Draconis 2
Title: Draconis chapter 2
Pairing: Jensen/Jared
Chapter Rating: PG-13
Summary: Jared's a prince who always does what's expected of him, even as he dreams of following his heart. When his father signs an allegiance with a dragon clan and he meets Jensen, everything changes.
Disclaimer: Neither of these beautiful men are mine. I just play with them sometimes.
Author's Notes: This story has taken over my brain.
Previous Chapter: here
(Awesome banner made for me by the talented Mystik-Ivanow)
Jared stretched like a cat as he awoke, arching his back and wiggling his toes beneath the warm covers. Most mornings he was up early, content to watch the sun rise with still enough time to take a leisure bath before his lessons were to begin.
But on days like today he was perfectly happy to just snooze in the patch of sunshine that splayed across his bed.
A contented sigh blew passed Jared’s lips, and as he rubbed his face against the soft fabric of his pillow he dragged his eyes open.
To find emerald green irises staring back at him.
“Ack!” he jerked backwards in surprise and tumbled off the side of the bed.
Jensen’s laughter followed him down. “Is kissing the floor a normal human custom or are you just really good at it?”
Jared sat up and glared at him over the side of the mattress. “You scared the crap out of me! How’d you get in here?”
“Through there.” Jensen pointed towards the open double doors that led to the second floor balcony. “The latch was open.”
He sat up as Jared climbed back onto the bed. “You were able to land and change without falling off?”
“It only takes a couple seconds for the full transformation between bodies,” Jensen replied.
“Really?” Jared leaned forward eagerly, his voice taking on a slighter higher note. “How exactly do you change into your human form? Is it painful? Can you hear your bones cracking? Do you always stay in your dragon form around your clan or are you in human form sometimes then, too? At what age do you learn to do it? Do you have any siblings? How old are you, anyway? I heard that dragons live a long time, is it true? What do--”
Jensen slapped his hand over Jared’s mouth, cutting off his rambling of questions. “Breathe, Jared. Before you start to turn blue. It’s not a very flattering color for a human.”
Jared nodded, taking an over-exaggerated inhale to fill his lungs once Jensen’s hand lowered. He let it out slowly, slumping forward a little as all the air left his body.
“Good boy,” Jensen laughed. “I’ll answer your questions if you like, all in due time and I’d appreciate you doing the same for me. Despite looking like this I don’t know much about your kind. As you know mine isn’t exactly wanted around while we’re alive unless it’s for sport.”
Jared shuddered. Jensen was right, unfortunately. Dragon hunting had been a favored activity among the men of the kingdom for a while but Gerald was quick to put a stop to that as soon as he’d become king.
To kill such noble creatures for entertainment, he’d said, was nothing short of vile and disgusting, and he refused to allow such a horrid crime to go on. If anyone was caught even attempting to gather supplies or people to do it, the consequences were firm.
Such as time spent in the oubliette, or eternal banishment from the kingdom. It depended on how far the person went in their pursuit. But Gerald was above putting people to death, unless they had actually succeeded in murdering a dragon or human.
But even despite the law, many of the kingdom could not put aside their prejudices. Jeff and Penn included. They saw it as an insult that dragons could disguise themselves as human, like it was mockery but Jared didn’t believe that to be the case. His way of thinking was that dragons just wanted what everyone did.
To survive and learn.
“Father put a stop to that. Things will change, Jensen. You’ll see.”
Jensen shook his head. “It’s not going to be that easy. Prejudices don’t change overnight, Jared. You’re stuck here in the castle day in and day out, so I know that you’re not exposed to things like that but believe me when I say that something else has to be done besides this treaty.”
A soft knock sounded on Jared’s door before it opened a few inches and a young, dark-haired maid poked her head in. She stilled for a moment in surprise at seeing Jensen and Jared on the bed together, before she realized she’d been staring and cleared her throat uncomfortably.
“Excuse me for interrupting, Highness. But Lady Ferris is waiting for you.”
“Thank you, Genevieve. I’ll head there now.”
Once the door clicked shut behind her Jared sighed and got off his bed. Any questions he desired answers for would have to wait.
Lessons came first just like always.
<>***<>***<>***<>
Jared winced as the books once again smacked loudly against the floor, then grumbled as Samantha wasted no time in stacking them back on his head.
“Jared, how many times must we do this?” she asked disapprovingly. “Royalty must walk with perfect grace and precision. Not stumble about like an old lush.”
Jensen snickered and Jared stuck his tongue out at him, hastily pulling it back in as Samantha flicked the end with the tip of her finger.
“That is not how royalty is supposed to act either,” she said, the amused look on her face betraying the stern tone.
Samantha Ferris had been the Padalecki children’s tutor since they were small, and she was also like a second mother to them. She was not afraid to put them in their place and would not put up with any crap they might come up with. In doing so she was a great asset in the goal to turn them into proper, respectable adults.
Jeff was done with his lessons; had been for some time but Jared and Megan were still learning.
But despite her tough exterior at times, Samantha was in reality one of the kindest people Jared had ever known and he looked forward to his lessons just for the opportunity to be around her even though he’d find more entertainment watching baking bread rise.
“I’d like to see you do this,” he said to Jensen as he tried again, holding his hands out slightly to the sides for additional balance.
“Why would I want to?” Jensen replied distractedly. “Dragons are born with natural agility and balance, otherwise we wouldn’t be able to fly.”
Jared turned his head quickly to look at him, eager to ask of flying and once more all the books tumbled from his head.
“Jared Tristan Padalecki!” Samantha groaned in exasperation.
The prince hadn’t even heard her, watching the frown on Jensen’s lips as he studied an open book.
Upside down.
“You don’t know how to read?” Jared asked in surprise. “But Jeffrey Dean--”
“He’s our leader,” Jensen cut him off defensively, snapping the book shut. “He knows how to read, and was the first to teach us to speak like humans. Your words are not important for the rest of us to know, I just like how they look.”
A slow grin appeared on Jared’s face, his dimples coming out full force on his cheeks. “I could teach you to read!” he declared excitedly.
Samantha snorted in the background, bending to scoop the books from the floor. “The only thing I’ve seen you teach anyone is how to properly drain a honeysuckle flower of its nectar.”
“I could at least try. Besides reading takes you places you never even dreamt of! It teaches you things that you’d never learn on your own and it’s a hell of a lot better than watching the rain on a wet day. You need to learn how, Jensen!”
Jensen shook his head. “I don’t think-- hey!”
Samantha chuckled as Jared dragged Jensen out of the room by his hand, a bounce in the prince’s step and a flabbergasted look on Jensen’s face.
So far no one in the castle was able to keep up with Jared’s enthusiasm. Not even his siblings. But Samantha had a feeling that the dragon may just be the first to be able to do it.
<>***<>***<>***<>
“Is there anything specific you’re looking for, Highness?” James Beaver, the librarian asked.
“How many times must I ask you to call me by my name, Jim?” Jared asked, earning a smile from the older man. “And maybe something with pictures? We have to start easy.”
Jim looked passed Jared to Jensen, who was shifting from foot to foot uncomfortably. His wrist that was still firmly in the prince’s hold was most likely to prevent his escape. Especially since he looked like he’d find no greater satisfaction than turning tail and bolting.
He knew that the young man was a dragon as everyone in the castle was aware of by now, but that didn’t bother him. Jim had been around the castle long enough that it took a lot to throw him for a loop. He’d witnessed a lot ever since the princes and princess were children - such as the day Jeff and Jared streaked butt-naked through the hallways, trying to escape the nursemaid as they yelled and left puddles of water in their wake. The time Megan used a knife from the kitchen to cut her hair short and then declared she was going to be a boy. Jared and Megan when they’d made mud pies and left them all over the castle as gifts for the staff.
None of those antics had happened in years, but one doesn’t forget such things.
Besides Jim had met a dragon in his younger years, and like the king had found it absolutely despicable that someone would find pleasure in hunting and killing such noble creatures.
“You look like you’re waiting for the guillotine, son,” he chuckled.
“At least that would be over quicker,” Jensen sighed.
Jared ignored them both, happily dragging a disgruntled Jensen over to the picture book section once Jim pointed it out.
The castle’s library was so tall that a ladder had to be used to reach the top shelves. It was common knowledge that the entire royal family enjoyed a good story so parchments and books from many lands were stacked together. They had been gifts from visiting dignitaries and passing travelers, and were also finds that Jim had located himself in the market.
It was Jim’s duty and honor to take care of the books as best he was able. It was a boring job at times, but he didn’t mind. The ecstatic look on anyone’s face as they took in the fruits of his labor was enough to keep him satisfied.
Jim helped Jared carry a pile of books over to the sofa by the fireplace and the prince settled with the dragon on the soft cushions to begin the lesson.
Jared was finally forced to leave after some hours when once more Genevieve was sent to retrieve him. This time it was for dinner.
Jensen barely even paid attention to his departure, his attention completely on the book in his hands. He had breezed through the picture books, quickly learning what Jared showed him and the younger brunet was simply amazed at Jensen’s ability to soak everything in like a cloth with water.
“Your pet will not be joining us?” Penn asked snidely as Jared sat across from him at the large table. “Will you be bringing him scraps of leftovers, then?”
“He’s not a pet,” Jared retorted in annoyance. “And for your information he’s reading.”
“He likes books?” Megan asked excitedly. Aside from Jared, she was the second most enraptured by stories in their family.
“He’s learning to.”
“Oh good! Maybe we can all read together later. Jensen has such a nice, deep voice. I’d love to hear him recite poems.”
“Remember dear, as you said he’s not a pet,” Sharon said, delicately cutting her meat in such a way that it looked like an art form. “Do not ask him to perform as if he was.”
“Sorry, Mother,” Jared and Megan chorused.
Jeff sighed heavily. “Must we discuss that creature at the table? I still don’t like the fact that he’s here. Jared does not need protecting; he has guards and us to keep him safe.”
“Jensen is here as a symbol of the unity between us and the dragon clan,” Gerald pointed out. “Jeffrey Dean choosing Jared as his companion was more as a show of trust. He’s shown the most enthusiasm about their arrival after all.”
“I love having him around,” Jared gushed, ignoring Penn’s disapproving look. “There’s so much I want to learn from him, and he in turn wants to learn from us.” He glared at his brother. “And I’m tired of hearing you put him down! He’s done nothing to warrant that kind of treatment.”
“You are right, little brother,” Jeff reluctantly conceded, making a face as though he’d tasted something sour. “But know this: I am watching him as are some of the guards. He steps one toe out of line, and I will see him removed from this castle. Treaty or no.”
Jared sighed and glanced at Sandy, who shrugged back and mouthed ‘I’ll talk to him’. He smiled gratefully at her. If anyone could get through the thickness of Jeff’s skull, it was his wife.
Women had their ways like that, or so Jared had been told.
After the meal was finished, Jared started to hurry back to the library to find Jensen when Penn’s hand caught his arm.
“What was that dragon doing in your room this morning?” Penn demanded, pulling Jared aside to stand by the window so that they were out of earshot.
“How’d you know about that?”
“A little birdie told me.”
Jared rolled his eyes at his dry tone. “Penn, Jensen is my guardian and as such he’s allowed in my bed.” Penn’s eyebrows shot up higher on his forehead, and Jared immediately flushed as he realized the implications of what he’d said. “Uh.. I mean, on my bed. No! I mean, in my room!”
“And how, pray tell, did he get in? There were guards patrolling the halls as usual, and none of them reported seeing him.”
“Well he crawled his way out from under my bed, having spent all night there snacking on mice and sucking dust up through his bellybutton.”
“Jared,” Penn hissed, not amused.
“What? It’s dirty down there!“ Jared threw his hands up in exasperation as the other man continued to stare at him disapprovingly. “He came in through the balcony doors! Geez. Dragons fly, you know. It’s none of your concern anyway - we’re not married yet so I can do what I like. And allow others to do what they like. So leave us alone.”
He could feel Penn’s eyes glaring holes into his back as he walked away, but Jared ignored him. He was used to his betrothed’s jealous ways.
<>***<>***<>***<>
When Jared reentered the library, Jim was dozing at his desk and Jensen was no longer on the sofa. The dragon was instead sitting cross-legged in front of the fireplace, the books abandoned behind him as he stared into the dancing red and orange flames.
“What are you doing?” Jared asked, settling beside him.
“Listening.”
“Oh. What do you hear?”
Emerald eyes glanced at him for a moment before Jensen shifted, moving to sit behind Jared so they were back to chest. He moved his hands down Jared’s arms and lifted them, guiding Jared’s open palms to face out towards the fire.
“Close your eyes,” Jensen breathed, his warm breath washing over Jared’s ear and neck.
The prince shivered and did as he was asked, the heat from the fire and from Jensen’s body causing a little bit of sweat to pool at his temples.
“Block out everything around you, and just listen. Hear the crackling of the flames as they feed on the blocks of wood that fuel them. The whisper of the fire moving through the air, swaying with every breeze that passes by. It’s almost like it’s talking. Speaking of things that we can never truly understand, and yet yearn to know. Such knowledge is just out of reach, but it beckons you closer. Entices you like a forbidden fruit. Does it not?”
Jared swallowed hard, nodding just a little for fear of breaking the spell that Jensen’s words had created around them. Megan was right - the dragon’s deep and husky voice was perfect for storytelling. It was both enchanting and mesmerizing.
A loud snore emanated from Jim and broke the moment. Jensen pulled back and stood; immediately a cold chill hit Jared’s back and he longed to have the warmth back with him.
“I must leave for the day,” Jensen said, hastily moving back to the sofa to straighten the books.
Jared slowly stood and watched him. He wanted Jensen to stay the whole night, but knew better than to ask. He had done so the night before, and Jensen had looked insulted.
“My clan expects me at nightfall,” he had said. “Jeffrey Dean may have charged me with you, but I still have a role to play among my kind.”
“It would be fun, I think,” Jared ventured, his words chosen carefully, “if you would spend a night here sometimes. It doesn’t have to be until dawn, but the stars are so beautiful here. I like looking at them, but it’s rare someone does it with me. Jeff and Sandy’s attentions are always on each other, and Megan said she has womanly rituals to perform before bed. Whatever that means.”
“What about that other male? The one who likes to touch you.”
“Penn?” Jared wrinkled his nose. “No way. He’d probably try to bed me more than anything else.”
Jensen studied him for a moment, and Jared barely suppressed the urge to fidget under his stare. Finally he nodded a little. “I will not promise anything, but.. Maybe. Goodnight, Jared.”
“Goodnight,” Jared smiled, thrilled that Jensen almost conceded to his request. “Please don’t scare the life from me in the morning.”
Jensen laughed as he headed from the library. “No promises.”
Chapter 3
Pairing: Jensen/Jared
Chapter Rating: PG-13
Summary: Jared's a prince who always does what's expected of him, even as he dreams of following his heart. When his father signs an allegiance with a dragon clan and he meets Jensen, everything changes.
Disclaimer: Neither of these beautiful men are mine. I just play with them sometimes.
Author's Notes: This story has taken over my brain.
Previous Chapter: here
(Awesome banner made for me by the talented Mystik-Ivanow)
Jared stretched like a cat as he awoke, arching his back and wiggling his toes beneath the warm covers. Most mornings he was up early, content to watch the sun rise with still enough time to take a leisure bath before his lessons were to begin.
But on days like today he was perfectly happy to just snooze in the patch of sunshine that splayed across his bed.
A contented sigh blew passed Jared’s lips, and as he rubbed his face against the soft fabric of his pillow he dragged his eyes open.
To find emerald green irises staring back at him.
“Ack!” he jerked backwards in surprise and tumbled off the side of the bed.
Jensen’s laughter followed him down. “Is kissing the floor a normal human custom or are you just really good at it?”
Jared sat up and glared at him over the side of the mattress. “You scared the crap out of me! How’d you get in here?”
“Through there.” Jensen pointed towards the open double doors that led to the second floor balcony. “The latch was open.”
He sat up as Jared climbed back onto the bed. “You were able to land and change without falling off?”
“It only takes a couple seconds for the full transformation between bodies,” Jensen replied.
“Really?” Jared leaned forward eagerly, his voice taking on a slighter higher note. “How exactly do you change into your human form? Is it painful? Can you hear your bones cracking? Do you always stay in your dragon form around your clan or are you in human form sometimes then, too? At what age do you learn to do it? Do you have any siblings? How old are you, anyway? I heard that dragons live a long time, is it true? What do--”
Jensen slapped his hand over Jared’s mouth, cutting off his rambling of questions. “Breathe, Jared. Before you start to turn blue. It’s not a very flattering color for a human.”
Jared nodded, taking an over-exaggerated inhale to fill his lungs once Jensen’s hand lowered. He let it out slowly, slumping forward a little as all the air left his body.
“Good boy,” Jensen laughed. “I’ll answer your questions if you like, all in due time and I’d appreciate you doing the same for me. Despite looking like this I don’t know much about your kind. As you know mine isn’t exactly wanted around while we’re alive unless it’s for sport.”
Jared shuddered. Jensen was right, unfortunately. Dragon hunting had been a favored activity among the men of the kingdom for a while but Gerald was quick to put a stop to that as soon as he’d become king.
To kill such noble creatures for entertainment, he’d said, was nothing short of vile and disgusting, and he refused to allow such a horrid crime to go on. If anyone was caught even attempting to gather supplies or people to do it, the consequences were firm.
Such as time spent in the oubliette, or eternal banishment from the kingdom. It depended on how far the person went in their pursuit. But Gerald was above putting people to death, unless they had actually succeeded in murdering a dragon or human.
But even despite the law, many of the kingdom could not put aside their prejudices. Jeff and Penn included. They saw it as an insult that dragons could disguise themselves as human, like it was mockery but Jared didn’t believe that to be the case. His way of thinking was that dragons just wanted what everyone did.
To survive and learn.
“Father put a stop to that. Things will change, Jensen. You’ll see.”
Jensen shook his head. “It’s not going to be that easy. Prejudices don’t change overnight, Jared. You’re stuck here in the castle day in and day out, so I know that you’re not exposed to things like that but believe me when I say that something else has to be done besides this treaty.”
A soft knock sounded on Jared’s door before it opened a few inches and a young, dark-haired maid poked her head in. She stilled for a moment in surprise at seeing Jensen and Jared on the bed together, before she realized she’d been staring and cleared her throat uncomfortably.
“Excuse me for interrupting, Highness. But Lady Ferris is waiting for you.”
“Thank you, Genevieve. I’ll head there now.”
Once the door clicked shut behind her Jared sighed and got off his bed. Any questions he desired answers for would have to wait.
Lessons came first just like always.
<>***<>***<>***<>
Jared winced as the books once again smacked loudly against the floor, then grumbled as Samantha wasted no time in stacking them back on his head.
“Jared, how many times must we do this?” she asked disapprovingly. “Royalty must walk with perfect grace and precision. Not stumble about like an old lush.”
Jensen snickered and Jared stuck his tongue out at him, hastily pulling it back in as Samantha flicked the end with the tip of her finger.
“That is not how royalty is supposed to act either,” she said, the amused look on her face betraying the stern tone.
Samantha Ferris had been the Padalecki children’s tutor since they were small, and she was also like a second mother to them. She was not afraid to put them in their place and would not put up with any crap they might come up with. In doing so she was a great asset in the goal to turn them into proper, respectable adults.
Jeff was done with his lessons; had been for some time but Jared and Megan were still learning.
But despite her tough exterior at times, Samantha was in reality one of the kindest people Jared had ever known and he looked forward to his lessons just for the opportunity to be around her even though he’d find more entertainment watching baking bread rise.
“I’d like to see you do this,” he said to Jensen as he tried again, holding his hands out slightly to the sides for additional balance.
“Why would I want to?” Jensen replied distractedly. “Dragons are born with natural agility and balance, otherwise we wouldn’t be able to fly.”
Jared turned his head quickly to look at him, eager to ask of flying and once more all the books tumbled from his head.
“Jared Tristan Padalecki!” Samantha groaned in exasperation.
The prince hadn’t even heard her, watching the frown on Jensen’s lips as he studied an open book.
Upside down.
“You don’t know how to read?” Jared asked in surprise. “But Jeffrey Dean--”
“He’s our leader,” Jensen cut him off defensively, snapping the book shut. “He knows how to read, and was the first to teach us to speak like humans. Your words are not important for the rest of us to know, I just like how they look.”
A slow grin appeared on Jared’s face, his dimples coming out full force on his cheeks. “I could teach you to read!” he declared excitedly.
Samantha snorted in the background, bending to scoop the books from the floor. “The only thing I’ve seen you teach anyone is how to properly drain a honeysuckle flower of its nectar.”
“I could at least try. Besides reading takes you places you never even dreamt of! It teaches you things that you’d never learn on your own and it’s a hell of a lot better than watching the rain on a wet day. You need to learn how, Jensen!”
Jensen shook his head. “I don’t think-- hey!”
Samantha chuckled as Jared dragged Jensen out of the room by his hand, a bounce in the prince’s step and a flabbergasted look on Jensen’s face.
So far no one in the castle was able to keep up with Jared’s enthusiasm. Not even his siblings. But Samantha had a feeling that the dragon may just be the first to be able to do it.
<>***<>***<>***<>
“Is there anything specific you’re looking for, Highness?” James Beaver, the librarian asked.
“How many times must I ask you to call me by my name, Jim?” Jared asked, earning a smile from the older man. “And maybe something with pictures? We have to start easy.”
Jim looked passed Jared to Jensen, who was shifting from foot to foot uncomfortably. His wrist that was still firmly in the prince’s hold was most likely to prevent his escape. Especially since he looked like he’d find no greater satisfaction than turning tail and bolting.
He knew that the young man was a dragon as everyone in the castle was aware of by now, but that didn’t bother him. Jim had been around the castle long enough that it took a lot to throw him for a loop. He’d witnessed a lot ever since the princes and princess were children - such as the day Jeff and Jared streaked butt-naked through the hallways, trying to escape the nursemaid as they yelled and left puddles of water in their wake. The time Megan used a knife from the kitchen to cut her hair short and then declared she was going to be a boy. Jared and Megan when they’d made mud pies and left them all over the castle as gifts for the staff.
None of those antics had happened in years, but one doesn’t forget such things.
Besides Jim had met a dragon in his younger years, and like the king had found it absolutely despicable that someone would find pleasure in hunting and killing such noble creatures.
“You look like you’re waiting for the guillotine, son,” he chuckled.
“At least that would be over quicker,” Jensen sighed.
Jared ignored them both, happily dragging a disgruntled Jensen over to the picture book section once Jim pointed it out.
The castle’s library was so tall that a ladder had to be used to reach the top shelves. It was common knowledge that the entire royal family enjoyed a good story so parchments and books from many lands were stacked together. They had been gifts from visiting dignitaries and passing travelers, and were also finds that Jim had located himself in the market.
It was Jim’s duty and honor to take care of the books as best he was able. It was a boring job at times, but he didn’t mind. The ecstatic look on anyone’s face as they took in the fruits of his labor was enough to keep him satisfied.
Jim helped Jared carry a pile of books over to the sofa by the fireplace and the prince settled with the dragon on the soft cushions to begin the lesson.
Jared was finally forced to leave after some hours when once more Genevieve was sent to retrieve him. This time it was for dinner.
Jensen barely even paid attention to his departure, his attention completely on the book in his hands. He had breezed through the picture books, quickly learning what Jared showed him and the younger brunet was simply amazed at Jensen’s ability to soak everything in like a cloth with water.
“Your pet will not be joining us?” Penn asked snidely as Jared sat across from him at the large table. “Will you be bringing him scraps of leftovers, then?”
“He’s not a pet,” Jared retorted in annoyance. “And for your information he’s reading.”
“He likes books?” Megan asked excitedly. Aside from Jared, she was the second most enraptured by stories in their family.
“He’s learning to.”
“Oh good! Maybe we can all read together later. Jensen has such a nice, deep voice. I’d love to hear him recite poems.”
“Remember dear, as you said he’s not a pet,” Sharon said, delicately cutting her meat in such a way that it looked like an art form. “Do not ask him to perform as if he was.”
“Sorry, Mother,” Jared and Megan chorused.
Jeff sighed heavily. “Must we discuss that creature at the table? I still don’t like the fact that he’s here. Jared does not need protecting; he has guards and us to keep him safe.”
“Jensen is here as a symbol of the unity between us and the dragon clan,” Gerald pointed out. “Jeffrey Dean choosing Jared as his companion was more as a show of trust. He’s shown the most enthusiasm about their arrival after all.”
“I love having him around,” Jared gushed, ignoring Penn’s disapproving look. “There’s so much I want to learn from him, and he in turn wants to learn from us.” He glared at his brother. “And I’m tired of hearing you put him down! He’s done nothing to warrant that kind of treatment.”
“You are right, little brother,” Jeff reluctantly conceded, making a face as though he’d tasted something sour. “But know this: I am watching him as are some of the guards. He steps one toe out of line, and I will see him removed from this castle. Treaty or no.”
Jared sighed and glanced at Sandy, who shrugged back and mouthed ‘I’ll talk to him’. He smiled gratefully at her. If anyone could get through the thickness of Jeff’s skull, it was his wife.
Women had their ways like that, or so Jared had been told.
After the meal was finished, Jared started to hurry back to the library to find Jensen when Penn’s hand caught his arm.
“What was that dragon doing in your room this morning?” Penn demanded, pulling Jared aside to stand by the window so that they were out of earshot.
“How’d you know about that?”
“A little birdie told me.”
Jared rolled his eyes at his dry tone. “Penn, Jensen is my guardian and as such he’s allowed in my bed.” Penn’s eyebrows shot up higher on his forehead, and Jared immediately flushed as he realized the implications of what he’d said. “Uh.. I mean, on my bed. No! I mean, in my room!”
“And how, pray tell, did he get in? There were guards patrolling the halls as usual, and none of them reported seeing him.”
“Well he crawled his way out from under my bed, having spent all night there snacking on mice and sucking dust up through his bellybutton.”
“Jared,” Penn hissed, not amused.
“What? It’s dirty down there!“ Jared threw his hands up in exasperation as the other man continued to stare at him disapprovingly. “He came in through the balcony doors! Geez. Dragons fly, you know. It’s none of your concern anyway - we’re not married yet so I can do what I like. And allow others to do what they like. So leave us alone.”
He could feel Penn’s eyes glaring holes into his back as he walked away, but Jared ignored him. He was used to his betrothed’s jealous ways.
<>***<>***<>***<>
When Jared reentered the library, Jim was dozing at his desk and Jensen was no longer on the sofa. The dragon was instead sitting cross-legged in front of the fireplace, the books abandoned behind him as he stared into the dancing red and orange flames.
“What are you doing?” Jared asked, settling beside him.
“Listening.”
“Oh. What do you hear?”
Emerald eyes glanced at him for a moment before Jensen shifted, moving to sit behind Jared so they were back to chest. He moved his hands down Jared’s arms and lifted them, guiding Jared’s open palms to face out towards the fire.
“Close your eyes,” Jensen breathed, his warm breath washing over Jared’s ear and neck.
The prince shivered and did as he was asked, the heat from the fire and from Jensen’s body causing a little bit of sweat to pool at his temples.
“Block out everything around you, and just listen. Hear the crackling of the flames as they feed on the blocks of wood that fuel them. The whisper of the fire moving through the air, swaying with every breeze that passes by. It’s almost like it’s talking. Speaking of things that we can never truly understand, and yet yearn to know. Such knowledge is just out of reach, but it beckons you closer. Entices you like a forbidden fruit. Does it not?”
Jared swallowed hard, nodding just a little for fear of breaking the spell that Jensen’s words had created around them. Megan was right - the dragon’s deep and husky voice was perfect for storytelling. It was both enchanting and mesmerizing.
A loud snore emanated from Jim and broke the moment. Jensen pulled back and stood; immediately a cold chill hit Jared’s back and he longed to have the warmth back with him.
“I must leave for the day,” Jensen said, hastily moving back to the sofa to straighten the books.
Jared slowly stood and watched him. He wanted Jensen to stay the whole night, but knew better than to ask. He had done so the night before, and Jensen had looked insulted.
“My clan expects me at nightfall,” he had said. “Jeffrey Dean may have charged me with you, but I still have a role to play among my kind.”
“It would be fun, I think,” Jared ventured, his words chosen carefully, “if you would spend a night here sometimes. It doesn’t have to be until dawn, but the stars are so beautiful here. I like looking at them, but it’s rare someone does it with me. Jeff and Sandy’s attentions are always on each other, and Megan said she has womanly rituals to perform before bed. Whatever that means.”
“What about that other male? The one who likes to touch you.”
“Penn?” Jared wrinkled his nose. “No way. He’d probably try to bed me more than anything else.”
Jensen studied him for a moment, and Jared barely suppressed the urge to fidget under his stare. Finally he nodded a little. “I will not promise anything, but.. Maybe. Goodnight, Jared.”
“Goodnight,” Jared smiled, thrilled that Jensen almost conceded to his request. “Please don’t scare the life from me in the morning.”
Jensen laughed as he headed from the library. “No promises.”
Chapter 3