me with a wide, frozen smile. "Charlotte, this is my new friend, Safi."

My knees weakened the moment the pale-haired beauty turned her eyes to me. I had no idea why a mere mortal would have such a disconcerting effect on me, but I wanted nothing more than to disappear beneath the plush padded carpet I was soiling with my gritty boots.

I clenched my hands, bracing myself for Charlotte's censure. What I wasn't expecting was for Charlotte to smile warmly.

"I'm sorry. Please excuse my manners." Charlotte made a slight curtsy, so I did the same. "Safi?" She quirked a brow, looking from me to Abby. "Is that all?"

"You might as well be on a first-name basis." Abby plopped onto a finely embroidered sofa, not seeming to mind that she knocked a little tasseled pillow onto the floor. "Safi is already like a best friend and a sister to me." She toyed with a piece of lace on her skirt, frowning like a petulant child. "Ever since you decided to extend your honeymoon."

Charlotte quickly crossed to the sofa. She sat beside Abby, pulling her hands into her lap. "We didn't mean to be away from Galveston for so long, but Mr. Carter was busy securing more investors for his father's business."

Abby pulled back, sneering. "Mr. Carter? Have we become so formal? I called him Teddy before you ever knew him."

I loathed being the awkward interloper. I desperately wanted to hide behind the floral draperies but instead sat on the edge of a chair, back stiff, as I'd seen my mother do earlier.

"I know, Abby." Charlotte reached for her again, the plea in her voice more pronounced. "Please forgive me. It has been so long."

"Oh, all right," Abby huffed.

"Did you receive any of my letters?" Charlotte asked meekly, toying with the lace hem on her dress.

Abby shrugged. "I did, but I'm afraid I've been too busy to write back."

Charlotte flashed a pained smile. "No matter. We have plenty of time to catch up."

"Sure," Abby said as she inspected grime beneath her nails.

Why was Abby behaving so cruelly toward a friend who clearly desired her affection? If I'd had a friend like Charlotte, I'd cherish that friendship and never let it go.

Charlotte acted as if she'd hug Abby again, but when Abby pulled back with a stiff neck, Charlotte turned to me. "Safi, isn't Abby's recovery a miracle?" she asked with a trembling lip.

I flashed Charlotte what I hoped was my warmest smile. "Aye, it is."

"Oh, heavens." Charlotte placed a hand on her chest, leaning back against the sofa. "My heart is thumping. Where is Josiah with that tea? Come closer, Abby." She patted the seat beside her, frowning as Abby scooted farther away. "Tell me all about your recovery."

"It was nothing, really," Abby said with an indifference that was starting to grate on my nerves. "I just needed rest and my nana's love."

"Oh, Nana must be so relieved." Charlotte heaved a sigh. "I meant to call on her yesterday, but I was sick nearly all day." She frowned, smoothing a hand over her round abdomen.

"That's okay." Abby's cheeks colored as she glared at Charlotte's stomach. "She didn't seem in the least bit put out." She flashed a smile that didn't mask the coldness in her eyes before nodding to Charlotte's chest, which was covered in several layers of white frilly fabric. "Is that frock from France?"

"Yes." Charlotte perked up, beaming. "Do you like it? The deep lace yoke is all the rage in Paris."

Abby snorted. "It makes you look like a chicken. You should come to my yard and peck around. You'd fit right in."

Charlotte's face fell before she plastered on another smile. There was no masking the hurt in her eyes. I felt pity for the poor woman, followed by a surge of anger. Why was Abby behaving so cruelly toward her? I had had my fill of taunting mortal girls in my lifetime and had just about had enough. Then my mother's warning reverberated in my ear. "There are two sides to every story, child. Do not judge in haste."

The door slid open and in walked Josiah, pushing a small silver cart laden with heavenly smelling goodies, the aromas of which made my nose twitch and my mouth water. Those two morsels Abby fed me earlier had only served to stoke my appetite, not appease it.

"Oh, thank you, Josiah. I'm famished." Charlotte's hands shook as she stood and poured tea into small cups. Even from a distance, my dragon-touched senses could hear the woman's rapid heartbeat. She was still unnerved by Abby's rejection.

Charlotte handed the cup and a dish to Josiah, who set them on a low table beside Abby. I moved to the edge of my seat, my nostrils flaring as I inhaled the spicy, fragrant scents. I so badly wanted to snatch the tray and devour everything in one hungry swallow, but I feared I'd anger my new friends.

"Do you take cream or sugar?" Charlotte asked.

My eyes bulged when I realized Charlotte was looking directly at me. "Aye."

Charlotte's genuine smile infused my chest with warmth. How could Abby find fault with this kind-hearted beauty? Charlotte dropped one white lump, then another into my tea and stirred cream into the mix before handing the delicate cup to Josiah. Anticipation swept up my spine when he set the tray beside the tea. It took all my willpower not to pounce on the offering.

I beamed at Josiah. "Thank you."

"My pleasure, miss," Josiah answered with an infectious grin.

I eyed Abby carefully, following her example as Abby took a small bite of square bread and sipped her tea. I nibbled the end of my bread, too, amazed to find the inside filled with sweet and fragrant meat. Before I could help myself, I'd shoved the entire treat in my mouth, moaning as I savored the rich flavors. I eagerly finished off the rest of my tray and then grabbed the tea off the saucer. The cup was so small, it would hardly serve two mouthfuls. Trying my best to keep up the appearance I was a proper lady, I swallowed my drink in four small gulps, letting out a belch of satisfaction when I'd drained the cup. The tea certainly was delicious, not as robust as mead, but enjoyable nonetheless. I set the empty cup back on the saucer with a clank, smiling broadly at my friends.

The censure in Abby's hardened eyes was enough to make me shudder. And then I belched again, this time with no warning, so I was not able to cover my mouth. Abby's scowl deepened. I had no idea why Abby was so cross. Was it that second belch? Had I eaten too fast? I took note of Abby's tray with the partially eaten bread and untouched pastries. Surely Abby hadn't meant for me to waste food.

I eyed the silver cart across from me, licking my lips at the sight of several more pieces of uneaten bread and pastries. I repressed a growl as a fly swarmed the food, stealing bites for himself, no doubt, while the leftovers grew cold and stale. I wondered what my friends would say if I walked over to the cart and helped myself to more, for the food Charlotte had served me certainly wasn't filling enough.

At the sound of Josiah clearing his throat, I caught his expression, wondering if he was snickering or scowling as he shook his head and clucked his tongue. I bowed my head and tried to ignore the rumbling in my stomach. This was so unfair. A dragoness needed real food, not crumbs. Mortals and their strange customs were so tiring.

A jolt electrified me when Charlotte cried out, stumbling forward, and much to my dismay, knocking the cart of tea and treats to the floor. Luckily, Josiah caught Charlotte in time, helping his mistress to the sofa. Clutching her abdomen, Charlotte curled up in a fetal position.

"Charlotte!" Abby jumped from her seat, grabbing Charlotte's shoulder. She looked at the manservant with fear in her eyes. "Josiah, ring the doctor."

The man headed for the door.

"No, no, Josiah." Charlotte grabbed the back of the sofa and slowly pulled herself up. "It's okay. This is a daily occurrence." She flashed a half-hearted smile at Abby while patting her abdomen.

I vaguely remembered my mother having to tend to a young woman in our last village who had also been far along with child. The babe's movement rendered the poor mother immobile, and the dragon queen had to guide the child back into place.

"You're not in labor?" Abby asked with a voice that shook with fear. Interesting that when pressed during an urgency, Abby showed concern for her friend.

"Goodness, no." Charlotte laughed and then winced as she arched back. "He's kicking me again."

"I'll go ring Mr. Carter, then," Josiah said before hurrying out of the room.

"Oh, dear," Charlotte moaned. "Teddy can hardly attend to business if he's always fussing over me."

Abby frowned, placing a trembling hand on Charlotte's abdomen. "Can I do anything?"

"No, Abby. It will pass eventually." Charlotte twisted in her seat, no doubt looking for a more comfortable position. "I fear he's going to be a rough and tumble boy like his father."

I bent on one knee beside Charlotte, homing in on the child. I reached out, placing a hand next to Abby's. My dragon-touched senses could feel the flutter of the babe's heartbeat. At once I was struck by an image of the child. I saw that it was a girl, awake and alert, straining for the sound of her mother's voice. I was in awe of my discovery. I was becoming more empathetic, like my mother. Perhaps I'd soon master my healing powers, too.

I looked up at Charlotte with a wide smile. "'Tis a girl. I can hear her heart beating."

As soon as I had spoken, I knew I'd broken a mortal taboo. I sensed Charlotte's shock and the prickling of skin on Abby's nape.

Abby let out a burst of nervous laughter. "No, you can't, silly goose."

My face flushed, and I cursed myself a fool for not being more circumspect. For so long, I'd wished for mortal friends, and my thoughtless confession put my new alliance at risk.

Charlotte blinked at me. Thankfully, I didn't read judgment in her eyes, but the poor woman was certainly confused. She offered a hesitant smile. "I did hear my baby's heart beating last week when Dr. Morris called." She leaned back as the babe began to settle down. "He let me listen through his stethoscope. It was the most wondrous sound."

"I'm sure Teddy was thrilled," Abby said with a touch of derision in her voice.

I realized the tension between Abby and Charlotte somehow stemmed from Abby's feelings toward Teddy. I wondered what this man with the "horse face and soup strainer mustache" had done to Abby, for I was certain the blame was with Charlotte's husband. If I had learned anything from my mother, it was that men were not without guile.

"He wanted to be there," Charlotte said on a sigh, "but he was on business in Houston. The doctor says I'll deliver next month."

I suspected the babe would come much sooner, but I decided not to voice my opinion again.

Abby sat back on the sofa while shooting me an urgent look. I sensed Abby wanted me to get up off the floor. I obediently stood and quietly sat back down on the chair, smoothing out my dress and pretending to be a lady of quality, not some backward hatchling.

"Have you picked out names yet?" Abby sat beside Charlotte, patting her knee in an awkward display of affection.

Charlotte nodded. "Theodore James Carter if it's a boy, just like Teddy and his father. Teddy wants a son to carry on the family legacy."

"Mr. Carter's father is a banker, too," Abby said to me. "The family lends money to half of Texas." Abby leaned toward Charlotte, the weight of her stare so heavy, even I shifted in discomfort. "And what if the babe is a girl?" she asked. "What shall you name her?"

Charlotte blushed before looking at her abdomen. "To be honest, Teddy and I have not settled on a girl's name yet."

Abby pulled away. "Well, whatever name you pick, I'm sure it will be lovely."

Again, I sensed an undercurrent of unease in Abby's words and manners. Something was left unspoken between them, and though they skirted the crux of the problem, it was plain to see the feelings of resentment bubbling at the surface of Abby's aura, like a steaming hot cauldron on the brink of bursting.

Charlotte's bottom lip trembled as she rested her hands on her stomach. "I-I just want the baby to be healthy, and for us both to survive the delivery."

Abby's mouth twisted as if she'd eaten a spoonful of sour porridge. "How morbid, Charlotte."

"My mother died birthing me, and my grandmother died birthing my mother. It seems we are cursed. I am only eighteen. I don't want to die," Charlotte cried out before burying her face in her hands.

Abby scooted closer to her, placing a hand on her arm. "Well, then, you won't die. Your mother and grandmother had midwives. I'm sure your husband will get you the best doctors. You needn't worry your head a bit."

"Thank you." Charlotte sniffled, dabbing her eyes with a finely embroidered cloth. "Teddy says it's normal for women in my condition to cry."

"Sure." A look of annoyance flitted across Abby's features. "I guess."

"It's just that we are young, Abby, and life is so precious." She grabbed Abby's hands, forcefully pulling Abby toward her. "You know that, right?" Charlotte beseechingly searched Abby's gaze with so much intensity, I could practically feel the woman's gut twist with a keen sense of desperation.

"Yes, yes, I know that." Abby rolled her eyes, pulling away.

"I visited you in the infirmary. Maybe you don't remember." Charlotte pasted on a smile that was clearly forced. "I never thought you'd recover."

"Well, I did." Abby scooted to the edge of the sofa, brushing imaginary dust off her skirt.

A knock sounded on the door. I turned, hoping to see Josiah with a new cart of goodies. Instead, in walked one of the most handsome men I had ever beheld: tall with broad shoulders, a strong jaw, thick dark hair, and sharp brown eyes that were alight with worry as he focused on Charlotte. I could feel distress jumping off his skin. He strode toward Charlotte in long, purposeful strides.

He wedged himself beside Abby, grasping Charlotte's shoulders. "Are you all right, my dear?" He tenderly brushed the back of his hand down her face.

Her cheeks flushed bright crimson as she looked deep into his eyes. "Yes. Our child is growing restless, is all."

He planted a tender kiss on her forehead. "Only a short while, and you will no longer bear this burden."

Her eyes fluttered shut as he rested his forehead against hers. "A burden I gladly bear."

If I had felt like the interloper before, it was nothing compared to the awkward ache that settled in my chest at the young lovers' display of affection. They acted as if they were the only two people in the room, shielded by an invisible cocoon of love.

Watching the two exchange tender touches and secretive glances, a feeling came over me that I'd never felt before. I knew at once it was envy. For the passionate feelings that surged through the lovers shot straight to my heart like a bolt of lightning, nearly knocking me backward with the strength of it. These two were not just of one mind and body, but their souls were entwined, too. At that moment I realized what I wanted most in the world. To be loved exactly as Charlotte's husband loved her. If only there was such a man. But my shoulders fell at the memory of my mother's words. "Guard your heart against mortal men, for once they discover your secret, you will only be a monster in their eyes."

Could Mother have been right? Would all mortal men find me repulsive? Mother had said she and I were the last two of our kind, that mortal prejudice had destroyed the rest of our race. I hoped the mortals of 1900 would be kinder toward dragon folk. For now that I'd seen and felt true love, I so wanted a lover of my own.

Abby loudly cleared her throat, tapping her foot on the carpet.

Charlotte pulled away from her husband. "My dear Mr. Car...Teddy," she said to him, "look who has called on me."

Teddy flushed before abruptly standing, bowing low toward Abby. "Forgive me my manners. How are you feeling, Miss Abigail?"

Abby's eyes sparkled as she gaped at Teddy. Then she shook her head as if to clear a fog. Pulling back her shoulders, Abby's face became a mask of stone. "I am well, thank you."

I wasn't fooled. I saw that Abby pined for Theodore Carter.

He ran a hand through his thick hair, looking from Abby to his wife and back again. "But you were in such a bad way. Forgive me, but we never thought.... I'm sorry. It was only two days ago we saw you lying there in bandages. My sweet wife has been despondent since we visited you in the hospital. She thinks of you as her sister." He bent over her, encompassing her small hand in his large one. "We both do."

"A sister," Abby said through gritted teeth. "How nice."

Charlotte motioned toward me. "Mr. Carter, I'd like you to meet Abby's friend, Miss Safi...." She shot Abby a questioning glance.

Abby chuckled under her breath but offered me no reprieve. Ooh, what game did Abby play, and why had she thrust me in the middle?

I squared my shoulders, looking directly at Mr. Carter as if I had no secrets to hide. "Safina MacQuoid."

I knew not where that surname had come from. Perhaps I was recalling a villager from the old world. I was a Firesblood, not a MacQuoid, but my family name hinted of magic and dragons, something these mortals wouldn't have understood. Besides, the more I thought about it, the more the name seemed to fit. I particularly liked the way it rolled off my tongue. Aye. I'd pretend to be a MacQuoid, if only during my time in Galveston.

Abby abruptly stood, glaring at Mr. Carter. "Well, Charlotte, you clearly need rest, and we must be on our way. I have so much of Galveston to show my dear friend."

I didn't like the way Abby emphasized ‘dear,' as if I suddenly meant something to her. Though I knew little of love, it was clear now that Abby desired Theodore and scorned Charlotte for winning his heart. It was also painfully clear I had been used as a pawn in Abby's game. I felt as if my heart had been torn from my chest and cast onto those jagged rocks below the pier. I had so been hoping for a friend, but Abby was very much like the cruel mortal children I'd fled centuries ago.

"Yes, of course." Charlotte made as if to rise, but her husband placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. She clutched his hand looking up at him. They exchanged tender looks before she offered both Abby and me warm smiles. "I hope you both call on me again soon."

"As soon as we are able," Abby said with a flourish as she grabbed my elbow, tugging me toward the door. "I cannot guarantee when that will be, as Safi and I are both so busy."