Touch of Flame

"This is princess Zoila, from the Rex clan of Red dragons. This is Ravina, Malachi's breedmate." Of all people, his mother introduced them. What was she trying to do?

Zoila curtsied to greet her the human way, "it is nice to meet you Ravina."

"Princess Zoila is here to meet Malachi in hopes of an alliance between our clans." Saul made a deeper introduction.

If Ravina was surprised, she didn't show it. She curtsied, "the pleasure is all mine," she told Zoila.

"Now that everyone is here, let's eat," his mother smiled.

She showed Zoila and Zara where to sit. Zoila sat to his right and Ravina to his left. Malachi noticed that her face had a bit more color, her lips a soft pink, and her scent… he tried to avoid it but she smelled of jasmine and lavender.

He could not smell all the delicious food on the table. He wanted her. He hungered for her. Why was he suddenly like this now?

"What do you like to eat?" Zoila asked him starting a conversation.

The wind blew in from the window behind Ravina, carrying her scent, fueling his hunger.

"I am not picky," he replied. How ironic when now he didn't want anything else. He wanted jasmine and lavender.

Malachi was not interested in what she liked but wanted to see Ravina's reaction. "What do you like?" He asked, turning to her and showing interest.

She smiled. "I am not picky either, but I enjoy spicy food."

"Me too," he said hoping for a reaction from Ravina. "Are you a good cook?"

"I would like to think so. Maybe you can tell me one day soon," she smiled charmingly. "I would love to cook for you all one day," she said looking around the table.

Her gaze fell on Ravina who was unconcerned about the situation and ate her lunch in silence. "What do you like to eat, Ravina?"

Ravina looked up from her plate and became thoughtful for a moment. "I haven't thought about it," she admitted. "Anything will do."

"I guess you are not picky either then."

"No."

"Can you cook?" Zoila asked.

"I try. I am sure I don't have the skills you have."

Was she giving a compliment?

"Don't worry. It takes time. Maybe I can show you some day." Zoila suggested.

"That is very kind of you. I would love that." Ravina replied.

"Ravina helped me make tomato soup. She learns very fast." His mother told Zoila.

"That is good to hear," Zoila smiled.

Malachi was frustrated by this polite conversation. What did Ravina think about all this?

"How old are you, Ravina?"

"Twenty-two." She replied, unfazed by the sudden question.

"Aren't humans already married by that age?"

"Yes. They get married much earlier, but I am picky with men."

"Well, you happen to be a dragon king's breedmate now," she said.

Malachi knew Zoila was trying something but his brain was too male to understand these female tricks.

Ravina glanced his way nonchalantly before looking back at Zoila, "indeed. A king and a dragon. I guess I can't aim higher."

This woman…

She made it sound genuine but he knew she was sarcastic. He knew her.

"I am sure he has other qualities you like," Zoila said.

Yes. Let's hear about that, Malachi thought.

"Oh yes. I find him fascinating." She said turning to look at him. "He is warm and brown. My favorite color. He is not my favorite species but… " She shrugged. "He makes up for it, because he is extremely jealous, possessive, protective, and his temperament… I mean passion…I like the way he burns… with passion. It is inspiring."

His brothers tried to fight back their smiles, except for Saul.

Zoila played along and chuckled. "He does look passionate," she pretended not to understand the underlying meaning. "Dragon males are often passionate. It is what makes them special."

"I agree." Ravina nodded.

"Well, Ravina is passionate too. In case you didn't know, she is an inventor like her father." Saul said.

"Oh…" Zoila nodded. "You are really skilled."

Ravina kept her composure. "Oh, it is nothing." She said. Malachi expected her to say more, but she didn't.

"It is something. You invented weapons that made dragons retreat for the most part. That is impressive." Zoila said making it sound like a compliment but intending to make Ravina uncomfortable.

"You flatter me," Ravina replied simply, not giving Zoila the attention she sought. Or his brother the satisfaction.

Feeling frustrated, "let me show you around." Malachi told Zoila, when they finished their lunch.

He stood up and offered his hand to help her. He just wanted to know if Ravina felt even something little for him. Zoila rose from her seat and took his hand. Then he led her outside to show her around where they lived. As soon as they were out of sight he released her hand.

"Your breedmate is beautiful," she said.

God. She was not the one he wanted to make jealous.

"Have you changed your mind?" He asked her.

"No. I understand it must be hard for you. I want to help and I think she and I might get along."

But he didn't want that. Maybe she thought she was doing him a favor.

"You think so?"

"I can win anyone over." She smiled. "I can teach her about our culture and make her enjoy her stay here so she easily gets along with everyone."

"Why would you do that?" He asked.

"I understand what it feels like not to have a breedmate." She said.

He said nothing but then she put her hand on his shoulder. "Don't be troubled. All will be fine." She let her hand slide down his arm. Her touch was hot but didn't inflame him.

He could not be uncomfortable with this if he was going to make her his queen. She was a beautiful woman and willing to be with him despite his breedmate.

"Why don't you stay here for a few days, before making up your mind." He told her.

She nodded. "It sounds like a good idea."