Humans. So stupid and stubborn. Bruce could argue all he wanted but it would happen. The pheromones between him and Nicky would eventually overcome any reluctance. Although, I did have some concern about this abusive husband of Nicky’s. While the olden days had been a terrible time for females, I’d been feeling somewhat optimistic by what I’d seen and heard thus far. Women with equal rights to men. Females allowed to be independent without a husband or family. Such great strides humanity had taken, but at the same time, some things never changed. Males still thought they could rule with violence.
Some males.
Bruce didn’t seem to be the type. He might be burly and surly, however, I’d noticed his gentleness around the females and with me. Even when he thought me a lizard, he never tried to do me any harm. But he did need to work on his self-worth. So what if he had scars? Scars were a sign of strength and victory because those who healed from strife had obviously prevailed.
Since Bruce proved resistant to the obvious, I’d have to work on the female who dared speak of leaving. Unacceptable. Her cooking skills couldn’t be lost. I was already gaining weight. If she kept feeding me well, I’d be molting again soon and hopefully getting my wings. The nerve of the humans questioning my dragon heritage just because I’d yet to have them unfurl!
Nicky emerged from the bathing chamber with a smiling Zaza. For a little human, she wasn’t horrible. Although, she did have a rather tight grip. I tolerated it because building affection with humans while young tended to build a loyalty unmatched later on.
Zaza came tottering for me, hands outstretched, and I braced myself for the choke hold.
Nicky did admonish. “Not too tight, Zaza. You’ll hurt Percy.”
Hurt? Bah. As if I were so fragile. Although I did worry slightly, given the small human crushed me tight. Nicky fetched some snacks which led to my freedom as the child reached for the treat. A cookie for Zaza, several for me which barely filled the rumble in my belly but would have to do until the mealtime, which Nicky began to prepare.
Zaza amused herself playing with blocks and I chose to use that moment to begin my plot to retain my cook. The opportunity was perfect, seeing as how Bruce sulked upstairs. I sidled close to Nicky who stood at the kitchen counter cutting up food.
“I was serious before about you not being allowed to leave.” Might as well get straight to my main point.
Nicky glanced down at me. “I’m afraid I don’t have a choice, but if Bruce is amenable, I will come and visit.”
“I need you here,” I insisted. “Who will ensure my appetite is satisfied?”
She crouched. “You don’t need me for that. Bruce will feed you.”
“Not as well as you,” I pointed out.
Her lips curved. “I’m sure you’ll survive.”
“I don’t understand why you’d want to go. You have shelter here.”
“I do, but only because of Bruce’s kindness. Me and Zaza staying here was only ever temporary. Even Bruce will eventually leave.”
“What do you mean he’ll leave?”
“He doesn’t own the chalet. When he’s done just renting it, he’ll likely return to his home in America.”
My mind quickly filtered her statement. “America. Isn’t that the new country across the ocean?”
“New?” She laughed. “Only if you think a few centuries is recent. But yes, that’s where he lives.”
“What if I don’t want to go?”
“I guess that will be up to you and Bruce. I’m sure if you want to stay with him, he’ll find a way to bring you to America.”
Bring me to another continent? One that could already have a dragon. Never mind the fact Bruce seemed to think I was the only one. Us dragons could be wily. What if one hid there, a bigger and older dragon who would take offense at me entering its territory?
“I shall inform him we are remaining here.” And that was final.
“Oh, Percy, it’s not that simple.” Nicky shook her head before standing to cut the vegetables she’d pulled from the fridge. Ugh. So many icky vegetables. Why couldn’t she just chop meat with a helping of more meat?
“I don’t see what’s complicated about staying.”
“You can’t order people to rearrange their lives for you.”
“Why not?”
“Because we have free will. Choice.”
