2

"Almost each couple who were below have lost their egg in the escape. If we don't get them back, the eggs will either be crushed or sold as pricy pets," Zargis said to the table. It has been a week since Otreg left the human ground, and still they continued with these meetings. He stood behind the king, looking like a body guard, however he was just moral support for the king and queen.

"How do we find them?" asked a middle aged dragon who seemed very judge mental towards everyone.

"How do we know any of them still exist?" asked another.

Marythelia, Queen and mate to Zargis, smiled. "It's called faith."

They all stared at her, most with malice. Zargis gave his mate a smile. "Yes. We will search every nook and cranny until it is certain we've covered everything."

Grumbled spiraled around the room until Zargis adjourned the meeting. Thelia sighed. Otreg went and sat, lounging casually as he said, "Let's just forgetting about asking your advisors and send a search party out?"

"Because then I would be responsible for any deaths that come upon those sent," Zargis sighed. "After Kesar rescued Jose and Thelia was taken as hostage, they don't want anymore dragons going down."

"They're children," Thelia gasped.

Zargis nodded. "Which is why I'm pushing, but they are resisting."

Thelia took Zargis's hand and gave a sigh before turning to otreg. "Did you find someone to take Sayma's spot?"

Otreg groaned, thinking of the girl he talked to. "I gave them a month to decide."

"A month?" Zargis gaped. "Isn't that cutting it close?"

Otreg shrugged. "She was antsy. I would have brought her already, but we were interrupted."

"Otreg, you need a female," Thelia said softly at the sight of his frown. "Someone to care for and love. You've been down lately."

Otreg knew he was being a depressed guy, but he couldn't help it. "I'm sure I'd overwhelm them, Thelia. Not every female is like you."

With that he left the room.

Otreg went outside and shifted into his dragon: a golden brilliance that had many turning to watch. He didn't shift often, and when he did, it was out of sight from others except Zargis. Everyone gawked too much. He didn't like it. Yes, he was different from everyone else, but still the same. Being gold didn't have any special factors to it…at least none he ever found.

He flew down to the human ground and brushed over the tree tops, skimmed waters, and swerved mountain sides. He stayed away from the human settlements, keeping at a distance so that he wasn't seen. He didn't want an audience.

However, this time, his eye caught on a glimmer from a high tower. It was gold. He gave a rumble in his throat and surged towards it.

Liga was taking a break from preparing the feast. She was walking around, not going far, but letting herself relax for a short time. Her back aches. Her fingers were cramped. Her feet swollen. Yet, she plowed on like always, if only to stay somewhat content.

"Gorgeous."

She spun around and gasped. The man was back. In his hand, the golden fabric. She had tied it to the bell tower of the church, the highest place she could think of. She had wondered if it was clear enough, but now her question was answered. "Hello."

The man folded the fabric into a long strip, walking towards her. "So, you want the job?"

She stayed still, unsure of his intentions. "Yes, please."

He nodded, then went behind her to tie the fabric around her braid, forming a bow. "Are you packed?"

She gulped and looked down. "I'm afraid not. You see, I want the job, but don't know if I can do it for you?"

The man went around so he faced her fully. "Why not?"

She stepped back. "I-"

"Liga! I said five minutes!"

She sighed, glancing from the man to her master. "Um-"

"Liga!"

The man reached out and caught her hand, stroking his thumb over the back of it. "Are you trapped?"

She gave wide eyes as her master once again called her name. "I-"

Now, her master's footsteps could be heard coming towards them. The man raised a brow. "Would you like out?"

"I swear if I have to-"

Liga swallowed her doubts. "How?"

The man grinned. Before she could say or do anything else, he slipped a hand around her waist and turned to her master. She gasped as he pulled her close, his body a flame against her. "Good sir, I believe we need to talk."

Her master halted and blinked at the man. "What for?"

Liga tried to step back, but the man held her still. "How about a bout of ale?"

So, the three of them went into her master's home and Liga was made to go pour them drinks. She did so, only because the man gave her a smile that sent hope through her blood. When she returned to the table, the man bowed his head in thanks. She handed her master his ale then was about to disappear when his voice made her stop.

"Please, Gorgeous, stay. This is about you."

She blushed, but turned and folded her hands in front of her, awkward.

Otreg felt the unease the female was radiating and stood. Going over , he leaned down and whispered in her ear, "I won't hurt you, Gorgeous. I also won't let him keep you here if you really want to have this job."

She blushed deeper now and nodded meekly.

He grabbed one of her hands and tugged lightly. "Come here and sit. You're safe."

Silently, she did as he asked. Otreg wasn't sure if it was out of fear or something else, but once he wrapped an arm around the back of her shoulders and began stroking her neck, she relaxed. She melted. His dragon gave a purr of satisfaction.

"What do you want with my slave?" the man asked, slurring his words.

Otreg had to use all his Will power not to cringe. "I want her."

"No."

"I will buy her for any amount you give."

The man's eyes gleamed. The girl stiffened again. "No!" she gasped.

Otreg glanced at her. "Be still. Do not fret over it."

"But-"

"Ten thousand!"

Otreg smiled, "Done."

Liga paced her tiny room as the deal was finishing up. She couldn't believe the man bought her for such an outrageous price. She couldn't believe he had that kind of money just in his pocket.

A noise made her stop and look around. It was coming from the egg. Heart racing, she knelt and reached out, but egg shell burst all over and she yelped.

What she saw after wiping the gunk off her face was a tiny, golden dragon. It had huge green eyes and wings that were laden with goo. Immediately, her heart melted.

Then the dragon burped and fire burst from its mouth. She yelped again.

Baby squeaks and gurgles came from the creature as it struggled to walk to her, legs unsteady. She smiled and held out her arms. The dragon stumbled into them, nuzzling her hands as it curled up in her lap and fell asleep. What did she do now?