Page 12 of Accounting for Drakes

“Oh, she had to remain a drake to protect me.”

“That is my guess. If I ever see her, I will ask her.”

“You think she will come back this way?”

“No, but she will come to your wedding.”

“What?”

“If she said it, she’ll do it. Drakes are very trustworthy. It is what makes us steady rulers.”

“Really? I thought you had shifty eyes.” She smiled.

He looked at her in astonishment. “You are making a joke?”

“Certainly. When I first met you, you were trapped by a rockslide. Not very dapper of you.”

“I asked Mbrak to turn my strength down so I could feel what a human would experience in those circumstances. I had no idea he was going to trap me under a rockslide.”

She sighed as they entered the main commerce area. “He did that so that we would meet.”

“I am sorry about what I said, but I was aroused and embarrassed.”

She scowled. “Aroused? By rocks?”

He chuckled. “No, Abil. By you. A lovely woman descended on cables and carefully removed my restraints. I never bothered going to the cavern after that.”

“Too bad. The cavern is wonderful, filled with crystals and light and colours that my drake has seen, but I have not.”

“Would you guide me?”

“What?”

“In the simulation. Would you guide me so I don’t get stuck again?”

“Oh. I had plans for tonight.”

He chuckled. “Humour me.”

“Well, I guess we could go now.”

“No, we are going to get you a dress.”

“Why?”

“Because I said we would. I keep my word.”

She looked at him and smiled. It was one of the things on Mbrak’s list.Surround yourself with people you can trust.

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