Page 16 of Beaux and Dragons

He should still be bothered by her lack of response.She sipped her coffee. The simple fact that he could be so content after her complete fumbled opportunity niggled at her conscience. He should be just as upset as her.

Natalia was kitty-corner to Federico; the girl kept her proximity close as if sharing some secret with him.

Ana pushed her bowl away, queasy from the scene and the memory from earlier that day. She possessed an ability to hold her tongue with her family, but for some reason had an extraordinary time keeping it tamed in her present company.

“What do you think about allowing female riders into the games?” Lucia elbowed Ana’s side with a meaningful look.

“What was the question?” Ana cleared her throat and sipped a cup of coffee. The bitter herbs burned as they dropped into her already swirling stomach.

“Women are allowed to race. Can you imagine that?” Lucia’s shock and censure coated her question with the response she expected from Ana.

“That’s ludicrous.” Ana poured cream into her cup and a heavy spoonful of sugar.

“Exactly what I was saying.” Julian leaned in closer to Lucia and Ana. “Rumor has it in Lourdes City that this move was done because the games have fallen from popularity. But the winner will most definitely never have to worry about a yearly income for the rest of their life.”

Ana put the warm clay edge of the mug to her lips and drank a new, sweet dream. Celestia could spin circles around the others on the isle of Montebella. Of course, they had a sparse population of dragons. Even so, Ana eyed Julian with a new conviction. His eyes crinkled at the corners in a most unpleasant way, and the smug expression dancing along his face settled that she would never marry him to please her family.

By the next morning, a carriage was packed, and Ana was deciding on how she would hide. When the rest of her company chose to visit the beach one last time, Ana opted to stay with the carriage, but bolted the moment the others turned a corner.

Chapter ten

The Dragon Lair

The orange rays of sunlight pierced the horizon just as Ana arrived at an open field north of the town. Celestia sprawled over the foliage, still enjoying a moment of rest.

Ana breached the gap between the two, and when she was five paces away, Celestia snapped her eyes open. The dragon snarled, but upon recognizing Ana, her features settled into uplifted curls at the edges of her mouth. Celestia rolled onto her back, exposing her tender belly side.

“You are a silly girl.” Ana hugged the barrel chest of her pet, pressing her ear to the beast’s breastbone. The calming thump of Celestia’s heart settled Ana’s nerves intoa steady rhythm she hadn’t quite felt since leaving home. If only she could stay there forever.

“Celestia, we have to ride ahead to scout out our next meeting spot.”

The dragon lifted her head lazily.

“I promised to take good care of you, and I can’t do that if you get lost.”

A deep male voice sounded from somewhere in the tall grass. “I’m surprised you even care to keep that promise anymore.”

Ana gulped. She would recognize Federico’s distinct tenor anywhere. Had he followed her?

Said fellow stepped out in the open with the smirk he used to give her when he had one-upped her as a child.

Her comfort in his presence was overtaken by the expression that spilled annoyance into her countenance. “Did you follow me?”

“You were being awfully suspicious last night. I couldn’t help thinking you had some ulterior motive for a nighttime walk.” Federico crossed his arms, so smug in his assertions.

Celestia flipped over, claws pressing into the ground and tail wagging. She leaped over to Federico’s side as if she were still a lap-dragon rather than a twenty-foot beast.Her skinny tongue licked his gruff cheek, causing a heartfelt rumble of laughter to escape Federico’s mouth.

A batch of butterflies swarmed inside Ana’s stomach at the sight. She reprimanded herself in her head:stop feeling this way. He’s not for you, treacherous heart. But how could she not be affected at the sight of Federico, so tender, like he had been as a stable boy though his physique had become that of a man.

“Calm down, Celestia.” He petted behind Celestia’s ear. “So, you’re planning on hiding her in Lourdes City?”

The question held a thick layer of accusation. She wasn’t about to tell Federico how she planned to race Celestia, though he would be the ideal person to ask for help.

Instead, she said, “She’ll be safe in my care.”

“And miserable.” Federico nuzzled up to the dragon and leaped onto her back. “Did you bring a bit and bridle?”

Ana hesitantly removed the metal and leather straps from her satchel.