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Chapter 17: The Body Between Them
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The Dragon's Coveted Wife Chapter 18: Something in the Shadows
The bells had quieted but Saffron still felt uneasy. Elric was staring at her, gauging her reaction. "I'm not going to faint if that is what you are thinking," Saffron said, staring down at the dead man. She had pressed her fingers to his neck and listened for his breath. He was gone. "I've seen you mend a dragon and heal yourself from poisoning. I have no inclinations that this would make you faint," he said with a smile. She found herself smiling back at him; the ice had thawed. "Are you alright?" she asked her, her eyes assessing his body. His face was flushed and there was a thin trickle of blood running from his throat where the man's blade had nicked him. "I'm fine. I'm curious as to who the hell this is though," he replied and nudged the man with the toe of his boot. "You don't recognize him?" Saffron asked. There was something familiar about him, but she didn't think it was so much his appearance as it was…something else. Elric shook his head. "I don't believe so. I h
The Dragon's Coveted Wife Chapter 19: Making Camp
Saffron felt the drums before she heard them; the ground beneath them thudding in time to the beat. It was unsettling how quickly it took them to reach the front; only a handful of days' travel. The rain hadn't ceased. The harvest had ended furiously, sweeping the countryside with torrents of icy rain. This did not bode well for winter. It would be a wet, harsh season. Saffron needed to gather herbs as soon as they got there. The collection she had at the apothecary, which was now at the castle, was thinner than she would like this close to winter's doorstep. Tents rose from the mists as the carriage made its way into the valley, the horses' hooves sinking and squelching into the deep muddy ruts. Saffron studied the sodden landscape. Tents stretched as far as the eye could see and beyond them, the cliffs of Udril. She turned her eyes to Elric. "Is it wise to be this close to their border?" she asked, her stomach trembling with nerves. He scoffed. "Trust me, this is a fine positio
The Dragon's Coveted Wife Chapter 20: War is Brewing
The next morning dawned bright and clear. After weeks, the harsh rains have finally left, leaving the landscape feeling washed clean. Saffron stepped from the tent, enjoying the frigid breeze on her face. She hadn't slept well. Elric's body pressed against hers had left her feeling frustrated and empty. She knew that she didn't want their first time to be in a camp surrounded by soldiers but that did nothing to quell the deep ache she felt for him. With her journal in hand and a cloudless sky, she set out to forage. Elric had left her a note on the table stating that he would be in meetings for the day and drew her a small map to where he would be should she need him. She felt warmth towards him and had tucked the note in her pocket before leaving. Her cloak billowed out behind her as she stepped into the forest. She knew that these trees bordered on her own familiar Wood, but this forest felt…empty compared to hers. She knew it was the distinct lack of magic that suffused the dens
The Dragon's Coveted Wife Chapter 21: In the Thick of It
"Hold him still! This is going to hurt like hell but if we don't hold him down, I can't get it out!" Saffron yelled to the young soldier next to her. He nodded and restrained the thrashing man on the table before them. Fresh, hot blood spurted from the wound in his leg, a large arrow protruding from the gash. She held the victim's face in her hands. "Look at me." She crooned and his wild eyes found hers. "This is going to hurt but once it is out, I can heal it. You cannot move." She said. He nodded once, tears and sweat mingling on his dirty face. "Bite down on this," she said and placed a rolled-up bandage into his mouth. She instructed the soldier to tie a rope tight around the man's upper thigh. "I'm going to remove it after the count of three. As soon as it is out, I need you to place the cloth there. Got it?" the soldier nodded, looking queasy. "I do not have time for you to fall ill as well. Are you able to do this?" she asked him impatiently. He took a gulp of air and nodd
The Dragon's Coveted Wife Chapter 22: Helpless Against the Helpless
It was two weeks before the onslaught from the Udril soldiers finally ceased. Many were dead on both sides and tents were bursting with those wounded. Saffron had barely slept or eaten, choosing instead to spend her days and nights with the injured men. They had begun to grow fond of her soothing presence, firm orders, and soft touch. The soldiers found themselves straightening their hair and smoothing down their uniforms when she came into the tents to check on them. Elric watched their eyes light up as she flitted from bed to bed, asking after their wellbeing. She appeared fae-like once again, her gold hair shimmering in the light of the lanterns, her green dress swishing quietly behind her. ####Elric had tolerated the affections of his men towards his fiancée, thinking it was a good thing that she was so beloved, until they began seeking her out. She was constantly surrounded by a hub of admirers, whether she was gathering herbs or sitting by the fire. Men tripped over themselv
The Dragon's Coveted Wife Chapter 23: A Princess Snared
"Could you tell me what color these berries were?" Saffron asked as she followed the man. They had been walking for a few minutes and still, she did not see any strange fruit. The bells that had lately begun to ring in her mind when she was in danger began to chime lightly now, slowly growing louder the longer she followed the man. She stopped suddenly, ready to bolt when he turned to her. "Here they are. Those dreadful things!" he declared and pointed to the bush ahead of him. She felt relieved; perhaps her own anxiety had caused the bells. She gave him a small smile and bent to inspect the berries. They were gooseberries. "Ah yes, these will definitely cause an ill-feeling. You should recover fine; I would just recommend some broth and water. I have some herbs that will help with the stomach pains," she said and dug around in her bag. When she found what she was looking for, she looked up and the man was gone. Perhaps he had to be sick and wanted some privacy. She would wait a
The Dragon's Coveted Wife Chapter 24: An Unseen Shift
"It hurts like hell," Saffron said as the surgeon looked her over. "It looks like hell if I am being quite honest," he replied and probed the lump near her eye. She winced in pain. "Thankfully, nothing appears to be broken but you took quite a hit. I am sure I don't have to tell you, but you'll need a day or so of rest. The bruising will fade over time, but you will likely have evidence of the attack for the next few weeks. If you begin to feel poorly, send for me." He said and stood up. He shook Elric's hand and left the tent. Elric glowered at her from his position near the flap. She sighed. Her head throbbed and it hurt to have her eyes open. "I am not up for an argument at this time," she called wearily. "It will not be an argument because you will be the one listening while I yell at you," he warned and stalked towards her, sitting on the edge of the bed. Fear gripped him as he stared down at her, the bruise flowering out from her eye. It was a vicious, dark purple. He knew
The Dragon's Coveted Wife Chapter 25: Fire and Stone
"A dragon? Are you sure?" Saffron exclaimed. Elric gave her a look. "Well, it sure as hell wasn't a bear. Yes, I am positive it is a dragon. Although, I was not aware that they had a dragon working for them," he replied grimly. "What can we do?" she asked, remembering how hard it was to stitch dragon hide back together. She couldn't imagine it would be easy to kill a dragon. "There is only one option," he replied, resignedly. She shook her head. "You can't. You told me that no one can know. Plus, people still believe that dragons are evil. What will happen?" she asked, wringing her hands. "If I don't shift, many of my men will die. After they die, the dragon could turn its wrath onto the citizens of the country. I cannot let that happen. I will not let people die in my stead, due to my fear. To hell with the consequences. I am what I am." He replied, passionately. "Okay," Saffron replied quietly. Elric paused. "Okay? You have nothing else to add? You fight me on everythin
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The Dragon's Coveted Wife Chapter 50: The New King
"Mira," Elric nodded. She stared down her long pale nose at them before inclining her own head. "We have been expecting you," she replied and swept away, her long black cloaking trailing a path through the snow. Saffron and Elric exchanged a smirk before following the princess up to the castle. The castle was as cold and distant as it had been during their first visit. They were led to the drawing-room where a familiar couple sat on the settee. August jumped up and pulled his brother into a hug, pounding his back with his fist. "It's good to see you back to yourself. Not that your scales weren't formidable," he said, a giant smile on his face. Elric snorted. "It's good to be back. Now, let us not waste time. Do we have an army?" Elric asked, his green eyes glittering. #### Saffron stood outside of the large black castle, watching as the snow fell lightly to the earth. She loved winter, but would hate to spend most of her days in its cold embrace. Footsteps crunching on the fro
The Dragon's Coveted Wife Chapter 49: An Army Gathers
"I have to get in there?" Elric grumbled as they stood next to the glacial river that ran from the Bluffs. "At least you have scales," Saffron retorted as she shivered violently next to the small fire she had built. She was constructing a small fan of leaves to smudge Elric after he was in the icy water. "True but if this works, I won't for long," he retorted and sniffed at the water. "Well that is why I brought furs," Saffron replied impatiently. Her nerves were threatening to get the best of her. What if it didn't work? She couldn't think like that. It had to work. It had to. "Well get in! I need to get the smoke going and I don't want it to all be swept away in the wind," Saffron commanded. Elric growled as he tentatively placed his foreleg into the icy deluge. He hissed as it licked at his scales. "How far in?" he asked. "All of the way," Saffron replied after consulting her journal. She heard him cursing as he strode further in. "There is ice floating past me," he sa
The Dragon's Coveted Wife Chapter 48: A Spell is Found
Oda shuffled through the stack of parchment she had pulled from the thick leather-bound book in her study. The piece she was looking for fluttered from her hand and drifted down to the floor. She stooped to pick it up and her breath caught in her chest. Their likenesses were uncanny. Her heart leapt as her finger traced the lines that her daughter had drawn so long ago. #### "I, unfortunately, do not have all of the answers but I do know that what Ishild is doing has been foretold. According to what Maeve saw, there are only two outcomes. She is defeated and the kingdom sees peace for the first time in centuries. Or, she is defeated and the kingdom falls into ruin. In both outcomes, Ishild will fall, but it is who takes the throne after she leaves that determines the fate of the kingdom," Havardr said. He looked at his grandson, still trapped in his dragon form. Elric snorted derisively. "I do not want the throne," Elric retorted. Saffron watched the exchange warily, her own mind
The Dragon's Coveted Wife Chapter 47: The Prophecy
They stared at her as she sat in shock. She glanced at Elric whose green eyes were turned on her. "Are you alright?" he thought and only she heard. She shook her head once, her eyes still wide with disbelief. "How is this possible?" she voiced aloud. Oda smiled at her again, gently. "It is in your blood. I can see that your line travels far back…perhaps even as far as the dragons. You are a Mender, yes?" Saffron nodded. "I thought so. You have The Gift, my dear. No one in your family spoke of this?" Oda asked, her brows drawn together in concern. "I learned Mending from my grandmother but my parents passed away when I was very young," she replied quietly. Oda's eyebrows shot up and she glanced at her husband. "It is as it was written," she murmured. His own eyebrows rose and he looked back towards the dragon and beautiful young woman that sat across from them. "This has been an interesting turn of events," he replied with a deep chuckle. "What do you mean 'it is as it was
The Dragon's Coveted Wife Chapter 46: The Bluffs
The sharp edges of mountains came into view through the thick clouds, their black tips shearing the sky. "Are those the Bluffs?" Saffron asked aloud, her eyes tracing the jagged range. "They are. Æðelfrið said we would know we have arrived when we see the mountain that looks like a rook," Elric replied, his thoughts clear even as they soared through the darkening sky. Saffron peered down and shouted, her hand outstretched. "There!" Breaking through the overcast sky, a mountain rose above them, its relief the shape of a large rook's beak. "I see it," Elric thought and shifted his wings slightly, sending them up towards the large mountain peak. They did a few arcs around the mountaintop before coasting onto a large overhang. The rock was worn smooth; Saffron surmised that it was from dragons landing similarly to how they were. She wondered how many dragons lived here at the hold. The thought of being surrounded by these magnificent creatures sent an icy thrill through her. Elric
The Dragon's Coveted Wife Chapter 45: When Blood Comes Calling
"I feel ridiculous," Elric grumbled, his thoughts tangled with embarrassment and frustration. "It is the only way to keep her from slipping off. It is a long journey and I have a feeling that she would not appreciate dangling from your talons like a field mouse snatched up by an owl," Æðelfrið said with a grin. Elric grumbled again but held still as Æðelfrið tightened the straps. "It should feel the same as riding a horse except you won't have to kick this one…as much," Æðelfrið said with a wicked grin to Saffron who smirked. "I shall keep my spurring to a minimum," she consoled Elric as she hoisted herself onto the saddle. Æðelfrið had crafted the saddle himself to fit the proportions of Elric's body. He also added longer stirrups so she could climb more easily onto the seat. She settled into the seat and secured the belt around her waist. Æðelfrið had also added saddlebags filled with food and other items that Saffron could need while traveling. She had packed her grandmother
The Dragon's Coveted Wife Chapter 44: The Rook and The Dragon Prince
"You can open your eyes," Elric thought. "I do not want to. I believe if I open them, I will see my body smashed upon the ground," Saffron replied stubbornly, her eyes still squeezed closed. She heard a halting grumble which she took to be him laughing. "Go on," he nudged her with his snout. She cracked one eye open. She was lying sprawled on the ground from when she slipped off of his back once they landed. Snow drifted down lazily onto her face and her back was soaked from the snow. With a groan, she pushed herself into a sitting position. "Where are we?" she asked, still a bit dazed. "Look around," he replied and looked over her shoulder, his golden scales shimmering in the feeble sunlight. She squinted her eyes and realized they were in the gardens of Avolire. Æðelfrið was walking across the grass towards them, a blanket draped over his arm. "Welcome home," he said and passed the blanket to Saffron. #### Saffron sipped the hot cider that Æðelfrið had pressed into her h
The Dragon's Coveted Wife Chapter 43: Two Paths Diverge
August and Gwendolyn just stared at Saffron as she finished explaining what Kingsley had told her, mouths agape. "So, she is a daemon?" August asked, running his hands over his shorn hair. Saffron nodded. "In a manner of speaking. She sacrificed her soul for her power," she replied and leaned heavily against Elric. "And he is trapped?" August asked, looking at his brother who glowered from the corner. "Yes, brother. I cannot change back," August was startled as Elric's voice entered his mind. "How?" August exclaimed, his eyes wide. "We don't know. I am not sure how to help. Whatever magic is infecting him, is beyond any of my skills," she said apologetically. "I am not well versed in magic either. Politics, yes. I would not even know where to turn to find help," August replied. "Udril, perhaps?" Gwendolyn offered, her face and voice tired. "Udril?" August asked and looked towards his wife. She nodded. "They are magic practitioners, are they not?" she retorted. "Well
The Dragon's Coveted Wife Chapter 42: An Escape is Offered
"I'm not sure what to say," Saffron said when Kingsley finished explaining. "There is nothing to say," he replied, placidly. "Why are you telling me this?" she asked, aware that they had both moved closer while they were speaking. He looked at his hands for a while, toying with his fingers. "Because when she feeds…she loses control of her power. She is lost in the devouring. She will be feeding soon. She is preparing the body now and within the hour she will begin the ritual," he stated. "But why?" Saffron asked again. He smiled up at her sadly and caught a strand of her hair between his fingers. His lips were inches from hers and she wanted so badly to capture his mouth with hers and this desire frightened her. She must just be tired. She shook her head slightly to clear it. He lifted his eyes to hers and a pang of desire rang through her. He smirked and leaned forward, his hand gripped the back of her head. He kissed her passionately and she responded with a pang of despera
