Page 44 of The Cursed Queen

Lord Igneel cleared his throat. "Now then, I'll leave you to enjoy your new cave in peace. Someone will be by momentarily to begin your training."

I nodded and waved him off as Lord Igneel exited the cave, the tapestry closing behind them. I took that moment to let out a breath. My mind was still taking a moment to grasp that I was here, in the home of dragon shifters. Though my dream of being a dragon rider waslong forgotten, what hadn't vanished was my love and fascination for these mighty beings. More so now that I knew the truth. I sat down on my cot as I looked down at my hands; the skin still rough with scales and my onyx-colored talons. These were the hands of a dragon, my dragon. A part of me was tempted to swipe them through the walls to find out how sharp they were, but refrained from damaging my new home the second I got it. Instead, I got up and went to the desk and inspect the books. Picking up the one on top, I inspected the title on the cover.

"The History of Behemoth, the Dragon God."

I hadn't realized that the dragons had a god they worshipped. Before I knew it, I was seated at the desk and was reading before I felt, rather than heard, someone approaching. I turned back, my claws out in front of me, expecting an attack as the tapestry pulled back and in walked my newest visitor. The familiar face greeting me had me relaxing. I didn't know his name, not yet, but I recognized him as one of my fated mates, one I rescued along with Andriel. The one with the dark hair and almond-shaped eyes that watched me intently as he entered my cave.

He wore a black jacket and trousers with silver embroidered trimmings and gems that glittered when hit with the light of the torches. His clothes hugged his lean frame perfectly, showing the outline of his biceps and slim waist. His high cheekbones looked sharp enough to cut stone, and those pouting lips enticed me.

The man noticed my stance and halted, raising his hands. "Easy, Princess. I come in peace."

I dropped my claws and stood up, offering an apologetic smile. "My apologies. I'm a little on edge after everything that's happened."

"I understand, but trust me, I'm the last person you should feel threatened by." With his hands resting on his side, the man bowed in greeting. "My name is Ryu of Quolong. Lord Igneel has asked me to assist you in your magic training."

"R-Right." I quickly stood and offered a bow in return. "I'm Seraphina of the Zeffari Kingdom, though I'm sure you remember that."

Ryu rose back up and rested a hand against his heart. "Of course. How could I forget the lovely young woman who had a hand in rescuing me from my imprisonment? It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Princess."

"Please, just Sera would be fine."

Ryu dipped his head. "Of course, Sera."

Ryu struck me as someone with refined poise and sophistication. The kind you'd expect from someone of noble or royal background. Not what I'd expect from a dragon shifter, at least not the ones I've met so far. But there was also something about him. His flow of magic wasn't the same as Andriel or even Lord Igneel. It was almost as if there was something more to him, but I couldn't place it.

My thoughts drifted to the sound of Ryu's soft chuckling. "Your intense staring is making me blush, Sera. Do I pass your inspection?"

Now it was my turn for my face to redden. "U-Um, I apologize. That... that wasn't... what I was doing."

Smirking at me, Ryu's eyes crinkled with amusement. "Is that so? Shame, I was curious to know if you found me appealing enough."

A squeak fell from my lips, and I quickly covered it to avoid any other sounds from spilling.

Ryu laughed. "I'm joking. My apologies for riling you up."

"No need to apologize," I said, my voice mildly cracking. "Do not mistake me, I find you, uh... handsome."

"Oh?" Ryu quirked a brow.

"Yes, well, uh." I cleared my throat, feeling warmer than before. "Shall we do it? The training, I mean! Not... uh... never mind. I'm so embarrassed."

I turned away from him, feeling mortified with myself. My flustered emotions reminded me of when I first met Andriel, but even then, I wasn't spitting out word vomit like I was now. I wanted to crawl onto my cot and curl up into a ball to save myself from further humiliation. This was my first interaction with one of my mates other than Andriel, and already I was making a fool of myself. I dared not to find out what Ryu must've thought of me.

A hand rested on my shoulder, and I looked back to see Ryu. His expression showed no signs of amusement or indifference. If anything, those dark opalescent eyes the color of cocoa beans filled me with comfort. I could also see the faintest flicker of flames dancing within their depths. The tension along my body eased immediately.

"You never need to feel embarrassed around me, Sera," he said, his voice smooth and sweet like fresh honey. "And just so you know, I find you lovely as well."

"Surely not with me looking like this," I said dryly, feeling inadequate in my current state.

"On the contrary." Ryu took one of my clawed hands in his before bringing it up to his face and leaned forward to press a kiss against my knuckles. "I find your partial shift most alluring. Strong, yet graceful. A perfect blend of your human and dragon forms."

By the gods, the charm this man possessed. With his looks and sweet words, I knew he could warm up even the coldest of hearts. I couldn't help wondering how many women had been fighting for his attention, and suddenly I felt anger at the possibilities. How could I feel hatred towards the idea of women fawning over him? Was this the power of our fated bond?

"I bet you say that to all the women," I dryly commented, noting how it came out of me without a thought. My face scrunched when I realized what I said.

Ryu blinked. "What women?"

Well, he didn't look upset with me. That was a start.

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