“You wish to speak to me again, Lady Frederica?” asked the dragon.
She took a deep breath. There was nothing to lose, after all. “Yes. I have a proposition for you.”
“I am happy to hear it.”
“I am told your Nest has several young unbonded dragons, yet only one companion. I would like to propose myself as a possible companion. I know this is not how it is usually done, but I can offer certain advantages that could be very useful to the Nest in this troubled time.”
His chest rippled with amusement. “No, this is not how it is done, but it is generous of you to offer.” He was refusing, even if gently.
She would not give up so easily, not when she had longed for this her entire life. “It is not generosity, as my reasons are quite selfish, but will you at least listen to why I think it is a good idea? You can still refuse afterwards.”
More chest rippling. “I do like your spirit. Very well, I will hear you out, although this is not as simple a matter as you may think.” He settled back on his haunches and crossed his forelegs.
She took a deep breath before launching into her prepared speech “I was the apprentice to the King’s Mage for three years. I worked with theroyal family, since I was responsible for protecting them. They know me and trust me. I can request an audience with the Prince Regent, who is my brother’s dear friend, and it will be granted. The Prime Minister is an ally of my father’s, and has known me since I was a child.”
“That shows impressive connections, Lady Frederica, but not why you should be a dragon companion.”
“Because these are the people who need to understand what dragons are! Who will be making the decisions on whether you are viewed as an ally or an enemy, and you have no other way to reach them. They are frightened by the very idea of your power, but I am in a position to persuade them to meet my dragon companion and to talk to them. I can help them see you as individuals and as potential friends. My connections can help you forge an alliance.”
His aura flickered with concern. “Am I to understand that you would not use those connections on our behalf unless you are made a dragon companion?”
“Of course I will still use them! If I am ever released from the bindings, I will write letters to those who will read them, telling them about my experiences here. But a letter or even a visit from someone who likes dragons is not the same as knowing someone you trust has bonded themselves for life to a dragon – and who can introduce you to that same dragon.”
“Companion Amelia is already speaking to some of those people.”
“Not to the royal family, and not as their friend. And, frankly, she is not doing well as an ambassador. Her concern is with the War Office, who talk to her because they have no choice. They are afraid of her – and of Sycamore. This does not bode well for your future relationship with the government. I could approach them in peace, not as a threat. That is the road to an alliance.”
Juniper studied her. “You make a persuasive argument. But a dragon cannot simply bond to any human. There must be a certain compatibility of mind and personality, or the bond will not take. And your plans would require a dragon with maturity and temperament to conduct sensitive negotiations.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Unlike Sycamore?”
The scales on his chest glinted in his amusement. “Sycamore would not have been our first choice.”
She hurried on. “In fact, it might be best if my companion were a very young dragon, even a nestling. A full-size dragon is intimidating, whereas humans are drawn to small childlike creatures. A nestling could not speak for the Nest, so any serious discussions would have to occur over a distance. Sometimes delays of that sort reduce the likelihood of impetuous decisions.”
He cocked his head. “You have given this a great deal of thought.”
She smiled. “I have thought of little else since I learned Cerridwen was a dragon.”
He rose, uncurling his tail. “I will consider what you have said, though even if the Eldest were to approve, it is unlikely we could find a suitable match. Do not get your hopes up.”
“I knew you were likely to refuse before I asked, and I shall not resent it if you do. But if I never posed the question, I would always have wondered what might have happened if I had.”
“Why have you not taken the first step to becoming a companion, then?”
Now she was getting somewhere! “Out of ignorance, I imagine, since I have no idea what that step would be.”
“Ah, has so much been forgotten? Those who wish to become companions signal their intent by giving their blood at one of our anchors. The ones you call the Dragon Stones at Pemberley would do. Any dragon who feels an affinity to your blood will respond.”
“That is all? I shall do so immediately.”
The amused ripples returned. “Not too much blood, in your enthusiasm. Just a taste.”
She laughed. “Yes, I am rather too enthusiastic about this!”
He inclined his head, as if preparing to leave, and then he said, “You told me your reasons were selfish. May I ask what they are?”
She relaxed. This was simple. “Because I want to be a dragon companion. As a child I fell in love with the stories of dragons, and I can think of nothing more exciting or fulfilling than to spend my life with a dragon.”
