CHAPTER 6 – When a Dragon Has Anxiety (And Pretends She Doesn't)
Velene paced her room like a trapped cat—well, trapped dragon.
They found me. The hunters actually found me. THIS IS BAD. THIS IS VERY BAD.
"Lady Velene?" a maid peeked in. "Would you like tea?"
"Yes. No. Actually—do you have anything stronger?"
"Stronger?"
"Like… a potion that erases memories? No reason."
The maid blinked. "Um… chamomile tea it is."
Velene groaned, collapsing onto the couch dramatically. She pressed a pillow over her face.
"I hate being human. Everything is too soft and emotional."
Just then, Kael opened the door slightly.
"Velene? Are you—"
THUD.
She fell off the couch in panic.
"GAH—KAEL?!"
He stepped in, startled. "Sorry! I didn't mean to make you—fall like that."
"I didn't fall. I descended gracefully."
"You hit your head."
"I descended gracefully and the floor betrayed me."
Kael laughed softly, sitting beside her. "You seem… stressed."
Velene stiffened. "No! I am a calm and delicate noblewoman. I don't get stressed. I get… aesthetically overwhelmed."
Kael's smile grew dangerously soft.
"Then allow me to keep you from being overwhelmed."
HE CAN'T SAY THINGS LIKE THAT I'M GONNA SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUST.
Before she could respond, Kael handed her a small box.
"A gift."
She blinked. "Why?"
"Because you look tired. And because… I like giving you things."
Velene opened it and saw a delicate bracelet—a dragon-scale pattern.
Her soul left her body.
"H-HOW DID YOU—WHY THIS DESIGN?!"
"It reminded me of you."
OF COURSE IT DID. BECAUSE I AM A DRAGON. A REAL ONE. OH GOD.
Kael leaned closer. "Do you… not like it?"
"No! I love it! I mean— I like it normally! Platonically! Fashionably! Respectfully!"
Kael laughed again. "You're adorable."
Velene nearly died.
Meanwhile, outside her window, another tremor shook the mountains in the distance.
And Velene muttered under her breath:
"Can I please have ONE day without destiny trying to kill me?"
[CHAPTER ENDS]