Aspen (The Dragon Kings #2)(59)

Aspen was bombarded with thoughts. It was dizzying. She tried to find Sid’s and focus on those, but it was too difficult.

Exhaustion overwhelmed her. The gifts were too powerful. She wasn’t sure she could handle anymore.

None of the dragons moved for a few moments. Aspen wasn’t sure what was going on.

Everett, can you give her the gift? Sid asked.

It is not mine to give. We need to do the bonding, and then I have one last gift to give.

Everett, Sid begged. Without longevity I will be weak, and she will die. His grip tightened around her waist.

It looks like you will have to make do without it. I am not an arctic dragon. Therefore, I cannot give an arctic gift.

“Aspen, Sid, kneel in front of me facing each other. You must stay in the kneeling position, and you must be touching one another.”

Sid raised his eyebrows at Aspen and scooted forward so his chest touched hers. She collapsed against him. She didn’t care what they did as long as she got some sleep soon. She knew this was a big deal. It was akin to getting married, but she couldn’t summon the excitement. Sid was buzzing with energy and had a goofy grin on his face.

He wrapped his arms around her in a hug, and she did the same. It was good to be close to him. She could see Everett out of the corner of her eye. He opened his mouth and a jet of white flame engulfed them. The flame was not hot, but it had an immediate effect. She could literally feel herself merging with Sid. She could hear his thoughts, feel his emotions, and fully understand him to the core. His memories became her memories. It was exhilarating.

Then as suddenly as it began, it ended.

Sid stood up and pulled her to her feet. “Are you alright?” he asked.

“No, but I will be. I’m really tired.”

“Okay, as soon as Everett leaves, we’ll go find a place to rest.”

Everett wheezed behind them. “Obsidian, I need you to come here, in your dragon form.”

Sid changed and approached Everett. Aspen sat on the ground and tried to keep her eyes open. She saw Everett and Sid talking to each other, and then sleep overtook her.





Sid woke Aspen, and she climbed on his back. They flew out of the cavern and down a tunnel. Soon they landed in a large cave. Sid was sad, but she couldn’t read his thoughts. He changed back into human form.

“Why are you upset?” Aspen asked.

“Everett’s dead. I’m not sure I understand, and I don’t really want to think about it.”

Aspen’s mind spun. She didn’t know Everett, but everything that had happened in the last several hours had been so surreal. She couldn’t even begin to comprehend the things going on around her.

Sid kissed her softly. “It’s time for me to be a proper king again.”

“What do you mean?”

“You reek.”

Aspen slugged him.

“Ow, it’s true.”

“You still don’t have to point it out.” Aspen pouted and crossed her arms.

“I’m sorry. However, it’s tradition for the king to take care of the queen after her test.” He picked her up and carried her into another room.

Bright light reflected off the gemstone-studded walls. The whole place sparkled. In one corner there was an enormous four-poster mahogany bed with drapes around the entire thing. Along the far wall, a fire danced in large fireplace. A couch and two chairs stood before it. The room also contained three armoires, a table and chairs, and a large steaming pool.

Sid set her down next to the pool. It smelled like lilacs and roses. Everything she went through today was worth it for this alone. Sid tested the water with his fingers and then came back.

He stood in front of Aspen. “Arms up.”

Aspen obeyed, not really thinking about what he said. He tugged at the corners of her t-shirt and then pulled it up over her head. “You know you are not getting laid tonight right? You told me this wasn’t like getting married, so I am not obligated to have sex with you.”

He grinned. “I know that. I’m not trying to ‘get laid.’”

“So then why are you taking my clothes off?”

“Because you need a bath.”

“I can take my clothes off myself.”

“Not tonight you can’t. Tonight it is my job to take care of you. This has been a tradition for thousands of years. Leave this one be.”

“Fine.” Aspen sighed and raised her hands up again as he pulled at her cami.

“Why on earth are you wearing more than one shirt?”

Aspen giggled as he stared at her bra.

“There is a clasp on the back. I’m sure you can figure it out.”

He exhaled, moved around behind her, fiddled with the clasp for a few moments, and then slid her bra straps down her arms. She shivered as he ran his hands back up and then moved onto her jeans.

Aspen allowed him to finish undressing her. He stared at her. She felt suddenly self-conscious.

“You’re gorgeous.” He picked her up and carried her into the pool.

Sid didn’t let Aspen do anything herself. It felt wonderful to have someone else to wash her hair and dress her. The nightgown he put on her was bright red with thin straps. She loved it.

He put her in bed and lay down beside her. He kissed her once more, and she fell into a glorious slumber.