The Mate Of The Ice Dragon

Chapter Four

On arrival of Zukian and I into my village my comrades had  assembled their weapons ready to fight while other villagers stared in awe and fear.  

"Lower your weapons!" I demand as I slide off Zukian's back. Once I'm fully off of him his body shakes with tremors until his body once again resembled a man. My soldiers immediately dropped their weapons as I hand them the freshly killed meat. Alma comes running through the crowd crushing me in a hug.

"Alma, I need to discuss some arrangements I've made to win the war with the council." Alma's aged face melted from excitement to annoyance.

"Beware child, the council has received a marriage proposal to you from general Shugo. They believe that it will stop the war and strengthen the tribe, they are going to force you into marriage. General Shugo promised to cease fire the moment he gets the message that you accept." She whispers with disgust.

Thinking I nod. What could the council be thinking? Would they truly accept to be under a society where they are second class citizens? That is when Zukian piped up saying.

"Isamari isn't going to marry anyone but my brother." Alma's eyes grew large as she realized what Zukian was saying and when she recognized who he is.

"Isa, are you Rikikobi's soulmate?" Alma asks still trying to process the information. Looking at Zukian I give him a death glare, "First of all shut up. You have no rights to be making such outlandish claims Zukian. We both know marriage wasn't part of the deal." Then I swung my head to Alma, "Apparently Alma."

Then I look up to watch the tribe as they all stare and gawk at Zukian, then I call out "Everyone let the council know that their chief has arrived and that she is calling a meeting!" They all scatter to find the council members. Perhaps I could use this proposal as my advantage in this war. Ceremonially Rikikobian women take a two month's retreat before marriage to ensure purity of mind and soul on their wedding day. So when I am away he can not attack my people, then when I return with two dragons and my soldiers, I will demand that he leaves my people alone and win the war. He must think I'm crazy if I was to marry him, it must be a trap. What if he attacks during my leave?  Zukian would eat him I guess. My mind continued to think. What power could he gain from a marriage alliance with a tribe he's almost killed off anyways? He must be planning to finish us off on the wedding day. I cannot tell the counsel, knowing them, their greed would blind them to reality. I need Zukian to convince my soldiers to obey my command when that day comes.

Zukian is right next to me as I walk to the counsels tent. I could feel the confusion and anxiety he had if I was a mile away.

"Isamari you're not going to accept, are you?"

"I am, and I have my reasons." I turn to look at him. "I am not breaking our deal. You need to trust me, Zukian. When I am gone do not tell anyone of our agreement, say that you are taking care of the tribe while I'm away so that general Shugo does not go back on his word."

Zukian's yellow eyes glow bright as he listens to every word that I say in silence. In the end he just nods and goes to walk with me to the tent his face impenetrable. He was not happy with me. I would have to discuss with him after the meeting. Before entering, I give Zukian one last look. His thick arms are wrapped around him, his long red hair splayed around his shoulders as his yellow eyes stared down at his bare feet. I wonder if dragons are affected by the snow? Gently I smile at Zukian.

"While I'm talking to the counsel, you should ask Alma to grab you some soldiers boots." Zukian looks up at me smirking .

"Is little Isamari, the ice queen warming up to me?" Zukian asks playfully, melting any warmth I had on my face.