Tanis cleared her throat. “In the meantime, let’s get you some clothes.”
She let out a relieved breath. “A thousand thank yous.”
Laughing, Tanis took her hand and led her through the opulent manor.
“Scary, isn’t it?”
Gisela wasn’t sure what she meant. “Pardon?”
“It wasn’t that long ago that I was the stranger here. It’s very different from my father’s castle.”
“May I ask which kingdom?”
“Indara.”
Gisela stopped walking as she heard that. “The dragon kingdom?”
“You didn’t know? I thought everyone did.”
No. This was something that hadn’t made its way to her mother’s kingdom.
Tanis smiled warmly. “I was given the gift of choosing to be in a human body or my dragon form, and I can switch as I choose. Thankfully. It’s hard to navigate the hallways and rooms here as a dragon.”
“I can only imagine.”
“If I wasn’t wearing a crown, I could show you a lump or two on my head.”
Gisela laughed. She really liked her sister-in-law. Tanis was a breath of fresh air in the dismal world Gisela had known. “Why are you all so friendly?”
“Because you’re family, and it’s something the boys don’t have a lot of and it’s something they highly value.”
“I’m not used to that.”
“Neither was I. Dragons aren’t particularly…friendly as a rule.” She took Gisela’s hand and squeezed it. “Don’t be afraid. They only say what they mean, and they don’t play games with others.”
She hoped so much that was true.
Tanis took her to the queen’s chambers.
Her breath caught in her throat as she saw the enormous room with floor-to-ceiling gilded windows. There was a huge bed in the corner with a navy brocade spread that looked as regal as any queen’s.
“This is beautiful.”
Tanis inclined her head. “I felt the same way the first time I saw it, but wait… You’ll really love this.”
Taking her by the hand, she led her through a door on the left and into a dressing room every bit as large as the bedroom. Dresses of all shades and fabrics hung against the four walls. There was a dressing table in the center, along with a huge chest filled with drawers.
“Pick anything you like.”
Gisela had to close her gaping mouth as she stared at the luxury. “I have no idea what to pick. I’ve only worn the garb of an assassin.”
“I understand. It took me a long time to learn to wear a court dress myself. Even now, I sometimes find it tedious and uncomfortable.” Tanis led her to the far-right corner where there were garments made of leather. “You’ll be more comfortable in one of these. Take your time, and I’ll be waiting outside when you’re through.”
Gisela was overwhelmed by the generosity. Especially when she realized that Tanis was right. These were clothes more akin to what she normally wore.
And there was one made of burgundy leather that beckoned her most. The leather corset matched the pants and had anintricate burgundy and gold overcoat that fastened at the waist with brass buckles. The way it was cut was to be more like a dress, and yet it allowed her freedom of movement.
“I like this.”
