Dragonkin 2: My Persistent Mate

Part 12 Truce

Stiffly, he stands at the door, arms folded across his chest. "Don't worry, I have no intention of ravishing you. Rape is distasteful. I prefer willing women. To quote you, there are dozens waiting for me just down this hallway," he assures, pointing his thumb to indicate the hallway. "It's embarrassing to explain to passers-by why I'm loitering outside your room. I just want to clarify with you without airing our dirty linen out in the hallway where I guess all of our residents are now pressing their ears closely to their doors, hoping to eavesdrop on the juicy details of our conversation. Or you don't mind if everyone finds out we were kissing passionately on the night of the ball?" He remarks, a silver brow arches in question.

My face turns red in embarrassment at realizing how close I unintentionally declared to everyone that there's actually something between Karalian and me. I am instantly contrite and grateful that Karalian thought this far ahead and is considerate of my position despite my surly attitude toward him. In a conciliatory tone, I urge, "Say what you have to say then leave".

Karalian nods. As if giving serious thoughts to his words and carefully weighing his words, he pauses for a while before saying, "I am interested in you, as you are in me. My memory recalls you're an active participant when we kissed". Looking directly at me, "If I had not warned you about the people on the balcony, we would probably have done the deed. It is indeed out of character for me to force myself on a female. But you infuriate me, yet draws me with your wit, sharp humor and your attitude towards work".

My face heats at his straightforward words. Memory turns the heat up further notches. My cheeks are about to burst into flames. I'm at a loss for words at his back-handed praise. Be still, my heart. It's aflutter.

Restless, he starts pacing in front of the door. "It is not without considerable thought that I think you're suitable for me. We're compatible; intellectually, mentally and physically. How about we call a truce?"

When I hesitate, he rushes on, "It would not do for us to be at odds with each other since you're my aide and we need to work closely. If you are amenable, don't reject me outright. We can maintain our working relationship while we get to know each other better first". Carrying on his persuasion, "Furthermore, hasn't your father been insisting you go for blind dates? Same for my case. They want us to settle down with a mate soon. You can use me as an excuse. It will pacify our parents and keep them from breathing down our necks for the time being".

Watching him pitch his stand, I contemplate his suggestion, turning them over and over, searching for loopholes. His words ring true, I don't sense any trickery behind them. It might be a good chance for me to assess him. He's supposed to be my True Mate after all.

Sensing my capitulation, he finishes, "I'll let you think about it," after saying his piece, he quietly left my room.

My mind is in a state of confusion over what to do next, if I were to call a truce with Karalian. Should I observe him and if he's satisfactory, let him know he's my True Mate? Or given his stoic and heavy-handed temperament, should I just pretend my acquiescence while plotting to push him away? Conflicting thoughts clash, creating a turmoil.

Unable to bear the disturbing notions and a need to expend my restless energy, I disrobe and launch myself off my balcony. Shape-shifting into dragon form, I flap my wings once, twice, and I am airborne. The rush of air meeting me is exhilarating and never fails to clear the cobwebs from my mind. Somersaulting through the limitless dark sky, the cold night refreshes me. All thoughts of Karalian scatter and I am free.

Back in Karalian's study, he sees a blue dragon soaring across the dark velvet sky as he peruses a document. Distracted by the sight, he unconsciously walks to the window and admire its flight. Graceful and unfettered comes to mind. Intuition tells him it's Guinevere. Letting out a breath, he put down his papers. He had been reading the papers several times but thoughts of Guinevere kept intruding, scattering his concentration. He might as well not have read them, since nothing registers in his brain except for Guinevere.