Mermaids are Menacing (Book 2) Complete

5.) Missed

(Cerastes PV)

Cerastes rode in his blacked out carriage, all the way up to the mountains gates. The tax collection happened according to schedule, pecisely because he had factored in the time it would take to move the newly indentured humans from Greenview to Pyros villiage to begin excavation but the trip felt long.

Anxious.

There was a general feeling of it. First and Second brother cannot breach the wings door and she cannot open it either. There was more than one reason why Cerastes had this particular responsibility. The unease a dragon feels being seperated from his horde and his offspring is physically uncomfortable. He cut down on his sleep again to make it home quickly.

Cerastes tapped his tail on the carriages floor in agitation. The maids better have kept Vihars measurement schedule as ordered. If the log book is even a millimeter off someone will lose a hand. Cerastes gritted his fanged teeth. There was no way of k owing what ideas his father and brothers might be polluting Vihars mind with. There was a fear that they might turn Vihar against him, shame Vihar into avoiding his off colored sire.

It was a difficult balance. For an ideal future Vihars loyalty must belong to him, but Vihar must also maintain a good relationship with the other members of the family. He is the only heir of his generation but with the new female in the mountain there was a small chance that there could be more hatchlings later on to replace him.

That woman. A couple of weeks in solitary confinement must have taught her how to act appropriately now. Going away for tax collection was an unexpected reprieve from having to experience emotions that were not his own. Even now that he had increased their proximity to eachother he couldn't sence any anger, resentment, or sadness from across the bond.

She was oddly quiet but it's possible she was still out of range. That quiet might change again when he steps under the strong hold again. He relaxed for a few more minutes being lulled by the carriage. Knowing her it was the last instances of peace he would experience for a year, as soon as he returned she will prattle away about this and that, with her emotions crashing into him like heavy winds.

The carriage stopped abruptly. His ears registered the sound of large wing beats before a physical weight crashed into the carriage. The horses outside squealed and stomped in a fretting manner. The door to the carriage was pulled off but Cerastes was more agitated than suprized. He's making this a habit.

"Eldest brother, the lords heir." Cerastes said sitting in the carriage calmly. "Did my carriage offend you this year as well." The money for the repair would undoubtedly be reduced from Cerastes portion again.

"Get out!" Dante growled. "Where did you hide it!"

Cerastes gracefully descended from the glossy carriage and into the night air.

"I havent hidden anything but your welcome to inspect the compartments." Cerastes said gesturing to the vehicle.

"I know you snuck that human female out, just as you brought her in." Dante raged. His black hair was braided from the top of his head all the way back and down to his tail. His brown lips pulled into a snarl, exposing the sharp teeth on the sides of his mouth.

Cerastes paused. What lead Dante to the conclusion that the woman was with him. Father had said specifically said that the woman was to valuable an asset to leave the security of the mountain. Before the ordeal I had thought of taking her along to Pyros villiage to offer survey information for the excavation but that idea had been disapproved as soon as I placed the request. She may belong to Cerastes but the high lord still has final say.