Chasing the Shadow Dragon

Chapter 5

5

One week later…

“ H ow do I look?” Astrid asked, brushing her hands down her deep violet brocade gown as she stood in front of the looking-glass. Her jet-black hair was up in an elaborate arrangement of coils atop her head, with tiny ringlets framing her face.

Aureliusz rose from where he’d been lounging on her bed and strolled over, stopping just behind her. He examined her from head to toe, narrowing his eyes and tapping his chin with one finger in thought. Then he smiled and exhaled a breath.

His golden smoke coiled around her torso, lifting her breasts and rearranging the décolletage. When it faded, her cleavage was exposed and shimmered with golden glitter.

“Dominic has an affinity for your breasts, my dear. Don’t discount the power they have in convincing him to agree to our proposal.”

“Noted. Thank you,” she said, turning to face him.

He stepped back and did a slow turn with his arms held out. “Am I enticing enough for a princess to take me as a mate?”

Astrid tilted her head, examining his golden doublet and matching hose. He was as fine as any prince, his golden curls falling in a luxurious cascade around his shoulders from beneath a feathered cap. She wished she could wear her hair loose, but it was only a style for the men, at least at formal gatherings like the wedding they’d been invited to attend.

Dragons shouldn’t have to follow human conventions, she thought; it should be the other way around. But sadly, they had to keep their nature a secret from everyone but their chosen mates. Revealing themselves to Gwen and Dom had been a risk, but hopefully it would pay off tonight.

“You will put every other male to shame, just hopefully not the groom. We need to avoid being a distraction during the ceremony. Their marriage needs to be a success for this to work.”

A few hours later, the pair cheered as the princess and her new husband strolled hand-in hand from the cathedral. No one seemed to notice as the bride’s and groom’s gazes lingered on the pair of guests dressed in gold and violet garb.

Astrid’s heart fluttered when Dominic winked and warmth pooled between her thighs as his gaze lowered, lingering on the glittery mounds of her breasts.

They followed the crowd to the elaborate outdoor banquet in the castle gardens, and with an infusion of golden smoke from Aureliusz, the party was soon in full swing, providing them with the distraction they needed.

A string quartet played merry tunes and Aureliusz took the opportunity to ask the bride for a dance. The princess parted from her groom a little too eagerly, but Dominic didn’t seem to mind. He instantly gravitated to Astrid, pulling her into his arms and barely keeping enough distance between them to avoid suspicion as they twirled around the dance floor.

“We have missed you,” he murmured into Astrid’s ear, his breath on her neck causing her nipples to pebble. “Our afternoon in the forest is all Gwendolyn has been able to speak of when we’re together. We’ve snuck moments where we can, but as much pleasure as we give each other, we agree it will never be as good as it was with the two of you. We are at a loss. Please tell me there is some magical solution.”

Astrid’s heart soared and she mentally relayed the news to Aureliusz.

“Gwen is in agreement,” he replied . “Shall we make our proposal now?”

Astrid beamed up at Dominic. “I do believe we have a proposal, but let’s enjoy the party first. We will come find you in your chambers when you retire.”