No one said anything further to Ves as they left the room, giving her space to cry in peace. Even Nell said nothing for a time. After a while, though, the tears stopped. Ves knew she had survived worse, and she would do so again. No matter how fleeting the glimpse of freedom she enjoyed was. That glimpse was wonderful, something she would never forget.

  If there was one thing she was certain of, it was that she would never let herself fall into Kohdessia’s hands again, and for better or worse, Senotraxia also seemed determined never to let it happen.

  ‘Ves, we have been sitting in this room for over an hour. Perhaps some fresh air would do us good.’ Nell finally said.

  Taking the advice to heart, Ves got up and walked outside, finding a quiet place among the trees to sit.

  ‘Nell, what do you think we should do?’ Ves asked.

  ‘I’m not sure, honestly. I wish to apologize. As this makes it even clearer, I placed a larger target on your back than being a branded ever did.’ Nell replied softly.

  Ves shook her head and responded out loud, “Please don’t apologize for that. We’re not for you. I would have died or, worse still, be ensnared by Berkandis with no hope for the future. No matter what happens next, you saved my life and gave me at least a brief taste of freedom. For that, I will eternally be thankful.

  You are my partner, now and forever. Please don’t forget that. Now, be honest, what do you think?”

  ‘Obviously, neither of us wants to die, and I think we would go insane being locked up forever, even if the cage is a gilded one, which leaves us only one choice. One that I think would be our best bet, even if Senotraxia was willing to let us walk away.’ Nell answered.

  “Loath as I am to admit it, you are right. While we wouldn’t be free, it’s likely the closest we will get. With the brand, I suspect nearly any other country would just kill us on sight. While Senotraxia can’t remove it, I’m honestly surprised she can suppress it even if she is a dragon. Bloodline brands are just that powerful.”

  ‘Look on the bright side, despite being hundreds of years old, her looks are nothing to complain about. We could certainly do worse.’ Nell added.

  That caused Ves to laugh, “I worry I have been a terrible influence on you”. Her laugh was cut short, though, as she could see the villagers stir as Senotraxia walked out from among the crowd towards her. She did find it a bit unnerving how all the dragonewts beheld the dragon with such reverence. Thankfully, they kept a respectable distance as they saw she was walking towards Ves. As she drew close, she sat down on the grass next to Ves and asked, “Have you come to a decision?”

  “I think we have, but could we ask a few more questions first?” Ves asked as she looked towards the dragon next to her. Ves had to admit it, Nell was right, Senotraxia was gorgeous. Tall, dark skin, with well-defined muscles and a small but shapely chest. And while at first glance she looked human, it was her inhumane features that drew her in even more, her eyes most of all. Magic whisped off them like smoke as they glowed with a primal energy. They were also breathtakingly beautiful. Ves knew she could get lost in them if she wasn’t careful.

  “You wanted to ask me a question?” Senotraxia’s voice pulled Ves from her stupor as the dragon gave her a knowing smirk.

  Flustered Ves looked towards the ground and took a moment to collect herself before starting, “First off, consort? Isn’t that a bit extreme? What would that even entail exactly?”

  Senotraxia smiled, “I can see why you would think that, and if it helps, even my fellow dragons were taken aback when I told them my plan. As to why, the foremost reason is simple, the brand is just that powerful. The ritual to bind you to me as my consort is the only option I have, which is strong enough, and I am confident in its ability to suppress the brand.”

  “What about the other reasons?” Ves asked.

  Senotraxia looked up at the sky before she started to answer, “I am well aware what I am about to say makes me a hypocrite, seeing as the only choice I am giving you is the manner in which you bind yourself to me.

  First, some context, Immortal and near-immortal beings, such as dragons, are very wary of anything that is forever. Even dragon marriages have intended end dates. While it is not uncommon to renew vows and extend them, they are never meant to last forever. People change, and love can fade. For beings that live thousands of years, it’s almost guaranteed to happen.

  For this reason, the ritual to bind another as a dragon’s consort is seldom used. We go through the motions for tradition's sake, but I don’t think the true ritual has been performed for nearly a millennium.

  The reason is simple, the magic lasts forever. It eternally binds the consort to their spouse's body and soul until the day they die. It can never be undone, or at the very least it would take a being more powerful and skilled than most gods.”

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  “Surprised to hear it’s that binding, but seeing as it’s able to suppress the brand along with being a deal with a dragon, I was under no illusion this would be a temporary arrangement,” Ves commented.

  “Glad to hear that wasn’t too much of a surprise. With that context out of the way, I want you to know that even if the magic binds you two as my consort, I am under no obligation to treat you as such.”

  “You mean you plan to treat us as a tool?” Ves asked as she narrowed her eyes.

  “No, quite the opposite, as I said, I am a hypocrite. Despite stealing away any chance for true freedom from you, I still, in my own way, want you to be free, even if it’s within a role I forced on you. So rather than treat you as a tool, you will be treated as my true consort with all the privileges and power that comes with it. While it’s not entirely unheard of for dragons to have non-dragon lovers, I think you would be the first non-dragon consort in history.”

  “Why? Why offer so much? To a stranger no less.” Ves asked, a bit shocked by Senotraxia’s words. It honestly sounded like it would be easier for the dragon just to kill them.

  “I have been watching you, watching you nearly the entire time you have been in this forest. Along with speaking to the others in the village, I feel I have a fairly good understanding of your character. Enough so that I’m willing to take this risk, even if it is only to assuage my own shame towards the situation I am forcing on you.”

  “Why would you feel guilt? I thought dragons were beings of greed that took what they wanted from others?” Ves asked.

  “That is only partly true. Greed, pride, emotions like that are an inherent part of being a dragon. They are so deeply embedded in our souls that they are like a need rather than an emotion. Just like you need to eat and sleep, a dragon needs to be greedy and prideful. But in the same manner, you can satisfy those needs so they don’t consume you, so can dragons. In this case, my pride to be a good ruler for my people gives me room to be humble in other ways. I hope that made sense. You could just say it’s a dragon thing.”

  “A humble dragon, never heard that side in the old stories.” Ves mused.

  “Dragons as a whole look down on the other races, so we don’t interact with you much. In turn, your kind’s exposure is limited to dragons who gave in to our more destructive instincts and were more than likely exiled because of it.

  Getting back on topic, as I mentioned before, I will ask your community to swear fealty to me. If you agree to become my consort, they will all serve you directly. Your task would be to secure the western side of the mountains. Build a proper village and eventually a city. I would ask you to develop your powers and become a bastion to defend these lands. I think it’s time my people stopped living in isolation, so I want you and this community to become the first bridge. I will also provide you with initial funds to hire help and purchase supplies as needed. Within those goals, as long as your actions don’t harm myself or the other dragons, I will grant you the freedom to act as you see fit.”

  “Branded slave to dragon’s consort. Can’t say it wouldn’t be enjoyable to shove that in that bastard of a Senator’s face,” Ves said with a chuckle.

  ‘Nell, are you ok with this?’ Ves asked.

  ‘As I mentioned before, I think this is by far our best option, we can’t do this on our own. I don’t think we really have any choice’ Nell agreed.

  “I take it you have come to a decision?” Senotraxia asked while looking Ves in the eyes.

  Returning her stare, “Yes, we have”.

  “Then let me formally ask you again. Ves, Nell, will you two become mine in body and soul from now until forever? Will you become my first Consort with all the power, responsibilities, and privileges that entail?” Senotraxia asked.

  “We do”. From the bottom of her heart, Ves hoped she wouldn’t regret this.

  ***

  Later that day, the entire community was assembled outside. Senotraxia had Ves & Nell’s answer, but now she wanted one from the rest. Ves stood off the side, fidgeting as her fiancé also warned her she would announce her plans to take her as a consort. Even if it were as a figurehead, it would place Ves in charge of the community. More than anything, she was worried about how the dragonewts would take to the idea.

  Standing on a makeshift stage was the dragon. Even in her humanoid form, Senotraxia radiated authority and power. One couldn’t help but feel awed in her presence.

  “Thank you, everyone, for gathering here. I believe Elder Setsu has already informed you of the broad strokes of what I am about to say and ask, but I feel it best to reiterate regardless.”

  Ves could see the entire group giving the dragon their undivided attention—especially the dragonewts, who for the most part looked at her in awe, maybe even reverence. The foxkin and the humans, on the other hand, were more of a mixed bag. Caution and even a tinge of fear wafted off them. Not that she could blame them, dragons didn’t have the best reputation, especially in Kohdessia. Even after hundreds of years, some areas still bore the scars of Senotraxia’s ancestors' wrath.

  “I have been told of your plight to find a new home, a place to be safe from the conflicts that ravage all corners of the continent.”

  She paused as many looked up at her expectantly. Ves had heard how harrowing the journey had been for most of them.

  “I’m afraid safety is not something I can offer.”

  Ves could see the glimmer of hope dim in many in the crowd's eyes.

  “As you should be well aware, this forest is dangerous, filled with many deadly beasts. Which only grow stronger as you near the mountains. What it does not have are the petty conflicts that drove you all from your homes in the first place.

  So while I cannot promise you safety, if you wish for a place to build a new life, that I can provide. If you swear fealty to me and my flight as the rulers of this forest and the mountains, I will grant you permission to settle here. A place to start over, I will even provide funding from my own hoard in order to get you started. Use my name to open doors, add legitimacy to your efforts.” That got a surprised gasp from the crowd as dragons normally guarded their hoards with fervor.

  “It will be hard work, but seeing the resolve that got you all this far already, I have faith that you can make it work. That given time, you can create a new home and place of peace to leave to your descendants.”

  That sparked hope back into the eyes of many. These people could finally stop running. Ves had no doubt some still wanted to return to their old lives, but from everything she heard, the war to the south was showing no signs of ending anytime soon. Even by the time it was over, what would there be to return to?

  “So that is what I offer you, but before you decide, you should know what I ask in return.”