Dragon Fire (Dragons of Perralt Book 1) Read online

  Smiling to himself, he rose and began to roll up the bedding.

  “We have a long way, Princess,” he said, “we should probably be going.”

  Elsbeth nodded and looked around.

  “I’ll give you a few minutes. Don’t wander far, everything is safe. Nothing will hurt you. But then, we need to be going.”

  Again, her cheeks blushed as she realized what he was telling her. She ducked her head and scurried into the bushes.

  A few minutes later she returned, her head held high, for all the world, a princess again. She kneeled and helped him finish packing for the trip.

  “A cold night,” he said in passing, “it gets like that in the forest.”

  She ignored him and concentrated on her pack.

  “How far?” she asked. As if wanting to change the subject.

  “Far,” he answered. “We’ll eat on the trail.”

  She looked at him strangely.

  “Sorry, but there won’t be any cooks standing next to some tree, handing out finger sandwiches.”

  The look of pure scorn she shot his way was priceless.

  Slinging his pack, he helped her with hers, then set off.

  The day would again be fair, with a slight breeze. The sun was climbing, the birds were singing. And all he could think about was this woman behind him and how it felt to hold her in his arms.

  Should he seduce her? Should he take what she wanted to offer? Nothing about the medallion said that he couldn’t.

  Then why hadn’t he?

  A subtle shift in his hand this morning. A few gentle words and she’d have given him what they both wanted. He knew it in his soul, the woman was made for him.

  But he had restrained himself. Why? His body had craved it. What had stopped him? he wondered.

  Sighing to himself, he began up the next hill, occasionally glancing back to make sure that Princess was keeping up.

  She pushed a strand of hair out of her face and looked up at him with a scowl. Obviously wishing he would die a long slow death.

  A woman after his own heart.

  What was she thinking about? Probably cursing him under her breath, he thought. Cursing the big oaf who thought he could take liberties with her body.

  Grumbling to himself, he turned and continued on.

  The morning passed in silence between them. The only discussion was about the trail itself. Watch that branch. Careful down this slope. Use that root for a handhold. That kind of thing.

  If the woman was upset at him for some reason, then the gods be praised. There was nothing more enjoyable in this world than a quiet woman doing what she was told.

  He would stop occasionally and gather berries or fiddle head ferns. As he had said, they ate on the trail.

  They had stopped for a noon break when he caught her studying the sky. A sick, uneasy feeling passed through him. Had she seen something last night?

  If so, why hadn’t she said anything?

  What would she do if she knew the truth? Would she run away in fear? For some reason, he doubted that. The woman had a backbone of iron.

  No, she’d be disgusted, though. That was most definitely the case. A princess like her, she had to be.

  She stopped staring at the sky and returned to eating the berries in her hand.

  “It is beautiful,” she said.

  He leaned back, surprised. Where did that come from?

  “The forest,” she added. “I always thought of it as evil, scary, but it isn’t really. At least not during the day.”

  “Don’t become too infatuated with it,” he said. “There are still a dozen things in these woods that can kill you before you realize you’re dead.

  She smiled at him, obviously thinking that he was trying to scare her. How little she really understood.

  “I doubt that,” she said, not as long as you are here. I don’t think there is an animal in the world that would attack us. Not unless it was a dragon or something. Bears, wolves, they wouldn’t stand a chance.”

  He blanched. Why were they talking about dragons? Where was this going? And, what was with the compliment? Had she decided to drop the whole silent treatment and try to curry favor with compliments? Oh, how little she knew him.

  “Yes,” she continued, “I think only a dragon itself could defeat you in battle. And even then, it would take a big one, I imagine.”

  He didn’t answer. Instead, he studied the food in his hand. If he looked at her, she might see the truth in his eyes.

  Pull yourself together man, he thought to himself. You’ve got a long way to go. Don’t let a pretty figure and long eyelashes scramble your brain. Focus. Get her to Sinstra and retrieve the medallion.

  Tossing his remaining berries to the side he mumbled, “Let’s go,” as he started up the trail. Not waiting to see if she followed.

  Without turning, he knew that pretty forehead of hers was narrowed in anger. Good, he thought. Hate was good. It would help him keep his distance.

  .o0o.

  Every muscle in Elsbeth’s body screamed in pain. But, she refused to let the oaf in front of her know. She refused to give him the satisfaction of looking down at her. She refused to let the man think she were lacking in some way.

  The man was half billy goat. Scampering up hills and down cliffs, like he owned them. Plus, those long legs of his. It wasn’t fair, she had to take two steps for everyone one of his.

  Shifting the pack on her shoulders, she kept her head down and focused on her feet. One step at a time. One foot in front of the other. Don’t think of the pain. Don’t wonder how much further. Don’t let him know of your weakness.

  Suddenly, she felt him swoop her up in his arms.

  “This will go so much faster if you just let me carry you the rest of the way. You are about out on your feet.”

  “But …” she said as she pushed at his shoulders. It was like trying to topple a brick wall.

  “No buts,” he said. “Believe me, this is easier.”

  She felt his massive arms cradle her. He did it with such effortless grace. As if he were holding a bird, afraid to break it’s bones.

  Instinctively, her hands went up and around his neck. She could feel his mighty heart pounding against her ribs. The thought reminded her of waking this morning and what she had felt pressing against her backside.

  The thought brought an instant flush to her entire body. The pure feminine power that had washed through her at the realization that a man such as this could want her.

  Despite every attempt to deny herself, she lay her head against his chest and rested. He smelled of man, she thought. All man, strong, earthy, clean. The kind of smell that could seep into a woman’s soul and keep her warm for generations.

  What must she smell like? she thought with a start. Her heart jumped. They had been on the trail for two days. Surely, it could not be attractive.

  But he didn’t seem to be turning his nose up. In fact, he seemed to hold her even more gently. As if she were important to him. The thought sent a warm glow throughout her body.

  They continued to walk. Or, he continued to walk, she continued to rest.

  He focused on the trail. She focused on him.

  Where was he from? Did he have a family? Was someone waiting for him at home? A thousand thoughts and questions pounded into her.

  But, one question refused to let go, ‘Did he have a wife?’ How could she find out? She couldn’t exactly come out and ask him. He was here to help her through the forest. Nothing more, she reminded herself.

  All he wanted was the medallion. She felt the cold metal against her skin. Why did he want it so much? He had been adamant in his refusal to help. Until he had seen her mother’s medallion.

  The mystery nipped at her. She despised mysteries. Just as she despised surprises. Life was difficult enough to control. There was no need to add to the drama.

  Sighing, she allowed herself to relax. She wouldn’t be getting the answers to her questions. Not today.

  They
traveled several more miles, all the while he never faltered. Never appeared to tire. He was like a draft horse. Big, powerful and impossible to stop.

  At last, Drake stepped off the trail and weaved his way between the trees.

  It amazed her, how well he knew the woods. He knew them as well as she knew her castle. This was his home, of course he did.

  “Here we go,” he said as he gently set her down.

  She felt a cold emptiness when he stepped away from her. She looked around. They had stopped in a small clearing. Enough room for soft grass to grow.

  A ring of rocks marked where others had camped in this very spot. Her heart jumped a little when she realized she would be expected to make a fire in those rocks. Could she do it?

  He set his pack down, then helped her with hers.

  She dropped her own pack and twisted, turning to try and loosen the knot in her back.

  “Come, I want to show you something,” he said with a secret smile. The absence of his normal scowl, startled her. He looked like a little boy wanting to share his secret fort.

  He grabbed her pack by a shoulder strap and took her hand, gently leading her into the trees. They walked only a short while when they broke through into another small opening.

  A crystal clear pool, with steam rising into the air, lay before them.

  “A hot springs,” she said in wonder.

  The pool was at least a dozen yards across. Someone had dammed up the far end to make it even deeper. The water trickled over the edge of the rocks and down a small ravine.

  Thick green moss surrounded the edge of the pool, like the collar of a dress. A faint whiff of sulfur permeated the air, turning some of the rocks on the edge, yellow.

  It was magical, she thought. As if fairies would come out at midnight to dance beneath the stars. She looked back up at him. Her brow knit in surprise.

  He smiled back down at her. “It will help sooth those sore muscles of yours.”

  Her body ached to sink into its warmness.

  But, she would have to disrobe, here, outside. The thought sent a tingle through her entire body. A mixture of fear and excitement.

  He seemed to read her mind and smiled. “I’ll be back at camp. Don’t take too long. I need my turn.”

  With that, he stepped back into the trees and disappeared.

  Would he really stay away? she wondered. Could she trust him?

  Who cares? she thought. She wanted a bath.

  Tearing into her pack, her heart raced as she searched. Yes! He had included it. A bar of soap. Her special Lavender soap. He had transferred it to her pack from her bags at the barn.

  The man was a genius. Had he known they would be stopping here? Had he known that she would desperately want a bath?

  Genius. An oaf, but a smart one. Pure genius.

  Reaching back, she quickly unlaced her dress and let it fall. Removing the rest of her clothes, she stood naked before the pool. Her body tingled from the cool air as she glanced over her shoulder to make sure she was still alone.

  What would she do if he stepped through the trees? The thought of him seeing her naked, bare, and vulnerable didn’t frighten her. It excited her, made her feel things inside that a young lady wasn’t supposed to feel.

  Shaking her head, she slowly slipped into the pool, one step at a time. Letting her body become accustomed to the hot water.

  She advanced, ever deeper, until the water cradled her breasts. She sighed with pleasure. The warm water seemed to embrace her. Pulling the soreness from her. Returning strength to her aching muscles.

  Oh, the pure pleasure of it. Nothing had ever felt so good. Sighing she looked back towards camp. She could think of only one thing that might make her feel better.

  Chapter Six

  Elsbeth sat on a rock as she used a spare petticoat to dry her hair. There would be no lady’s maid to brush it tonight. No hundred strokes to make it glisten.

  Maybe she could get Drake to brush her hair. The thought made her laugh. Imagine Drake taking the time to do such a thing. It seemed rather far-fetched.

  She ran her brush through her long hair as best she could, then turned to return to camp.

  Drake was standing there, at the edge of the clearing, watching her. His brow narrowed in concentration. Their eyes locked for a long moment.

  He is thinking of me. He is thinking of what he wants to do to me. Her heart pounded as her mind flew to what she wanted him to do.

  To take her, now.

  She could see the burning passion in his eyes. The way his glare traveled over her body. The way he licked his lips, as if savoring a favorite meal.

  A bolt of fear struck her. She wanted this man, more than was right. Her very soul was drawn to him. Something deep inside of her pushing her towards him.

  She felt herself standing, preparing to go to him.

  The connection was broken. He looked to the side. His brow creased, obviously upset at having to pull himself away from something he desperately desired.

  Her heart fell, he had wanted it, too. But, his honor had held him back. Why? What was it about her that did not draw him the way he called to her?

  Sighing, her shoulders slumped as she retrieved her pack.

  “All yours,” she said indicating the magical pool.

  He didn’t answer. Instead, he reached to pull his cotton shirt up over his head.

  Elsbeth froze in place. Those massive shoulders made her almost gasp. Her eyes followed the line of his chest hair down his rock hard stomach to his pants and what lay below.

  She could well remember that morning and what had poked at her.

  Her cheeks exploded in flame as she quickly scurried back to camp.

  She could have sworn she heard a soft chuckle under his breath. Almost like he was perfectly aware of what he was doing to her.

  The beast. He should have had the decency to pretend otherwise. Any sophisticated man would have.

  He had started a fire, her heart fell a little. Did he think she couldn’t do it? Or, was he just being nice? Her mind traveled a thousand different directions. He was so hard to understand. A mystery that could not be solved.

  Three rabbits, already cleaned, each on a spit, sat aside, waiting for his return. How did he get them? she wondered. Probably just scowled at them and they fell over dead.

  Everything came too easy for him.

  Suddenly, a thought came to her. He would never know, she thought. Yes, she had to. This would be her only chance.

  Dropping her pack, she turned to sneak back into the trees.

  She was careful with each step. Making sure not to step on a twig, snapping it, and announcing her presence.

  Although she took care, she also hurried. She needed to get there in time. Her heart pounded in her chest, her lips became dry. He wouldn’t know, she assured herself over and over.

  Bending, she slowly parted the leaves.

  Yes, she had been in time.

  He stood at the edge of the pool, fully naked.

  Her heart stopped. Simply stopped for a moment, as she took in the sight of those wide shoulders tapering down in a strong V to the most perfect butt.

  Her hands ached, wanting to reach out and squeeze it.

  He took a few steps into the pool. Like her, he was letting himself become accustomed to it

  He had huge legs. Like tree trunks. The water lapped at his knees. A sense of jealousy passed through her at the thought that other women had enjoyed him.

  She licked her lips and tried to swallow.

  The man was perfect. Every hard muscle defined. Every movement pure grace. It was enough to make a woman forget herself.

  Turn around, she silently begged. Please, turn around.

  As if reading her mind, he glanced to his left, then turned to walk backwards into the pool.

  She had to throw a hand over her mouth to silence a gasp.

  She had never seen a man. Not like this. She couldn’t take her eyes away from him. From it.

 
; It will never fit, was her first thought. And, he isn’t even fully aroused. Not like this morning. It had been harder then, demanding.

  But still, he was gorgeous. All man. She felt her insides begin to soften. Craving him. Needing him with every part of her soul.

  Drake chose that moment to fall back into the pool. Sinking beneath the water, breaking his hold on her. He came up and shook the wet hair from his eyes.

  A silly smirk crossed his lips. What is he thinking about? she wondered.

  Swallowing, she regretfully backed away. This isn’t right, she said to herself.

  How would she feel if he had hidden in the woods and watched her bath? She wouldn’t have been happy at all. No, she told herself as she returned to the camp.

  Best to put it aside. She had seen him, her curiosity had been answered. A part of her knew that all future men would be judged next to him. She also knew that all men would be found wanting.

  Her throat tightened as she thought about him. She couldn’t get him out of her mind. It was driving her insides into a ball of fire.

  The way his hand held hers when he helped her over a log. The ways his hair tickled the tops of his ears. How he had felt next to her that morning. Big, strong, warm, and hard. Oh, so hard.

  Chastising herself for being silly, she focused on making the camp. She rolled out the blankets. Placing them next to each other without actually touching. She rearranged the coals and set the rabbits to roasting. Taking the pot from his pack, she started some rice. Just as she had seen him do yesterday.

  The smell of roasting meat and the burbling bubble of the pot made her smile. Pleased with herself she sat and fed the fire small sticks.

  As she stirred the rice, she glanced back at the blankets. Maybe she could put them a little closer to each other.

  “Looks good,” he said from the edge of the clearing. She jumped, did the man ever make a sound? Not unless he wanted you to hear.

  He stood there, bare chested, drying his hair with his shirt. Like a carved mountain. Hard, straight, all man.

  She bit her lip and tried not to look at his body. But, it was impossible to turn away.