“How much treasure have you collected?” She couldn’t help her curiosity.
“Enough,” was his only reply. She let it go. There was far too much to see to wonder about a dragon's retirement fund.
Now, they walked through amazing tall and ancient hallways where statues of dragons and some in human form lined the way. The palace itself was carved into the depths of a mountain.
“Throne room just ahead.”
Slade’s voice brought her mind back to the present, reigniting her nerves. She never met a king before. Well, a week ago she never met a dragon either, and look how this turned out.
“Can’t I go back to the hotel and wait?” Her palms started to sweat and itch.
“The King asked to meet you too, sweet.” Slade glanced down at her, giving a cheeky wink.
“Do you get many human visitors?” Brim noted the touch of hysteria in her higher pitched voice.
“I do believe you’re the first I’ve ever known about.” Slade shrugged, as if it was no big deal.
“Oh.” It didn’t help and the tension in her body climbed.
Brim pulled her to a stop. “Slade, go ahead. I need a word with my mate.”
Humour gleamed in the golden dragon’s eyes. “I’ll let them know.” He continued down the corridor, so large you could fit three semi-trailers in side by side, and so tall you would need oxygen masks to breathe.
He tugged her to a corner near one of the eight foot wide columns. “You need to relax, baby.”
“Easier said than done.”
“Then, I will help you.”
Her eyes narrowed, doubting he could put her at ease. Before she realised what he was doing, he lifted her with her feet dangling, pressed her back against the grey, stone wall, and his lips were on hers.
Her body flamed to life. She moaned into his mouth while he plundered hers, arms wrapping around his neck. He kissed her until her brain turned into a drunken mush. Every care fell away, and all she could do was feel the wonderful, masculine power of her dragon. He pulled back and she gazed up at him dreamily, trying to pull him back to her mouth.
“I want to take you to my den and fuck you on my pile of treasure.”
“We could go, now.” She ran her lips up his chin, nipping as she went, hopeful they could vanish.
A growl rumbled from his chest. “After our meeting with the King.”
With gentle care, he set her back on her feet. Yes, she was not relaxed, but she was turned on and, knowing the dragon's sensitive noses, realising everyone would scent her arousal.
He tugged her along and they at last entered the throne room. A crowd gathered around a raised platform of four steps. Three men in regal robes stood on top.
It was easy to spot the King by the glittering, golden sash sitting over his chest. Slade stood at the bottom of the steps. All eyes were on them. Brim bowed and Amber did what she hoped wasn’t a too awkward curtsy in her long, blue summer dress.
“Your Majesty, may I present my true mate, Amber, of the Human Realm.” The pride in Brim’s voice was clear.
“Welcome to the Dragon Kingdom, Amber.”
The king walked down the steps until he stood before them. His long, black hair, similar to Brimstone's, was streaked with silver and wisdom shone in his crystal blue eyes. His handsome face appeared as a man in his late forties.
“I’m realising there is much we do not know about humans. Slade here has been telling me you are a talented writer, and can help us bridge the gap between human and dragon, so other dragons may find true mates as Brimstone has done with you.
Before they left the Darwin hotel, Slade talked about his idea with her. She thought it worthwhile—a lot of pressure on her, but not impossible.
Amber cleared her throat, glancing at Slade who nodded and smiled encouragingly.
“Slade suggested I write a book, or guide to help dragons know how to behave within the constructs of human society, so they will pass unnoticed as they search for their mates. I think there is still a lot of danger as humans do fear what they don’t understand, and will possibly lash out and cause harm. If you were to outwardly expose that dragons exist, or also other supernatural creatures, it would not end well. This is only my opinion, but it would be best to keep humans ignorant of these facts.”
The king nodded thoughtfully. “This is what Slade said, too. So, as a human female, Amber, what should we do when we find a mate? How do we reveal what we are without scaring them? We need mates and not fearful, reluctant ones.”
She glanced to Brimstone with a smile. “I felt the pull towards Brim when I met him, but it confused me at first. Then again, I’m sure not every female will be abducted by demons, or need their dragon to shift to protect them. If it really is true finding a true mate is finding the other half of your soul, I think you need not worry. With some charm and seduction, a woman will easily fall in love. We will put up with almost anything when we’re in love.”