My turn to change the topic. “What can you tell me about my new male servant?”
“His name is Apollo Jameson, and I’m pretty sure he won’t agree to be your personal slave.”
“As if he has a choice,” I scoffed.
“The man is rich, as in can buy anything he wants without blinking. From my understanding, he’s a self-made billionaire, which means he’s not about to take orders from anyone.”
“There is no greater honor than to serve a dragon.”
She sighed. “Are all dragons this arrogant and stubborn?”
“We are born knowing our greatness and worth. I don’t see why I should pretend to be inferior.”
“I can see why your kind disappeared,” she muttered before adding, “We’re here.”
She paused her vehicle, a rusty thing that stank of fumes, in front of some closed metal gates. The window on her side opened, and she spoke into a box.
“Hi, it’s Iolana Mahelona. Mr. Jameson invited me to dinner.”
No reply but the gates began rolling open and the car rolled forward, bringing us into an estate much more befitting a dragon. Manicured greenery extending left and right, a long drive leading to a house that had me pressing my paws to the windshield and almost drooling.
Now there was a home fit for someone of my stature—and soon it would be mine. Despite Iolana’s naysaying, I knew taking this man on as my servant would benefit. This was the kind of luxury I should be residing in.
Iolana parked her vehicle behind one much sleeker and larger. She held out her hand to me, and I ran up her arm to her shoulder. Until I achieved some height, it seemed better to present myself in a lofty position than at the human’s feet.
She glanced overhead. “Looks like we’re in for a storm.” Dark clouds hovered overhead, and moisture in the air indicated pending rain.
As she strode for the massive doors—that would allow me entrance for many moltings before they required enlarging—they opened and Apollo Jameson stood framed.
“Evening,” he stated. “Glad you could make it.”
“As if Tigger left me a choice,” she groused.
The man’s smile widened. “Welcome to my home, sir dragon. I had my chef prepare a lot of food, so I hope you brought your appetite.”
“I’m always hungry.” It gnawed at my belly constantly, the instinct to grow a burning need.
“Come inside.” Apollo swept a hand, and Iolana sighed as she stepped into the house.
The difference between this home and Iolana’s shack couldn’t have been starker. Gleaming marble floors. High ceilings. Elegant furnishings. Wide-open spaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows that gave a view of the roiling ocean waves and tumultuous sky. The only thing the home lacked?
“Where are all your treasures?” I asked, not seeing anything of real value.
“What do you mean?” The man’s brow creased.
“I see no coffers of jewelry. No statues of gold. Where do you keep your riches? Are they hidden in a vault?”
“Most of my money is in the bank. As for jewelry, I have a few things in my bedroom, but I’m not one for that kind of adornment.”
“What is the point of having wealth if you don’t flaunt it?” The very idea of not having treasures in the open to awe and inspire jealousy baffled.
“Don’t be rude,” Iolana chided.
“It’s not rude to question my newest servant’s wealth, as I need to know what is being added to my hoard.”
“Er, servant?” Apollo questioned.
“Yes, I’ve decided to take you on as part of my retinue. You’re welcome.” I scampered down Iolana’s body and hit the floor, nose twitching. “Something smells delicious.”
