Free The Knight of Her Dreams (Dragons and Dreamphasers) by Jen Robyn Page B

bringing Sionne into the matter.  Knowing her
scheming nature all too well, demonstrated over the years with her other
suitors although she thought him ignorant—let alone her narcissistic
manner—he’d sooner disappear amongst the dragons and live peacefully as a
hermit than be forced to marry her.
    Approaching the gate guardians
who’d been talking, they saw him and immediately saluted.  Smiling, he waved
his hand.  “At ease, guys, he’s still in the castle.”  The pair relaxed,
knowing Dominick was less interested in formalities than the others.  “Right
now, I just want to get as far from here as possible.”
    “ Allow me to assist, ” a voice
called out, as he glided to a halt beside him.
    “Chaolyn, you don’t want to get in the middle of
this.”
    “ Exactly.  So let’s get out of here. ”
    Smiling at the knowing look of mischief in the
dragon’s eyes, Dominick climbed up, and the pair took to the skies.
    As the clouds soared by, the wind cooling
Dominick’s brow, he did start to feel his anger ease.  Chaolyn was as wise at
reading him as he was with his grandfather.
    “ Feel better? ” the dragon inquired.
    “You know I do.  But I doubt Chaos will.  After
all, he is your keizha benirrai. ”
    The dragon smiled at the ancient
Chavernian term for ‘soul’s friend,’ long used by dragons regarding their oaths
of friendship with specific humans or elves. Chaos had been his keizha benirrai for many years, able to communicate privately telepathically when needed, and
to sense when the other needed help.  Typically to represent a one-to-one
friendship, but occasionally regarding a small group, it was a term long
respected by all races and revered by the recipients.
    “ Soul friends are not
obligated to agree, and Chaos would never expect it of me.”
    “You’re lucky then.  At least he
respects your opinion.”
    The rumbling laugh that shook the
dragon nearly caused Dominick to lose his grip.  Realizing this, Chaolyn
quickly composed himself, but there was still mirth in his voice when he
spoke.  “ I’ve been needing a good laugh today.  Thank you.  But believe
me, Chaos is as stubborn with me as with you, as has been proven by as many of
your years.  It’s just his way. ”
    “I’m not marrying someone just
because he has visions of great-grandchildren in his head.  The only way he’s
getting those from me is if I find a woman to love.”
    “ Might this Julianna be a
possibility? ”
    Dominick’s eyes narrowed.  “Where
did you hear that , as if I didn’t know?”
    “ Actually, I was lounging
in the main hall, when I overheard Riff and Buddy speaking of it as they passed
through to the kitchen earlier.  I didn’t have a chance to ask you about it
before Chaos went off on his tirade.   But from what little I did
hear, Riff sounded frustrated you kept much to yourself. ”
    “My brother doesn’t need to know
every detail of my personal life.  The time I spend with Julianna is none of
his business.”
    “ May I inquire if you’re
planning on meeting with the lady again? ”
    Dominick’s irritated expression
softened.  “Inferno asked the same thing, suggesting it.  Even if he hadn’t
though, I already knew I wanted to see her again.”
    “ Then what’s stopping you? ” 
At his ensuing silence, Chaolyn smiled.  “ There’s a difference in your
tone of voice.  You really like this one. ”
    Knowing without asking that
Chaolyn would keep a confidence between them, Dominick nodded.  “Yes, I do. 
Which is why I don’t want my family interfering.  Chaos would have a fit if he
knew she was from Earth, and Chavernos knows I trust Riff even less.”
    “ Ah… so she’s an Earth
maiden.  Now the rest makes sense.  Well, don’t worry.  I’ll say nothing to any
of them, though I agree you should be mindful of your brother and say no more
to him especially. ”  The dragon smiled again.  “ Is she very
pretty? ”
    “That and more.  She has