Chapter Twenty-Three

Duncan

I sat in the observationdeck of the train carriage, my hands shaking as I smoothed creases from the paper. I heaved a groan of relief as I scanned the headlines. No dragon sightings. I barely managed a few sips of tea before slumping in my seat. I checked my pocket watch, an unusual treasure I'd found last century in Germany. I hadn't purchased the timepiece solely for the fine craftsmanship, though the watch had been ticking for over seven decades. I'd bought it for the detailed artistry: a fire-breathing dragon inlaid in bronze, its long, barbed tail circling the circumference of the case.

We'd be in Richmond soon. My journey was almost half over, and I still had yet to think of a plan. Would I check into a hotel first and make myself presentable, or would I rush to my mate and child, falling to my knees and begging for their forgiveness?

I thought about the trinkets and treasures I'd brought with me: a diamond ring with a huge ruby center for Fiona, a porcelain doll for Safina, silk purses, ribbons, and other things I'd collected over the years.

I'd packed them in haste, not knowing if they'd accept my apology, much less my gifts. For no amount of contrition could bring back Fiona's mother. And none of those material things would prove I'd never stopped loving them.

* * *

Safina

I WAS AWESTRUCK ASI stepped inside the beautiful structure. Though the walls still stood, there were gaping holes and cracks, each side overgrown with ivy and various plants, as if the jungle had taken root in the home. Some of the bricks appeared to have been burned, a stark contrast to the green foliage that carpeted the floors. The house had no top, though the canopy of overhanging trees gave it plenty of shade. I imagined it a fairy palace; its natural beauty seemed the perfect setting for magic.

"Where are we?" I asked as I spun a slow circle.

Gabriel fisted his hands on his hips and gazed up at the overhanging branches. "I'm not sure. Looks like an abandoned plantation home."

"A plantation home?" I had never heard of such a place.

"A large farmhouse," Gabriel answered. "Be careful." He grabbed my elbow as I was about to ascend the stairs. "The structure may not be stable. I think we should go."

I shrugged off his grip, my brow furrowing. "I think we should stay."

Gabriel scowled. "Safina, the walls could cave any moment. This place has had extensive fire damage."

I was struck with an idea. I sat on the floor and hastily removed my boots before standing and slipping out of my dress.

His jaw dropped. "What are you doing?"

"Fire can heal, too, Gabriel." I winked before removing my top and shift. "You may want to step outside."

A look of understanding crossed his features before he scooped up my clothes and rushed through the open door.

I shifted into dragon form, my long neck towering above the open ceiling. The canopy of trees was breathtaking, an endless sea of green so thick, I could imagine myself running across it in human form. Birds squawked loudly as they flew from the trees, a rainbow of colors dotting the morning sky. I crouched, my eyes narrowing as I channeled my healing fires. I released my flame, starting with the ground and moving my way up the walls. It was hard to see if my magic was working through the smoke. I took a deep breath and again stoked my fires, ducking as I blew a torrent above my head. My body tingled as sparks rained down on me. I shifted back into human form, fanning the smoke as I found my way through the open front door.

"Look!" Gabriel pointed at the house.

I spun around, amazed at the opulent mansion before me. It was every bit as beautiful as Charlotte Carter's mansion back in Galveston, with pale bricks, ivory shutters, and a grand foyer with balconies on the second and third floors.

"Oh, Gabriel!" I squealed, pulling him back inside. Beams of light shone through the many large windows, illuminating the walls, still festooned with ivy, and the floor, which was carpeted with plush grass interspersed with flowers. I suspected the original home hadn't had the foliage, but it gave the place an ethereal and warm feel. For the first time ever, I felt like I was home.

"Now what do you think?" I asked.

Gabriel let out a low whistle. "I think I've found paradise." He pulled my hand to his lips, his eyes twinkling. "Thank you, Safi."

My knees weakened as the light flickering in his eyes began to smolder and burn. I knew he was thinking of coupling again, and as a wave of heat pooled between my thighs, I wanted for nothing more than him to make love to me on the soft grass.

His mouth hitched up in a devilish grin. "You need to guard your thoughts, mi amor. I can hear you."

I turned up my chin. "Maybe I wanted you to hear me."

He chuckled and hoisted me in his arms. "You're going to wear me out before I've had a chance to break in my new legs."

I frowned, biting my bottom lip. "I'm sorry."

"I'm not," he growled before kneeling and sinking into my embrace.

* * *

Safina

I AWOKE TO A RUMBLINGsound, followed by a gnawing pain in my gut. All this lovemaking had stoked my appetite, and I needed more nourishment than the flesh of coconuts. I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, surprised to find Gabriel was not there.

"Gabriel?" I called but heard no reply.

The light that spilled into the room was a soft pink. I slipped on my shift and padded across the cool grass to the window. The sun was setting and still I didn't see Gabriel, yet he was near, for I sensed the pull of his soul. I ran up the spiral staircase, calling his name as I looked inside the many rooms.

When I came upon the last room, I was amazed at the sight. A canopy of leaves covered the ceiling, and vines twisted down a four-poster bed. I was drawn to a large chest at the end of the bed, a rich mahogany piece inlaid with floral designs. Curiosity won over, and I knelt beside the chest, pulling on the hinges until it opened. I sucked in a gasp when I saw what was inside. Gowns in many bright shades with flowers stitched at the hems, jewels that sparkled like stardust. There was also a heavy silver brush and mirror. It was a chest fit for a princess, a gift, I knew without doubt, from the Almighty Mother herself.

I placed a hand across my heart, still feeling the tug of my mate nearby, and suspected he was out collecting more fruit.

I pulled the dresses out one at a time and laid them across the bed. One was warm coral with blue and yellow flowers, another was bright yellow with pink roses and green vines. The third was a white dressing gown with long tapered sleeves and a belt. Though the robe was simple, it was also of the softest silk, smoother than black moss as I rubbed it across my cheek.

I thought of the heavy skirts I'd been forced to wear since waking up in the new world, and the allure of the comfortable gown was too tempting. I slipped my arms through it and cinched it at the waist. It might have been a little big for my small frame, but it felt so luxurious, I refused to take it off.

I lay across the bed, looked up at my jungle canopy, and heaved a contented sigh. I had finally discovered a palace fit for a dragon royal, one where Gabriel and I could live and perhaps one day raise little hatchlings.

But even as I contemplated a future of freedom with a kind and giving mate, the seeds of doubt and regret began to plant themselves in my mind. Gabriel and I could build a new life and start a family, but would it be enough? What if he missed his grandfather and his brothers? And what if I longed for my mother? Though it was only yesterday I had told the dragon queen I hated her, deep in my heart I'd always love my mother, and I couldn't imagine living an eternity without her.