Chapter 6
Search for the Truth
Cretia was starved as they headed to the dining room. She was glad no one was asking her about the past of her planet or what her sister could do. Mabest was someone she didn’t know much about, but she recognized some of the behavior Dannia exhibited. This woman just wasn’t as strong.
Given time, Mabest could even influence males who were mated to a small extent. It was scary when she thought about it. Why Toreen had invited them here, she didn’t really understand. It was pretty clear his father had been involved with the theft of the funds. She did understand the king wanted Pa and Mabest close while they investigated. Cretia wondered if they suspected she could influence males and what they would do if they knew for sure. Toreen would either charge him or not. Cretia didn’t really believe Mabest had the strength to influence someone to steal from their child in that manner. Dannia did, but her power was rare. Her mother had descended from the royal line of swamp witches.
Dannia’s line was endangered because many had been put to death when they had tried to escape to find a better life. Now that the planet was space dust, many of the swamp witches would be free to do as they wished. It wouldn’t be good for the others on the planets they chose to live on.
No one was in the formal dining room when they entered. Breakfast was brought to them just before Mabest and Toreen’s father entered. Cretia worried that Mabest would cause her trouble. What would Toreen think if he uncovered the abilities Mabest had? Would he think she had those powers too? Cretia feared losing the happiness she’d finally found more than anything.
“Good morning.” Mabest said first before everyone else echoed it.
“It will be a busy day for us all.” Toreen’s father mentioned.
Cretia wondered what he’d be doing to keep busy. Asking would seem rude. A female often took most of the day to prepare their costume and their hair and face. Some costumes were elaborate taking the whole day to prepare. Most were well thought out as everyone wanted to win the prize. Not knowing what the prize was just made everyone try harder to win it.
Since the king was single, single females tried the hardest. A couple and a single was selected and the group voted for the final winner. The one not selected got a second place prize. Something nice, no doubt, but no one ever remembered what it was. The first place prize was what everyone remembered.
No one ever told what their costume was until they were seen heading to the ball. All were secretive and none gave away a thing. Perhaps they feared their disguise would be stolen since it wasn’t unusual to see many in the similar costumes. The rarity was for a costume to be the only one of its kind. That’s what she had made for her and Toreen. Their costumes were complicated and rare. It gave her hope they might win.
“You will be in the costume competition?” Mabest asked.
“Certainly. And you?” Cretia asked.
“Of course. My seamstress has worked hard to make our costumes.” Mabest bragged.
“Good luck to you.” Cretia said but she didn’t really mean it. Did that make her bad? If it did, she didn’t care.
Mabest nodded, but didn’t return the luck. It made her more honest than Cretia, but showed bad manners. They all finished eating with Toreen and Cretia waiting for Mabest and Toreen’s father to finish before they all left going their separate ways. His father and his mate returned to their rooms while they headed to the festival.
Cretia waited as Toreen changed to his huge beast. She ran her hands over the dragon loving the magnificent creature. Climbing on the table, she seated herself on his back near his neck. The ride would be a short one, but the views below would be beautiful. The wind rushed around her as she looked below noting Toreen’s personal lands and his lordship as it passed below. The festival was below and it circled the castle.
There was a large field left barren so dragons had room to land. Several were below changing to their human form and others changed to their dragons and took to the skies. Signs of activity were all around. Not far away, the festival was in full swing with the grounds loaded with people. Sounds of merchants calling out their wares were a dull roar. The delicious scent of cooking foods floated on the air.
Bright colors were everywhere. Children laughed as parents scrambled to keep up with them. A fight could be viewed not far in the distance as people shouted to the one they hoped would win. The hint of blood was carried to her by the air. That was something she’d never have scented before. Perhaps a sign she had changed a little. Cretia wondered if her other senses had improved as well.
Toreen landed and she slid off without need of a table or bench. It was good that tables and benches were nearby for when they left and she need to get on his back. Excitement ran through her as she stared at the festival and the crowd that milled about.
He’d changed back and now stood next to her. “There are many snacks including sweet treats available here. Jewelry, clothing, art, and more fill the seller’s booths. Before we leave, I wish to buy you a small gift.” Toreen offered.
She smiled. “I look forward to it.” Toreen led her through a gate of sorts and they began to follow the crowd along the path.
Booths lined both sides of the path they walked along. Sellers yelled out their prices and bragged on their goods. Every manner of item imaginable filled the tables that they passed by. Every fourth of fifth table was covered with delicious foods and drinks. Unusual and spicy items tempted those who passed. Drinks of every color and consistency filled pitchers and large jars tempting those who passed.
They reached the fighting ring where two males faced off against each other. One was larger than the other with a reach that was further, but he was losing. The slightly smaller male was fast and his hits were accurate. His adversary was taking a pounding as the smaller male pounded his nose to a pulp. It wasn’t just broken, it was smashed with blood shooting everywhere. People stepped back to avoid the spray of blood from hitting them.
The large male seemed reluctant to give up even though he had to hurt. Once they saw where the fight was going, Toreen led her past it. He was probably thinking she wouldn’t want to watch such a brutal fight and he was right. The next ring was a group of males rolling on the ground and tripping over each other. It was funny to watch the males act clumsy and tumble around.
A jewelry booth was next and Toreen said they’d come back so he could buy her a small gift. They moved on looking at the luxurious fabrics and exotic spices from far away. A food booth claimed it had Earth foods. None of it looked like the things Dori cooked so they walked by. Cretia looked around with wide eyes seeing so many strange people including some exotic aliens.
“You’ve never seen any like them?” Toreen asked with a grin.
“Never.” She admitted. “I never left my home planet until I came here.”
“Perhaps once things settle, we will take a trip.” He suggested. Her mate held her hand as he led her through the crowd.
Cretia enjoyed spending this time with Toreen and she felt protected even when people bumped her because Toreen growled and they would back off. Her lord kept careful watch on her making sure no one troubled her. They passed many booths and finally, the tasty aroma of food made her stomach growl like a dragon.
Toreen grinned. “Are you hungry, my lady?”
“Maybe a little.”
He shot her a look of disbelief. ”It must be the dragonlet that wants food.”
Cretia blushed. “Must be.”
He pulled her with him up to a booth that had a wide selection of foods and drinks. “What would the little one want?”
“I’ve never had a meat stick before.”
“It looks good, does it not? What else?”
“The pastry looks good too.”
“And a drink?”
“What of the orange drink?”
“We’ll take two meat sticks, two pastries and two orange drinks.” Toreen told the merchant. He paid what the merchant told him and the male quickly handed them their food and moved on to the next customer.
Cretia took a bite of her meat stick. “That’s good.”
Toreen bit into his too. “I like it as well.”
The meat sticks didn’t last long. Toreen sipped his orange drink. “This is sweet and sour.”
“Is it made from a Draconis’ fruit?”
“It might be, but I don’t think it is.”
Cretia sipped it. “It taste like the orange juice Dori gave me.”
“That is an Earth fruit?”
“It is.”
Toreen took a sip. “I like it.”
They continued to walk as they sipped their drinks and took bites of their pastries. By the time both were gone, they had circled the festival. There were things they had missed, but three hours had passed which was more than they had planned to spend there. She had enjoyed every minute of it, but it was time to return home. They went by the booth that had jewelry. Toreen found a necklace with a heart on it.
“Because you hold my heart.” He told her as he bought it and placed it around her neck. Now they headed to the field where they had landed.
They were in the large field and this time they needed one of the tables. She climbed on one then she crawled onto Toreen’s back. Hanging onto his neck, she braced herself as he rose into the air. They were flying into the wind and it whipped her hair all around. Cretia could see the manor house in the distance and her mate headed straight there.
Her excitement over tonight made her feel giddy as Toreen descended to their house. She would have just slid off, but he moved to a table to make things easier on her. Once she had dismounted, he changed back to his human form. Helping her off the table, he pulled her into his arms kissing her soundly.
“Maybe we can rest for a little while in our suite?” Toreen whispered in her ear.
Cretia giggled. “Why not? But we have to get ready at least an hour before we leave.” That’s how long it would take to get their costumes on.
He led her into the house and to their rooms. He shut the door behind them and wasted no time pulling her into his embrace. Her mate felt so hot he was cooking. Cretia realized she knew little about her mate yet she loved him. As his lips dropped to hers, she gave herself over to his kiss.
He pulled back as they both breathed hard and their hearts beat fast. Toreen began undressing her so she started working on his clothing too. “Perfect.” He whispered as she ran her hands over his bare chest.
Soon they stood naked, looking at each other. Toreen was wonderful from his black locks of hair, to his massive and thick cock, and on down his strong legs. Cretia felt like licking him all over. Need washed over her making her weak with need.
“On the bed, Baby.” Toreen directed
She did as he asked. Cretia placed herself in the middle of the bed and waited for him. Toreen moved on top of her. Leaning on his forearms keeping his weight off her he fenced her in so she couldn’t escape. Not that she wanted to anyway.
“I’m never going to let you go.” He whispered. His hot breath hitting gave her goosebumps as it hit her. It took little from him to turn her on.
Lowering his chest to touch hers, his mouth gobbled her up in a deep kiss. Heat seemed to flow from him. Dragon shifters ran hot, but Toreen was burning up. Or maybe she was more sensitive than before?
His chest rumbled either with the needs of his beast. He began to work his way down her body licking and nipping, causing clear thought to leave her. Once he made it to between her thighs, she was a creature capable of feeling only the pleasure he gave her. The whimpering sounds she made were barely heard as she spread her legs wide and arched up against him. Her fingers twisted in his hair, holding him in place.
“More.” She demanded.
Toreen gave her what she wanted. He slid one of his large hands under her ass cheeks, tilting her up slightly. The position opened her up completely to him. His other hand was used to slide a finger into her hot, wet pussy while his tongue worked on her clit. As he added a second finger then a third to stretch and prepare her.
Cretia shook with need and was on the near an all-consuming orgasm. Toreen no longer eased his fingers gently into her center, he was slamming them in and it felt great. His tongue and sometimes his mouth worked her little bundle of nerves until she was ready to explode. When it hit, it was sudden. The climax moved over her like a wave and she yelled out his name.
Once her jerking release eased, he whispered in her ear, “To the edge of the bed on your knees, Baby.” Cretia took the position he’d directed quickly.
While they were equals, this commanding presence he had taken on excited her. On her hands and knees, she looked over her shoulder at Toreen who was moving into position and she sent him a sexy smile. She was ready for him and she wanted it now. When he pounded into her wet channel, she groaned and her body squeezed around him.
Her mate slammed into her, making the need build back to where an orgasm threatened to blow. The tension built until it had an explosion headed her way. He put one arm under her belly and his fingers worked her little bundle. The other hand held her shoulder steady as he banged harder and harder into her. Now he leaned over her and she felt his breath on her shoulder and a thrill ran through her.
Her mate licked her where he’d bitten her before, where her neck and shoulder met. “I want you more than you can imagine,” he said. Next his fangs sank into her neck causing her orgasm to explode. She bit him too with fangs sharp and pointed setting off his climax.
Their bond wrapped tighter than she’d ever imagined. She’d heard it would continue to grow over time. Cretia could taste his blood in her mouth. It was spicy and rich. This time she’d gotten more than the hint of flavor when they’d mated. She knew she had fangs she could call forth now. Sex with her mate always wore her out. Not intending to, she fell asleep anyway.
When she woke up, she was panic stricken for a moment. Looking at the clock, she realized she still had an hour, but no more. Toreen wasn’t in bed beside her so where was he? Getting up, she quickly took a shower to reenergize. Their costumes would take some work to get done correctly. Many wore costumes for the ball, but few made sophisticated ones like she’d selected. There was a card game here called wistal that Dori said was much like poker on Earth. It had a king and a queen similar to the ones Dori had shown her in a poker deck, but they were more colorful.
The costumes had been made, the jewelry found, but what would take the most time, was the face makeup and her hair. Toreen’s hair was fine as the king card had short black hair. Cretia’s face would have to be covered with pale powder, pink cheeks, red lips, and various blues on her eyelids. Her hair would be a nest of ringlet curls. None of these were easy since make up of this type was hard come by.
She’d lucked out with Dori, goddess bless her friend. Dori had supplied the makeup and curlers, but Cretia had to find a way to heat them up. That was the first thing she’d have to do, heat the curlers. Putting them in a plastic bag she’d also gotten from Dori, she poured hot water over it and let that sit while she gathered all her needed items.
While she was doing that, Toreen came in and took a shower. Once he was done, he dried off. As he looked over his costume, he made a face. “Do I have to whiten my face?”
“Yes, be glad you don’t have to wear the other makeup.”
“Alright, but you’ll owe me something.”
“Like what?”
“Something naughty that we haven’t yet done.”
“That sounds like it would be pleasurable.” Cretia observed.
“I think it will be.”
“I’d best get the curlers in.” She said and she hurried to the kitchen to get them.
The curlers felt heated and she rolled her hair using the clips to hold them in. She sat at her dresser and began to put on the makeup. Going slow, she was careful so she wouldn’t mess it up. When she was done, she didn’t recognize herself. Toreen sat in the seat when she got out of it. Now she covered his face in white.
He began to dress as she took her curlers out and used the hair spray Dori had also provided. Now she dressed in the long colorful gown that matched Toreen’s shirt with the tight pants. There was no doubt they were a pair and the crowns, added last, told they represented royalty. With their white faces and her makeup. She’d be surprised if anyone recognized them.
“You look amazing.” Toreen commented.
Cretia smiled. “You look pretty exotic too. I believe everyone will instantly recognize what we are.”
“You look like a queen, but me?” Toreen questioned.
“You have the colors and the pale face. Any who plays wistal will immediately know what we are.”
“This makeup itches.”
“You will be fine. I hope the gown will be alright when I get on your back.” Cretia worried. It was time to find out.
Toreen led the way outside. They would make it to the ball just as it started. Cretia was nervous and excited. This was her first royal event. Her first event of any kind really. The gown was gorgeous and she’d sewed it herself. Toreen’s matching shirt had also been sewed by her. No one would doubt they were together and anyone familiar with the game of wistal would know what they represented.
In dragon form, his costume couldn’t be seen. He could land on the roof since he was a lord with close ties to the king. Many others would land in the area around the castle and climb the stairs to the middle level where the huge ballroom covered the whole level. She’d never seen it, but she’d heard stories about the marvelous chandeliers and the exotic woods the floors were made of. The tables, made of a hard substance, circled the floor giving dancers a place to sit when not dancing.
Even the doors, floor to ceiling with magnificent etchings, were the stuff of legends. There were several sets and two guards stood at each of them. Guests were checked out before entering. At most balls, they were announced, but not at costumed or masked ones. She and Toreen wore no masks since there costumes made them unrecognizable.
They landed on the roof where Toreen turned back into his costumed self. The change had hurt nothing and she was relieved. He took her arm leading her to the doors then down several sets of steps. Pausing when they arrived on the right floor, he nodded to her before hooking their arms and leading her to the huge doors. They were open and he just marched them through. The guards paid them little attention as Toreen moved them through and she looked around with her mouth open in awe.
Couples whirled around on the dance floor wearing every color and style imaginable. The king and the emperor sat at a table, she recognized Tomi by the king, but didn’t know the female with the emperor. Dori and Betty didn’t plan to come, they were staying with the babies. Davy had been torn by the decision, but Romo convinced her to come as Ma was more than happy to watch the dragonlet.
Davy would be returning to work and Ma planned to keep the little one. It was unusual, to say the least, for a mother to return to work on Draconis. Not like Dori hadn’t explained what things were like on Earth. There, females had a choice, at least those that didn’t have to return to work because they were single mothers or poor would.
Her niece, Davy, had a choice and chose to work part time. Three days a week Davy planned to work just like Betty would once she recovered from the rigors of childbirth. Dori would run her business now that the baby had come and Bree would work, but from home. It made Cretia wonder how things would work for her once the dragonlet came.
Toreen tugged on her arms moving her to the dance floor. She gave him a fearful look. As a child, she’d played at dancing, but never had she really danced with a male. He led her along and she tried to follow. A stumble or two occurred before she began to follow his lead. Neither good nor graceful, she still managed to do as he showed her.
“You’re doing fine.” Toreen praised. If only she could believe him. Not everyone else on the dance floor was doing perfectly either. That made her feel better.
“I’d not intended to dance only to mingle.” She admitted.
“You’ll do better each time.” He encouraged.
“Only if you drag me out on the dance floor again.”
Right now he was leading her to an empty table. It was one of the handful of small tables that would hold two or three people. She noticed there were groups of three people. “It seems odd to have tables of three.” She commented.
“Not as odd as you would think. See there.” He nodded to a group of three.
“Yes.”
“That is lord Duber, his lady, and their oldest son. He’s still young, but someday he’ll be the one who represents his lordship and it’s wise that he learns now, before he must be in charge. Duber met his lady when he was already mature so he may pass the responsibility on when the boy hits the right age.”
“Is that common?”
“Only for those who mate later in life. Now look there, that is mayor Yarly and his mate. His mother is a widow and she often attends with them now that their children are older. And there, Captain Stubby, he is with his mate and her unmated sister. They hope to help her find a mate, but she holds out for her fated one. Dragons have strong family ties.”
“I understand now. Had Niku not been mated, he might have attended with us.”
“Exactly.” He smiled at her. “That is a perfect example. Our dragonlet, male or female, may come with us some day too.”
Cretia’s hand patted her stomach. Her children would learn this early so they would not be as uncomfortable as she was now. No one expected the young to know, but she’d gotten some surprised looks when she’d stumbled. Never did she want to embarrass her mate. Learning to dance would be her priority before she attended another event.
Toreen waved down a waitress getting himself an ale and her a juice. They sat and watched others dance past and drew more attention than they thought. The costumes were a deep purple with tan and brown being the next two largest amounts of color. Small amounts of red, blue, yellow, and green also were present. The diamonds, small circles and squares were visible with flowers spaced out between them.
The designs were attention getting. Few of the attendees made sophisticated costumes because of the expense or work involved. Cretia had spared neither expense nor time. The shiny glass and metal beads added interest and a decorative touch. She felt the costumes were beautiful, but she had no idea what others might think of them. Dori and the girls had loved the material, both the colors and the design.
Soon, they would know what the king thought because he was standing to announce the winners of the costume contest, the single first then the couple. Everyone grew quiet as all eyes turned toward him. The emperor sat behind him taking no part in the announcement though many thought he surely expressed his opinion.
“Welcome, one and all! This is the thirteenth ball I have reigned over. I will now announce the costume winners starting with the single. The lady dressed as a fish is the winner. Come up here!” He demanded. She had painted on whiskers and a baggy outfit. A tail followed her as she marched to the front. “Everyone show your appreciation.” The king said as he clapped his hands.
“Now I will announce the couple. First I must admit my favorite game has always been wistal. King and queen, please present yourselves.” He demanded.
Toreen stood up and led her to the front. The fish lady glared at them. That’s why Toreen ensured they kept their distance from her. “I’ve never seen such a costume. Please everyone show your appreciation.” The clapping was so loud it hurt her ears, but it made her happy.
The fish woman leaned in. “You’ve cheated me out of time with the king.” She accused.
“He’s met his mate, he’s wooing her.” Cretia informed.
“So you say. He looks single to me.” She yelled back. The clapping had slowed and her reply was heard by many. The king looked perplexed, but if he gave it some thought he would understand.
“Now we have our two winners and the attendees will determine who the overall winner is. I will announce a competitor and everyone will yell if they want them to win top honors. First, the female fish!” A few people yelled, but it wasn’t loud. The king raised his hands for quiet. “Now the wistal king and queen!” The crowd went wild. They yelled stomped their feet and clapped their hands. The fish lady looked at them so hard, if looks could kill, yeah, they’d be dead. It didn’t matter because they’d won.
“The fish lady wins second prize. It is a glass vase made by the famous artist Rosea Bee. First prize will be a short excursion to Hadding’s square with me. I wish to thank everyone for the lovely costumes they made.”
Cretia looked around and saw few people bothered to make original costumes. Most were bought or thrown together. The king’s attempt to get people to make costumes only had limited results. She had jumped all in with her attempt to make a sophisticated and attractive costume for both her and Toreen. Her efforts had paid off and she looked forward to the trip even though she’d never heard of the place they were going.
“Come, sit with your king and emperor.” The king invited.
Toreen escorted her to the table that held the host of this whole ball. Food and drinks were brought out and set on many of the tables. Leftovers would be given to the poor, many of who were serving during the ball. It was a chance for them to make money to improve their condition.
“So, who are you?” The king asked.
Toreen laughed. “You don’t recognize me, Erak?” He whispered low so the king couldn’t hear him well.
“Your voice sounds familiar.” He admitted. “We’re related?”
“We are.”
“And your mate?”
“A new mating that was some time coming.”
“No, Toreen?” Erak guessed.
“Yes.”
“Where did the costumes come from?”
“My talented lady.” Toreen admitted. “It’s not really my interest, but she worked hard to make it.”
“The fish lady wasn’t impressed with any of you.” The emperor teased.
“Her eyes were on the prize, the king.” Cretia noted.
“I’m not a prize.” Erak said. Everyone laughed.
“It’s an Earth saying.” Tomi explained.
“I can be your prize.” Erak whispered, but everyone at the table heard. Tomi’s cheeks turned pink.
Talk turned to those present and those who hadn’t come. “Dori, Bree, and Betty are recovering and spending time with their mates and dragonlets.” Tomi defended.
“Davy is here.” Erak mentioned.
“New mothers are also individuals. They handle and see things differently.” Cretia observed.
“Exactly. Davy is more peppy and she will go back to work part time. Betty will too, but not as quickly.” Tomi explained.
“And when you have a dragonlet? What will you do?” Erak asked.
“I have a business to run, but I will spend what time I can with my children. When they are older, they will come with me.” Tomi observed.
“You plan to have many?” Erak asked.
“However many the goddess will gift me with.” She admitted.
“That will be a beautiful thing.” Erak responded. It was obvious he hoped to be the father of her children.
“Indeed it will.” Tomi said giving him a long look.
“It’s been a pleasure, but Cretia is tired.” Toreen admitted. “I’d best get her home.”
“I’ve not seen your guests here.” Erak commented.
“They said they would be here. It makes no sense that they wouldn’t be. The only reason they came here was for the ball.” Toreen observed.
“Maybe, but if they’re not here, they must have another reason.” Erak said.
Toreen had looked for them, but he hadn’t seen them here anywhere. “Maybe they are well disguised.”