TAKEN BY THE DRAGON KING

en

ing hills and bright blue skies, I was lucky to live in o

best that life could have to offer. Lif

nausea rolling waves through my body, I sat dow

I was sucked right back in. Every time I try to calm my racing

w out against my hands. I was painfully awa

sily b

ng or too hard, I still have preparation to make.

attached to my room, I could have asked for a servant to accomp

dress and my under robe, I set them gently to one side, I let m

ure how long they would last. The anxiety was twisting

known it would be scary, I had known it would be hard. But I had not pre

verwhe

. It was still hot having been freshly dr

thing was as it used to be. For a moment I pretended that I

ave a light-hearted conversation. Then I'd retire to my bed

ted to bury myself In the

the future. But think about t

rinsed off the bubbles and use every sweet scent soap that I had.

il I could lin

and lotions that had been provided. I rubbed them into my

y underclothes before sliding into the fabric, each item of cl

behind. I wasn't going to have hel

gdom.. Elena.. re

my mirror. I barely recognize

ags under my eyes that I did

much this was cha

ay limp along my shoulder, I'd call Catherine to

be nice to have

a friend more than a servant anywa

that rang Catherine's bell in the maid quarters, I

nd picked up the necklace that I in

me. Now more than ever, I nee

her presence by kn

t I was starting to lose my sense of decorum

rder and harder t

esser, resting my h

air needs some doing." I paused and swallowe

an ill b

e had a way of doing that and I had a feeling that was why I had i

" she said, grabbing a few tools as I leaned

oothing. Her touch was gentle and she had a way o

lot more I appre

ng to m

red, Elena?" Cath

ked the way she said it calmly and I also loved the way she still called my name e

course, I am, it is my duty and I'm happy to do it." My

my eyes shut. "I've bathed, I'm d

waiting for me to leave, I didn't know if I had packed the

sted that I and Catherine would pack it this time. She helped

at would be the most

t much, at least, I was c

ng with me and I know it was his wa

ut I didn't blame hi

e point

ll unfailingly soft and reserved. "But

body, my chest aching where my heart lay. The we

with being a princess a lot of weig

epared was. With Catherine, I could be scared and unsure of w

e else, I ha

is what a r

r people even before herself. And I wouldn

nd I accepted and

for prosperity and I wa

everyone else. Inside, I had

or you, it is not a

sure of it." Catherine was rambling now as she

know she did. But all she was doing

y, if I lay my freedom, my life on

"Perhaps the dragon l

shiver down my spine and my