Page 13 of Crown of Slumber

“I—” I faltered. The wordsI’m the princesshad almost escaped me, and I was prepared to tell him off for venturing too close to the dragons. But for the first time, here was a nobleman whodidn’tknow who I was. Someone who wasn’t seeking my hand.

The notion was oddly freeing. Almost as freeing as my ride with Mal.

I cleared my throat, turning to Mal to remove my saddle. “I am only here to tend to the dragons.”

The man arched an eyebrow. “So you are like a stable hand.”

I scoffed. “Hardly. The dragons mostly care for themselves. I am only here to ensure the restless ones go flying as often as they need to, and that the hatchlings are protected.” I thought of little Azure, who would die without the nourishment of her mother. Was the stranger here for her? Had he stolen the mother and returned for the offspring?

But no, he wasn’t anywhere near the hatchlings. And I didn’t dare look over to the crater where Azure was curled up, lest the stranger follow my gaze and investigate.

The man frowned and nodded, scrutinizing Jorey with interest now. His eyes sharpened with a shrewdness that made my stomach twist.

“What?” I demanded, placing my hands on my hips.

“I am merely surprised that the royal family takes such measures,” he said.

“You think we would cage them like wild beasts?” I said hotly.

The man raised his palms once more. “Gods, no. I pictured a beastly dragon who guards the castle to fend off wayward men like myself. These delightful creatures are… much more magnificent and affectionate than I had imagined.”

“Oh.” I dropped my arms by my sides, feeling foolish. “My apologies.”

The man laughed. “Iam the one who wandered into the forest, my lady. It was only justified the Keeper of the Dragons accosted me.”

I chuckled at the title. “If you are here on business, then why are you roaming about the woods?”

The man was extending his hand to Jorey once more. When I didn’t stop him, and the Greyback nudged closer with excitement, the man began stroking him once more, a soft smile gracing his handsome face. After a moment, he said, “I often come to the forest… to dance.”

A loud and rather unladylike laugh burst from my lips, followed by an obnoxious snort. I immediately clapped my hands over my mouth, but the damage was done. The man straightened, his eyes going wide and a half smile curling along his lips. “Good gods, what wasthat?”

Still chuckling, I shook my head, my face on fire as I turned away from him.

“No, no.” His light footfalls came closer as he approached. “Idistinctlyheard you make a sound, fair maiden. Please repeat it for my delicate ears.”

I laughed again, softer than before. “Stop that!”

“I will not! Whatever is so funny about the thought of me dancing in the forest?”

More giggles poured from my mouth. Tears streamed from my eyes. “You are a liar. You must be a human, then?”

He smirked, then brushed his hair away from his ears. Hispointed faeears.

My jaw dropped. Fae could not lie. “You are in earnest? You truly go dancing in the woods?”

He crossed his arms, a look of indignation on his face. “I am affronted and, quite honestly, offended that such an idea amuses you, my lady. I am known as one of the finest dancers in my kingdom.”

Though my lips twitched, I straightened, my head only coming to his shoulder as I gazed up at him. “Are you, now?”

“Yes. My dancing skills are renowned.”

“Well, then. Prove it.”

His mouth opened, and pure shock flitted across his face.

Burning suns, that was satisfying.

My smile only grew as I lifted my chin. “Show me your renowned dancing skills, good sir.”

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