Dragonkin 2: My Persistent Mate

Part 10 The Chase is on

The sun shines brightly onto my lids. For the rest of last evening, Karalian didn't approach me again. I was looking forward to our next confrontation and yet dreading it too. There's no way to avoid him at work. Letting out a breath I didn't know I was holding, I readied for the day.

A big bouquet of lilies occupies center place on my desk and everyone at work stares at me as I stand gaping at the flowers. Snatching the flowers off my desk, I embarrassedly skim through the attached card. It wrote, Have a pleasant day, from Karalian.

Losing my temper, I stomp into Karalian's office without knocking and dump the bouquet on his desk. "What brought this on? Is this some convoluted method of punishment?"

Calmly putting down the document he was reading, he replies, "You are my valued subordinate. I thought it'll be good to show my appreciation for your work once in a while". Gesturing at the bouquet, he continues, "I was told females like flowers. The florist informed me that lilies are popular flowers to gift ladies with".

Sputtering with disbelief, "This," I point at the flowers, "is unnecessary. You can have it back. Give it to your admirers. I'm pretty sure they'll appreciate this more than me".

"But I'm not interested in my admirers," he replies with a smile. "I'm interested in you".

Shrugging my shoulders, I retort, "Well, that's too bad. I'm not remotely interested. Save these flowers for your Crown princess-to-be then". Before he can frame a response, I storm out of his office.

Throughout the morning, I catch my co-workers looking at me in awe or viewing me in a strange light. I wonder if they're astonished that I dare to be impolite to the Crown Prince. Or if they're speculating over why Karalian is showing a sudden interest in a draka. Before I became his aide, I read up on his background. At work, he is a great leader. Competent and efficient, his subordinates hold him in high regard. None dares to defy him. In his personal life, I know he had a few lovers, but none currently after breaking up with one recently. When he came of age to be mated, the council has been pressuring him to find a consort. His family is also encouraging him to actively look for a mate. However, married to his work, none of his love relationships worked out. He has never shown much interest in courting the females either and he also rejected many advances by females. Except me. On both accounts, I should feel flattered, but I feel cornered instead. I had been singled out by him for attention. The reason – I am a challenge. I refuse to be mated to him for such a paltry reason.

A hesitant voice breaks into my unhappy train of thoughts. "G...Guinevere, Karalian would like you to accompany him for lunch. The reservation at the restaurant has been made. He's waiting for you at the foyer now," his nervous secretary informs me. Apprehensive about my reaction, he wrings his hands. He's still a hatchling, compared to Karalian and me. Karalian's using him to appeal to my soft side and pressure me to acquiesce. Deciding to let him off the hook, I nod and accept the invitation unwillingly.

Steeling myself, I drag my heels to meet Karalian.

As if sensing my presence, Karalian turns around to watch me come down the stairs towards him. Maintaining a pleasant smile, he inquires mildly, "How's your day been?" while proffering his arm to me.

"Not that great, because of your huge gift this morning," I answer grumpily. Since it'll be ill-mannered of me to reject his gentlemanly offer, I place my hand on his and allow him to guide me toward the waiting car.

Sliding into the seat, I question, "This is obviously not a business or working lunch, I would have known. You have never taken the time for leisurely lunches, why start now? Is there any reason why I should waste my lunchtime on you?"