Dragons were selfish when it came to our hoards. It was an indisputable fact of our nature.
Unlike us, Duke was a kobold. He had reptilian features, but was short and stout, smaller than even a human. And similar to humans, he didn’t understand the gravity of a dragon’s hoard. He grumbled about being ‘stuffed’ into Jade’s office, but his complaints were quickly silenced by an uncharacteristically menacing glare from Jade.
The meeting went smoother after that.
“Now, let’s discuss the challenges,” Jade said with a polite smile. “We’ve had issues in the past where the contestants and bachelors felt the challenges didn’t suit their needs, so let’s correct them moving forward.”
I rested my chin on my hand as I gazed out into the horizon. The clouds were moving again. As the sun descended towards the water, it cast romantic hues of pink and violet across the clouds. They resembled floating bits of cotton candy. Sweet and airy and light.
“So, what would you prefer?” Jade asked. “Challenges that cater to the omegas’ physical prowess? Ones that showcase their intelligence and problem-solving skills? Something else entirely? I’m all ears.”
Remembering to respond was a feat.
“Yes... No. Maybe,” I mumbled without looking at him.
“Yes, no, maybe what?” Jade prompted.
I’d already lost my train of thought. “Sorry, what was the question?”
Duke made a frustrated sound. “He’s too damn busy daydreamin’ over there to listen!”
As I watched the clouds shift, the kobold’s complaint melted into the background. I sat up straighter, watching the cotton-candy puffs elongate and grow. They almost formed a shape. One I’d seen somewhere before.
My eyes widened as the clouds stretched into four legs, a sharp snout, and pointed ears.
There he was again—my little canine friend.
Someone put their hand on my arm. I whirled. If it was Duke, I would’ve growled at him, but it was only my brother. The tension in my muscles stilled. I never snarled at family.
Jade smiled patiently. There was trust in his expression. He knew I wouldn’t have snapped at him.
“If you don’t want to do this right now, we can reschedule,” he suggested. “But it’s a discussion we need to have together.”
I sighed. “I know...”
“What’s on your mind? You’re unusually preoccupied.”
I glanced over my shoulder at the distant clouds. How could I explain the welling of emotion in my chest when I saw them? Every time I tried to string the right words together, they dissipated like mist. It was impossible.
“Sorry,” I said.
“It’s all right,” Jade replied gently. “If you’re not feeling creative right now, I’ll bounce ideas off you instead. You can approve or disapprove accordingly.”
“Okay.”
I itched to turn towards the window again, but Jade held my gaze. His green eyes were steady and assured. Whenever I saw the confident, smart way he carried himself, it filled me with pride. What a fine dragon I raised.
“We all want this to be a pleasant experience for you,” Jade said. “You’re our big brother. Wewantyou to find your mate. You deserve it.”
My throat tightened with emotion. Just when I thought I couldn’t be more proud. But it was hard for me to show it. I was my family’s anchor, a composed constant in their lives. If I let my feelings run wild, who would be their rock?
I couldn’t think of the right words, so I nodded instead.
That was enough for Jade. He picked up his meticulous stack of papers and said, “Well then. I’ve got a few ideas to share...”
* * *
The restof the meeting passed without fanfare, or much input from me. The clouds stole my attention. I couldn’t recall anything I’d said, so the Dragonfate Games would be a surprise.
