The Dragon's Consort

Chapter 25

ZURDEN

Almost week had passed since that magical day in the woods, and Zurden had spent every waking moment since then relishing in the memory. It had been perfect.

She had accepted his advances, accepted him. A female, the last one. She could've chosen any male, and she'd chosen him. He had been floating on a cloud since. His mind constantly replaying that wonderful kiss. Every small detail burned into his memory.

A tired smile was no doubt painted on his face as he reveled in the heat of the blazing bonfire, soaking in the warmth of the flames, drinking in the stillness of the night. Everything except the camp was pitch black, save for the twinkling of distant stars in the sky. Small animals chirped and squeaked, and it formed a beautiful array of song.

Zara was sat beside him, staring into the burning embers, tuning out Kano and Illy as they droned on and on with ridiculous questions. She blinked slowly, letting out a deep sigh.

Zurden cleared his throat, "I think our queen is done with questions for today."

Kano frowned, and Zurden gestured for him to leave. Illy gave him a stupid wink, as he guided his other brother away. He scoffed at them.

Zara let out a big yawn, and he couldn't help but smirk. It was one of the cutest things he'd seen. He planted a small kiss to the corner of her mouth, and she caved into his touch.

"What was that for?" she breathed.

"For fun," he grinned.

She leaned forward, pressing her lips against his. Eventually she broke away, letting out another yawn. He smiled as she rested her head on his shoulder.

Moments later her breathing slowed, and she was fast asleep. He chuckled at how tired she was, and how comfortable she was around him.

They stayed like that for around an hour, before he felt himself growing tired as well. He tried his best to keep from nodding off, but he needed rest.

"Zara?" he whispered, gently nudging her shoulder. She didn't even stir. He took that as proof she was in a deep sleep. He wrapped his arms around her, carefully picking her up. He carried her bridal style to her tent. She snored softly with every step.

He pushed open the curtain, and set her down on her cot. Brushing a stray piece of hair behind her ear, he went to leave. He looked down to see that her hand was gripped loosely on his shirt.

"Zuri..." she mumbled, fully asleep.

He debated for a moment, his brothers would be expecting him to come and join their sleeping pile, and might tease him relentlessly if he didn't. But she seemed to want him there, on some unconscious level.

He sighed, settling down beside her, pulling up the blanket to cover her. She turned, face burying into his neck. He kept one hand resting on the small of her back as the other toyed with the long hair that was spread across his torso and shoulders.

His eyes grew heavy, and he let the sweet relief of sleep consume him, eagerly drifting into the darkness.

* * *

Dawn broke over the horizon of the camp, small glistening rays of sunlight flickered through the material of the tent as Zurden slowly blinked awake. He hissed as the brightness burned into his eyes, groaning he sat up slightly, before it occurred to him that he wasn't exactly free to move. Zara laid curled in his arms, head resting against his chest.

He stilled as he realized that they'd been like that the whole night. Gods, how horribly his brothers would tease him. But it was worth it. So ridiculously worth it.