Walkabouts

Four years later.

Sky road on the back of her borrowed horse smiling up at the sun. Two weeks in a van was more than she could handle. Yes, she knew she was supposed to be a proper lady and ladies rode in carriages, but she'd had enough. Of course, the guard wasn't too happy when she commandeered his horse leaving him to ride next to the van driver. In time he'd get over it she was sure. It wasn't like she was stealing it for the next three months it was just for today. The next time she decided to ride she'd take someone else's horse, it was only fair after all. "Princess," called one of the guards as he asked his horse to trot forward. "Do you wish to stop for lunch?"

Looking around the small meadow they'd entered Sky nodded her head as she guided her horse off the road and into the grass. Helping everyone set up Sky went off to collect firewood with William ignoring the guard's requests for her to sit. Collecting several sticks for the fire Sky picked several of the rare herbs she found. Getting sidetracked with her herb picking Sky hummed to herself as she went further into the forest. Picking several medicinal herbs Sky barely had time to move out of the way as two male manticores roles off the ledge above her crashing to the ground. Blood and fur were flying as they tore at each other. Their roars echoed across the tree canopy sending birds flying. Gathering up her stuff as quickly as possible Sky scrambled out of their path. Unable to move quickly enough Sky brought her powers up and jumped into the nearest tree. Within seconds, she sat within its branches watching the territorial battle between the two males. One of the males was on the older side as the other was within its prime. The lioness who stood on the sidelines awaiting the outcome stood in silence and fear. Next to her heels was a cub who couldn't have been more then a couple of days old. If the father lost this battle then the cub's life would be forfeit. That was the harsh reality of the forest. The female wouldn't except the victor if she was with cub, so the male would remedy it. Then again if the female was older she would choose to die along with her mate. If this was to be her last child she'd fight to the death to keep it alive. Looking at the lioness Sky could see that she was as young as the contender. She would have many more babies through the years so the loss of the one wouldn't be as devastating.

Sky hated the fact that someone so young was going to lose their life, but it wasn't her place to intervene. Sadly watching the older lion fall Sky could see by his mooring lines he would not be getting up. All but one of them had snapped and that one was on its way. With the fight being over Sky blinked off the branch and appeared on the ground right next to the dying Manticore. Crouching down she ran her hand through his solid black main. Most manticores had a tawny color main, but sometimes you could find one with a solid blonde or black mane. "Heart of the world and gift from the mother of us all," breathed the dying lion with a purr. "It is truly an honor to feel your touch as I wait for the Goddess to come to collect me."

Tears rolled down Sky's face at the feel of the old manticore's pain. "Heart of the world and gift from the mother of us all," said the victor walking over and dropping the cub beside her feet. "You honor my victory with your presence."

Turning her attention to the victor she rubbed his nose while pointedly ignoring the crying cub at her feet. It hurt Sky's heart to look at the baby who would not live long. "You are very strong and your babies will make the mother proud."

Purring the victor returned her greeting before asking Sky within her head, "Please end his suffering and take what is making your heart sad."

Takin aback at what the male said Sky looked down at the cub before looking back at the manticore. "His bloodline is great and his daughter will be too. I do not wish to be known as the manticore to make the heart of the world cry. Take these as well," continued the manticore snapping the old manticores horns off. "This will pay for what the cub will need. I hear they are worth a lot of your money. Goodbye Heart of the world and the gift from the mother of us all."

With that, the male walked away driving the teary-eyed female along with him. Turning her attention back to the dying lion Sky laid one hand on his head while talking ahold of the last mooring line that bound him to this world. "Please raise my Mayaya well, Heart of the world and gift from the mother of us all. I could not be more proud than at this moment."

Crying Sky pushed love and calm into the Manticore right before she yanked the thread bare mooring line from its foundation. Watching the snakes wither and then go dull within the lion Sky picked up the crying cub along with the horns and herbs. Not having the arm space for the sticks she'd also collected Sky left them behind as she headed back toward camp. "Here give me the sack," said William climbing out of a tree.

"How long have you been there," asked Sky shocked to see him.

"The entire time," scoffed William taking the bag of herbs from her. "It's my job to never leave your side."

Smiling Sky held the cub closer as they made their way back to the camp. Rushing toward them the lead guide snapped at William. "Where have you been! We all went looking for you and nothing. When we heard the manticores roaring we went into a panic!"

"Is that a cub," asked April rushing over to Sky. "Awww she's so cute!"

"Is that what I think it is," choked one of the guards that gathered around them.

A fresh tear rolled down her face as Sky rubbed the cubs head against her cheek. "Her father lost the territory battle and the victor gave her to me instead of killing her."

Slack-jawed the guards looked at each other but dared not say a word. Not knowing what to do they all looked at the head guard for guidance. Palming his face the head guard signed, "okay fine but that means you ride in the van the entire time. We can't have you riding around scaring everyone with your…pet. We will need to detour to the closest town for a bottle and milk as well."

"Oh," remembered Sky pulling the horns out of the bag William had. "The victor gave me these to sell. Do you think there is a store that'll buy these? We can use the money to buy the milk and bottles with it."

The head guard's eyes grew round at the sight of the horns. "Those are manticore horns!"

Shaking her head April plucked the cub out of Sky's hands as she lavished it with love. "I guess no one told you Sky can talk to manticores huh."

"If that was so then why would a manticore willingly brake off his horns and give up his child," questioned a guard packing them bowls of what appeared to be soup.

"The manticore lost the battle and was dying. He had no choice in anything. All of that was decided by the victor," in formed Sky taking the bowl and digging into the food. "Normally the victor kills the offspring of the loser, but for whatever reason, he gave her to me. So now she's my responsibility."

"As you wish Princess," replied the head guard before turning on his heals and mumbling, "Most people just take in a stray kitten, but no not this one."

Smiling April handed the cub back asking, "Does she have a name, or do we get to name her?"

"Her name is Mayaya," replied Sky making her way back to the van.

Well, there goes my fun, thought Sky to herself as a guard opens the door for her. Climbing up Sky flops back on the bed like seat and complained, "This is going to be a long and boring trip May." Giving Sky a weak cry, the cub closes its eyes and goes to sleep.

*******

Grumbling to himself Michael sat his cup down harder than required atop his desk. Turning his attention back to his stack of paperwork he paused when Kyle walked by and made an undignified sound at him. Lifting his head up just enough to make eye contact with him Michael asked, "What is it, Kyle?"

"You laughed at me when I suggested I get her a messenger crystal to go with the stationary. Now you're all angry because she's traveling between estates and you haven't heard from her once," scoffed Kyle setting his ledgers down on his desk.

Setting his pen down Micheal sat up straight in his chair. "It's not like she writes me anyway. She writes to the four of you," sneered Michael. "On top of that I'm sure she's in good hands and if she really wanted to, she could mail her letters from any number of villages she passes through. Either way, the four of you need to stop moping about in here waiting. Either work or get out."

His four guards looked at him quizzically as they all tried to hide a smile. They had all been hanging around the office only because he had been because this is where all letters are delivered too. It was their job, after all, to be by his side at all times. Even on days, he was worried about a little spit fire dragon who never wrote him. That was okay though, because all of his guards made sure he could live vicariously through them.

Making their way to their desks everyone returned to their work. The room grew quiet under everyone's tutelage. Jamie sat writing letters, and correspondences to the various Lords of the Land of Wind. Tanner complained about the letters he got alway smelling like fish as he opened another one. Most of the letters smelled of salt water since he was the proprietor of the Lands of Water, but he couldn't help but throw jabs at Eli.

No dragon saw to the affairs of their own kind. That way no one could play or claim that someone was playing favorites. Part of their King's guards training was to figure out which dragon was better suited for the other classes economic business. Surprisingly Tanner was astute with numbers and had a mind for business. More money passed through the Lands of Water then anywhere else. Then again almost all of the fish were exported from their lands as well as all salt production.

Jamie was good at remembering stories, and events in great detail. He also had a talent for drawing. Because of those two talents, he was issued the Lands of Wind. They were the historians and the keepers of all knowledge. For Michael, it was a bit strange, since he was Jamie's main focus on a lot of his drawings and letters. The King's books were all kept within the great library in the capital city. Within their pages are the lives of all the Kings who came before him as far back as the written word. He actually felt really bad for Jamie at times. Like when he'd sent in the sketch of the female manticore along with the report of what happened when Michael woke up from his induced sleep. They acted like someone had spotted a unicorn or something with the gossip and requests that flew about the place. Jamie was buried in letters for weeks as everyone asked questions in which he didn't have the answers too. Mostly about the female manticore, thank the Goddess. There was little knowledge about them or their habits. They were very elusive animals and even more aggressive than the males. No one encounters a female and lives to tell the tale about it. All except for the King who turned his back on one and walks away like its no big deal. If Sky hadn't of been there it would have been a massive deal and a very deadly situation. Luckily she was and even though he'd sent her packing the manticores left without provocation.

Kyle took care of the Lands of Fire and managed their books for their exports. Money management was done by all of the guards for the land they managed. Kyle, on the other hand, had to manage the manufacturing of a lot of diverse goods. As everyone paid money for fish and salt, Fire goods were mostly traded or barter. If it wasn't for that the fire dragons would be making a lot more money. Fire dragons were great at using their hands and had some of the most investing inventions. They even had this thing called a train they were currently working on. It was this big machine that ran off water and fire. Which is really quite funny when you think about it because fire dragons really disliked water.

Then there was Eli with the knowledge of medicinal herbs and magic. Because of that, he was put in charge of the Lands of Earth which encompassed most of their country's southern border. Earth dragons could almost be separated into two separate lands. There were the dragons of the woods who specialized in medicines and plant growth. Then you had the dragons of the plains who's powers specialized in the moving of the earth. The two powers were not interchangeable. One could either heal or one could either cultivate but they could not do both. Jamie and Samuel were healers and add in Grant who was an earthmover and the castle and the best garden around. The three of them could even get things to grow here that were impossible to grow outside their temperate regions.

Thinking about impossible things and growing, Michael turned his thoughts over to Sky. The last letter he'd gotten from Mina, as well as a small color portrait, had him worried. Sky seemed to be aging as quickly as a human would. He couldn't believe what Mina was saying and if she hadn't included a picture he wouldn't. Then again he still refused to believe it. Opening his desk drawer he looked at the picture of a beautiful woman before him. Sky was twenty years old now but the woman looking back at him looked like she was close to two hundred years old. The woman in the picture had very nice, round perky breasts with a tinny waist and good sturdy hips. This was a woman with an hour glass figure, not a fledgling of twenty like she should be. She should have been small and gangly like a ten-year-old human, not a woman who made him hard just looking at her."You should really frame it and put it on your desk High Dragon or you're going to wear that drawer out," stated Eli shuffling the things on his desk and laying a map down.

Slamming the drawer closed Michael could hear several hushed giggles. Glaring at his guards, all of them, but Eli refused to make eye contact as they all stifled their laughs. "What is it you need," growled Michael at Eli's half-smirk.

"I just got the strangest letter," informed Eli moving things onto the corners of the map to hold it flat.

"And?"

Picking up several of the little mint candies the King has taken to eating recently he laid them down on the map. Putting them down in several spots Eli popped one of the candies into his mouth. "Okay over the last twenty years I've gotten numerous reports of the White Woods shrinking and or dying. The one I just got today," said Eli placing Sky's pretty rock in which she'd gifted Michael long ago on the map. "Says that the White Woods is growing and it's encroaching on their city. The town Lord has beseeched Lord Silvanous for help but all the Lord replied with was for them to move. "

Sitting back in his chair Michael looked at the small piece of volcanic glass. Smiling Michael thought back to when Sky had found that rock out by the Koi pond within his garden. The groundskeeper was adding new pebbles to the boarder of the pond when she had found it. She couldn't be any more than seven when he'd found her playing by the pound with Thomas. Fussing at her for being covered head to toe in mud she just smiled up at him. Scrambling to her feet she'd pulled that rock out of her pocket and presented it to him. Her smile touched him like no other as she beamed at him as radiant as a star. Sky had said the rock looked as beautiful as his dragon scales.

Snapping his fingers in front of Michaels's face Eli chuckled. Turning his attention back to him Michael was almost sure Eli was repeating himself as he said, "I find it odd that the Lord just told them to move. Surely the High Lord has gotten the reports of the dying forest. Why would he not investigate this," asked Eli eating another piece of mint candy?

Agreeing with Eli, Michael didn't want to dismiss the oddity, but he also didn't want to over rule the High Lord. On top of that if it was true there was nothing he could do. The White Forest wasn't just an average run of the mill forest. No it lived, breathed, and killed to protect itself. That forest was alive and sacred to the people of the North as well as the south. "Send a request for the Lord to explain his action and inquire of the oddity. Also, ask all the other cities within a hundred miles of that city in both directions. Ask them if they have seen the growth of the forest. We will deal with it after we get a response from them."

Bowing slightly Eli placed the rock back in its rightful spot before pilfering more candies and walking away. After that, the room grew quiet again and the only sound to be heard was the turning of pages and the scratching of quills. As the clock struck twelve Michael groaned as everyone stood from their chairs. Pushing himself up from his desk Michael really hated having to go to the council meetings. They were never-ending and so boringly dry. On top of that most of the council members, he hated, which was saying something when there were only four of them. Since he didn't get to choose them he didn't get to fire them. That was voted on by all of the Lord houses of their region. Making his way toward the door Michael paused as Eli and Jamie inspected his clothes and fixed his hair. In a normal world where the Lord's emotions didn't kill people a servant girl would do all of this, but not here. The King's company was limited to his guards. So not only did they get tasked with keeping him alive they also get to make sure he looks presentable and Kingly to his subjects. Satisfied with their work Michael continued on his way to the throne room to listen to the day's troubles of the council.

Waiting behind the closed door for the Usher to announce his presence Michael grumbled more. "Complaining about it won't fix anything," whispered Tanner who was holding the handle waiting for the announcement. "If you don't like them that much then petition the regions to select new ones. You are the King."

If only it was that easy, thought Michael as Tanner and Kyle opened the doors to the throne room. Making his way in Michael took his seat on the intricately carved sold wood throne. Gesturing for the speaker of the court to start and for the council to sit he tried not to yawn. "Todays subject your majesty as voted on by the council is on….." the speaker stopped as his eyes grew round.

Turning toward the council members who were all seated at the table in front of the King the scent of fear wafted off the speaker. Raising a brow at the man Michael said, "Are you, okay speaker? What is it the council wishes to discuss?"

All the speaker could do was stutter as his face grew pale. Getting irritated with the speaker the council member for the Lands of Earth stood up and spat, "We want to discuss your pet!"

Confused Michael watched the speaker lose consciousness before looking at his guards and then back at the council. "What has my dog done that has grievance you, Lord Leon?"

"It's not your dog," said the council member of that Land of Water glaring at Lord Leon.

"I have no other pets," said Michael getting slightly agitated at this point.

"Your other dog then," spat Lord Leon. "The thing the High Dragon claims is his mate."

Closing his eyes Michael forced down his dragon as he issued a warning rattle. Rolling his neck in attempts to relive the tension building up in his shoulders he took a deep calming breath. When he opened his eyes again several of the council members were wise enough not to meet them. "Lord Leon I will suggest you mind your tongue and remember your place while you sit in my throne room," said Michael in such a low cold voice it seemed to freeze the blood of those around him.

Shelby visibly shivered as he adjusted himself in his seat. Lord Leon didn't seem to get the hint as he said, "Please your Majesty forgive my rudeness, but everything we have to say needs to be heard. Your decisions affect our Kingdom. I feel as the High Dragon is abusing his power, and you're not taking his actions into consideration!"

"My actions are my own," roared the High Dragon flying to the surface. "Have you left your sanity at home or have you forgotten when you speak to him you speak to me!"

The power the High Dragon sent out had everyone on the floor. "See I told you council, that I fear for the sanity of our King. The inability to control one's dragon is a sign of weakness. A dragon is no ruler and we can not leave the safety and welfare of our country to him," said Lord Leon weakly against the floor.

Sending another wave of power out Michael pushing himself to his feet, "And who said the High Dragon was the only one here! Your dragon would not tolerate anyone slandering your mate's name. If one did he would rear his ugly head. Why should mine be any different!"

"Because the High Dragons do not mate," whispered the council member for the Land of Wind.

"Just because it's never been done Lady Winter doesn't mean that it's outside of the realm of possibilities," stated Michael trying really hard not to let his dragon kill Lord Leon. "There has never been a female guard, but we have one now. The White Woods is dying and a zombie army is ravaging the south. This is a funny time not to question impossibilities, because the last two to me seem more impossible than my dragon having a mate."

"The White Woods are dying," asked the Lady of the Land of Water mortified.

Rolling his eyes Michael retook his chair. "I'm surprised you didn't know Lady Noctis. Isn't it's the council's responsibility to keep up with world affairs? An here I know more then it seems you do. Yes, the White Woods are… shall we say shrinking if not dying."

Glaring at Lord Leon, Lady Noctis snapped, "When we were you going to decide to tell us that? This is a very troubling sign that the Mothers health is failing!"

"I feel as it's all tied to that girl," spat Lord Leon. "The White Woods started to recede exponentially when the King gave her the title of Princess of the White Woods. I suspect that the Mother is angry and taking back her gift of protection and abundance!"

Rolling his eyes Shelby adjusted himself on the floor as he stated, "Gods don't care about titles no more than the Goddess cares about monetary possessions. I believe the Woods is failing because of the blight affecting the south lands."

"You knew about the White Woods dying as well," snapped Lady Noctis shooting daggers at him as well.

"I figured everyone did. To me, it was common knowledge," sated Lord Shelby coldly. "But aren't we getting sidetracked. I thought we were discussing a little white-haired girl who was found wandering the White Woods in which she was aptly titled."

Hiding a smile Michael mentally thanked Shelby for his silent support in getting the ball moving again. The sooner he dealt with this, the sooner he could walk out of here. "Yes, true, let's refocus," continued Lord Leon as if they all weren't still laying on the floor. "Sky is an orphan with no prestige and title. It looks bad that the King is proclaiming a mate who has no social standing, not to mention he's choosing a mate so young. It's blasphemy against the Goddess herself. She chooses our mates not the other way around!"

"Well that will be remedied when she reaches breeding age," sated Shelby rolling to his back and looking up at the ceiling. "It's not uncommon for Fire dragon to proclaim mates and treat them as such, minus the mating part, until they come of age. Since there are so few women I believe that our dragons have become more in tune with the Goddess. That if our mate is born three hundred years younger than us, then it's a test of character. If you pass the test or not is up to you. I've seen dragons who have held babies and proclaimed the same thing. Then three hundred years later and here she is wearing his mating mark. So to me, it's not as strange, but then again our culture is a lot different than anyone else."

"You also think the only way to die is by the sword and it's a dishonor to die old in your bed," stated Lady Noctis as if that way of life was barbaric.

"Says the woman who's family worships sea snake," retorted Shelby.

"Enough," roared Michael bring that argument to a close before it stated. "Okay, so the people are upset because my dragon chose a mate. It's not like I've touched her or even marked her as mine. When she reaches breeding age and the Goddess graces her with a mark then we will all know for sure. Until then it's not like she is your queen or anything. She's just a girl with white hair."

With a flick of the wrist, everyone was getting out of the floor and taking their seats again except for Lady Winter who sat quietly on the floor thinking thoughtfully. "Is it true, that she marked you," said Lady Winter so low Michael almost didn't hear her.

"Yes it is true," stated Jamie taking a step forward. "It was logged in the capital city of Rivia and the report was sent to the Grand Library in Noelani signed by no more than six physicians."

The council sat in silence at this news. Everyone but Lady Winter seemed shocked by this. Michael knew everyone had heard the rumors but it seems that only Lady Winter seemed to think there was truth to them. Raising to her feet Lady Winter brushed off her lavender and blue dress. "May l see?"

"Absolutely not," stated Eli shocked that Lady Winter would even think to ask.

"Would it bring this to a close," asked Michael holding a hand out to stop whatever Eli was about to say.

"It would," said Lady Winter quietly. "We all know a mating mark is a pact between the Goddess and a dragon. If the mark still remains after all this time then the promise holds true does it not?" Turning to the other council members when they did not answer she asked again. "Does it not?"

"If the mating mark is there then we have a first in history," agree Shelby. "Let it be the end of a proclamation and the beginning of a promise."

"I agree," stated Lady Noctis.

Glaring at Lord Leon, Michael awaited his reply. Of course, it's not like he needed it because three against one would put the favor in his court anyway. Democracies had its advantages some times. "It would solve the one problem yes," said Lord Leon reluctantly.

"Fine," agreed Michael raising to his feet. "Then let us end the one problem."

Taking off his two-tailed coat Michael tossed it to the floor before turning to the buttons of his shirt cuffs. Plucking the golden dragon cuffs off he tossed those to the floor as well. Untucking his shirt he undid the buttons and carelessly tossed it to the ground as well. Without hesitation, he pulled off his undershirt dropped it at his feet and stepped down off of the dais. Stopping in front of Lady Winter Michael growled, "See your proof and let's be done with it."

Leaning in toward him Lady Winter examined the bite mark present on the King's shoulder where it rolls up to meet his neck. Lady Winter knew it could be faked but she also know it would be quite painful for the King if she touched it. As she moved this way and that the light caught the mark just right and the mark lit up like spun silver. Gasping Lady Winter took a step back in disbelieve. The spider web of silver strings was what the ancients called the stitch work of the Goddess. There were tails of such romance that span such gaps like the Kings and Sky. As well as children falling in love and carrying their mate's mark from childhood. The promise was sown to their mate's flesh with the silver strings of the Goddess to always remind them that when the time came she would not forget her promise. "What? Is the mark fake," scoffed Lord Leon storming over to the King. "I figured it would be. Anything to keep his pet."

Taking ahold of the King's shoulder to see the proof for himself Lady Winter instantly dropped to the King's feet as he dragon roared out in anger and pain. She knew somewhere in the world a little girl could feel the reverberation of what just happened, and she felt sorry for those around her. Lady Winter knew the child's dragon would lash out even if the young girl didn't understand why, and it would lash out at everything.

Back handing the Lord, Michael went for the kill as Jamie's cat came racing into the room. Sliding to a stop at the King's feet the cat began hissing and spitting at everyone close to him. Including his guards who put themselves between the King and the council. Rattling a warning Michael looked down at the old cat. If Thomas was here then someone else was as well, by the way he was acting. Ignoring the pain Leon just caused, Michael walked over to Jamie and took the throwing knives out of the back of his jacket. Aiming for the lights Michael took them out flawlessly draping them all in shadow. Looking back toward the cat he saw exactly what he expected to see. Standing right beside Thomas was the silver silhouette of a very beautiful woman rubbing her shoulder and looking around at all of the occupants. "What have I told you about walkabouts," snapped Michael making everyone look in the same direction as he was. Watching the woman talking quickly and pointing to her shoulder and then to her feet he could figure out what she was saying without hearing her worlds. "I don't care what your dragon wants or feels, go back now!"

Watching the very nicely rounded breasts jiggle as the woman stomped her foot she disappeared leaving only a very upset cat. "I should really kill you for that," rumbled Michael as his wings rustled behind him. "If you ever lay even a fraction of a finger on me again I will rip that limb from your body."

Leon didn't dare move from the floor as the King returned to his thorn. Settling his wings on either side Michael set down ignoring the scattering of clothes at his feet. "Let us finish this before I decide to hell with the laws and I kill you all," snapped Michael glaring at the group as his guards took up their post on either side of him including the cat.

"She better be gone," murmured Jamie giving his pet the evil eye.

"Do not worry she is," replied Michael simply but low enough only they could hear him, before raising his voice. "Lets get this done. What other business do you have with my mate!"

Clearing his throat Leon stands up and proceeds back to the table. "The second part of the discussion is over finances. The countries taxes are to fund you, the armies, as well as the daily needs of the castle."

"As we all know," snapped Michael. "Spit it out before I rip it out of your throat!"

"Since Sky is of no social backing, she would be as low as a street beggar. I would caution you on mating with someone so much lower than your own class. As well as using the countries money to support a woman who is not yet your mate," said Leon still trying to stir up trouble.

"She might be an orphan and not born into an aristocratic family but I assure you none of the county's money has gone into her care and upkeep. All of her expenses were docked from her pay as a King's guard, and before that, they were covered by the Matriarch which is customary for an orphan. All deduction and allowances are logged and noted within the castle ledgers," informed Michael waving the subject off.

"We all know her being a Kings guard was a farce, and what about now that she isn't? Who's paying for the Kings Guard classes? Surely not the people," scoffed Lord Leon.

Stepping forward when Michael was about to speak Tanner cut him off. "No need to trouble yourself about this, your Majesty. I can handle this. Tom!" Within seconds one of his seconds entered the throne room and bowed deeply in front of him. "Go get Lady Luna's ledger."

"Sir," replied Tom as he ran out of the Throne room to return moments later holding a black leather-bound ledger.

Taking the ledger from Tom, Tanner gave him a court nod and stated, "You are dismissed," before turning toward the council. "While Sky was being retained as a King's guard she was paid two gold a year. Pulling a piece of paper out Tanner handed it to the council. She was paid two gold a year to protect the King from poisoning. With her time in service, she fulfilled her job 100% making her meager wage valid."

Taking the contract back from the council Tanner slide the contract back into the ledger. Turning so he could return to his position Leon stated, "What about now that she isn't a King's guard? Are you saying that her living expenses are placed upon the High Lords of the realms? What Kind of future Queen survives off handouts?"

Stopping Tanner spun around on his heels and smiled politely at the council member. "Lady Luna survives off of her own income and pays her own guards. She has even paid for all of her Kings Guards classes for herself."

"And where is a child-like her getting money? Are you saying she went and got a job? That would look bad on the King if she was out working in the fields or turning down beds. It would appear that he couldn't afford the upkeep of his pet," spat the Leon.

"First you're angry thinking that the Kings is spending the countries money on Lady Luna, now you're upset because he isn't. Make up your damn mind," snapped Eli earning him a glare from Michael for stepping out of line.

"I'm only looking out for the well being of my country, and my King," stated Leon feigning insult.

"Well it's a good thing it's neither of those jobs. She if filling a need outside the realm of normal work and more toward the Lords of the Lands," replied Tanner countering Leon.

"What would fall outside normal work and more toward the Lord's work," asked Shelby

"Monsters," said Lady Noctis. "She's made quite a bit of money selling monster parts."

"What kind of Princess runs around slaying Monsters," said Lord Leon aghast. "She even has the title of the White Woods! No wonder why the Mother is angry! The White Woods are a haven for all living things and the mother protects them all!"

"As does Sky," snapped Tanner looking down his nose at Leon.

"How can she do that if she hacking them up and selling they pieces," said Leon pretending to be very upset by what was being said.

"No one said she was killing the monsters," stated Lady Noctis. "Only a flock of harpies have died at her hand and that's only because they left her no choice. Besides that, everything else has been given to her in trade. A town gave her gold in return so that she could ask the Preyton's not to eat all of their harvests during their annual migration. The Preyton's gave her a bushel of feathers in return for a safe passage through the town. Between the two she devised a route that suited both the Preytons and the farmers."

Lord Leon looked like he was about to faint if only on stage and not in real life. "You're telling me the freak can talk to animals!"

Snarling Michael pushed himself up to the edge of his chair. Everyone could see clearly that all of his muscles were bunched within his chest ready to spring at any moment. Even Thomas was suddenly on the defensive hissing and spitting again. "Drawing his sword Tanner pointed it toward the Lord's throat as he spat between gritted teeth. "If you so dare to call her a freak one more time. I will kill you in place of the King without hesitation."

Rolling his eyes the Lord stated, "Very well but even that kind of job can not pay well and cover the expenses of a proper lady."

"For a low maintenance proper lady it covers her expenses quite well that she's amassed a small fortune in the last four years," retorted Tanner flipping the book back open. "Since Lady Luna was dwelling in the Land of Water, I have been tasked with her book keeping." Finding the page he was looking for he laid the book down on the table. "From the last report I received on the Lady Luna's earnings and deduction the High Lord stated that after her taxes were paid she retains 578 thousand aureus within the Land of Water's vault."

"Impossible," shouted Lord Leon dragging the ledger closer to him.

"If you do not, believe me, I have retained all of the correspondence. Feels free to check my math," retorted Tanner with an air of smugness. "From here the Ledger will be turned over to Eli since Lady Luna is venturing to the Land of Earth next. As I'm sure you are aware councilmen."

"What," choked Lord Leon. "She should have been on her way to the Land of Wind. Technically that's where all the King's guards should start their training. It is a tradition!"

"Yes, but the freak as you so call her has the power to walkabouts," said Lady Winter so low almost no one heard her. "For her safety, our lands have agreed to wait until after her training at the Land of Earth. There she can be trained properly on how to harness her powers correctly. I think I'm done here. I buy your leave, your majesty."

Standing up when Michael nodded toward her Lady Winter left Lord Leon genuinely flabbergasted. Michael didn't like the look on Lord Leon's face with the information he just received. Already the wheels were turning in his head and he knew that not one of the outcomes was good. That man was devious and he would have to keep a close eye on him. Luckily for him since Lady Winter had dismissed herself this meeting was now adjourned. Standing up Michael didn't acknowledge the bows the council members gave him or their rehearsed closing speech of, "Thank you for your time High Dragon for listening to the concerns of your people. May the Goddess walk with you."

Stopping just outside the door Michael turned toward Thomas who had followed him out. Having stopped within the shadow of the door Michael could see her clearly again. This time he didn't ask nicely. Placing his hand upon her chest he sent his powers into her sending her back from where she'd come. Laying his hand on the mark she gave him, he began to wonder if her dragon knew what had happened.

Deciding he was completely done with today Michael didn't return to his office but instead went to his room. Slamming his door closed behind him Michael's knees crumpled as he hit the floor. Now that he was alone he let out the groan of pain he'd been holding in. His shoulder burned like someone had shoved a red hot poker through it. Without Sky present to calm the burn he would have to suffer through this transgress until it passed, which would take about a month if what he learned was true. Groaning again Michael rolled on the floor cursing Leon's existence and the pain in his shoulder.

*******

Sky sat in the doctor's office holding an ice crystal to her head groaning. "She'll have a nasty bruise on her forehead for a couple of days, but besides that, she'll be fine," said the Doctor to the head guard. Turn toward her the doctor frowned, "Now as for you. You and your dragon can't just go on a walkabout whenever you feel like it. Without your spirit, your body can't stand on its own. Hasn't your teacher taught you better!"

Looking sheepish Sky turned her attention to her fingernails. "Wait you haven't been properly trained," shouted the Doctor. "You could die without training what were you thinking!"

"It's not like I asked for it to happen," mumbled Sky rubbing her shoulder before she continued to pick at her nails.

"Wait are you saying…." reaching for Sky's shirt collar the Doctor asked, "Do you mind?"

"No, go ahead," replied Sky watching as the Doctor grabbed her collar.

Pulling her shirt collar to the side the Doctor looked at her shoulder closely before rubbing his chin. "You're about 200 years old correct? Have you mate marked someone?"

Sky and the guard choked on their own saliva for two different reasons at what the doctor said. Looking at both of them confused the Doctor said, "I take it you're a pair and are hiding it?"

"What," choked the guard having not recovered fully from the first one. "Are you trying to get me killed! Don't say such things so loudly!"

Looking around quickly making sure no one was close the guard glared at the Doctor. "There is nothing wrong with claiming a woman as beautiful as Lady Sky, and 200 isn't that young on the spectrum of things. It's not like it's taboo or anything. Now if she's younger then that then you'd be considered a child molester and you'd die. I'm not sure why you're so worked up. Is the Land of Water that different when it comes to the age of consent?"

"No we are not, but she has a proclaimed mate and he's quit….power," said the guard after a long pause before the last word since he was trying to hide who Sky really was.

"I do not have a proclaimed mate," stated Sky shocked that the guard would lie to the Doctor. "I'm only 20 years old and nowhere close to my dragon even being able to make the hormone that goes into a mating bite."

This time the doctor choked as he looked at Sky unbelieving. Even the guard was a little shocked by what she'd said."What," asked Sky crossing her arms and glaring at the two of them. "I'm not dumb and I know how a female dragons body works. Just because I'm twenty doesn't mean I'm ignorant or juvenile. I understand I'm just a kid, but I wish everyone would stop treating me like one."

Shaking his head the Doctor took a step back and looked between the full-grown woman on his exam table and the High Lords guardsmen of Rivia. "What did you say your names were again?"

"We didn't," said the guard taking ahold of Sky's arm. "If she's fine we will be leaving now."

As the guard began pulling Sky out of the office the Doctor stated in a low enough voice that only they could hear. "She has bitten the King hasn't she?"

Coming up short the guard hung his head before turning to look at the Doctor. "I have done no such thing," stated Sky as her face began too warm with embarrassment. "Why would I ever bite him. Like I said I'm not old enough, and we all know the King doesn't mate."

The thought of sinking her teeth into him appealed to her on a level she didn't understand. As she thought about it her face grew hotter and the feeling low in her stomach grew. "I have heard rumor of you floating through the medical community, but never in my life would I have thought that it's true," said the Doctor shaking his head. "I should have known as soon as I saw the white hair, but it's amazing. You are aging at the rate of a human and if this is so then I don't see why you couldn't mate mark someone at your age. Everything I saw including the precursors says you're somewhere around two hundred years. Biologically you are not a welp or a fledgling, but a young adult."

"Good to know, but I still didn't bite the King," state Sky as rubbed at her shoulder again.

"An if she did," asked the guard with a guarded expression.

"Which I haven't," interjected Sky.

"If she did and someone has touched it then her dragon will keep dragging her to his side, because of-" the doctor's statement was cut off again as Sky's body hit the floor.

"Not again," exclaimed the guard rolling her onto her back. "Doctor, how do we stop this?"

"You don't," informed the Doctor picking Sky out of the floor and placing her on the bed. "Tell me truly, has she mate marked the King?"

Knowing better than to reply the Guard continued to look at the unconscious Sky. "When a woman marks a man she leaves a part of herself behind. If anyone touches that mark besides her, the owner feels a lot of pain."

"I'm not a retard Doc," snapped the Guard interrupting the Doctor. "I know and understand how they work. I have one myself."

"Then you know the only way to calm the irritation is skin contact with your mate, or time," retorted the Doctor.

"Well I guess it's going to suck to be him for the next month," snapped the guard. "Maybe he should have thought about that before hand."

Shaking his head the Doctor whipped the blood off Sky's head were she'd busted it open this time. "Do I since hostility there," chuckled the Doctor.

"Since his dragon has proclaimed her as his mate then yes there's hostility there. The only one who should be touching his body is her. So yea he deserves the pain for sleeping around," spat the guard angrily.

Chuckling again the Doctor placed a bandaged on Sky's head and shook his head. "Oh to be young again. You do know that a male can touch the mark and cause the same kind of pain right?"

"Are you saying the King has turned to men for pleasure," choked the guard shocked that the Doctor would say such a thing.

"No, his guards could have been getting him dressed and accidentally brushed it is all I'm saying. Just because it was touched doesn't mean it was sexual in nature, it could have been accidental, or intentional," informed the Doctor placing the ice crystal onto of the bandage on Skys head.

"Why would someone intentionally hurt the King," asked the guard as his brow furrowed deeply.

"There are many reasons and more than likely none of them are good. If her dragon keeps dragging her away it's more than someone touching her mark. Her rubbing her shoulder for a fantom pain is the sign of that, but couple it with distress, anger, or fear. Then you have a cocktail that would have her dragon worried enough to go on a walkabout."

"Oh that hurts so bad," shouted Sky as she curled in on herself. "Oh that hurts more this time than last time! It burns, it burns!

"What burns," asked the doctor quickly trying to roll Sky back onto her back.

Extracting her hands from her chest the Doctor lifted her shirt to see what appeared to be a handprint on her chest. Right in the center of the palm was the King's mark, burned deep within her flesh. It looked like a hot branding iron was placed between her breast charing her skin to a deep black. "owwy owwy owwy," chanted Sky as the doctor gently prodded the red and angry skin.

"He sent you back again didn't he," asked the guard. "I've seen that mark before, but not like that."

Grabbing burn jell the Doctor began slathering it on as a young adult and a fledging came blowing into his office. "Sky what's wrong," asked the April rushing to her side. "What did his Majesty say! No more walkabout!"

Ignoring the fact Sky's shirt was under her chin or there was a huge burned hand print on her chest, William flopped the cub he'd been packing onto Sky's lap. "Here she's been giving the guards a hard time, and we got a bottle and formula. She won't take it from me though, so you try," stated William quit perturbed.

"Is that a manticore cub," exclaimed the Doctor taking several steps back from the beast.

Taking the bottle from William, Sky continued to chant owwy all while shoving the nipple of the bottle into the cub's mouth. Without too much of a fuss, the cub sucked at the bottle hungrily as it purred and needed Sky's stomach. "So what's going on in the Kingdom," asked April poking at Sky's burn.

"Quit that," snapped Sky swatting at April's hand.

"Well that's what you get for disobeying the King," stated April throwing daggers at Sky with her eyes.

"Blame my dragon and I don't know," stated Sky sitting up and pulling her shirt down.

"Is his Majesty in trouble," asked the Doctor as he began putting things inside a small basket.

"No, he was having a heated debate with the council about my line of work and my finances," said Sky confused. "I don't understand why he was so angry or why his clothes were on the floor."

"What," gasped everyone at once shocked about what Sky said.

"The King was naked in front of the council," laughed William who seemed to be the only one who found everything to be humous.

"No, he had his pants on but his shirts and jacket were on the floor. Well, they weren't there the first time I showed up, the second time he was sitting on the throne with his clothes at his feet. Not like I understand any of it, but he hurts. I can see it in his posture and his eyes, but I don't know why," said Sky as she voice trialed off on the last part.

Handing the basket to Sky the Doctor rubbed her head and smiled. "You will as soon as your personal guard explains to you what and how mating marks work and feel. I'm too old for those kinds of conversations any more."

"Who," shouted the guard backing up and waving his hands in defiance. "I am not doing that!"

"I was talking about the one who's still poking a very painful burn," snapped the Doctor swaying at Aprils hand that was holding Sky's t-shirt up.

"Isn't she a bit young for that doc," laughed April taking the basket Sky had as well as the empty bottle.

"No, her body is of a two hundred year old dragon. I'd do more than just explain mating marks while you're at it," informed the doctor holding the door for them. "It was an honor to serve you Princess Luna of the White Woods."

Sliding off the table Sky gave the Doctor a nod a she mumbled about how she hated that title and how a back woods Doctor even knows it. Climbing into the back of the van Sky sat the cub down on the floor before flopping back onto the bed. Her head and her chest were currently in a competition on who could hurt worse. Moments later April climbed in just before the carriage lurched forward. Sky lay there while April stammered through the birds and the bees talk. She struggled through how babies were made and how mating marks affected the body. All of this was stuff Sky had already learned by looking into people or suffering through people memories accidentally.

Once April was done Sky looked over at her friend's beet-red face. "I already know all of that."

"What! And you let me flounder," exclaimed April.

"Well it's good practice for when you have to teach William," laughed Sky.

"Well, I'm hoping I have a mate by then and he can explain it. It would be better that way. It would be uncomfortable for him if his sister was having that conversation, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like blue balls, season stress, or season stroke," said April sitting further back in the seat.

"What are those," asked Sky rolling over to face her.

Clearing her throat April looked out the window as her face began too flush again. "You see when a man wants to mate with someone his manhood becomes erect-"

"I thought we already went over that subject," huffed Sky flopping onto her back again.

"Yes, but a hard cock when it comes to men is a constant conversation. I thought you wanted to know what those three things are?"

"Sorry go ahead," stated Sky still starring up at the ruff of the van.

"Like I was saying when a man wants to mate his member gets hard and will stay that way until the urge is gone. If the urge stays too long his testicles will begin to turn a blue tent because of the blood pressure within them. Without relieving the pressure he will suffer pain and discomfort. Now season stress is the same thing pretty much but it's when the male is in season. But there is also a build-up of mating pheromones within the body. If he does not find release of this pressure, and a release of all the excess pheromones within his body he will go into season stroke. Too much of the pheromone becomes toxic to the body. They can get light-headed or dizzy, followed my muscle weakness and cramps. It's known to cause vomiting or nausea, coupled with a rapid heartbeat and shallow breathing. If not remedied they could die."

Laying on the bed looking thoughtful Sky turned toward April. "So how do they release these excess pheromones?"

"Threw mating," said April feeling a bit more uncomfortable because she knew Sky wasn't gong to just take that as an answer.

"But if they don't find a mate they die then? If that's so then why are so many unmated men alive?"

Shaking her head now April turned from the window and looked at Sky's curious expression. "No, not just mating, Oh what did you call it when we first met… Oh yeah, practice mating."

"Okay I get that but how does a toxic amount of stuff in your body get out of your body?"

"Threw every part of the body. Through sweet glands, saliva, a big chunk of it is within his seed," informed April trying to remember that she was talking to a biological woman and not a child of twenty.

It did help though that Sky looked like an adult and her comprehension was defiantly in line with her body's age. "So all this has to do with what the Doctor asked and that was if I mate marked the King, but I've never bitten the King that I can remember."

With that Sky fell silent and stared blankly at the ceiling. April kept a vigil beside her just incase her dragon drug her away again. April knew walkabouts were dangerous to people who were untrained and listened carefully to what the doctor had told her before leaving. He had told her about all the wives tails on how to wake a walker up before they died. Committing them all to memory April preyed to the Goddess she'd never need them. "April," asked Sky continuing to stair at the ceiling.

"Yeah?"

"When you look at some men or think about Eli, does your woman-hood tingle?"

Choking, coughing, and sputtering April pounding her chest as she tried not to die and to prevent her soul from leaving her body. "By the Goddesses grace Sky," wheezed April trying to catch her breath.

"Well does it? Do you get butter flies in your stomach," asks Sky rolling over to stair at her with her dragon blue eyes.

"If you're going to look into me for the answers why ask them," stated April.

Rolling back over Sky looked back up at the ceiling. "I don't always get answers to question when I look into people. Like now I see memories of a lot of nice-looking guys but that doesn't answer my question. Unless I'm touching you I can't feel anything associated with those memories."

"Why point Eli out, out of all the men I'm sure you see inside my head," asked April as she turned and walking over to sit on the bed next to Sky.

"Because when you think of him you also think of the festival of the sea, of salt, and the wind in our face. When you think of those you think of home with your brother and your parents. All the things that make you smile. When you think of other men its just that a picture of them," informed Sky as she moved over in response to Aprils pushing.

Talking a deep breath April laid back on the bed with Sky and took up her hand. "Can you see things that aren't memories like if I picture stuff in my head?"

"No, I'm not a telepath," replied Sky rolling her head just enough to see April's look of concentration.

"Okay I think this memory might answer your question but if you tell him I'll kill you," stated April.

Opening her link Sky passed into April memory of her dancing with Eli. Through her body, she could feel roughly the same feelings she was asking about. Shooting up from the bed Sky dropped Aprils hand as he replied, "That's exactly it! What is that feeling?"

Turning red again April replied the best way she knew how. "That is your body telling you that it would like to mate with him."

"Really," asked Sky with wonder on her face before it morphed completely. "You want to mate with Eli?!"

Covering her mouth April looked up toward the front in the direction of where the driver should be sitting. "Don't say that too loud," hissed April.

"Why," laughed Sky pushed Aprils hand away. "It's not like Eli is a bad choice in mates. He's a very good guy and was very nice to me growing up. If I had to choose a father figure I'd say it's him. I believe he'd be a good dad if he ever finds a mate."

"I don't doubt that one bit, but we are of two different social standings. You can't just talk openly about such things. It's not excitable to speak of your betters in such a way," said April as she got out of Skys bed and returned to the chair.

"Well good things we aren't in the open," giggled Sky as her eyes took on a mischievous look. "I can show you what he looks like naked, but it might give you a nose bleed."

"Sky," shouted April floor by what she just said.

Feeling the van coming to a stop the head guard nocked on the door before opening it. "We will stop here for the night and I will have the cook prepare supper," stated the head guard raising an eyebrow at April before asking, "Lady April are you filling ill? Your face is red."

Waving him off April glared at Sky before saying. "No, I'm fine thank you."

While they waiting for supper Sky helped to feed the horses as she continued to drill April with personal questions. As well as more depth questions about mating and mating marks.

After supper and with the moon high in the sky April settled in for the long night on the hard chair inside Sky's van. Sky lay in the bed inside the van think about everything April had said and the Doctor's insistence that she had marked the King. She even had long discussions with her dragon, but neither of them can remember ever doing such a thing. Closing her eyes Sky tried to get some sleep but her mind wouldn't let her. Instead, she turned and looked at the glowing silver river that took her to Michael the first time. Maybe it was the river that continued to make her shoulder hurt. The first time she saw it was there and then gone. No matter how many times she wanted it to return it didn't. Now it was back inside her mind and brighter then ever and it snatched her up twice without her touching it. Standing on the banks Sky held her hand above the surface of the water. "Do you think we can do this without alerting April. She'll get mad at us if she figures it out. Plus her poking at the burn on our chest to emphasize the King's anger doesn't help," said Sky looking at her dragon.

Nodding her head in agreement the twin girl that lived inside her head replied, "It's dark in here and she's already almost asleep herself. If we are quick then she won't know."

"Yeah but what about him. I don't know if I can handle another burn. This thing really hurts," complained Sky rubbing her shoulder as she looked down at her chest.

"Yeah well, so does our shoulder so let's see if we can fix one. That Doctor thinks it's because of this mating mark we left on the King," replied her dragon moving closer to the waters edge.

"Yeah, but when did we do that. I don't remember biting him do you?"

Shrugging her shoulders her dragon shook her head no sending her long white hair waving behind her. "Nope, so we'll just have to look all over for it. Then all we have to do is touch it right. That's what April said anyway then this pain will go away."

Nodding her head in agreement Sky tried to focus her thoughts as she reasoned things out in her head. "How can we touch things, if we are insubstantial?"

"But we aren't," stated her Dragon smiling. "Remember we greeted the lioness and she greeted us back so we aren't always transparent. Maybe it's only if we want to be. It's worth a try right?"

"Fine," replied Sky taking her dragons hand. "You talked me into it let's go!"

With that both Sky and her dragon leaped into the river and within a flash they were standing at the foot of the King's bed. "Heart of the world and the gift from the mother of us all you have returned," greeted Thomas from somewhere within the darkness.

Looking around Sky could see him curled up on the nightstand beside the King's bed. "Thomas you're still here," replied Sky shocked that he hadn't left the Kings side yet.

"Of course I am. The King still hurts, and I figured you'd return again because of that," sated Thomas as he stood up and stretched.

"How do you know he hurts," asked Sky turning to look at the man sprawled across the entire length of the bed.

"Because he's tossed and turned so much he's nocked the covers off, and Master is here watching over him," replied Thomas sitting down on his hunches and looking over at Jamie who was a sleep on the chair nearby. "On top of that his death whirls about every so often and that only happens when he's in a bad mood."

"Then why are you sitting so close," exclaimed Sky worried for her old friend. "You need to move to a safer distance."

Laughing a cat-like laughed Thomas began to preen himself. "Heart of the world, the King's death would be a welcomed quick and painless death. It would be a lot better than the death of this old cat."

"Oh you're not that old," snorted Sky. "You talk like you're ancient. You're just a little younger than me."

This did make Thomas laugh loud enough that Jamie stirred within his sleep. "For a cat, fifteen is ancient. I have outlive most other cats within the castle child. It won't be long before the Mother comes to claim me. But your time is short, remember what it is you wish to do?"

Remembering what she was here to do Sky turned her attention to the man sprawled across the bed taking up every inch of it. Sky could feel her mouth go dry as she eyed the man in front of her. Of course this wasn't the first time she'd seen him naked. Nakedness went hand and hand with being a male dragon. Dragons needed to shift and fly every so often and to do that they would have to remove their close. If not they would need to buy a new outfit every time. Until just this moment she hadn't thought much about the King's body. He had always been pretty to her. She like the sharpness of his jaw, the color of his eyes, as well as his long flowing locks of raven black hair. Even his dragon with its shiny black scales was beautiful to her, but that's as far as it went. Having thought nothing of it she could understand how she'd never appreciated the body that went along with the pretty face. The man had nice toned and shapely legs that rolled right into a toned flat stomach. With the way he was stretched out you could see the slight curve of his ab muscles that supported two very well defined pecks. The King didn't have a wash board stomach like Tanner had, in which April said was a turn on for her. Sky could appreciate abs like that but she preferred something more comfortable, something that would give a little when laid on. Not saying she wanted to lay on the King or even saying that he was weak. No, it took fat to build strong, powerful muscles. Lean muscle made quick movements and had a lighter weight but didn't pack a punch as heavy muscle did. Some of the strongest guys she'd met had a couple of extra pound on them. Again she wasn't calling the King fat either, because there wasn't a once of none essential fat on him. Nope, he had enough so he didn't look like a working man but less than a High Lord. He had the perfect amount for a King with a sex god body.

Shaking those thoughts out of her head Sky crawled onto the bed and tried to not think about the pressure she felt between her own legs. Staring on his right foot Sky turned it this way and that before working her way up his toned calf. April had said even if she didn't see it you could still smell where the mark was. She'd said that you could smell a strong scent of cinnamon or clove when you got close to a mating mark, or when someone was in season. Considering it was pretty dark in the room Sky lowed her nose as she made her way up his leg. Concentrating on breathing Sky was getting frustrated that she couldn't smell anything at all. At a minimum Sky new she should be able to smell cookies and lavender, but all she smelled was the light scent of…Mayaya. Finding that strange Sky pushed it to the side and continued up his leg sniffing as she went. Pausing when Michael shifted, Sky continued to run her hands up his inner thy. Shifting again Sky looked at the pained look on his face as he moaned. Moving as he brought his hand down and rubbed himself, she looked back up at his face. Still asleep, Michael's hand rested atop of manhood that was currently tiny. Now she wasn't saying the King's manhood was small by any means. Nope, she knew that it could almost touch his belly button when standing erect. That memory from her first walkabout was very clear within her mind's eye of him nude, wearing his dragon skin, holding a t-shirt. His member looked a lot different then, then it does now.

Taking a mental note to ask April later, Sky turned her attention to Michael's other leg. Making her way back up to his thy Michael groaned again as she slide her hand up his leg. Thinking he was in pain Sky ignored it and moved his hand out of the way so she could see under it. Inspected his manhood Sky let it go quickly when Michael jerked violently under her and his dragon let out a small rattle. Finding nothing there she continued up his flat stomach. Watching his skin vibrate under her fingers as they slide across his stomach Sky giggled. Finding it funny she did it again before inspected his hard pecks. Sitting on top of him Sky picked up his hand and inspected it before looking over his huge muscle-bound arm. Inspected his other hand Sky paused to rub at her shoulder before shifting her siting position. Looking down to see why her seat had become uncomfortable Sky could see that Michael's manhood was no longer small and soft, but was now like she remembered it. Adjusting her seat so that his now rigidly hard member sat perfectly between the junction of her hips, Sky turned her attain back to the sleeping Michael. At this point she'd inspected every part of him and didn't see any bight marks. Shifting again because of the pressure and the heat coming off of him, Sky racked her brain. Thinking maybe it was on his back Sky puzzled on how to go about flipping him over when Michael's hands suddenly grabbed her hips. Glancing quickly from his hands to his face Sky breathed out slowly to see he was still sleeping. Rubbing at her shoulder Sky shifted for a third time causing Michael to tighten his hold on her hips. Thinking he was still asleep Sky looked at Thomas. "Have you seen any bight marks on Michael?"

"Is that what you've been looking for," laughed Thomas looking over his shoulder since his back was turned to her. "And here I thought you were just torturing the poor man."

Shaking her head no Sky could feel her long hair swish across her back causing Michael to shift again. This time he shifted his hips up as his hands forced her down. "Why don't you just ask the High Dragon then. I'm sure he'll help you," replied Thomas looking away again.

"I would ask, but they're asleep and if they wake up we're in trouble because we're not supposed to be here," said Shy shifting again as the tingling sensation within her woman hood intensified to an uncomfortable level.

Pausing as Michael groaned she glanced at him for a second before looking back at Thomas. "If he's hurting and it's our fault we need to fix it. April said the bight mark should smell like cinnamon but can't smell anything but Mayaya and rain."

"That's because you don't have a body," informed Thomas looking over his shoulder again and glaring at Michael.

When Thomas turned his head slightly in question Sky looked back toward Michael to see what he was pondering. "You're not being very helpful here," rumbled Skys dragon getting irritated with the cat as her body's reactions to the uncomfortable sensation grew worse.

It wasn't like it was a bad feeling. No, quite the opposite, it felt great but it was clouding their mind and they needed to think. "We're probably running out of time," rumbled her dragon. "Let's check his back."

"Oh that's not a good spot," stated Thomas shaking his head as he continued to look at the door. "Ladies like it when you bite the back of the neck or the ears, but not hard."

Figuring why not, Sky leaned forwarding looked at Michaels right shoulder. Brushing his hair out of the way Sky pushed his head over so she could see his neck and his ear. Pausing when Michael began to rumble Sky turned to see him move his face into her hair. Strange thought Sky as tired to shift her weight up and off the ridged length that was pressing harder into her. Biting her lip as Michael forced her down onto of him harder she gasped when he drug her hips forward before shoving them back. Pleasure coursed through her making her shudder as he repeated the action. On the third time, Sky tried to sit up quickly knowing there was no way he was asleep. Before she knew up Sky was flat on her back with Michael above her. "What do you think the two of you are doing," asked the High Dragon as his horns pushed out of his head.

Sky tried to think of an answer but couldn't as he ground his hips into her causing all of the words to tumble out of her brain. Leaning in, Sky could feel his lips brush against her cheek as he whispered in her ear. "I smell your wantedness," purred the High Dragon as he pressed down harder on Sky's clit as he ground into her.

Caught off guard by her own cry, Sky covered her mouth causing the High Dragon to chuckle. With each laugh that shook his body, it rubbed them together causing conflicting emotions within Sky. Caught somewhere between trying to force herself out from under this great feeling man or pushing harder in return, her brain seized. It was too bad her brain was mush an all it registered was a half movement that caused her back to arch. Raising her hands in attempt to push Michael off Sky froze when she heard a voice. "High Dragon," stated Jamie quickly getting to his feet. "What's wrong?"

Stiffening quickly Michael elicited a sound she'd never heard him make before in her life. Actually she'd never once heard a dragon ever make the snarling, rattle like sound that made the air around them vibrate. The sound had Jamie tripping over himself as he ran as far from the bed as possible taking out everything in his path. Glass shattered across the floor as the vase along the wall crashed to the floor. Suddenly the room was full of people as Michael wings unfurled behind him as again he emitted that strange and terrifying sound that had even her frozen in spot. That was until the light from that hallway reflected off of something shiny on his left shoulder. Leaning up a little Sky's eyes grew round at the sight of a bite mark. "Oh that's it," exclaimed Sky. "I found it!"

Reaching up between their bodies Sky laid her hand on the mark. Suddenly her mind exploded with a sensation she'd never felt before. She cried out with it as colors seemed to dance in front of her eye. Her core cramped up to the point of pain as a pulsing sensation could be felt between her legs. The last thing she saw before she woke back up in the van was Michael's dragon throwing his head back in a roar she'd never heard. At that point she was sure he was mad at her again. "What the hell Sky," shouted April lighting the lamp quickly and looking at her.

"Princess," called the head guard clearly worried.

Seeing Sky's red face, shaking body, and smelling her climax April ran to the door and stuck her head out. "She's fine," stated April. "It was a dream! No need to come in here."

Slamming the door April turned and looked at the completely bewildered Sky. April didn't know what to do or say other then she knew the men didn't need to know Sky just had one seriously wet dream. "I knew I shouldn't have let you experience those memories."

"I think I peed the bed," said Sky almost in shock.

"Well they are called wet dreams for a reason, but I doubt you peed the bed," informed April pulling out a new pair of underwear for Sky.

"I found that bite mark and touched it," said Sky taking the underwear she was being handed with shaking hands. "You left out the explosion part though."

"Explosion," asked April as realization sank in. "You went on another walkabout didn't you!"