On the day of the ball the palace descended into chaos. I managed to stay in my room for most of it, even though I found myself antsy and itching to be outdoors. I’d spent the past few days walking the palace grounds, trying to find some solitude with the earth and visiting the palace’s blacksmiths to remind myself of who I was. Not a prince. Not an assassin. And not a soldier either. I was an ordinary man, and all I’d wanted was a simple life in my village. Now my life was anything but simple or ordinary.
I left to head out for a short walk outside to ground myself before the ball, but nearly ran into Kira in the hallway. She looked frazzled, wearing a white sparkling gown that was impossible to take my eyes off of, especially as it showed off every beautiful curve.
“Kira, what’s wrong?” I asked.
She pressed a hand to her head and groaned. “My maid has disappeared and I need to finish getting ready for the ball and my hair is a mess and I have no idea what I’m doing. What will Auric’s parents think of me when I show up like this?”
“You look beautiful.” I took her arm and led her back to her room. “But let’s see what we can do about your hair.”
She followed me with a confused expression, but I sensed she was too frustrated at this point to argue with me. I knew she didn’t feel like she belonged here, which was understandable. None of us did, not even Auric. But she wanted his parents to like her too, which I could also understand.
“Sit,” I said, lightly pushing her into the chair at the dresser.
She sank down and stared at me in the mirror. “What are you going to do?”
I stood behind her and examined her for a moment, before picking up a brush. “I’m not sure yet.”
I began to slowly run the brush through her glorious red locks, which shined with every stroke. Kira’s hair was thick and had a tendency to get tangled, but I was gentle with it as I eased out the knots and pulled the brush through. She let out a soft sigh and her entire body relaxed under my care, though I suspected I might be enjoying it as much as she was.
I set down the brush and considered for a moment, then took small pieces of her hair in the front and began to braid it. She watched as I did this to both sides of her head before asking, “Where did you learn to do this?”
“From my sisters.”
“You have sisters?”
I grunted. “Two of them. Both younger than me.”
She smiled as I piled the rest of her hair atop her head and pinned it in an elaborate up-do with a few tendrils hanging down. “What are they like?”
“The younger one is a troublemaker. She’s about your age and always finding ways to drive our mother mad, but she can put a smile on everyone’s face she meets.” I couldn’t help but smile myself as I said it. “The other one is the quieter, more serious one. She married a few years ago and has a son.”
“And your parents?”
“My father passed away some time ago from illness. My mother still lives, but hasn’t remarried.”
“I’m sorry.”
I shrugged as I wrapped the braids around the bun I’d created. “It happened many years ago. I took over as village blacksmith, as was customary. Although now that I’m gone my cousin is running the shop.”
“Do you miss your home?”
“Every day.”
“I’d like to see it someday and meet your family too. Maybe on the way to the Earth Temple?”
“Maybe.” I wasn’t sure I wanted Kira to meet my family. That felt too…serious. I cleared my throat. “There. Finished.”
“It’s lovely. You’re very talented at this.” She admired her hair in the mirror with a smile. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
She stood up and turned around, then wrapped me in a close embrace. “I know you didn’t choose this and don’t really want to be here, but I’m so happy you’re one of my mates.”
I couldn’t help but hold her against me, drawn to her soft curves and feminine body despite myself, even as her words warmed me from the inside out. “No, I didn’t choose this life, and I’m still not sure I’m the right man for the role, but I do want to be here.”
She looked up at me with hope shining in her eyes. “You do?”
“Yes. I’m honored to be your Jade Dragon.” I pressed a kiss to her forehead before releasing her. “And I think you’ll be an excellent Black Dragon.”
She sighed as she turned to admire her hair in the mirror again, touching it lightly. “I’m not sure I agree. The other day I was training with Jasin and couldn’t control my magic.” A small shudder passed through her. “What if I can never master it? What if I hurt someone by accident?”
I rubbed her shoulders as I met her eyes in the mirror. “You will master it, in time. The four of us had a month to train before we met you, and we’re still learning. You only need more practice with fire.”
“But soon I’ll have air to learn too, and then earth and water.” She covered her face with her hands. “It just seems so overwhelming and impossible sometimes.”
I sensed she meant more than just learning the magic, but everything else that came with being the Black Dragon. When we’d started our journey together we’d all still been in disbelief, but now the implications of our new roles were starting to set in. “You have a lot resting on your shoulders, it’s true. But I have no doubt you’ll rise to whatever challenge you’ll face in the future.”
“That’s nice of you to say. I wish I could believe it.”
“Believe it,” I said. “You’re smart, capable, kind, and strong. The world could not ask for a better woman as the Black Dragon.”
Her eyes softened and she turned toward me. “Thank you.”
I looked away, unnerved by the warmth in her gaze. “I’m only speaking the truth.”
She rested her hand on my cheek and turned my face back to her, then pressed her lips to mine. Something rumbled inside me as her soft mouth opened for me, and emotions I’d tried to keep buried deep now burst to the surface. I found myself gripping her arms as I began to slowly kiss her back, unable to stop myself. It had been a long time since I’d kissed anyone and I wanted to take my time with it. I needed to savor every taste of her sweet lips and every touch of her soft tongue.
But then I realized what I was doing and abruptly pulled away, as every reason I’d had for keeping my distance from her came rushing back. I couldn’t lose my heart again, not to Kira, not to anyone.
I stepped back, while her face filled with confusion. “No, I can’t do this. I’m sorry.”
“Slade—” she started to say, but I was already dashing out the door, wiping my mouth to try to remove the taste of her from my lips. Except I had a feeling I would never be able to forget that kiss…or stop wanting another one.
