Taja's Dragon Page 6

  “Yes. Does that bother you? I can find somewhere else for you to stay while I take care of a few things.”

  “No,” she gripped his hand tighter. “I was just curious. I’ve never been so far from here.”

  “It’s pretty up there. Cold, but beautiful.” He squeezed her hand. “You must be tired, so let’s get moving and turn in early.” Instead of walking along the road, Phelan pulled her toward the forest.

  “Why are we going into the forest?” Her heart was beating a little faster because there were horror stories about what happened in the forest outside of Illyrian. “Monsters and beasts roam wild in there.”

  He looked down at her with a sly smile. “Finish your food.”

  “You aren’t worried?” She pushed the rest of her sandwich in her mouth.

  “Should I be?” His pace was quick and his words dismissive.

  “You don’t even have any weapons!” she said, her voice full of concern. “I don’t want something to happen to you.”

  “Happen to me?” His voice was shocked for a moment, then he burst out laughing. “I am always armed.” There was a glint in his eyes. “And can you really imagine there being a creature in here that is scarier than a dragon?”

  Taja’s mouth formed an O as she looked at him. She had entirely forgotten about his shifting ability. Without warning, he leaned over and gave her a kiss. She leaned into it as she tasted the sausage from his breakfast. She giggled when he pulled back.

  He looked at her and shook his head. “Come on. We need to get somewhere so we can properly celebrate your birthday.” Gently he pulled her toward the forest.

  The End