Page 35 of Wings of Frost and Fury
My heart sinks. “Because you are beautiful and powerful.”
“Precisely. They either want my cunt or they fear my magic.”
“Cunt?” I ask warily.
She points between her legs. “The part of me you enjoyed so thoroughly. The ‘mating slit.’ I’m not sure if that term is better or worse than ‘cunt,’ to be honest.”
I don’t have the heart to respond. I feel as if all the joy has been drained from my body, because I am not special. I am simply one of many males who desire and admire this woman, who long to serve her in any way she wishes.
Thelise picks up a leather bag covered in symbols and places it on the table. She removes a few objects from it, including a paper packet labeled, “Rhordan’s hair” and a piece of soft stone, the same one she used to make designs on the floor of the stable.
“What is that?” I ask.
“This is numinous chalk for marking a casting circle. I have several kinds and colors, but this is my favorite.”
She drops to one knee and swipes the chalk over the floor in an easy circle. This one is much smaller than the circle she used to turn me human. I hate the fact that she is using it to summon another male, one she has mated with before.
As she works, she glances at me at few times.
“You look downcast, pet,” she says. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” I get to my feet awkwardly and shuffle toward the window. But after a moment’s contemplation, I can’t hold it in.
“Do you fuck everyone you meet?” My voice is a quiet snarl.
“No, although if I wanted to, there would be no shame in that,” she says coolly. “A woman has needs, just like a man. I have slept with about a dozen men in the area over the past couple of years. A few of them have been frequent guests—frequent enough to leave some of their things here for the next time we have a dalliance. Does that bother you?”
My only response is a growl.
Thelise sighs, exasperated. “Why should it disturb you? As you told me, you’ve fucked multiple female dragons.”
She’s right. It shouldn’t bother me. The jealousy I’m feeling is unnatural and illogical. And yet it exists, like a sour poison in my heart.
I lean against the wall by the window while Thelise casts her summoning spell. She moves briskly, almost angrily, as if my attitude has infuriated her.
This spell isn’t as complicated or showy as the one she performed on me. After only a minute or two she says, “There. He’s on his way. I’m going to put you back in the stable before he arrives. Like you, he’ll be peeved if he catches wind of another cock in the house.”
Thelise grabs my wrist and pulls me toward the door. The sheet she wrapped around me falls to the floor as I stumble after her, still struggling to make my legs work properly.
“You have no right to feel jealous over me,” she mutters as she yanks me outside.
“I know, but I can’t help it.”
She spins around, frowning slightly, searching my face. “Are all dragons this possessive?”
“When they find a treasure worth hoarding, yes.”
Her lips twitch upward, and I know I’ve pleased her. “Stop making me like you so much.” She steps behind me and plants both palms against my back. “Move, dragon.” She pushes, and I walk, more confidently this time.
We cross the meadow, skirting around the bloodstain where Fortunix killed her beloved horse. When we reach the stable, Thelise shoves me through the hole she blasted in the wall. I’m displeased that the gap faces away from the house. I won’t be able to peer out and catch a glimpse of this “messenger,” this lover who will be going to the market on her behalf. I have only a vague concept of what a market is, but I believe it’s a place where humans trade coins or valuables for things they need.
“Does he obey you in all things?” I ask.
“What do you mean?”
“This man you’ve summoned. Is he as obedient as I am?”
Her voice is tender, almost sad, as she replies. “He does well enough. And he’s an actual human. Not a dragon who has been temporarily transformed.”
