Twenty-seven

I woke to morning sunshine and warm blankets. I looked around, but didn't see Zargis. It was expected of course. He was king and was usually up well before I was. But I was still disappointed to not wake up to his arms around me.

I got up and dressed, then went to the kitchen where I found a note.

Thelia,

Meet me at noon at the western edge of Korgenyegia. Just wait on the bench and I'll find you. Don't wear a dress.

--Zargis

I smiled and checked the time. I still had three hours and was excited to see him. I mean, I see him everyday, but since his wedding to Unda, he's had to pay his respects to the guests and the hired help. He's also had to work with Otreg on finding a way to make sure no one, not even males, bring any item that has multiple purposes. They've come up with many ideas, but each had too many loopholes we wouldn't be able to catch in time.

To pass the time, I did my own research of the dragons and the royal bloodline. Cam has helped a lot, but nothing beats the knowledge found in paper. Apparently, Zargis was second born to the throne. His brother, whose name hadn't been determined, died in the mother's womb. The previous king and queen didn't think Zargis would make it to see the world, but he fought his way out.

Otreg told me that, since they had been friends since early childhood, Zargis was accepting to the idea of ruler, but always had a wild streak. It irritated his father and amused his mother. But Zargis finally had to face the facts when his parents went missing a few years before he became of age. Zargis has never stopped looking for his parents, but Otreg thinks Zargis has slowly started to give up, believing they're dead. He was a dark man after he found out he might never see them again, and it took years for Zargis to become somewhat himself again. It seemed that when he met me, Otreg said, that was when it all seemed to click and Zargis was like his old self.

I was filled with guilt that I treated Zargis so badly while being here, and vowed to myself to be a better person. I know now he was telling me the truth, but I also know that I don't trust everyone fully yet. I've told him this, and he understands. He also said that we haven't had time to build upon trust and that we should get to know each other. Trust was given with time and with care. I agreed and was grateful when he said I could have as much time as I needed.

Finally, it was almost noon and I raced out of the castle, intent on seeing Zargis and being in his arms. Although, when I got to my destination, he hadn't arrived yet. I frowned and checked a clock. I still had ten minutes. Groaning, I sat down and waited. It seemed I glanced at the clock ever five seconds, because ten minutes took forever to pass.

Just hen I thought I'd loose my mind, a hand clamped over my mouth and an arm wrapped around my middle. I tried to scream, but the hand prevented me. So I struggled to get free. "Easy, now," I heard the soft chuckle from behind me.

I slowly relaxed, my heart racing. Zargis let me go and came around so I could see him. I glared and crossed my arms. "That wasn't funny!"

"Oh come on! I never scare you!" Zargis says, pouting.

"I could have fallen to my death!" I hiss at him. "I could have died just from my heart stopping!"

He rose a brow. "A bit melodramatic, don't you think?"

I shrugged. "It's true!"

Zargis shrugged and was silent for a moment. Then he grinned at me. "I promise I won't scare you again. Just close your eyes until I give the word."

I narrowed my eyes on him. "Why?"

"Just do it!" he said, laughing.

Relenting, I shut my eyes and waited. There was a moment of silence, then something nudged me. Startled, I open my eyes and almost scream again. A dragon was in front of me, amber eyes on me, blinking. I realize it's the red and black one and relax. Smiling, I look around for Zargis, but don't find him. My heart plummets as I pet the dragon on the nose.

It seems to sense my mood change because it draws back and stares at me quizzically. I sigh. "I'm sorry, boy. I don't know what's wrong with me. Zargis is supposed to be here surprising me with something, but instead it's you."

The dragon rolls its eyes. I now stare at it in questioning gaze. It circled around me then flapped it's wings, like I was supposed to understand what it was saying.

I scowled. "I'm not good at Charades. Nor do I speak dragon."

The dragon huffed, then it became human: scales into skin, claws into nails, dragon into man. The transformation was so amazing, I hadn't realized I was looking at Zargis.

I blinked. "You?" I ask, pointing at him.

He smiled. "How did you not know? I went dragon the night before Citron's."

I thought back. He was right. I was just too terrified and shocked to make the connections. "It's been you the whole time. Those days when I sat here and spoke randomness. The time it asked me to ride it. The time the orange dragon came and roared at it. It was you?"

Zargis nodded. "I had hoped you'd figure it out sooner. I was expecting you to come screaming at me for trying to trick you, but you never did."

I furrow my brows. "Why did you stop?"

He ran a hand through his hair and said, "Besides I was supposed to be with the others going through different routines not listening to you talk? At the time, it's because we've noticed certain dragons who are going downstairs to do business are disappearing. There isn't a sign of what might have happened. We still are searching."

I finally understand and stand up, walking up to him. "I'm sorry."

He gives me a small smile. "Don't worry." He kisses me, then smiles brightly. "Now that you know what dragon I am, how about that ride?"

I grin, the dream I've been waiting for coming true.