Free dragon archives 04 - dance with a dragon by linda k hopkins

turning around, startled to see someone watching her from beneath the tree. She took a step back, suddenly nervous, but when the figure moved from the shadows into the soft moonlight, she saw who it was and paused.
    “My apologies, Your Highness. I didn’t realize anyone else was here. I didn’t mean to intrude.”
    Prince Rupert waved his hand, dismissing her apology. “I hate these events. Low, common people fawning over me, paying compliments they don’t mean in order to win my favor.” He took a step closer. “I suppose you’re just the same.”
    “That,” Anna said with an indignant tilt of her chin, “is quite unjust. You know nothing about me to pass such a judgment.” She stopped, suddenly remembering to whom she spoke. “Your Highness,” she added, dropping her gaze to the ground. Why could she not hold her tongue? He barked out a short, dry laugh.
    “Clearly I have misjudged you. You certainly are not like any of the other guests here this evening.” He walked around her, and she could feel the weight of his gaze as he looked her over, before stopping before her. “You have the benefit of knowing who I am, while I don’t know who you are.”
    “Anna Carver, Your Highness.”
    “Anna Carver? I don’t know that name. Do I know your family?”
    “My sister is married to Aaron Drake.”
    “Aaron Drake. Our slayer of dragons.” Anna nodded. In the distance she could hear the musicians start another tune, the music for a popular line dance.
    “I should be getting back, Your Highness,” she said. “My sister will be wondering where I am.”
    “No. You should dance with me,” he said. Anna gave him a startled look, then glanced over her shoulder to where the guests were forming the lines. She had walked further away from the crowds than she realized.
    “I think I should …” she started.
    “I insist,” he said, his lips thinning slightly while his voice took on a harder undertone. Anna nodded and placed her hand on the one he held outstretched. “How long do you remain in the city?” the prince asked as they danced.
    “We leave tomorrow.”
    “Tomorrow? That’s unfortunate. I think I would enjoy getting to know you more.”
    Anna remained silent. Rupert was taller than Anna by a few inches, and despite his aversion to society, danced very well. His hand touched hers lightly and when Anna took a misstep, he easily covered the mistake. He did not smile, although he watched her closely as they danced, until she could bear the scrutiny no longer.
    “Do I have a spot on my nose, Your Highness?” she said.
    “No,” he said. “Why?”
    “You keep staring at me.” His eyebrows rose slightly.
    “I’m just curious about the kind of woman you are.”
    “And staring at me will reveal who I am?”
    He gave a short snort. “Perhaps.” In the distance the strains of music started fading away, and he released her hand and took a step back.
    “I trust our paths will cross again, Mistress,” he said.
    Anna smiled politely. She had no doubt he would have long forgotten her by the time the evening drew to a close. “Goodnight,” she said, then turning away, hurried back to the crowds in relief, glad to be away from his presence. She wondered why he had insisted she dance with him, when he disliked the pastime so much. Was it because she had spoken so impertinently? She saw Aaron and Keira standing with Cathryn and Favian and hastened towards them.
    “Ready to leave?” Keira asked.
    Anna nodded. “Yes.”
     

Chapter 11
    Anna was awoken the next morning by a loud knocking, followed by the door being pushed open. “Come along, sleepy head,” Keira said, walking into the room and flinging open the shutters. “Aaron wishes to leave within an hour.”
    “Go away,” Anna mumbled, but instead Keira pulled the covers off the bed.
    “Come on, up you get,” she said. “Everyone else is already up and dressed.” Anna groaned and pushed herself into a sitting position. “Aaron wants a few