Special Smashwords Edition
Holiday Treats Digest
Stories by
Mae Powers
Imari Jade
Ellen Margret
Lisa M. Basso
Nancy Pirri
Jaden Sinclair
Special Smashwords Edition
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Published by
Melange Books, LLC
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Briskle’s Treasure, Mae Powers, Copyright 2009-2011
Unwrapped Gifts, Imari Jade, Copyright 2009-2011
An Angel's Agony, Ellen Margret, Copyright 2009-2011
Blood Under the Mistletoe, Lisa M. Basso, Copyright 2009-2011
Amy’s Gift, Nancy Pirri, Copyright 2009-2011
Kiss Under the Mistletoe, Jaden Sinclair, Copyright 2009-2011
ISBN 978-1-61235-253-4
Names, characters, and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Credits
Editor: Nancy Schumacher
Copy Editor: Taylor Evans
Format Editor: Mae Powers
Cover Artist: A. Bratt
Holiday Treats!
Briskle’s Treasure by Mae Powers
On a quest to find a dragon relative a specific holiday present, Briskle receives a wonderfully unexpected gift himself, from a lovely and unusual elf.
Unwrapped Gifts by Imari Jade
Naomi Davenport hates Christmas, but when Saint Peter sends three angels down to earth to show her what her life could be like, would it be enough to convince her to live?
An Angel's Agony by Ellen Margret
Angels are sometimes assigned difficult tasks. Josiah was sent to terminate a Blackessencer. Falling in love with Kyna at Christmas made it so hard.
Blood Under the Mistletoe by Lisa M. Basso
When Southern belle Holly Devereux is kidnapped during Christmas, it’s up to Victor her vampire lover to help keep her alive, and be able to show her what’s truly in his heart.
Amy’s Gift by Nancy Pirri
How does efficient personal assistant, Amy Gallagher, gain the amorous attentions of her boss, James Kent? By playing tricks—until they backfire on her and she finds herself definitely under his radar!
Kiss Under the Mistletoe by Jaden Sinclair
Lord Blythe Garrison has trouble trusting any ladies; but when he meets beguiling Frenchwoman Adela Delacroix he is taken aback by her boldness and the heat is on.
Holiday Treats Digest
Table of Contents
Briskle’s Treasure
On a quest to find a dragon relative a specific holiday present, Briskle receives a wonderfully unexpected gift himself, from a lovely and unusual elf.
Email Mae at maepowers@yahoo.com.
Digests with stories in them by Mae Powers:
Pagan Pleasures
Alien Seductions
Undersea Delights
Mélange
Jaded Destinies 1
Enchanting Eras Digest
The Aldairian Ecstasy, a futuristic romance.
Spellfire Shadows: Dark Edges, paranormal novel
Briskle’s Treasure
By Mae Powers
Chapter One
Briskle liked the festivities at Merry-Mass time. The week long festivities were usually boisterous and full of merry-making. He’d sit with his family at the head table each year during the main celebration of the day, then at some smaller area when every one mixed and mingled through out the day, as everyone did now.
The main halls and dining areas of dragon-castle were always busy, from the servants to the top royals. The huge castle from it’s brightly flagged turrets down to the main hall and below, was decorated for this yearly festive occasion; all were involved, and it seemed merrily so, in decorating the whole castle with everything from flowers to jewels.
Still, there were times he didn’t feel like part of any of the celebrations, no matter if at Merry-Mass or some other festive time. Perhaps it was just an inner loneliness, he wasn’t sure and that bothered him. Sure, he had friends and family, and though he knew they cared for him, he sometimes felt looked-over and ignored.
But then, as standard things went, no dragon liked being ignored and wanted to be the center of attention. Being born to royal parents should have given him that, but not in his case. Glancing over the festive meeting and dining area of the castle’s great hall, he’d chosen to sit at the back of the partying room, late at night, and watch the other merry-makers.
The room was mostly dragons, though other beings were amongst the dragon-kind. Some visiting unicorn dignitaries, elves and a few magical humans like wizards and nice witches. The castle had a mixture of servants and often he saw their relatives helping out or visiting dragon friends too.
Dragons in this land were mostly benevolent to human races. Some one had to look out for those simplistic beings, although, he did have some good friends amongst humans. And amongst some elves down in Scaletown and some of the smaller towns in Dragon Realm, too. He’d done a little flying and traveling over the last fifty years of his young life, but stayed homebound most of the time with his books and studies and royal duties, so knew a lot of the kingdom’s residents, of most species.
Duties his brother should be looking over and doing; and people Zamos should be getting to know, since the man intended to become king one day. Briskle wasn’t sure why that thought popped into his head. He set his mead down on the table and glanced to where he saw his popular princely brother talking to some unicorn and troll dignitaries; the dragon lord just charmed the pants nearly off them. They seemed to really enjoy the elder prince’s company, though still trying hard to gain his favor.
He knew his brother was charming, and played the dignitary well, but Zamos was a lazy hoarder. Yet, also one of the most wealthy in any dragon realm. No one knew for certain how that came about. At nearly a hundred years old, that was a fantastic feat for such a young dragon. Briskle was sure it had something to do with Vella. For since the two married, Zamos and she had become richer.
It wasn’t the envy bug of the riches Zamos and she had, though he wanted to know how the two did it, it was more the needing attention, perhaps. He wished his parents would fawn more over him as they did Zamos and Vella. He let out a slow sigh and nibbled on his bottom lip.
Jealousy wasn’t his thing. He should not be acting so selfish. He knew in their own way, his royal parents did care for him. But were they as proud? Did it really matter to him? He wished he could do something to make them just as proud of him as they were of Zamos.
“You look desolate, dear brother-in-law,” a tingling sweet voice whispered close to his left ear. In her dragonoid form, as he was in his. “I want to wish you well at this special time. What can I do to make you happier?”
He glanced over at her as she sat down next to him on a large bench at his table. “Good eve, Vella. And what witchery are you up to today?”
She chuckled and twitched her full lips. “Besides wishing you Merry-Mass, I was hoping to have a moment with you to ask your opinion and get your help.”
He cocked one thick eyebrow upwards. “You rarely seek my opinion on anything.”
“Well,” she began slowly, nibbling on her bottom lip, making him suddenly aware how nervous she was about talking to him. He’d never really seen her nervous about anything, really.
He couldn’t help himself. “Does it involve doing anything for Zamos?”
She sighed and started to move away. “I’m sorry to bother you, Briskle. I’d just wanted help with his Merry-Mass present.”
He stayed her hand. “You seem reluctant to ask, or state what’s bothering you, why?”
“I don’t’ trust anyone else like I do you, well other than the family of course. I’ve thought hard what to get Zamos and your parents, and you this year. I just don’t know…it would seem well…you’d discover your present if I asked your help. I’m sorry, really to bother you and do hope Merry-Mass is exceptional for you this year.”
He stayed her from rising and asked, “I hadn’t thought you thought that highly of me, Vella.”
She looked away from him then anxiously glanced his way. “I do think highly of you, Briskle. Zamos won’t always admit it but he does too. I’m happy with my lot in life and it’s just that this time of year, I realize how lucky I am to have such a loving husband, great in-laws and brother-in-law, and all else I could ever want in life. Now I’d like to give back in return. Yes, I know odd behavior for me, but I’m not all mischievous and selfish. I want all my family to be happy. And as an only child, you, your brother, and parents are my family.”
He tilted his head to one side and studied her. Vella wasn’t one to admit her feelings and he supposed when she did, it was an admission of trust. The thought made him smile inwardly. Vella respected him? Who’d have thought. Maybe if he gave of himself, then he’d feel less like a disappointment. Zamos admired him. Even that he didn’t think Vella would have admitted.
Being empathic, he couldn’t detect any emotional lying about her. “I appreciate your thoughts towards me, Vella. I care for my family and will be glad to help you in any way I can. What has you so anxious?”
“Thanks, dear brother.” She patted his hand in a sisterly manner. “It’s just that, well…”
“It must be a secret then if you are this hesitant to tell anyone, even me. I can be trusted.”
She nodded. “I have no doubts about that. “Well, the gifts that I have in mind would require a short journey. Not long, just a day up and back. You see, it’s about a hidden treasure. Well it won’t be hidden when you and Traice go to get it.”
His brows furrowed. “Traice, your elven servant?”
She sighed. “Well, Traice is the reason Zamos and I are so rich. Our hoard will last our descendants several lifetimes. And we are quite content with it, but there is one last object I’d like to get Zamos and your parents, and well you also.”
“I’m listening.”
She had really piqued his interest now and he was sure she knew that, for she leaned in closer and lowered her voice. “Traice won’t be in my service much longer. It is between us, of course, but I saved her life and she volunteered to be in my service for a few years for doing so. Traice has a very unique ability. For your gift and for the duration of her service I want her to help you find treasure. She won’t be your servant per say, but will locate treasure for you. Once she is done with this last quest I have for her, she will be bound to help you until the end of Merry-Mass.”
‘That’s less than a week away.” He pulled his head back a moment and glanced around the room. He spotted his brother, curiously looking their way. No, Zamos didn’t know what his wife was up to. He turned back to her. The idea of building up his own hoard had its merits. “Ok, I’m intrigued. You sure Traice won’t mind. I haven’t spoken much to her but…”
“Nope, I’ve talked to her already,” she interjected. “You may talk with her later tonight. She usually goes down to the kitchen after hours, when every one else has retired for the night.”
“This is indeed a tremendous gift on your part, Vella. But what is it you want to get Zamos and my parents? You mentioned something about a last quest Traice needed to do for you?”
“I’ve learned about a unique piece of jewelry that I want to acquire for Zamos and a bit of treasure for your parents. I just don’t want to leave to go get it with Traice, because I want it to be a surprise for them. But you visiting friends, they wouldn’t think anything was up. And you know how curious dragons are when it comes to treasure.”
He nodded. “Ah, this all makes sense. My parents would love getting new trinkets, well treasure.” He chuckled. “This is very generous of you. And a week would be more than enough to get my own hoard piled nicely. I would not want to take advantage of Traice, though, or you and my brother.”
She patted his hand again. “You won’t be. I promise.”
“Then let me know what this quest is.”
“Ok, but listen first and then be sure. What I’ve discovered is the location of the Fire-heart jewels.”
He did a sharp intake. “Those are powerful, legendary jewels. I thought they were lost in the ancient dragon battles.”
“I did some research into their origins and how they were lost. It seems both your parents’ ancestry came from the Fire-heart dragons, so rightfully the treasures and jewels would belong to them. Not only does Traice see treasures image in her mind. She can pinpoint origins, original owners, but mostly she can find the fortunes and make them be in harmony with their new owners. She’s a rare hybrid of elemental elf, human and other lineage.”
“That is amazing. She is different, that’s for sure.”
“I let her know that if she did this and helped you with your own hoard, she will be free to leave my service. She has agreed to help you. I only trust you to see to her safety. If another dragon got hold of her talents, she’d never be free to live her life. Dragons are naturally greedy of course, but we do have hearts and she’s done well for us. I want her to be happy too, but at the same time, I wanted you to benefit before I release her. Is that a good thing, not too selfish?”
He couldn’t help but admire her small bout of true unselfishness. It was an honored thing in a dragon to show. “I will be more than happy to help you, Vella, and it is a great gift that you asked me to be of assistance. What pieces then would be for my parents and Zamos and of course, yourself?”
She chuckled, then blushed. “Yes, I wouldn’t be a dragoness if there wasn’t one piece I wanted. For me, several combs and rings of gold and rubies, since Zamos loves me wearing them. For your parents, the regular heirlooms and some of the cache. I understand there will be a lot of it, from Traice’s treasure vision.”
“And for Zamos?” Now comes the truth, something at the back of his mind told him.
She sighed. “Actually only one piece. Don’t laugh and promise you won’t tell him I said this. It would devastate him.”
He was all concerned. For Vella to admit something was wrong with her brother was indeed a cause for concern. “What is wrong?”
“Well, Zamos has been so unsure of himself lately in several things…quite personal things and has really been lacking in confidence. I was thinking that the Blaze Pendant of the Fire-heart jewels would be just the thing for him. It is a confidence booster actually and gives its wearer just that. Besides, you know he likes gold, rubies, and jade the best, so I think he’d wear it. Only he doesn’t know about its power. Could we keep that bit between us? All he needs to do is wear it a few days and he’ll be confident again in our…umm…you know what I mean, I’m sure.
Briskle knew well what she meant and couldn’t believe his frisky brother was low in that department. This indeed had been an admission of strict confidence. And this was just what he needed. If he carried back the treasure to his parents, their family heirlooms, then they would be quite proud of him. But in the process he’d have helped his brother and become quite richer himself. She said Traice was in agreement.
He would do it. “Tell me what it is I must do, Vella. Your secret is safe with me.”
“Thank you, Briskle,” her eyes were misty and her voice sounded so relieved, he couldn’t help but truly feel he’d done the right thing. Briskle listened closely as she told him what he needed to know.
Chapter Two
“Not that I don’t have anything I could ever want with you as my mate, but the Fire-heart jewels and treasures will give us more than we could ever want in life, my sweet prince.”
“You are my most wondrous treasure. Tell me again about your devious plan, my precious. I noticed you had a chance to speak with Briskle before we retired.”
“Yes, my hot-tailed dragon-hunk, I did.”
“I love it when you talk deviltry to me.”
At her tingling chuckle, Zamos glanced up from their huge bed with its opulently decorated curtains of red and orange to survey his dragon wife who sat at her vanity combing out her divine golden hair. He inhaled deeply, catching his breath at the sight of her. Even after several years of marriage, she was the most beautiful female he’d ever laid eyes upon—in any of her erotic forms. Vella tempted him to extremes like no other dragoness could, it was no wonder he mated with her for life. She had the golden oomph he required in a sexual partner, the prettiness of a princess, and the cunning of a dragon-witch. She shone like gold and rubies, his favorite jewels.
During special occasions, like Merry-Mass, she even shifted more often to human form for him. During her shifts, he appreciated her special gifts to him. He deserved it, her, and more. He glanced at her again as she sat in human form before her gold encrusted mirror framed with lots of precious jewels, while she finished combing out her lustrous dark gold hair. Dressed in her signature colors of fiery reds, whites, and varying shades of gold, her luscious figure and fire-tinted, topaz eyes were an added temptation to his male senses.
He’d never tire of her. Even in her dragoness shape with scales of sparkling ruby and gold she had a tail unlike any other, and with strong, wispy wings of golden sunshine, her fiery nature made him feel euphoric in and out of bed. Even her golden dragon tendrils made her look like a special princess and queen-to-be to him. She always helped to see that he got whatever he wanted. He knew she was sly, like most dragons were, but she wanted to be queen of Dragon-Realm when he became king, he had no doubts about that.
Yes, she deserved to be his queen and he her king. They would have it one day, soon. He was his parents’ favorite, so there was no doubt he’d be heir, and being the oldest of their two dragon sons, he was cinched to get it. But what she told him about the dream she had, that his brother would inherit Dragon-Realm didn’t set well with him.
He didn’t hate his brother; just found him a twerp with no confidence. Still it was his brother, but Zamos wanted to be king. After all, he was one of the wealthiest hoarders around. So how did he get rid of his brother without seeming like a cruel bastard to his parents? And he wanted to please his beloved Vella, no one else sucked dragon tail like she did, or had such a damn fine wet cunny when they coupled in dragon, dragonoid, or human form. Nope, she would be his queen, as she was his princess now; and she always made sure he had plenty of hoard, so she had to be sure of her queenly place to come. It was fair. And he hated searching for his own jewels; he was too lazy to do that when there were others who could get all the gold and jewels for him, for his favors.
His loving wife took care of him, as he took care of her; there was never any doubt in the other’s mind as to how much they cared for each other. Besides, the two could easily read each other’s minds should they need to. But no need, he knew her every movement, thought, or desire. Occasionally she surprised him, and sometimes she worried him, but only when she had the obscure dream, like she did about his brother. Once he might have laughed it off, but three times, that was just too much a coincidence and though Vella wasn’t a prophetess, anyone knew that a third-coming dream was something to reckon with in its actuality. So they talked and thought it over. What his sweet, devilish golden dragon princess had in mind would be a great idea. This would ensure he’d stay the favorite for sure. Now they had to make sure his brother would go upon the quest.
* * * *
Vella inhaled deeply as she glanced into the mirror and saw her extremely handsome husband lying on their large bed. He and his gold and emerald dragon splendor took her breath away every time she looked upon him. She loved his body in any form he chose. So hot, and all hers.
In his dragon form with his long neck and gold and green emerald scales, she loved to fly with him in stormy weather and make love with him. His grassy green frills complimented her own golden ones, though his ran longer down his back from the base of his skull down to nearly his gorgeously proportioned tail. His curly horns were as long and proud as his kingly father’s, but Zamos’s wide, jade colored, jewel-like eyes just hypnotized her with lust nearly all the time. His powerful limbs and wide mouth were perfect for their lovemaking, even in human form, which she liked a lot. However, when they shifted into human, or between—into dragonoid form, half-human, half dragon—they really had some wild times.
Yes, not just sex and love, but whatever she wanted he saw that she had plenty of it. And she’d always do the same for him. Like making sure he did become king. For she most certainly wanted to rule the dragon lands with him. Zamos might be a little bit lazy but by no means stupid. Clever and magically powerful, he drove her mad with desire and more; it was no wonder she wanted to use her own gifts to make him assuredly the heir to the throne when the time came.
Granted she was greedy, and she didn’t want to kill off his parents to make that happen. Neither her nor Zamos were ready to take over the throne, she realized, but she wanted to make sure it was theirs. After all, Zamos was his parents’ favorite, and they cared for her too; but that dream she had about his younger brother bothered her greatly. She’d had it on three occasions, if that wasn’t a warning, she didn’t know what was. So she told Zamos and then they came up with an idea. With it, the whole family would benefit too.
He usually didn’t forget much, except when his eyes lit up like golden stars when he was in lust-mode. She explained it to him again anyway, just to make sure he had it all down and to see if there was anything else they could do together to assure his ascendance to the throne. If nothing else, Zamos was nearly as sly as she was at deviltry. And that turned her on too, but it also gave them wonderful conversations to share. She saw him glancing at her with mischief and hot lust in his eyes. Damn, it was hard to think coherently when he looked at her like that. Darn him. She grinned impishly and rose, letting their formulated plan slip out of her mind as she went towards the bed.
“We can rehash it later,” she said, removing her clothing. “Much later.”
* * * *
Her mistress, preoccupied now and with no further use for her, Traice slipped away from the dragon prince and princess’s outer chamber. She’d heard giggling and heated words of passion coming from the small opening of the doorway. Then it was shut after a rumbling sound. The two would be at it for the rest of the night, so now she was off-duty. Neither needed anything. That pleased her. She needed something to eat.
Elves were nearly as hungry as dragons, though more slender and definitely better smelling. She went down a long set of side stairs and found the kitchen open still with a dragonoid–maid on duty. Half human, half dragon, the girl was fairly friendly to Traice when she came down to eat after hours. It was often all the time she had to herself, too.
The girl went about her work as Traice gathered up a few morsels of meat, cheese, and fruit, with some mead to wash it down. Traice sat down with her food and drink at a table in the furtherest corner of the kitchen so she wouldn’t disturb anyone and no one would seemingly bother her. Which suited her well. She needed some time alone, time to think. Food made her think. And as she ate, she thought about why she was here at the dragon castle, and how she needed to put her life back together. Though not the average slender elf, she wasn’t as plump as some humans were either. A mix of elf, human, and a mish-mash of other beings from her ancestry, she knew there wasn’t anything very normal about herself.
Elves were just as cunning as dragons—most of the time that is—but she had yet to get herself out of servitude to Vella. For a few years now, she’d been Vella’s and Zamos’ servant. Vella did it to hoard jewels and gold and treasure for Zamos and her, making them the richest hoarder dragons in the kingdom. No one but Vella and Zamos, at least she thought the lazy prince knew the reason for Traice’s servitude to them. They’d made her use her magical talent for being able to find treasure, no matter where it lay hidden. The cunning bitch cared only about her and Zamos’ welfare.
And that led her to another problem. A few days back, she’d overheard Zamos and Vella talking about getting more magical power so that some dream Vella had about Briskle wouldn’t come true. If the two just stayed nice and used kindness, Zamos would stay the favorite. But to want to use a powerful necklace like the Blaze Pendant was just plain wrong. How could Zamos not like his own brother? Especially, as nice and honorable as Briskle was? Well, as decently honorable as a dragon could be. Traice still had to serve Vella and Zamos as a treasure hunter; and help Vella occasionally with her toiletries. It could have been worse, she guessed. Vella didn’t beat her or do cruel things to her, just made her sit around and often go get treasure with her for Zamos. She was at the selfish dragon princess’ beck and call for that and to wait on Vella. At least they only had sex with each other. If one thing, Vella was true to Zamos and did love him. Just a bit too much, perhaps.
For certain, Traice knew Vella had played upon her sense of righteousness; giving back to those who helped another being in distress, who’d helped them out. With her upbringing, Traice felt she could have turned out even worse than Vella, much worse; but hadn’t been able to use her talent for seeing and locating treasure for selfish reasons. She’d used it enough as a young teen on her own to keep herself in life’s necessities; but kept her talent secret for the most part. Then some trolls had come into her life. She’d been glamoured, she thought by Lidan’s hansome face. The part elf and part troll man was handsome to look upon. It wasn’t until later on that she realized he’d been using her to gain riches and came out from under the glamour spell he’d put upon her that she found out his true nature of being mean and evil. She’d threatened him and he’d nearly killed her.
Vella had been flying around at the time and nipped the incident in the bud before Lidan had actually harmed her. Traice had been so grateful she blindly agreed to help Vella on her search for treasure. She wasn’t sure how Vella inveigled her into the dragoness’s servitude, but it happened. She’d promised Vella at least five years of her service for saving her life.
Traice wanted out, and just earlier this evening before the first Merry-Mass event of the season, Vella had told her she’d let her out of the servitude agreement if she’d do one last treasure hunt for her during this year’s holiday week. After explaining what she required and that the rest of the week would be in Briskle’s service for the duration, Traice would be free to live her life as she chose. What made her think the witchly dragoness had to be up to something was how nicer than usual Vella had become to her. Still, not to have to be in servitude to Vella was a good thing. She wanted away from all dragons if possible. Even Briskle? Her mind countered. The sudden thought made her stop eating. Her heart pounded erratically, and as if by a strange coincidence, she looked up and saw none other coming towards her. Oh dear, why had he shown up now of all times?
Chapter Three
Traice took a long, studious survey of Briskle as he ambled down the stairs that led into the large main kitchen. She wouldn’t have called him clumsy for a small dragon, but he lacked confidence in his walk, though he stood about seven feet tall, even in his dragonoid body. Sometimes he seemed confident, and beneath his rough, self-critical opinion on life, she knew he had a tender, caring heart and nature. When in half-dragon, half-humanoid form, he wasn’t bad to look upon; but as a dragon his form was incredibly beautiful, she thought.
His dragon face was nice to look upon and he didn’t’ have the longer snout of some of the larger dragons. When he smiled, his sharp, fine teeth gleamed like white pearls through his small mouth. He had a nicely shaped head, with hair-like tendrils that splayed like tresses of dark jade down his back; almost a greenish black in its color. His eyes were wide and amazing to look into for they were almost a stormy, aqua-sea-green in their hue, framed by long lashes for a male dragon. Though his ears were small for a dragon’s they still had the soft frills lacing them that most dragons’ ears had. From his forehead, two nearly misshapen horns lay above the temples near his delicate ears. She heard rumors and jokes through out the castle about his horns, which were not as magnificent as other dragons, it seemed or was touted. It must, she believed, be one of the reasons he lacked confidence in some of the things he did.
She’d seen his brother often enough, and while prince Zamos’ gold and emerald scales and huge body might have turned other dragonesses or made other female beings swoon with desire, she quietly admired Briskle’s elegantly slim, but powerful, silver-green body. She hadn’t seen him change into any human or non-human male form yet, other than a dragonoid, but believed he would probably be more handsome than his selfish, self-centered brother. One could always tell it was Zamos, no matter his form, because he was always gold and emerald in skin coloring.
His wings, if he shape-shifted, always stayed the same colorings too of gold and jade. Briskle’s she wasn’t sure he could, but felt that no matter what the younger prince dragon shifted in to, his delicate, but lovely and powerful wings of iridescent silver and green-black would always look magnificent upon him. They were not much larger than half his body, running from the back of his neck down to the mid of his hip, much like a butterfly’s but much sturdier. She’d seen him fly several times and though he was steady; she thought his turns and line of flight much more beautiful to watch than most other dragons.
Traice knew Briskle took some of his looks from his father, especially his silvery beauty. His father, King Kadrill, stood a very huge dragon with enormous wings of silver and onyx, was black and silver in under-body, with three stately sparkling horns in the middle of his large forehead, which glittered like a spiraling crown of jewels. Briskle’s iridescent scales of which shone colors of icy silver-blue and silver, along with the black-jade glittery colors laced within his magnificent body, were traces of colorings bequeathed to him by his kingly father and queenly mother.
Queen Feela was one of the loveliest female dragons in the kingdom of dragons; being an elegant sapphire and aqua-blue dragon with shiny sapphire blue scales and icy blue under-body. She flew with aqua and golden-green wings, the gold coloring being the same color as her shiny gold eyes. She purported a single, delicate dainty horn that glittered like a unicorn’s horn in the middle of her forehead, and she had light, yellow-gold tendrils that cascaded down her regal back just like an epitomized fairytale princess with long sunny-yellow tresses. However, out of the varying shades of dragons in the Dragon-Realm kingdom, she thought Bristle the most amenable and handsome one —though she didn’t care for being in a dragon’s employ, or as their bond servant; nor was she enamored of any one of them.
But Briskle made her body and heart flutter in a most uncomfortable way. Not horridly uncomfortable, just in a strange way she’d never experienced. They hadn’t talked a lot or been in each other’s company much over the last few years, but he’d always had a smile for her and treated her nicely. Yet, as he came down the stairs with an intent look upon his face, she wondered if perhaps Vella had mentioned her abilities for finding treasure to the younger dragon prince? That didn’t set well with Traice, and as he pulled back a chair to sit down at the table where she sat, Traice had a very uneasy feeling about things to come.
* * * *
In dragonoid form, as Briskle stepped down into the enormous kitchen, he halted slightly to glance around, and saw no one but a kitchen maid finishing up her chores and Traice sitting at a table in the far corner near the kitchen hearths. He studied the young beauty momentarily—well—younger than his fifty dragon years. She couldn’t be more than thirty human ears, if that much. He guessed he’d be close to the same age if he were human or elfin. Briskle thought elves were almost as ageless as dragons.
Whatever her current age, for an earthy being, he did admit to her being fairly pretty. With russet colored wavy locks down to her shoulders, and wispy bangs, which framed her almost rectangular slender face, she had a magnetic attraction about her, he guessed most males would find agreeably lovely. He’d always noted that her yellow-topaz eyes were quite keen and didn’t seem to miss much. Her garb was as solemn and quiet as her nature. She wore a long brown, sleeveless tunic vest over her sand colored peasant shirt, with a wide pocket belt cinched around her waist. Pants matching the color of her vest, and black boots completed her ensembles. For a being of elf decent, she stood fairly tall, but sitting at the table, she looked soft and feminine.
Every time he was near her, he’d smelled an almost lingering note of a woodsy, sweet flowery scent. It took his breath away, leaving a pleasant feeling in his mind. With her sun-kissed, earth-beige skin-tone and pointed ears, she looked more elfin than a mixture of several races. Everything about her seemed balanced and wholesome; and even with her slightly masculine shoulders her demeanor was a mix of prettiness and serenity.
Yet, somewhere, deep down, Briskle had a feeling that she hid her true nature from most people. Perhaps he’d find out, but what mattered now was talking to her about Vella’s plan. He glanced at the kitchen maid and with a slight movement of his hand, dismissed her from her chores. She bowed sweetly to him, and he knew she was relieved to get out of her chores early. A half smile lit his face and he realized the young maid would probably gossip a bit about his late night visit to the kitchen. Gossip didn’t normally bother him; but when it concerned him, sometimes it did. However, right now, he had a quest to arrange and go upon so having the room to himself with Traice was what he needed. He cleared his throat and moved over toward her. She gave him a slight nod of greeting as he sat down. Looking down at the table he saw she’d only half-eaten the morsels on her plate.
“Help yourself, if you wish, Prince Briskle.”
He smiled at her. “Thank you, but just call me Briskle. We will be spending several days together on a quest, so formalities should be eliminated for now. Don’t you agree?”
She kept her eyes slightly lowered, almost hooded, and he couldn’t quite tell what she felt empathically either. Had to be the elf in her, they were a quiet folk most the time.
“If that is your wish.”
“I wish for you to look at me while we speak.” His tone must have been hard for her head jerked upwards quickly. “That’s better.”
She pushed the plate towards him. “I am done, have all that you want…Briskle.” She put her cup of mead in front of him.
He nibbled a bit of cheese then moved the refreshments to one side as he surveyed her again. “Do you like it here at our castle, Traice?”
“I have been treated well.”
Her eyes remained blank and he couldn’t empathically feel what she felt at that moment. Somehow, though, he felt she didn’t want to be in servitude anymore. Elves, even halflings or hybrids like her preferred being in the open of the woods, he supposed, though, some elfin communities lived in rather nice towns.
“That is good to hear. I don’t like our castle attendants to be mistreated. My sister-in-law has been very pleased with you.”
“Now I am to be your servant.” Her indifferent tone hinted of sarcasm.
“You don’t like being in servitude, do you?”
She looked up at him at his words. “No.”
“Vella mentioned she saved your life a few years ago. Do you feel you’ve more than paid your debt back to her?”
“Does it matter to you?”
He had the feeling her words surprised herself as much as it did him. He let out an awkward, but soft chuckle to cover his mishmash of feelings. “Yes, as a matter of fact, it does. Vella has given me use of your services. After this week, you’ll be free to do as you wish and go wherever you want. I’ll see to it that happens.”
When she narrowed her eyes, he felt himself invigorated in a strange way by the sudden fire of disbelief and determination he saw within those beautiful spheres. “You promise?”
“I do. Now when do we get started?”
“We can leave in a few hours after we’ve napped and packed what we need for the journey. Perhaps before the others arise; sometime after dawn is cooler for traveling.”
He concurred by nodding his head. “I agree.”
Briskle rose and looked down at her from his taller height. It wasn’t by more than a half foot he stood over her in his dragonoid form, but he still felt she held herself as tall and stately and proud as his kingly father did.
“Goodnight, for now, Briskle.” She rose and left him before he could say another word.
However, Briskle watched her until she left to go up the stairs. He turned back to the table and eyed the morsels and mead. Couldn’t let them go to waste, now could he? Sitting back down, he thought over their short conversation while he finished munching on the plate of food and sipping the mead. He wasn’t sure just why he let Vella tempt him into this quest, but he knew he wouldn’t back down from going. A few days away from the castle and his family was just perhaps what he needed. He’d been cooped up with his own inhibitions and restlessness too much lately. Traice had been good company tonight and he felt she’d be a good traveling companion while on the quest.
Something about Traice tonight had him wondering why he hadn’t noticed her womanly charms before. Perhaps it was because she’d kept herself from getting much notice. But his eyes hadn’t stopped straying from the rhythmic rise and fall of her breasts each time she spoke to him. In fact, he found it odd that her words were spoken, a few times, as if she was breathless, or something had caused her to find it hard to speak with him in such close proximity. Briskle felt his heart lurch with a deep thought. Nah, he thought, it couldn’t possibly be the reason for this sudden tightening in chest.
Could it be the two of them were actually attracted to each other? A wide, goofy smile slowly made its way up his face and it reflected his surprised thoughts about being around Traice even more, in a private situation. Hmmm, he thought, it would be a very interesting journey indeed.
Chapter Four
They’d been traveling for nearly a day before Briskle bellowed out to her that he needed to rest his wings. Upon his back, she nodded her understanding. She was glad she’d thought to wear a heavy, hooded cloak to warm her against the wintry breeze. Although often in the fall, holiday season, Merry-Mass could be humid and warm. This morning when they’d left before dawn’s rays started creeping into the darkness’ sleep, a brisk cool breeze had drifted through the land. Enough to let her elven senses know they were in for some colder weather.
Normally in this region, winter didn’t come until the first month of the new year, but Dragon-Realm was known to have odd weather some years. Like a dragon, this vast land was a surprising mix of weather and land masses. They’d been over tall mountains and deep valleys, and wide lakes as he flew them to their destination. By land travel, it would have been further away, so she was glad that Briskle had agreed to take her upon his wide back. He’d worn a cape of sorts himself that she could latch on to while he flew fast. His thoughtfulness had endeared him a bit more to her inner self.
She kept her stray thoughts to herself, clutching the large band that held her, his cloak securely around him, tightened in place around his underbelly. They had only packed a change of clothing for her, a set for him when he changed to dragon-man form, a few dried foods, a container of water, and a few other necessities they might need. It all fit in the pouch at the front of his body, near his waist. It would have been a slightly large pack for her to carry around, but on him, it seemed mid-sized and effortless to carry.
They’d only briefly discussed the quest this morning before leaving and she told him the location she’d seen in her vision. Between what Vella had told them of her book discovery and ancient legends, Briskle had an idea where the location would be. They then set out alone on their journey. She’d loved flying with him more than she had with any other dragon. Although on a few treasure quests she’d rode on Vella’s back or Zamos’s, she liked the security that Briskle had as he spread his wings and zoomed flawlessly with the wind.
Now as they headed downward, she stretched up to speak into his ear, letting him know about an inn in the small town they espied below them. Other dragons were flying down too, and some unicorns and other people on flying carpets, as she’d seen them do during the first day of Merry-Mass morning back in the Dragon-Realm capital of Scaletown, however, not as many.
He landed easily and hunched down so that she could slip from his back. The door to the Unicorn Inn was wide and tall, but he still had to slightly downsize his dragon form to fit through it, as a few other dragons who’d landed had to also. There were a few that recognized him as the prince of the realm and though he nodded towards them in greeting, she noted they did not opportune him. His demeanor, she thought suggested they shouldn’t.
“Why don’t you order us some morsels and mead while I take care of getting us rooms?”
She nodded and went towards the bar counter she saw at one far end of the tavern-inn. She procured them some refreshments as Briskle took care of getting them a place to sleep for the night. It didn’t take long for the barkeep to get what she required.
Traice found a small table for them where they could talk privately. She set down two tankards of ale, a pitcher of it, and a hefty plate of cheeses, meats, and bread before pulling out a chair to sit and wait for Briskle to arrive. He most likely, she thought, would take their meager belongings up to their rooms and change into his half human, half dragon form before he came back to join her.
She glanced around the spacious main room. Though a few people had checked in late at night as they had, she didn’t see a lot of beings around the tavern part of the inn, which was fine with her, so she could keep to herself with Briskle. She felt the dragon prince would prefer that too.
Surveying the room she saw stairs near where they’d first entered the inn and a small guest check-in counter. The place was a bit stately and not too old, perhaps a dozen years. There were a few doors she assumed let to places like the kitchen and servant areas; and not far from the bar counter with its stools was another door, then near a row of tables she saw a patio door that led outwards into what looked like a well-kept garden. The white-gold curtains on either side of it, partly opened, allowed her to see the early darkness of the evening and a forest it seemed, beyond the garden. It was a lovely site and if they had time, she wouldn’t mind taking a stroll around the place.
She’d downed a half a tankard before she felt him shuffle up behind her. Traice cleared her absent thoughts and turned to glance up to see he had shifted into his half-human, half dragon-like form. His well-muscled male body assaulted her feminine senses even more to see him dressed in a dark green shirt and pants, black boots, and his voluminous cloak laying just over one shoulder. He looked disturbingly handsome, especially with his dark hair all astray and falling over his massive shoulders.
“I could only get one room, one of their best, and it has that new indoor plumbing.”
She didn’t show her disappointment at not having her own room and smiled lightly at him. “With the holiday we are lucky to get one room. I can make a pallet on the floor. We are adults and can deal with it for one night.”
“That’s not necessary,” he said. “I’ll shift to dragon form and sleep on the carpet. I’ve slept in worse places. It looked fairly comfortable however.”
His sly and impish grin made her chuckle and relax. She would be safer with him than any male…if her own libido would shut up. Traice shut up the confusion between her thighs and pushed the other tankard near him, pulling her hand away when he reached out for the drink. He didn’t seem to notice and was glad when he visibly relaxed too and glanced around the room. It gave her time to compose herself.
He seemed deep in thought as she glanced at his side view. Any view of him made her body tremble with awareness. What the hell was wrong with her? Had his sudden close proximity suddenly caused deeper sensations in her to surface that she hadn’t fully been aware of before?
As if he knew she studied him, he turned back to look at her and gave her a simple, half smile. It was a pleasant grin, making Traice wonder at how it made her feel giddy and, well, at ease. But then that seductive mouth of his made her think all kinds of thoughts. Again, she told the voice of sensuality between her upper thighs to shut up its demands.
“This is good mead, Traice,” he said.
“Yes, it is. I may have been here before, not sure, but a nice place.”
“You seem ill at ease.”
“No, I’m fine. Is it sweet enough for you?”
He cocked his head to one side as if in confusion. “I beg your pardon?”
She lifted her tankard. “The mead. Is it sweet enough for you?”
One of his thick brows went upwards in surprise at her words, she assumed. “You knew I liked sweet mead?”
“I’ve heard you mention it before, some time over the last few years, I suppose. Did I hear wrong?”
He shook his head. “No, I’m just not used to anyone knowing things I personally like. Thank you.”
She shrugged. “I guess you’re welcome. But thank you also, for stopping. I was getting a bit famished and thirsty.” She nibbled a few bites then downed some more ale. Damn. She wished he wouldn’t study her so curiously.
“You seem nervous about something.” He too took a few morsels and washed it down with mead.
“No, just anxious to get this quest done.”
“I hope it isn’t my company you’re anxious to be rid of.”
She had to keep from choking on her drink at his wayward comment. “Uh, no. I mean so that I can finally be free to live my life as I want.”
“What is it you want, Traice?”
Wide-eyed, she wasn’t sure how to answer him. Those mixed feelings threatened her sanity again. “Right now to enjoy your company and this good mead, Briskle. I feel like celebrating.”
“You know,” he agreed, “I think that is an excellent idea. Good mead, great company, how better could the evening get?”
Traice didn’t dare answer that and lifted her tankard to his. “Cheers to you and Merry-Mass indeed.”
Briskle tapped his heartily against hers. “Merry-Mass to you also, Traice. I hope that you get many presents and be joyous always.”
There’s only one gift I want, she thought…but that can’t ever happen.
* * * *
Briskle finished his first tankard with ease. After their first few words, he started enjoying Traice’s company even more. She did seem a bit nervous around him tonight, more than she had yesterday eve. He couldn’t deny, dressed in a long-sleeved pale blue shirt and tight dark blue pants, she stirred his senses. Like him, she’d laid her cloak over one shoulder. After she had done so, he could easily see the swell of her generous breasts.
He cleared his throat after their toast and drank deeply before speaking to her again. “So, what is it you do want, Traice, besides your freedom?”
She moved her hand to cup her tankard and it was then he actually noticed the small piece of silver upon one of her fingers. A thin band of silver actually with an ornate bezel of a dark platinum color and within it a sparkling jewel of aquamarine.
It was a gift he’d given her nearly two years ago. He knew his parents saw that the castle servants and visitors and guests always got some trinket from them at Merry-Mass time, and occasionally so did Zamos and Vella. It was his habit to personally hand each one a gift from him also. He’d recalled she was a bit thinner then and sad-looking too. Something in him had known she needed cheering up. Everyone else had sported even the tiniest bit of jewelry except her. She’d been surprised and seemed sweetly pleased he’d given her the ring.
Had she worn it all this time?
“I am glad you wore that.”
She glanced down at her slender hand and fingered the ring absently. It is one of my favorite pieces, perhaps the only one I really wear. Not that I have many.”
He sipped some on his beverage before answering. “It suits you. For one with your gifts, it would seem you’d have more.”
She shrugged. “I never had course or need to really wear a lot. People can look good without it most the time. You do.”
Traice’s eyes widened and she quickly took a big gulp of her ale. The thought pleased him that she both liked his ring and his person. Attractive, hmm? She believed him to be attractive. That fact gave him hope and a confidence he’d never known before.
He sensed her slight discomfort and surprise over her blurted words. To keep her from being even more uncomfortable with him and to relax her, he filled their tankards from the large pitcher of mead. Then he set it down and raised his glass towards her.
“Thank you, Traice. Here, cheers again. I’m in good company and wish to enjoy the evening even more with you. You’re right, this really is good mead. No reason we can’t imbibe a little tonight, relax and have some fun.”
Lifting her full tankard, she clicked hers against his tin. “None at all. Good, then let’s enjoy ourselves. Tell me about you, Briskle. What is it you want in life besides being a prince? Have you ever thought about ruling? Or going on your own adventures? I’m sure dragons or dragon kind don’t always sit around hoarding their treasures in damp caverns. At least not all of them do from what I’ve noticed in the last few years at the castle.”
He chuckled, glad to see her visibly relaxing. A few more tankards and they’d be ready to retire. But retiring wasn’t what he had on his mind. Dammit, he had to quit thinking about coupling with her or wanting to taste those luscious looking breasts of hers. He did his best to stay away from those disturbingly delicious thoughts and needs.
But his body ached for something only she could give him. And he wasn’t sure she did want to give him her own special gift. He tried not to sigh and began to treat her to some witty tales he’d heard around the castle. That seemed to make her feel more at ease and he intended to do his damnest for the rest of the evening to make her smile.
Chapter Five
Traice loved his wit and charm, whether she was slightly tipsy or not. She’d liked him before mead, and after. Well maybe more right now. His conversation had been scintillating, still was. He made her laugh and feel at ease with him. She had a feeling she knew why.
He was being a gentleman—as much as he could. However, underneath his light camaraderie, she could sense something more. Like him, she was empathic and could sense emotionally what others felt. His eyes glittered like his emotional aura, deep and full of passionate needs.
He wanted her just as much as she did him. Would it be so bad if they coupled, even if for one night? Traice drank more than she’d intended, but like a dragon couldn’t always, she held her mead well. At least she thought she could. His glances and nearness made her light headed as a few tankards of ale could. Ok, as a lot of pitchers of mead could. She didn’t fail to note he downed as much as she did.
His movement of reaching out and tracing the ring upon her finger didn’t startle her. She’d been relaxing more and more in his company as the hours slowly passed. She traced her finger over his knuckles.
“It looks lovelier upon your elegant finger, Traice.” She let him keep stroking it, liking the way he ran a large finger over it and her hand ever so slowly. “I’m glad you like it well enough to wear it more than any other piece you own. You should have lots of hoard.”
Coming from a dragon, that was high praise, well from a male dragon lord, a damn right flattering compliment. Was he flirting with her? She hoped so. “Thanks, Briskle. I should have given you a more special gift over the years.”
“Not to worry. Just knowing you’ve been around and never opportuned me as others have has been a great gift I’ve cherished year-round. I see that surprises you.”