Dragon's Wolf

Runs and Bets

Aeriella's POV

He had a point, a very real and good point. If I did act then it'd be seen as an act of war. If I didn't then it'd be seen as turning a blind eye to their mistreatment of the code and that was something I cannot allow. It strictly went against not only my morals, but the morals of dad.

Growling under my breath I stared at the map intensely for a few moments thinking. Trying to come up with a way to put an end to this idiocy without shedding too much blood I chewed my lip. Think Aeriella, what would dad have done? What should you do?

Dad... that's it! I stared at Aaron for a minute taking in his handsome dark hair and tanned skin, if only he'd- no, this is not the time for that. When he caught me staring I looked into his eyes... gorgeous dark green and gold... no, not the time Aeriella, "Are you sure about the council's actions?"

He frowned seeming confused, "Yeah why what are you planning to do?"

I straightened up and smirked knowing full well he'd not like what was coming next, "Pack it up fluffy, we're going flying to visit the council and give them a piece of my mind."

Aaron's frown deepened, "Why? They're just a bunch of useless lugs who can't lift a finger for anyone but themselves."

"Heh, we'll see about that. Russ," I turned to the old man, "make sure to keep up the work. I need you to gather every story you can from these dragons about why they were forced from their homes and where those homes are. Also, continue offering sanctuary to those who're brought here but if anyone starts something contact me or the Deputy immediately. We'll deal with them accordingly and you already know the punishments for smaller offenses."

He nodded, "Yes ma'am. Where're you off to now?"

I grinned wickedly, "The market, I'm not buying what they're selling and am determined to get a good deal."

He chuckled, probably at the use of my father's favorite phrase, but waved me off. As we exited the building I took in a breath of the usually fresh air. The scent of sickness was here as well as signs of overpopulation for the small holding town. I'll have to send some guys to make improvements for them as well as a few nurses and another doctor.

Turning to Aaron I noticed him watching me, "What?"

"Nothing," he shook his head and kissed my forehead, "just thinking about how beautiful you are."

I didn't know if I should swoon or bristle so I waved my hand grinning, "Of course I am and ain't nobody gonna forget it."

He chuckled and took my hand. Together with him I felt safe and unstoppable. As we walked towards the entrance to the village I spotted an unlikely face, the Deputy and son of one of the Chiefs from a tribe that while lesser known had been one of our good allies during my father's time. Concerned that we'd violated our treaty I called out to him, "Hanz, hey did something happen that hasn't reached me?"

He recognized me immediately and came over shaking his head, "No, well not that you've been contacted about."

I frowned, "What do you mean? Our treaty says that we'll defend you if anything's happening." I watched him avoid eye contact and run a hand through his hair and understood, "Is it the Western Tribe?"

Hanz's tribe had been living on the land we hadn't been inhabiting for a while since it was warm for us and quite frankly despite our large tribe we had too much land to keep a tight border on it. Hanz's tribe was a fair one and I liked their Chief as had my father so we agreed to let them wander around the southern border seeing as they're nomads with the agreement that they'd keep it tightly guarded as well as house a few of our guards whenever they were nearby on patrol.