“I’m going to do what Kerra did and sneak off without one.” I laugh.
“I don’t think so,” Kerra says with a very sly grin on her face.
“What do you mean?”
“Did you really think the hero of the galaxy wouldn’t want to dance with you?” Scarlett laughs, getting up from her seat and digging down the back, pulling out something which looks suspiciously like a gown.
“And did you really think we’d all come overwithoutour Sarkarnii?” Rosalie laughs.
“Come on, let’s get this on you.” Scarlett shakes out a stunning dress, all pale blues and greens and flowing chiffon style fabrics. “Because there’s a Sarkarnii who wants to dance for you, and I doubt very much he’ll want to be kept waiting.”
“Like all of them.” Kerra laughs.
“I…” I can’t think of a single thing to say.
“Lost for words?” Lydia says. “Thathasto be a first, and it would seem only Driok can manage such a herculean feat.”
Scarlett stands me up and takes me through to the bathroom where she makes me strip and put on the gown.
“Oh!” She covers her mouth with her hand.
“What’s wrong?” I look down at myself, thinking somehow I’ve ripped her creation, turning one way then the other to check.
“Maggie…you look so beautiful,” Scarlett says, her voice choked. “Sorry, it’s the bloody hormones.” She wipes at her eyes.
“Thanks…I think.” I look up at her. “As long as it’s not tucked into my knickers or something.”
“I doubt Driok would be bothered.” Scarlett laughs through her tears, sniffing wildly. “Talking of big, growly Sarkarnii, we’d better go.”
“Can’t keep him waiting, eh?”
“No, I’m starving and there’s a feast after,” Scarlett trills as she wafts out of the bathroom in front of me.
“Typical,” I mutter to myself as I follow her.
There’s a chorus of oohs and aahs as I emerge. I check once again nothing is tucked where it shouldn’t be, but it seems they all like the dress.
Hopefully Driok will.
My friends lead me out of my quarters where we are joined by Darax and Dante. For some reason, I suddenly feel very nervous when faced with the two massive warlords.
“Driok dancing for a mate.” Darax shakes his head. “I never thought I’d see the day.”
“I bet you said that about Dante too,” I respond.
Darax looks over at Dante, who has his usual unhinged half grin on his face.
“No, I knew he’d bite a female before long,” Darax intones. “Whether she wanted it or not.” He folds his big arms and his tail lashes behind him.
“If you don’t mind, gents,” Scarlett says, “I need to get this one to the dance on time.”
She ushers me past the pair and through to the main atrium where the drums are already thumping and the party has, in fact, already started judging by the amount of ale wine sloshing around.
But then, Driok’s warriors deserve it. Taken by the Ulep and shoved into stasis, they have acquitted themselves with grace and bravery. An enemy which threatened the entire galaxy is vanquished, and they’re letting their hair down.
“Over there.” Scarlett nudges at me.
The crowd parts, and Driok stands over the other side of the atrium, flanked by Dexx and Dalox. The drums ease into a different beat, and around me, the thumping of feet and tails and other dragony parts increases in volume.
