Atlas rubs the heels of his palms against his bloodshot eyes. I know he's exhausted, this is the third time this week I've disturbed his sleep because of my nightmares, but he's not once complained. When I suggested he go back to his own room so he could get a decent night's rest, he wouldn't hear of it. Part of me thinks he insists on sleeping by my side because he won't be able to rest if he's not the one here to protect me. Either way, I'm grateful he's with me, especially now.
"Was it the same dream or was it different this time?" he asks, clearing his throat.
It's been the same horrific nightmare for the last two weeks. I refused to share the details with Atlas the first few times, but I finally broke and told him. He sat quietly, allowing me to cry and fumble with my words, but once I'd finished, he slid his hand against my cheek and told me everything was going to be all right. I believed him then. I'm not so sure now.
In Midori, if the same nightmare visits while you sleep, it's a bad omen. It might not show you the exact details of the future, but it serves as a warning. A warning I'm not sure I cancontinue to ignore. My friends and family are in danger and it's all because of me. I would never forgive myself if something happened to any of them on my account.
Sometimes I wonder if I should mount Seraxes and fly off on my own, shielding my loved ones from the danger I bring, but that would do me little good. I am still learning my magic and have only recently become comfortable as a dragon rider. Alone I couldn't defeat Drogon. Hell, I don't think I'd stand a chance on the battlefield against Bastian and Vesper. I'm new to the world of magic and monsters and I'm frightened when the time comes and I'm needed most, I won't be strong enough. I won't be fast enough. I won't be brave enough.
The crushing weight of the burdens I shoulder drape around me like a heavy cloak.
"Shaye?"
I break my silent stare off with the wall and meet Atlas' warm gaze. He's waiting for an answer. An answer I'm hesitant to give. Although he's not expressed any concern of my nightmare becoming reality, I've caught him in the library on more than one occasion sifting through books on visions, dreams, and nightmares. He's not admitted it, nor would I ever expect him to, but he's afraid. Maybe more so than I am. And he should be.
I swallow hard. "It's the same nightmare. Except this time, I could feel Bastian's hand around my neck. As if he was here in the room with us."
A flash of anger darts across Atlas' vision, but it's quickly replaced with concern. He reaches for my neck and slowly drags the pads of his fingers down my throat. His hands are warm, his touch soothing. My erratically beating heart begins to steady and I exhale a breath, purging the fear the nightmare inflicted.
"You're safe." He reassures me, although it'shissafety I'm worried about. "Come here." He motions for me to lay againsthis chest and I do. His fingers brush through my hair and within minutes, a peace washes over me. "Should I tell you a story?"
He's attempting to distract me. I don't fight him.
"Please." I nod, dragging my cheek against his bare chest.
"All right," he clears his throat. "Once upon a time there was a boy who momentarily borrowed a beautiful, headstrong girl. But instead of the girl enjoying the adventure, she burned and sank the boy's ship – "
I swat at his chest and he pins me against his body. "My intent was not to burn your boat, Atlas – "
"The stubborn princess swam in shark infested waters to escape the boy. To his credit, the boy didn't lose his shit, despite having to traipse through the harsh jungle to find her when she ran off."
"Atlas," I giggle but he presses on.
"Though the boy tried desperately not to, he couldn't help but fall in love with the girl." His voice softens and I glance up at him. He kisses my forehead.
"And this boy," I intertwine my fingers with his. "Did he ever regret falling in love with the girl?"
He shakes his head, stroking his hand down my face. "The boy quickly realized he would willingly burn the world to ash for the girl if she only asked."
I lean up and press my lips against his. This man. Oh, how I love and adore this man. He tugs me upward, gently ushering me to straddle his lap. I wrap my legs around him and slide my tongue in his mouth. Open mouth kisses find their way down my neck to my shoulder –
I hiss and Atlas retreats. "I'm sorry, I forgot," he apologizes.
"It's all right," I reassure him. "I forgot about them, too."
One of Thrane's first acts as king was to see I received my rider tattoos. Atlas examines the ink on both of my shoulders. They're healing nicely, but damn, they're still sensitive to touch.The shoulder ones didn't hurt nearly as much as the one down my spine. That one wasn't required, but it's one I insisted on having. The shoulders are to establish my name as a Basilius – as a dragon rider. The spine one incorporates the Basilius star, the Sol sun, and the Tronovian moon. It's my story.
"Are you ok?"
I nod. "I'm fine. I promise." I scoot closer to him, though we're already as close as two people can be with clothes still on. "Where were we?"
He smiles, permitting his hands to roam across my thighs until he finds purchase on my ass. "I thought the nose ring you got in Bava was sexy, but these" – his eyes dart from one shoulder to the next – "these do something for me."
My heart pounds against my ribcage, my lower belly swirls in excitement. "And here I thought the spine tattoo would be your favorite."
Atlas' calloused hands slide up the silk waistline of my nightdress and over the swell of my breasts. Yearning for him would be an understatement. My nipples harden when his thumbs drag across the fabric. "You should take off your slip and let me see your tattoo again," he whispers.
"You saw it last night," I swallow hard, my attempts at teasing him falling short.
