Free dragon archives 02 - pursued by a dragon by linda k hopkins Page A

courtesy she really did her best. 
     
    Cathryn tried to pull the book away, but in a movement so fast she could not track it, Favian swung around to the other side of the table, taking the book with him. His voice was choked with laughter as he continued to read, moving away again as she quickly rounded the desk.
     
    Her upper lip she wiped so very clean
    That not one bit of grease was ever seen   
    Upon her drinking cup. She was discreet                    
    And never reached unseemly for the meat.
    And certainly she was good company,
    So pleasant and so amiable, while she
    Would in her mien take pains to imitate   
    The ways of court, the dignity of state,   
    That all might praise her for her worthiness.
     
    “You are so impertinent,” she said, her voice filled with laughter. He looked at her over the desk as he finished reading, his blue eyes creased with laughter, but as their eyes met the laughter fell away, and the room fell into silence. She shivered, and he closed his eyes, breaking the spell.
    “You’re cold,” he said. “Come stand next to the fire.” The fire was behind him, and as he moved away, Cathryn walked around the desk to stand before the flames. A wayward strand of hair fell across her face, and she lifted a hand to push it away before smoothing it over the rest of her hair. The movement loosened the hairpin that was holding her hair in place, and she groaned as she felt the pin tumble from its knot, turning in time to see it spill into the flames.
    Favian darted forward, his hand chasing the falling article into the fire as the blaze brushed his skin. He jerked his hand out again, empty, as Cathryn’s groan of dismay turned to one of horror, and she caught his hand in her own, certain the burns would be severe. But although his skin was hot, it appeared to be untouched by the flames. Turning it over, Cathryn subjected the hand to a thorough examination, before looking up in confusion to meet Favian’s sardonic gaze.
    “I stand at risk of breaking my promise,” he said, taking a step closer. Long fingers wrapped around hers before sliding up her hand in an intimate caress. Pulling herself free from his grasp, she stepped back, tripping over a pile of logs stacked next to the grate. Catching herself on the wall, she stepped clear of the fallen firewood as Favian watched, a slight frown creasing his forehead.
    “I, uh, thought you had burnt yourself,” said Cathryn awkwardly, “but I was mistaken.”
    “As you can see, I am quite unharmed,” said Favian, looking away. “Was that pin of particular value to you?”
    “No,” replied Cathryn. “I have a proclivity for losing them, and that is the fifth in as many weeks. But the loss is not significant, and the item is not irreplaceable — it is merely the annoyance. I am glad you didn’t injure yourself in your efforts to save it.”
    “Your concern for my well-being is much appreciated, Mistress,” replied Favian. Cathryn looked down at the floor, refusing to meet his gaze.
    “I will bid you goodnight,” she said, turning towards the door.
    “Goodnight, Cathryn,” he said, executing an elegant bow. “I will see you on the morrow.”
    Cathryn nodded, sweeping past him and out into the passage. As she reached the stairway, she glanced back over her shoulder, catching Favian’s gaze as he watched her from the doorway.  

Chapter 14 
    It rained during the night, a shower that tapped out a rhythmic lullaby against the leaded glass in the window. It had stopped by the morning, but the sky was grey, the air damp and misty. The fire had died down to just a few glowing embers, but as Cathryn lay in her bed, snuggling deep into the covers in pursuit of warmth, the door was quietly opened by a servant, coming to stoke up the flames. She returned a few minutes later with a cup of hot mulled wine and an offer to help Cathryn get ready for the day, an offer that Cathryn quickly accepted. She had not forgotten