Matchmaker
Making his way into Eli's room Michael looked down at Eli's dragon who was being restrained on the floor by both Kyle and Tanner. Jamie already had everything he needed for a sedative if he needed it. Everyone else was ordered to their room so that the inner four could deal with this slightly dangerous situation. "Well is he really in season," asked Tanner as smoke began to role out of his nose.
"Yes, he is but," snapped Michael glaring at Eli as he renewed his struggle. "He's not interested in our women."
"Bull shit! Let me go before he claims my mate," roared Eli's dragon fighting harder to get out of Tanner's and Kyle's grip.
"Your mate, if she so chooses to be, didn't make his dick hard by pulling his hair, Eli. Now calm down before I tell Jamie to sedate you," snarled Michael pushing his authority into his words.
"He's after Alivia," roared Eli not seeming to calm down at all. "He will not be taking my seconds mate either!"
Stomping over to him, Michael grabbed a horn and cranked his head to the side. "Out of everyone in that room the only one who was turning his crank was me! So calm you're scaled ass down."
Pausing in his strangling to free himself, Eli narrowed in on the blood trailing down Michael's arm toward his face. "My King, you are bleeding," growled Eli as his anger shifted to Michael's injury.
Huffing Michael released Eli's horn as he looked at the puncture marks in his arm. "Yep just a little bit," grumbled Michael making his way toward the bathroom to clean the blood off his arm.
"What happened," snapped Jamie grabbing his medical bag and following closely behind him.
"My Queen was protecting her females from a very angry King," stated Michael holding his arm under the water of the bathtub spigot.
"Sky did that," asked Jamie chucking his bag onto the counter. "Then everything I've got is useless. Ugg!"
Spinning around Jamie made his way out of the bedroom all together. Moments later Michael could hear him returning and by the sound of it with Sky. "Well, that's what he gets for being a jerk to Gregory. He wasn't hurting anyone. I don't understand why he had to go and rip him out of the tub by his hair. What's wrong with Eli? He sees April all scaled out and decided to stake a claim. With as angry as she is right now I wouldn't recommend it. No wonder you're holding him down. Then again maybe a little dragon fight might be good for her," chuckled Sky making her way into the bathroom.
Smiling to himself he took in the sight of his mate who was wearing his shirt like normal. Watching the smile drop off her beautiful face she eyed his bloody arm. Michael loved the way she moved. Her body flowed like a lethal predator, a cat prowling making no sound as she advanced on him. Rattling his pleasure Michael could feel his body reacting to his mate as she stopped by the edge of the tub. Raising his arm toward her Michael braced for the pain to come. Her flames hurt like hell and he wasn't looking forward to it. Then again the wounds she inflicted never healed so it wasn't like he had a choice. What Michael didn't expect was for her to sit on the edge of the tub as she took up his arm. Watching her glowing blue eyes looking at him she ran her thumb over one of the punter wounds. "You know we should let you bleed for a bit," growled Sky smearing the blood over his arm. "You had no reason to hurt what is mine."
"I apologized already. How was I to know? All I knew was Eli was pouring his rage into me and there is an in-season male in a tub full of claimed woman," groaned Michael as Sky lifted his arm and ran the flat of her tongue over his skin.
All predator, thought Michael as Sky purred at the taste of his blood as she licked his arm clean. Each pass of her tongue sent an electric current straight to his already hard shaft. So absorbed in watching her close his wounds and cleaning his skin that he didn't notice her dragon had shifted her other hand. That was until her sharp claws dug into his soft belly. Instantly his dragon was up looking at her slightly afraid of the predatory look in her eyes. She hadn't pierced his flesh yet but her claws were painful none the less. It would be so easy for her to spill his guts right there, and no one would be able to stop her. He would be dead before his guards could even make it to his side.
Sitting there daring not to move, Michael and his dragon looked upon his mate's angry face. "I will tell you this once and only once mate of mine. If you so touch another female that is in season like that who is not me. I will do more to you then break the skin on your arm," growled Sky so vehemently her words seemed to drip with mirth.
Swallowing hard at the seriousness of her words Michael bravely grabbed the wrist of the hand digging its claws into his belly. Dragging it down his body toward his hard and aching member he practically put it in her hand. "You're the only one who can do this to me mate. Even when you're threatening to gut me, but I promise I will not knowingly touch another woman while she's in season. On that note, you can't get mad at me when said female has a penis. How am I to know his soul is that of a woman. I can't see what you can."
Growling at him Sky grabbed his aching shaft painfully. Groaning Michael's hips jerked on their own as Sky continued to hold him. He could see all of the memoirs and information she was feeding him through their bond. Understanding where she came from he wished she could feel him. He knew she couldn't because when he tried he felt nothing but a wall blocking him. His hips moving on their own accord causing him to groan as he slipped in and out of her tight grip. "I will try the best I can but have no fear I have no want to mate with Gregory. Goddess, that feels great. The only dick I like, you've got your hands on. Goddess," shouted Michael as Sky leaned in and sunk her teeth into his shoulder.
Instantly he lost himself within her hand emptying himself into his bathwater. "You are mine," growled Sky before licking the wound she'd caused on his shoulder.
"I am yours, my mate. All of me," replied Michael pulling her into the tub with him. "Shall I prove it to you, my mate?"
"Can we not in my bathroom," asked Eli making his way in with his dragon still in his eyes. "Is Gregory's soul really that of a woman?"
"It happens from time to time," replied Sky climbing out of the bath dousing the floor with water. "Not often mind you, but I've seen it a time or two yes."
Nodding his head, Eli's dragon lowered enough so that his horns disappeared. Ringing her shirt out over the tub, Sky made her way out of the room. Pausing in front of Eli Sky cupped his face and smiled at him. "Breath easy dragon. She is yours, she just doesn't want to admit it."
Dropping her hands Sky headed for the bathroom door. Closing the door behind her Sky paused poked her head back in as she added, "She thinks of you when she touches herself."
With that Sky shut the door and Michael could hear her running from the room snickering. Eli on the other hand wasn't snickering. His dragon was all the way up again and his claws were clenched tightly by his side. A muscle was ticking on the side of his head with the strength he was clenching his jaw. "What all did she tell you? I felt her passing information to you. What was it," asked Eli, his dragon blue eyes pleading him to answer his question.
"It is not my story to tell but if it helps your dragon I will, but it doesn't leave this room," stated Michael pulling the plug on the tub. "You mind as well get in we have a ball to get ready for."
Grunting in reply Eli did as commanded. Once he was settled in Michael began to scrub himself as he told Eli, Gregory's story. "Now mind you this is how I saw things or I perceived them from the memories Sky shared with me. How he was bullied in his village because he was small for a male dragon. None of the females accepted him as a prospect as a mate. None of the males took him seriously no matter how he pushed himself. He worked out every day until his body looks like it does now. He figured he made his body into what woman wanted maybe he would be excepted and liked. Then one day he had enough and tried to commit suicide but failed. An old lady found him on the banks of the river naked as the day he was born. She gave him a dress to return home in because that's all she had. On that day he learned that everyone treated him differently while he was in the dress. Men went out of their way to help him and females wanted to be close to him. He felt accepted and whenever he got to feeling low he'd go out in that dress."
"So do you think he's a woman inside of a man's body," asked Eli's dragon still dangerously close to the surface.
Rinsing his hair Michael climbed out of the tub. "I can't say, but I can tell you Sky touches him like one. I can tell you he's only slept with one person and he felt physically sick after sleep with her. It was strange, after that he's never tried to sleep with anyone else. This is his first season. He's ever been through one. Honestly, I don't even think he knows he likes men yet. I think my fist full of his hair has helped with that a little. Tonight Grant dances with him and we need to keep them close together."
Scrubbing up quickly Eli jumped out of the tub. "Why? Are you trying to matchmake?"
"No, Sky is. That's why she had the stipulation of them in a dress thing. This was her hopes from the beginning," informed Michael drying his hair with a towel.
"The odds of that succeeding are astronomical," state Eli drying his own hair.
"Well it seems that lady fate favors my mate," replied Michael with a shrug making his way out of the bathroom.
Finding Tanner already half-dressed drying his own hair Michael went and sat down in a chair. Tossing his long red hair back over his head Tanner righted himself before making his way over Michael. "Are we leaving it down today your Majesty or are we putting it up in a ponytail?"
Thinking about it Michael shrugged his shoulders as Tanner began drying his hair for him. "Either, whatever you think is appropriate."
"Humm," mused Tanner as he contemplated the situation. "Well, you are mated. Mated dragons wear their hair up as a proclamation of their status. Single dragons keep it down. You are mated mostly besides Sky's mating mark hasn't graced her back yet. Because of that, I can't fully put your hair up, but I can do half of it. That would tell every one of your mated status but that you're still single in the Goddess's eyes. We don't want anyone thinking that you are dismissing the Goddess and our time-honored traditions."
"Then let's do that," agreed Michael as he went back to thinking about how he was going handle Gregory.
He was taught long ago that females within a family unit could be dangerous and aggressive when one of their own came into season. It was a way of ensuring her safety and that her dragon chose who to mate with. Rape was rare but it didn't mean that it didn't happen. With all that being said, did April and Alivia also see him as a female? Their dragons did rattle at him in warning, but it could have been brought on by Sky's dragon. Those two were defiantly in tune with Sky and they would have been the first to notice her behavior. Question is, how long have they known. Could they feel it through their bond with Sky, like he could feel connections through his? Like earlier when Eli's rage was flowing into him. If it wasn't for Sky digging her claws into his arm and her hand around his throat, he might have killed Gregory. That situation could have turned really bad all because him and Eli had an overly strong bond together. One thing was for sure April needed to stop being so stubborn and accept her mate already, or his friend was going to lose it. His only saving grace so far is that April hasn't come into season around him. If she did there would be no stopping Eli's water dragon from claiming her as his mate.
Huffing Michael's shoulders sagged in defeat. Why did he have to have this much drama in his life? "Your majesty I've brought your uniform for tonight. Our Queen has chosen a simplistic black and sliver dress for tonight," informed Jamie making his way into the room. "I brought you you're simpler lightweight black jacket. We also have a thin white shirt so you don't sweat to death. To top it off we have a red vest to honor the Land of Fire for hosting the ball, and would you like a long tie or a bow tie for tonight?"
Pointing toward the bow tie Jamie sat everything down on Eli's bed before packing the long tie off. Moments later he returned with a set of black pants with a red stripe down the side that matched his vest and his shoes. Once Tanner was done with his hair and he began the task of getting dressed. Bow tie on and cufflinks in Michael inspected himself in the mirror. It was different to have only half of his hair up. Just the uppermost part of his hair was all gathered up in a ponytail leaving the lower half out and flowing down his back. Besides that strangeness, everything else looked fine. Nodding his approval, Micheal headed for the door with everyone in tow. Stepping out of the room he looked down the hallway at the sound of the women laughing. Sounding like they were having a little to much fun in his room he rolled his eyes. Hoping they managed to make it on time for the ball, Michael and his guards headed down the hall.
As was proper, Michael was the first to arrive at the ballroom. Since he was King and the focus of this ball it was his job to greet all of the guests to arrive. It's not like he had to shake their hands. No, he just had to make eye contact and nod mainly. Unfortunately, it meant a lot of time standing and faining interest in things he didn't. Taking his place on the dais Michael nodded toward the door guard letting him know that he could begin to let the guest into the ballroom. An hour into the procession Micheal kept glancing toward the main doors. Sky and her ladies in waiting should be walking in at any moment now, but it seemed they were going to be late. Growling slightly as he looked at the door for the umpteenth time William asked him. "Should I go check on them?"
"No, the Lady Inverness hasn't arrived yet either. Our queen can not proceed her," stated Tanner turning from the conversation he was having.
Knowing this, Lady Inverness was probably standing just outside the doors being a good hostess and waiting on Sky. Leave it to his Queen to be on her own time schedule. Huffing Michael reached down within him to give Sky and her two ladies a quick yank on their bonds when he noticed the Captain of the Guards rushing out of the ballroom with several others hot on his tail. Instead of yanking he felt their emotions instead. All three of them were very angry which made him delve deeper into his bond with Sky. Instantly his dragon snarled at what he found there. "Your majesty," said Eli as everyone quickly stepped back as his death swirled around him.
Forcing his way through the crowd an ashen-faced High Lord stated quickly, "My King. I apologize, but it seems we've had a slight altercation with one of the Queen's ladies in waiting."
"An altercation," asked Eli has his dragon rattled in warning. "With which lady?"
"It seems like one of visiting Lords got a little handsy with Gregory," growled Michael getting a constant stream of information from his very angry mate.
At least now he knew what was keeping them so long. With so many people around he'd shut down all of his bonds so that it wouldn't overload his system. Needless to say, it seems it also shut his bond down with Sky, which he'd have to work on. "I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused, as well as any discomfort our Queen has suffered," stated the High Lord quickly as the crowd grew silent waiting to see what the King and his death would do.
"Someone accosted Gregory? I understand he's in season, but he's a dude, and a Lord accosted him," stated Tanner trying to hide a smile.
Looking between Tanner's half-smile and the High Lords, you don't even know expression, Michael rubbed his temples trying to stop the headache that was beginning to come to life. "As soon as the women show up we will escort them from the door to the dais. Jeffery, you will escort Alivia, Eli you will escort April. Grant will escort Gregory-"
"I am not escorting a man," interrupted Grant as a slight blush tinted his cheeks. "That would make a mockery of him and would be emasculating."
Michaels dragon colored his eyes as he snarled back at Grant who instantly took a knee. "You will escort Gregory because I gave you the order to, and you will be his guard for the remainder of the day. You will be glued to him like a second skin because that is the order in which I gave you. Do you understand guard," snapped Michael letting just enough power out to remind Grant and everyone else who might forget that he was King.
"I am here to serve you, my King, in any manner in which you see fit," replied Grant solemnly keeping his head lowered.
Turning his attention from the kneeling Grant to Tanner his dragon growled, "Tanner you will escort your Queen to me. Once they are all here we will keep Gregory in the middle of us to avoid any more problems that his season might cause. This is crappy timing for him to be in season, but we will work around it. Think of it as practice for the next time, because Goddess knows there will be a next time."
"Yes My King," replied everyone within his King's Guard.
With that Tanner, Grant, Jeffery, and Eli made their way toward the doors of the ballroom. Stoping at the bottom of the stairs which was customary for escorts, they awaited their charges. Not long after that, the usher was announcing the arrival of the Lady Inverness. Next came Alivia in a blue dress fitting for a water dragon. It had silver snowflake-like designs stitched into the elegant and simple ankle-length skirt. Eli closed Jeffery's jaw as she came to a stop in front of him. Opening and closing his mouth like he was going to say something he finally kept is closed as he offered her his arm.
Next came April who was just a beautiful in a blue dress. Hers had a delicate lace motif adorned with glamorous silver butterflies on the bodice and the a-line skirt comprised of tulle. Eli's dragon was instantly at the surface as she made her way down the couple of stairs that would bring her straight to him. Rattling out his want for her, his dragon presented her his arm. Wide-eyed April's face flushed at the sight of the lust his friend had within his eyes for her. The next one who was introduced was Lady Grace. Watching a beautiful woman with a hunter green dress enter the ballroom noses began to flare. The smell of her season carried on the wind as she sashayed down the stairs. The red marks on her arms showing them all the trouble she's already had before making it into the room. Stopping at the bottom of the stairs a pair of big blue eyes blinked up at Grant waiting for him to move. Standing there in stunned silence Tanner gave him a shove as he cleared his throat. Spurring him into motion Grant offered Grace his arm as his green eyes changed to that of his yellow-green dragon eyes. As he escorted Grace toward the others, Michael schooled his face to an emotionless one as Grant kept stealing glances down toward the one leg that was exposed every time she would step forward. It was at that moment he could see why the Lord had accosted him. Gregory made a very beautiful woman with his slight build and stature. Even with his masculine build that put almost everyone to shame, within that dress, it appeared feminine. Michael couldn't believe his hips even swayed like that a woman and he oozed feminine sexuality. Add on the smell of cinnamon and she had heads turning from all directions.
Hearing the Usher call Sky's name, Michael turned to watch his gorgeous Queen enter the room. The dress she chose was a simple black dress that shifted to red at the bottom of the flowing skirt. The sleeveless upper portion had elaborate silver beadwork starting at the waist and ending in silver beads that went up and around her neck. It made sense now why Jamie had chosen for him to wear red instead of keeping it simple with all black. That would be because Sky's dress wasn't completely black either. Wondering if she had help in choosing the dress Michael was glad if she did. It was a major show us support for her dress to have red in it since she was visiting the Land of Fire. Growling his approval, Michaels dragon came up to gaze upon his glowing mate as she made her way toward him. Nothing turned him on more than when she walked with authority. Her presence demanded respect as she glided across the hall with a proud Tanner strolling right beside her.
Meeting his black eyes, Sky's flashed blue if only for a second before her dragon settled down halfway. The only clue that gave her away is that her blue iris's seemed to glow slightly. Ever vigilant and always on alert for danger. More now since Gregory or should he call him Grace was assaulted. Presenting Micheal with her arm, Tanner smiled at him like a cat that just ate the canary. "You are beautiful my mate," purred Michael's dragon taking in Sky's beauty from head to toe.
Purring Sky took his measure as well before leaning into him. "So are you," replied Sky before Michael claimed her lips making her tail swish quickly behind her.
Rapping an arm around her, Michael rattled at the feel of the flesh of her shoulders. "Umm backless," purred Michael knowing his eyes light up with mischief.
Laughing Sky swatted him on the arm. "Behave we are in public."
Pouting a little Michael replied, "Yes, my Queen."
Giving Michael a smoldering look Sky made her way around him to stand protectively by Grace. The group mingled and chatted with all of the Land of Fire's aristocracy, all while being protective and supportive of their in-season dragon. Making sure to always keep her in the middle of the group the males placed themselves a good distance away. Throughout the night females would wounder in and out as they pleased talking about this that or the other. All of the males knew better and didn't dare breach the permitter that the King and his guards set forth. Sky would exit the circle when she needed to play nice and greet a social light but then she'd return again. Worried that Sky wasn't enjoying herself because of the restriction, his mind was set at ease when they opened the floor for dancing. As soon as the announcement was made Sky was right there pulling on his arm. "Can we dance please," asked Sky as her smile lit up her eyes and a red glow lit up her cheeks.
Leaning in to steal a kiss Michael could smell the wine on her breath and knew instantly why her cheeks were red. "I thought you told me once that the King can't dance."
"If we dance then they have to dance too," said Sky before leaning in and whispering in his ear. "An April really needs to get laid. She's super bitchy."
Roaring in laughter, Michael escorted Sky out to the dance floor followed closely by the others. April tried to get William to dance with her, but he completely blew her off rushing over to another she-dragon that looked about his age. As everyone else dispersed to get their own dance partner, April growled when Eli presented her his hand which she took begrudgingly. If it wasn't for her red ears and cheeks, Michael would have figured that she didn't like him. Of course this wasn't the case and he knew it. Honestly he wasn't so sure why she was fighting it so hard. Yes, there was a social status difference now, but it wasn't always so. She had a great bloodline that any mate would be proud of. Eli was one hundred percent okay with trying to mate with her. Heck his dragon couldn't make it any more obvious if he tried. Okay, lets be honest. He could try, but I don't think dropping trow and asking her to spear herself on him isn't polite. But if push came to shove he wouldn't put it past Eli to try.
Grace on the other hand didn't resist when Grant offered her his hand. With head held high and shoulders back she walked out onto the floor with utter confidence. Which was also false bravado, because the hand not in Grants was shaking like a leaf. The only female who was completely fine with hanging onto her dance partner was Alivia. Then again Alivia was a no-nonsense kind of girl. She knew what she wanted and she went after it. She and her dragon wanted a strong mate. One who could best her in every way. She has that now with Jeffery and he's growing stronger with each passing year. He is twice the man he was 10 years ago figuratively and literally. If things were different Michael would have no doubts that he would have made a great King.
Thinking about it, Michael puzzled on the thought of taking a vested interest in the south. Maybe even help usurp one King and transplant another. Then again that would go against their treaties, and he had enough problems than to start a war with the south. With the White Woods vanishing though, it might not be a bad idea to make nice with the Kings who reside on the boundary of the White Woods.
Hearing Sky giggle, Michael looked down at his mate. Seeing what direction she was looking he followed her gaze. "I think he's had to much liquid courage," laughed Sky as she watched Grant grab a hand full of Grace's rear.
Chuckling, Michael knew all to well the look Grant's dragon was giving his dance partner. "He hasn't had a drop to drink yet tonight," laughed Michael giving Grant a wink when his dragon caught his eye.
Michael wanted Sky's plan to succeed. He wanted everyone to find a partner, and that included Grant. If anything he wanted him to be happiest out of all, because he knew a little about Grant's life. Out of all of his guards Grant had the hardest life. Some people just couldn't accept some peoples choices and felt that they could change their minds if they beat their will into them. Needless to say no amount of beating could beat the gay out of Grant. His parents tried to protect him from a unwelcoming world. They were terrified when they learned he'd joined the Kings guard competition. Grant felt that if he became strong enough then people like him wouldn't get beat by people like he did. There was nothing small about this man and Michael couldn't imagine him getting beat up. He was an ox of a man and intimidated a lot of people. Well most people excluding a little green dragon who was slightly drunk and nibbling on his ear.
Grant had told them long ago he knew he'd die old alone in his bed. Never once in all of our travels did he ever try and look for a possible mate. Even on nights everyone went out drinking and went home with a bed mate, he'd go home alone. He would only choose a partner when he was in season and only when he absolutely needed to. Even though everyone has supported him, he was still secretive about it. So much that Michael was surprised that Sky knew, but then again she could see inside someones memories. Maybe that's how she knew, but either way. He was all for Grant getting some on a regular basis.
Laughing again, drawing his attention Michael looked in the other direction to see April smacking Eli's hand as he kept trying to lower it to her rear. "What is her hang up there," asked Michael gesturing with his chin.
"She's hung up on social standings. That a handmaids not a proper mate for the son of a High Lord's son," replied Sky as she continued to smile and watch the two bickerings with each other.
"Well if a mating mark shows up then it's the Goddesses will that it should be that way," stated Michael giving his best friend an encouraging smile.
"Well we have to get them both between the sheets first to see if that'll happen," growled Sky as she chewed her bottom lip as the gears turned in her head. "We need to get her drunk."
Roaring in laughter everyone on the dance floor looked at him as he kissed the top of Sky's head as he chuckled. "Do you think that'll help?"
Grinning from ear to ear as the music stopped Sky replied, "Don't know, but let's try."
Laughing to herself, Sky grabbed April's hand and pulled her from the dance floor. Making his way over to Michael, Eli gave him a quizzical look. "What was all of that about?"
"Sky's about to get April drunk so she'll have sex with you and be less bitchy."
Roaring in laughter at what he said Michael couldn't help but laugh along with his friend. "By the Goddess, I will help supply the bottles if I knew that plan would work. She's too stubborn for that though. If she does get drunk she'll be blackout drunk and puking knowing my luck. Did you notice Michael and Bella are here?"
Turning in the direction that Eli was pointing, Michael could see his little brother Liam holding a little girl who was no older than four. The little girl was laughing as she pulled at his horns. His parents and the Head of the Smithing Guild were laughing along with the little girl at his brothers expense. "He brought a couple of swords for Sky to destroy before she heads north," stated Tanners dad making his way over.
"Really," asked Michael turning his attention toward him and acknowledging his mate that hung on his arm.
"The last couple of years he's been shipping her swords to break, but this is the first time he's travel up here," informed Tanner's dad.
"Bella told me this trip is because of Liam. His dragon has been getting more agitated over the years with the need to travel north. They figured it was to come and see Sky. That was until they arrived the other morning. Azalee said Chelsey ran out of the guild and ran straight to him. Bella said it was quite humorous because Liam didn't know what to do about the little girl who's trying to crawl up his leg," laughed Tanner's mother. "Now those two are inseparable."
Nodding at her, Michael looked back at his little brother and his tiny mate feeling bad for him. They would have to wait for a long time before they could claim each other. Then again they were both young so they wouldn't understand that need until much later. "I'm glad he's got his mate back."
"Oh hey Bella's here," said Sky stumbling up behind him packing with her two glasses of wine. Handing him one she smiled up at him as said, "You should really ask Bella for a dance. I'm sure she'd love to dance with you."
Shaking his head no Michael replied, "I am King, and a King must alway be on his best behavior. It's improper to dance with another mans mate."
Smacking him on the shoulder Sky growled at him as she took back the cup of wine. "But it's perfectly acceptable for a son to dance with his mother. You might not see her as your mom, but in her heart and mind, you will always be her baby. It will not hurt you to ask her for a dance."
Rolling his eyes Michael took back his glass of wine and downed the contents. "Fine if it makes you happy."
Handing the empty glass off to a servant who was passing by, Michael made his way across the dance floor. Walked up to Bella the group grew silent as he offered her his hand. "Would you grace me with a dance?"
Bella's eyes misted as she laid a shaking hand in his. "It would be an honor my King."
Leading Bella onto the dance floor the crowd grew quiet as he pulled her into his arms. Sniffing, Bella lost the fight as tears ran down her face as Michael guided her around the floor. "I'm sorry I have made you cry," said Michael as he stopped dancing.
"No, it's okay," sniffed Bella holding onto Michael tighter. "I'm just so happy. I never thought I'd ever get to hold you, or even dance with you. This is a dream come true my King."
Purring deep within him, his dragon leaned forward and placed his nose on top of Bella's head and breathed her in. Something about her smell touched something deep within him. That feeling was almost as close to the feeling Sky gave him. It was a feeling of love, security, and a sense of home. Deep within him on a primal level, he knew she was his mother. He could feel it and her calling him King just didn't sit right with him. "Just call me Michael," replied Michael feeling slightly uncomfortable by the entire thing, but figured he'd make it worse. "Either that or son. My dragon doesn't like it when you call us King."
Crying harder Bella choked out, "Okay my son."
Hearing Sky's laughter Michael glanced over to see her twirling around the dance floor with Azalee's daughter Chelsey. Liam stood on the sideline glaring daggers at her. To save his son from making a bad decision Mike pulled his son to the dance floor. Making his way over to Sky Mike asked, "May I cut in?"
Grinning from ear to ear Sky handed Chelsey over to Liam as she replied, "As long as Chelsey get's to continue dancing."
"I don't see why she couldn't," replied Mike as he took up Sky's hands and glared at his youngest son.
At that point Michael watched his mate get twirled around the dance floor by his father, happy as a lark. Turning his attention back to the woman in his arms Michael asked, "So how long have you been in town?"
"About a week now."
"An this is the first we've seen you?"
Looking up at him with a quizzical expression Bella replied, "The High Lord informed us that you both had gone into season. I saw no reason to try to bother you. It would have been useless to do so, so we waited."
Nodding in agreement Michael traveled down memory lane and smiled at the memories of claiming his mate. "That was probably a good idea. We were definitely not taking guests at the moment. So are you staying here in the castle?"
"No, actually we are staying with Lady Azalee so that Chelsey doesn't run away again," laughed Bella.
"What do you mean? Why did Chelsey run away?"
Turning her attention toward the four-year-old and her son Bella smiled, " Well when we first got into town we tried to get a room at an Inn closest to the castle. But due to the Earth Dragon competition, we had to find one elsewhere. Needless to say, the only rooms we found were at the Inn right next door to the Smithing Guild. Well, I guess Chelsey is still deeply attached to Liam because that night she left her room and the Guild. When we woke up in the morning there was a commotion over a missing child. There were many people running in and out of the Inn gathering people for a search party as we were ordering breakfast. After placing the order I went to wake up Liam and that's when I found a little girl curled up in his bed fast asleep. It was quite cute really. She was sprawled across the entire bed with her foot in his face and he was still dead to the world. Of course, it's cute now that I look back at it, but it wasn't when it happened. I almost flayed him alive thinking he just randomly found her and went to bed to deal with it in the morning. He's that kind of lazy, nothing trumps sleep if he's tired, but come to find out she'd left on her own. That's when we met Azalee and her mate Dalyn. Needless to say, Chelsey ran away four times on the first day. On the fourth time we were all eating lunch with Rowan at a little diner down the road from the guild. When we heard the news Liam jumped out of his seat and raced back to the Inn. Lady Azalee was already at the Inn asking if we were in an if they had seen her daughter Chelsie. Rowan introduced us and as soon as he introduced Liam she lost it slightly. She was overcome with joy and sadness and it took us about fifteen minutes to pry her off of Liam. During all of this, your father and Rowan went to Liam's room and found Chelsey in there napping on his bed.
Once Lady Azalee calmed down enough to talk she told us about what Sky had said. That Chelsey is the soul she pulled out of Liam, and that she was destined to be Liam's mate. After that, they didn't leave us much choice but to move into the Guild Masters residence within the Guild. Your father was furious, but because of Chelsey always running away he begrudgingly agreed. He doesn't want anything to happen to the fledgling. Especially if she's Liam's mate. Of course, he's not happy about it, but he's getting over it slowly. Dalyn has been showing him around the guild and trying to get him to come and teach there. He's even offered Liam a seat for next semesters school enrollment. Not that Liam wants to be a blacksmith, but I think it's Dalyn's way of trying to keep Liam around. Seems as Chelsey is a bit antisocial and doesn't talk. Hard to believe because I haven't heard her be silent yet."
"If Liam accepts, he'll be the first non-fire dragon to ever attend the guild school for smithing," stated Michael turning to look at his little brother who was still swaying on the dance floor even though his partner was now fast asleep on his shoulder.
"True, and it would probably be hard for him knowing how fire dragons are. It would be a hard road, but if they accept him into the school then they can't turn others away. It would be a change that would reverberate throughout all of the guilds and open up jobs for more races," said Bella getting a far off look like she was seeing a different world.
A world where all dragons were considered equal. Where Metal Dragons lived freely and all were excepted into the ranks of the Fire Dragons. "It would, but of course that would be completely up to Liam on what he wishes to do. He is of the age to choose," stated Michael as the song ended and Liam packed Chelsey from the dance floor.
Nodding at whatever Lady Azalee said to him, Liam headed from the dance floor with a couple of other people in tow, who were probably the Guild Masters servants. As the band took a break everyone went back to talking and mingling. Sky was still flitting around happily glowing slightly with her joy. She looked like a radiant butterfly floating within the ring of his guards. When the band returned a drummer joined them within the orchestra pit. They began to play a familiar tune as someone shouted, "The Dragon and the Unicorn!"
Rushing to his side Sky grabbed Michael's arm excitedly. "Play with me!"
Sky watched several things seemingly pass over Michael's face before he gave her a predatory smile, "Oh I'll play with you alright, and when I'm done you'll be covered in sweat and screaming my name."
"Yay," exclaimed Sky rushing across the dance floor that was being emptied of people. "You're the Dragon," continued Sky ignoring the last part of his comment.
Watching April pulling Grace with her Michael could hear her giving him a quick rundown of how the game worked. At that point he remembered Jeffery had never played the game either. Making his way over to him Eli and Grant were already explaining the rules. The rules were quite simple Michael was the dragon and there were ten other pieces on the board along with him. The dragon was free to move about the board and his objective was the catch the unicorn which would be Sky. As he loved she would move in the opposite direction, which meant that if he took a step forward she would take a step back. If he stepped to the left she would take a step to the right. As for the pieces each piece has a pattern in which they had to follow like pieces on a chessboard. Piece number one could only take one step in any direction on their turn. Piece number two had to take two forward and two the right, or two back and to the left. Their turn started on their number. Their number corresponded with each step the dragon took up until ten when it started again. The point of the dragon and his pieces were to capture the unicorn. To capture the unicorn all him and his team had to do was touch her. Now the Unicorn and her team's job was to defend again against the Dragon and they too had the same rules as the dragon's pieces. Now if a unicorn piece touches any dragon piece they are eliminated from the game and vise versa. The game stops when the dragon catches the unicorn or the unicorn's pieces catch the dragon.
Watching all of Sky's pieces taking their places Michael strategically placed his, because to win this game would take strategy. Not only was he going to have to navigate the unicorn pieces but he was going to have to track them all as well. As everyone settled in someone began to sing the rhyme of the game:
The dragon and the unicorn
Where fighting for the crown
The dragon beat the unicorn
All around the town.
Some used their fire,
And some used their wind;
Some used their water and beat them out of town.
Sky laughed as Michael stalked her across the dance floor at a quick pace. Her joy was overflowing causing everyone to laugh along with her as it saturated the room. Her wings were out and her tail was flipping around happily making her look more like a Goddess. A Goddess who's team were currently winning as the High Lords mate took out yet another of his pieces. Pausing to survey the floor and all of the pieces still in play Michael turned to see Sky had stopped right behind April. Her eyes were focused on Eli as she snaked her arms around April and began to fondle her breasts. Eli's dragon instantly colored his eyes as he breathed, "Bloody hell."
"Eli," growled Michael before Eli could take a step that would instantly disqualify him because he moved when it wasn't his turn.
Stealing a glance in Michael's direction, Eli growled at him but remained within his position. That was until Sky ran the flat of her tongue up the column Aprils neck. When April moaned Eli's dragon couldn't take it anymore as the charged forward. As soon as he moved both woman stopped and pointed at him and shouted, "You moved! You're out!"
Growling when he realized what they did was a ruse and a setup Eli stormed off the dance floor. This gave everyone a big laugh at his expense which caused more cheers or boos depending on who was rooting for who. This continued on until everything came to a screeching halt as a startled bark rang out. All of the women turned as one as their dragon eyes narrowed on Grace who was rapped up in Grant's arms. Seeing that she was fine everyone turned back to the game. Unable or unwilling to release his prize Grant remained in spot until one of Sky's pieces tagged him out.
The crowd grew louder and more boisterous as more people were tagged out until only one piece remained. April chased Michael around the dance floor as he pursued Sky. It didn't take long for him to back Sky up into a corner where she couldn't move. Growling Michael swept his mate up as she squealed in laughter and everyone clapped and cheered with the victory of their King. After a small victory celebration, Michael and Eli escorted their drunk mates back to their rooms. Holding onto one another singing as they went Sky and April stumbled down the hallway. Pausing when they got to Alivia's door the girls giggled before April yelled out, "Get it girl," too the lewd sounds coming from behind the door.
"Well at least someone is getting some," grumbled Eli as he passed so that he could open the door for April.
"In time my friend, in time," said Michael in encouragement.
Watching April stumbled into the bedroom she abruptly turned and smashed right into Eli. Catching her quickly before she fell backward Eli's dragon watched as April's dragon glared up at him. "We are not sleeping together. You are of a higher status, so you will sleep on the bed. I will sleep on the floor," slurred April as she poked him in the chest.
"As if! Now come on drunken dragon," growled Eli physically hauling April toward the bed.
Guiding Sky to the next door Michael laughed as she flopped down on top of the bed, dress and all. "Don't pass out my beautiful mate. You still have way too many clothes on," laughed Michael closing the door and making his way toward the bed.
"Umm," purred Sky as she rolled over and looked at him with lustful eyes. "Is that so?"
Shaking his head no, Michael pulled the shoes from her feet. "Not tonight my love. I'd hate for you to vomit on me, and kill the mood," teased Michael.
"Aw," pouted Sky as she pushed herself off the bed so that Michael could help her out of her dress.
Pulling the dress up and over her head, Michal kissed the top of her head before smacking her playfully on the rear. "Maybe tomorrow my love, now jump in bed."
Stripping the rest of the way down Sky literally jumped into bed and burrowed her way under the covers. Shaking his head at her child-like antics Michael turned the lights out before leaving the room to find everyone who dropped off a mate waiting for him. "It's our turn to get drunk," stated Eli clearly angry that he wasn't getting to claim his mate, and from the looks of it, his need to so was painfully obvious.
"Agreed, let's go," replied Michael before leading the way toward the High Lords study.
Upon entering the study Michael could see that he wasn't the only one who decided the study was the perfect place to relax and drink. The rest of his guards, the High Lord, Rowan, Several generals, and the Captain of the Guard, Dalyn and his father were in there as well. Relaxing his uniform and pulling his bowtie off everyone who had come to attention relaxed. "What is your pleasure my King," asked one of the generals who was standing beside the fully stocked bar.
"I believe I'll have wine, something red," replied Michael making his way over as the bartender began pouring him a glass.
"I'll have whiskey neat," growled Eli making his way to the bar too. "The hardest crap you got."
"I don't know if that's good a good idea," joked Jamie pointing at the obvious bulge in his pants. "Looks like your hard enough without adding hard liquor!"
"That's enough out of you," snarled Eli's dragon cutting Jamie's laughter off short.
"Wow, you've got it bad my friend," stated Tanner grabbing a random bottle and handing the entire thing to Eli. "One glass isn't going to do it."
Snatching the bottle out of Tanner's hand Eli grumbled to himself before walking away to seclude himself in the corner of the room. "She's still playing hard to get huh," asked Kyle handing the bartender his empty glass for a refill.
"She'll give in eventually….hopefully," said Michael looking at his best friend sadly.
Getting nothing but a grunt in return his friend flopped down in a chair to stew over his mating problems.
********
Laying in bed watching the world spin Sky slowly turned her head to the sound of the door opening. Watching April stumble in, Sky sat up a little as she asked, "What are you doing?"
"Can I sleep with you?"
"What?"
"Can I sleep with you please?"
Seeing the swirl of memories inside April, Sky slide over as she moved the covers out of the way. April's mind was dwelling on the past again. It was on the death of her parents and how horribly her aunt and uncle treated her. All of those memories were the root cause for her not wanting to mate with Eli. Which is probably how she got in the funk she was in now. Crawling in beside Sky April wrapped her arm around Sky and snuggled in as tears rolled down her face. Holding her tightly Sky said, "You know it doesn't hurt to have a night of fun with Eli. If the Goddess gives you a mating mark then it's on her. To me, you're still the daughter of a Lord."
"I'm your servant and servants should know their place," sniffed April as she cried.
"Well laying in my bed crying is not a proper place for a servant, but it is for my friend," replied Sky. "An you are my best friend, not my servant. I think it's perfectly fine if you ride the crap out of Eli's face."
Giggling April squeezed her hand between them to wipe her tears away. "I'd ride more than his face. I'd ride him like a stolen horse," replied April causing Sky to laugh along with her. "Oh did you see his face when you licked me? I think his dragon almost lost his load in his pants right then."
When Sky was about to answer she paused when her bedroom door slid open again. This time April sat up with her to watch as Gregory walked into the room. His dragon was very close to the surface because his small horns and his wings were out. For a male, he did have a really small set of horns. They were a bit long for a female, but not to unacceptable for a female. For a male, though they were defiantly on the- you're going to be made of- side of small. "What's up," sniffed April scrubbing the remaining tears from her face.
"I can't sleep. We feel that somethings wrong," replied Gregory in a slightly higher voice than normal, letting them now it was his dragon.
"That's because you're in season," replied April crawling out of bed and moving the covers back. "It's instinctual to not want to be alone when you're in season. It's a safety thing. Crawl in."
Nodding his head Gregory's dragon pulled in his wings before crawling into bed with April and Sky. Moving all the way over to give him more room April crawled back in right behind him. Before long all three girls were snuggled in together and laughing in their drunken state. After discussing all of the hotties at the ball and running out of topics to laugh about. All three women passed out dead to the world. Nothing woke them up not even Michaels growling when he returned to his room to find his bed full of she-dragons.
Turning on his heels Michael abruptly left his room. Glaring down the hallway at an angry Eli who had just stepped out of his room, Michael gestured toward his room with his head. Continuing across the hall to Jamie's room he found Grant coming out of the bathroom with his dragon clearly in his eyes. "Gregory is in my bed," growled Michael before turning back around and making his way back toward his room. Eli was already trying to extract April's dead weight from the bed and detangle her from Gregory. Surprisingly she didn't even snuffle when he finally managed to dislodge her from the bed and began to pack her from the room. Grant on the other hand wasn't so lucky. As soon as his hands touched Gregory his dragon cried out and latched onto Sky. Growling at him Sky's dragon made the scary knocking sound as her eyes shot open. Clicking at her, Grant desperately tried to soothe Gregory before Sky decided to eat him. "Come on Gregory you can't sleep with the Queen," stated Grant trying not to meet Sky's eyes.
"Yes I can," replied Gregory's dragon as he clung tighter to Sky. "We are warm, safe, and snug."
"You can be warm, safe, and snug in your own bed," growled Grant before clicking submissively at Sky who was now baring her teeth at him as her tail flicked angrily out of the covers.
"No my bed is cold and lonely," complied Gregory pulling his arm from Grants grip.
"Not if Grant snuggles with you, now out of my bed," growled Michael growling impatiently with the inability to go to sleep.
Making sure to push a little authority into his words Michael leaned over Sky and snarled at Gregory. Gregory instantly let go of Sky and practically crawled into Grant's arms to get away from the angry High Dragon. Scooping him up, Grant quickly left the room leaving Michael alone with his grumbling mate. Making her slide back over to her side of the bed he stripped out of his clothes before crawling in after her. Pulling her small frame against his larger one he snuggled into her warmth as the room tilted on its axis. Giggling in his arms Sky turned a glowing blue eye back at him. "The world is rocking on you too uh?"
"I drunk too much. Now go to sleep," grumbled Michael as he willed the room to stop spinning.