Firedrake - By Bianca D'Arc Page 0,13

of his best smiles as the tavern keeper bowed once more to Jenet and bustled back into his domain. Jenet’s words had touched him more than he could say.

He’d been a musical child, encouraged by Ren and his mother, who was also a gifted musician, but Declan thought it a frivolous pursuit and a waste of time. Still, he’d sung Jenet to sleep almost every night, playing the instruments his mother gave him for various occasions. There were few she couldn’t play and she taught him all she knew.

Drake had learned much in his travels over the past fifteen years. Something inside him looked forward to showing his family just how good he had become. That would start tonight, with Jenet, who’d been his best friend in the whole world during his youth. Funny how she fit right back into his life, even after the years of separation. It was like they’d never been apart.

“I’ll sing for you tonight, Jenet.” He felt an uncomfortable lump in his throat. “Just for you.”

The dragon moved to the side of the large tent where Devyn waited with several big men who were helping him lift the heavy canvas. Reaching out a wing, she made short work of sliding under the fabric, settling herself half in and half out of the big tent. Drake could just imagine what the mostly Jinn audience packed into the room thought about the appearance of a dragon in their midst.

“I should be going.” Krysta was already backing away.

“Can’t you stay for one song?” He found himself reluctant to let her go.

But she shook her head. “I’m on duty. I only stopped for dinner and now it’s back to work.” She was rejecting him again. Her smile held true regret this time, though, which was a small victory at least.

She moved off down the street, and he followed after. “Can I see you again?”

Damn, he hadn’t sounded that desperate in years. What happened to Drake the Seducer? He was acting more like Drake the Dunce right now, but she didn’t seem to mind. She smiled up at him more brightly than any smile she’d given him before. Perhaps this sharing of his deepest secrets was the key with this particular special woman.

“I’m certain our paths will cross at some point, Drake of the Five Lands.”

So she knew who he was. Suddenly he regretted the reputation he’d cultivated as a ladies’ man and playboy. He didn’t want her to think badly of him, or that he was just toying with her. This woman—in such a short amount of time—had become something precious to him. He didn’t understand it, but he wasn’t questioning it just yet…at least not much. It was too important to secure a date with her before she disappeared into the night.

He wished he could follow her, but he too had work to do that night. It wouldn’t do to disappoint his king on the first mission entrusted to him since his return. How would that look to the eyes of his family? His blood-father, Declan, in particular?

“When?” Drake touched her arm, stroking with a gentle, beseeching touch. “When will I see you again, Krysta? Will you join me for lunch tomorrow? At Devyn’s? Or perhaps at the castle? I could give you a tour. You could meet some more dragons.”

She laughed, and his heart dropped into his stomach. “You don’t have to bribe me with dragons, Drake. I enjoyed meeting your friend Jenet. She’s lovely. But I have met other dragons before. One in particular, in fact.” She stopped walking and turned to face him, true regret in her gaze this time. “I’m lunching with his knight tomorrow, so it wouldn’t be fair to encourage you.”

“You’re involved with a knight?” Drake felt his stomach lurch once more as anger stirred. She couldn’t be involved with a knight. Not when he’d given up his chance at that life in favor of his own road. It just wasn’t fair.

Krysta shrugged. “A little. I met him a few days ago and we’ve shared one other meal. He’s a cautious man.” Her chin lifted. “And I’m a very cautious woman.”

Drake lifted one hand to touch her hair. “A very beautiful woman as well.” His words were soft as he drew closer, unable to keep from kissing her. She didn’t move away, so he pressed his suit, dipping his head to touch his lips to hers. The kiss started out as a calm salute, but quickly escalated to a conflagration as he