1
They can’t help it, you know. It happens in the egg, ” she reasoned. “As soon as they grow that genitalia, intelligence goes right out the window and we’re left with this thing that just wants to stick it in any hole.G.A. Aiken
2
Of course you don’t trust Braith. You don’t trust anybody, ” Ghleanna reminded their brother. “You don’t trust the air.”“ Because it tends to become unseasonably chilly when I’d prefer it to be warm. It’s as if it does it on purpose.G.A. Aiken
3
I see why our little Braith likes you.”“ Does she?”“ Can’t you tell?”“ I’m male. I have no idea what you females are thinking.G.A. Aiken
4
He was her father after all. True, a father whose funeral rite she planned to dance at and toast with ale, but her father just the same.G.A. Aiken
5
She wanted to punch her father in his snout, but she wouldn’t. He was her father after all. True, a father whose funeral rite she planned to dance at and toast with ale, but her father just the same.G.A. Aiken
6
Good gods, female, ” Addolgar muttered. “What did you do with yourself before I came into your life?”“ I lived quietly alone in my cave, ” she snapped back. “And I was quite happy there, too.G.A. Aiken
7
I’m so in love with you, Braith, ” he told her, and she felt in her bones that he meant every word. “And do you know why?”“ I have no idea, ” she replied honestly.“ Because I am such an amazing dragon that I know I richly deserve a She-dragon as wonderful as you. See?” he asked, grinning at her. “How could I not love you when you’re so clearly made for me?G.A. Aiken
8
Why are you doing this?”“ That’s easy. Because I like you.” He grinned. “I like you a lot.”“ Why?”“ Because you make me smile.”“ You’re Addolgar the Cheerful. Everything makes you smile.”“ Not everything. And if I want to like you, Braith of the Darkness, I get to like you. Whether you want me to or not.G.A. Aiken
9
Braith turned and saw three of her cousins sunning themselves on boulders. Like lizards. Lizards in human form.“ What are you doing?” Braith asked.“ Enjoying the suns, ” replied one.“ It gives our scales a lovely bright hue, ” said another. Braith blinked. “Except you’re all in your human form. So how does that help your scales?” They stared at her for several seconds before one stated, “You’re a bit of a know-it-all, aren’t you?”“ How is that .” Braith shook her head. She wouldn’t go from arguing with one idiot to arguing with three.G.A. Aiken
10
She was polite, charming, and damn pretty. Braith wanted to hate her, but she just couldn’t. The bitch.G.A. Aiken
11
It’s been a long time. How have you been doing?” I’m fine. How are you? You’re looking very handsome today, Addolgar the Handsome, lord of my loins. At least that was what she’d like to say to him, but instead she came out with, “Yeah, hi.G.A. Aiken