Ellasandra:
Stirring the soup, my orange cat tail wedding ring glittered in the yellow light of the kitchen. Yesterday I woke up as a potential sex slave and was married to the one and only Dragon Lord. His face had been haunting me dreams for at least a year, his handsome features enough to make any girl swoon. Hiding my blushing cheeks underneath my palms, life couldn't go any better. A sharp pain struck my side, the heat symptoms were just beginning. In about five weeks, a pregnancy was a guaranteed result. The marriage wasn't the hard thing to swallow but the idea of becoming a mother proved to be daunting in my mind. Did I even deserve that to begin with? His footfalls captured my attention, another thought flashed in my mind. Being married to him did protect me from being brought back into the slave market, my eyes falling on his hair. Every strand reminded me of flames, his eyes matching his hair. The bell rang, the innkeeper taking off my apron. Wondering what was going on, his kind face oozed desperation.
"Would you mind serving? I can manage the kitchen." He assured me with an appreciative smile, getting out the bowls. "Phoenix can help me out with dishing it. Go on. I have a special surprise for the newlyweds after the dinner service." A maid shoved me out, my bell sleeves falling over my scarred hands. Father Destructos wandered in, heading straight for the kitchen. The first group of warriors limped in, plopping down in the corner. Putting on my service smile, I skipped over to them. Keep your temper in check, I reminded myself under my breath.
"Hello, I am Ellie and I will be your server tonight. Can I interest you in some goat and vegetable stew made by me?" I sang out in a cheery tone, pressing my hand to my chest. Giving me their order, a hand slapped my ass. Low growls rumbled in my throat, my ears flattening. Calling out the order, Fireboy was busy pouring the beer. Gathering everything on a tray, I walked out to the table. Setting everything down, his hand slapped my ass again. Fighting my rising temper, it was getting harder. Another party came in, the masked faces waved politely in my direction. Dancing over to them, I leaned forward. Something felt off, my tray shaking in my palm.
"We want whatever is on the menu and your finest beers." The tall slender leader announced, his ivory robes swaying as he sat down. "I heard a second ago that you made it. I heard that reaper's food is delicious." My breath hitched at his words, fear widening my eyes. Was it that obvious? Clutching my skirt, the other party was calling for more beer. Tears welled up in my eyes, that voice was all too familiar. He was the one who kidnapped me, my feet stumbling back. Catching me by the wrists, he scoffed at the wedding band. Tossing me to the floor, he towered over me. The wooden mugs rolled across the floor, my tray rolling away from me. Crawling backwards, every breath growing shorter. Clutching my chest, my heart seemed seconds from pumping out of my chest.
"I was sent to get you and you got married. You know I can't legally claim you!" He screamed at the top of his lungs, my PTSD preventing me from blocking his kicks. "How is your heat going? All you had to do is let someone b-" A throat clearing stopped him from kicking me one last time, the other party stepped in to scoop him up. The leader's face came into focus, his scraggly red beard told me that he was a dwarf. Kicking him onto the streets, a ball of lightning bounced around his palm.
"If you don't want to get cooked to the point of a roasted pig, I suggest you all leave. Didn't you hear the little lady! She is a married woman." He roared thunderously, his silver armor glinting in the antler chandelier's light. The man scurried out, his hand hovered in my face. Accepting it cautiously, he yanked me to my feet. Wasn't he just harassing me?
"Are you okay, miss? I am apologizing for my party's lewd behavior." He begged with his palms pressed together, my hands cupping his. Scarlet colored his cheeks, his eyes looking everywhere but me. Dwarfs were always tough on the outside but incredibly soft on the inside. Seeing him stressed stopped my panic attack, my hero deserved some respect. My ears pinned back, my tail tucked between my legs. Letting him go seemed like a fine enough repayment.
"I am fine. As long as they don't do it again, I won't have an issue." I assured him gently, his hands dropping to his side. "Now tell me how the stew was?" Babbling on about how great it was, he only stopped when the dinner rush came in. Taking care of everyone was fun, the evening passed faster than I expected it to. Counting my tips, they were nearly double all of the bills. Walking up to the innkeeper, he shook his head when I offered him my tips. Why couldn't he take what I was offering him? Letting out a frustrated growl, a gentle pink rose to his cheeks.
"You earned those. Thanks to you, we had the best night in a long time." He chuckled happily, my eyes falling on a bar cart across the street. The for sale sign caught my eyes, dirt crunching underneath my feet with every step towards the person selling it. His milky eyes fell on me, his white beard grazed the ground. Clearing my throat, I could potentially negotiate a good price. Perhaps his blindness could work in my favor, I pondered slyly to myself. I am no stranger to a good deal.
"What is the price of your cart, good sir?" I inquired seriously, his knobby fingers tapping his liver spotted chin. Counting my tips, I had three thousand gold pieces. Calculating the math in my head, that was enough for this cart. His hand felt mine, his fingers stroking my rings.
"Good. I will only sell this beauty to a married woman." He claimed haughtily, my ears flattening. "Four thousand gold pieces." Narrowing my eyes in his direction, he was high balling me. Huffing once, my patience was wearing thin. Shaking off my annoyance, I donned my customer service voice. If that sweet voice couldn't win him over, I didn't know what could. Another trick came to mind, a half smirk dawning on my face.
"How about three thousand for a pregnant lady looking to make ends meet?" I returned politely, hoping he would fall for the trick. "We need an income so that we can travel with my family. I just found out after all." Furrowing his brows, his worn robes danced in the breeze. Feeling in my pocket, my hands wrapped around a bag of spare biscuits. Sniffing them one last time, an irked smirk curled on my lips. Food was as good as money for me, my stomach growling louder than before. I guess food wasn't happening today, a storm cloud seconds from brewing over my head. Calm down before you cause a hurricane, a soft whine leaving my lips.
"I have homemade biscuits as well." I pointed out simply, failing to hide my discontent with the situation. Feeling around for the bag, his grubby little fingers snatched the bag from me. Sniffing the bag, his eyes rolled back. Goodbye my dear little fluffy biscuits.
"Okay. I will accept your offer." He held out his hand, shaking it once. Dropping my tips into his hands, he counted them quickly. Bowing in my direction, he hobbled off. My eyebrow twitched at the state of the bar cart, my palm pressing against the worn wound. Fucking old man ripped me off, a bright light blinded me as my magic repaired the cart. Wood groaned into place, my eyes picturing the words Firecat's. The light died down, the worn cart looked brand new. Dark stain returned the elegance of the cart, the words Firecat's pleased me. Grinning ear to ear, I dragged it over to the front of the inn. Dancing in, an exhausted Fireboy flashed me a confused look.
"I got you a wedding gift." I announced proudly, dragging him outside. "See." His jaw dropped to the street, his hands rubbing the smooth wood. Tracing the word Firecat's, so many questions rested on the tip of his tongue. Pulling me in for a warm embrace, his tears soaked the top of my head. Holding me by my shoulders, he chose to hold me once more. Make up your mind, you silly Fireboy.
"You don't know how long I waited for this." He sobbed softly, refusing to let me go. Curling my tail around his waist, a small gasp escaped my lips as he played with my tail. Pinning me to the cart, he lifted my leg. My ears flattened, purrs escaped my lips involuntarily. Looking away, his lips locked with mine. Refusing to let me go, his tongue danced in my mouth. Arching towards him, my arms wrapped around his neck. Releasing me, a dazed look twitched on my lips. Was kissing his magic spell?
"That felt so amazing." I slurred in my little daze, his hand ruffling the top of my head. Kissing the top of my head, he pulled me into the cart. Landing on top of him, I rested on my elbows. Tracing his muscles, he played with my hair. Pulling out a ruby scarf, he tied it around my hair to make a headband. Touching the silky material, tears welled up in my eyes. No one had ever brought me anything since the village burned down, his thumbs wiping away my tears.
"I can't even compare my wedding gift to yours, Ellie." He mused playfully, tucking a loose piece of hair behind my ear. "Thanks to you, all I have to do is secure a liquor license and stock up the cart. You are the greatest wife a man can ask for." Clutching me close to my chest, the innkeeper poked his head in. Looking away quickly, a sly grin spread cheek to cheek on my eager face.
"Your room is ready." He announced before running away. A fit of laughter burst from our lips, his hand cupping my face. Snuggling into his hand, he rolled me underneath him. Thump! Thump! My heart was beating out of my chest, his body collapsing onto mine. Squeezing out from underneath him, I tossed him over my shoulder. The stairs groaned with each step towards our room, his muscular body taking its toll on my strength. Thankfully my incredible strength came with my powers. Laying him down on the bed, his boots refused to come off. Yanking harder, my body smashed into the wall. How tight did his fucking boots have to be? Repairing the wall real quick, the same thing happened with the other boot. Peeling off his coat, I hung it on the coat rack. Taking off my corset belt, the dress floated away from my body. Kicking off my boots, my eyes scanned the room for a place to lay my head. His big hand yanked me in front of him, his strong arms refusing to let me go. My ears pinched back, his arm tugging the blankets over us. As nice as this felt, this moment was a touch awkward for me. Shivering from my nerves, a kiss on the back of my neck slowed down my minor panic attack.
"I should have asked if I could have slept next to you. Sorry, Ellie." He apologized sincerely, pulling me closer to him. "I sleep better with a woman in my arms." Turning to face him, his goofy grin met my nervous smile. Petting the top of my head, he rolled onto his back. Lifting me up in the air, it was as if I weighed nothing. My brow cocked in response, the string dropped from my hair. Falling over my shoulders, he set me down next to him. The distance felt rotten, surprise rounding his eyes at me crawling over to him. Resting my head on his chest, another pang jolted my side. Wincing in pain, my ovaries had to be an ass right now. His hand glowed brightly, his palms pressing against my ovary. A wave of relief crashed over me, pride gleaming in his eyes. Childlike wonder brightened my eyes at him using his power to act like a heating pad.
"I can't help but notice your ovaries are preparing for your heat." He pointed out simply, his fangs hanging over his lips adorably. "Although, I am fully aware that we have to wait until your uterus is ready. I shall pick up some medication for you to get you through the process." Lifting up my chin with his free hand, concern darkened his eyes. Tracing the fresh bruises, he didn't need to know. For sure he didn't need to know, his protectiveness would be sure to leave a mark on my attacker.
"Nothing happened." I lied poorly, yawning. "Would you look at the time? Sleep!" Passing out, I squirmed out of his arms. Pray for my soul in the morning but I needed space to heal my bruises. The worst part was that he didn't see my most horrid wound, my fingers lifting up the hem of my dress. A large gash ached from infection, the weeks old cut giving me more trouble. Nothing healed the wound, the weapon having to be a demon dagger dripping in reaper's venom. Sinking to the floor, my vision blurred. A fever painted my cheeks, clammy sweat drenched my skin. Picking up a fluffy towel, I screamed into the fabric. The iciness of the floor cooled me down, my mind going back to the innkeeper's medical cabinet. Struggling to my feet, yellow ooze covered up my skin. The ooze smeared against the wall, the first failed step sending me rolling down the stairs. Groaning in pain, my teeth gritted in response. If you wanted to sell someone why would you damage the goods? Stupid bastards! Pulling myself up by the railing, I used the wall to get to the kitchen. Opening the medicine cabinet, the labels blurred. Cupping my mouth, the infection was nauseating me. Focus on the task at hand. I had to get rid of this infection, then stitch the damn wound shut. Shifting through the jars, the light flickered on with a clap. My ears flattened at Fireboy's energy, flames devouring his body. Please don't hurt me!
"What the hell do you think you are d-" He roared thunderously, his expression softening at my wound. "Let me take care of that. You don't need to hide your wounds. You would think that they wouldn't damage their goods if they were going to sell them." Sitting me down, he passed me the nearest trash can. Throwing up yellow bile, Fireboy smacked his face. Picking the correct herbs, he barely flinched as he ground them into a fine dust. Adding a bit of water, he smeared the paste onto my wound. Shifting through the cabinet, he selected a package of crackers.
"What happened to your biscuits earlier?" He asked tenderly, passing them to me. "You need to eat to survive. The ooze dried up, my infection fading to nothing. Pulling out a stitching needle, he tugged it through each side of my skin. Finishing up with a neat bow, tears flooded from my eyes. His endless sea of kindness was something foreign to me, a sharp jolt sending me into his arms. Shame dimmed my eyes, his fingers wiping my tears away. Exhaustion weighed heavily on my eyelids, sweet slumber stealing me away.
Snapping awake, the streets were bustling. A note lay on my pillow with a plate of eggs and bacon, my eyes falling on his messing handwriting. Sure, leave me behind to go run errands. This wasn't going to fly with me, my feet swinging over the edge of the bed. Tugging on my corset belt, my shaky fingers tucked in my scythe. Jumping into my boots, my stitches groaned. Poking the bacon, meat was something I never had before. In fact, the whole plate was weird to me. I could cook it but a slave was only allowed to eat what they could salvage. Choosing to ignore it, I stepped onto the window sill. Leaping out the window, my boots clicked into place upon my graceful landing. Cocking my head to the right, the cart and Midnight was nowhere to be seen. Spiritos tossed a heavy emerald wool cloak over me, his skeletal finger poking my face. Floating upside down in front of me, he held my breakfast from the room. Reaper's familiar had a way of popping up when it wasn't necessary, my body leaping two feet into the air. Hooray for my cat-like reflexes!
"A cloak for your breakfast?" He offered sincerely, my eyes scanning for a simple baked potato. Shooting him a thumbs up, nothing was catching my attention. Pinning my ears back, a carriage nearly knocked me to the ground. The innkeeper stumbled out, his palms pressed together. A muscular man stepped out, the cart groaning with footfall. His fine silk suit told me that he was of higher status, the poor innkeeper falling to his knees.
"I will have the money next month." He begged desperately, the sword raising to cut off his head. Blocking it with my scythe, the rich man scoffed. Dread bubbled in my gut, his ruby eyes narrowed in my direction. This was one of the Demon Army's generals, his blows matching mine. Whistling sharply, we had to get out of there. Sprinting into the streets, the lack of food was affecting my speed. Swaying slightly, I leapt into the air. Panic gripped my mind, my vision blurring. Missing my target, my body smashed onto the cobblestone streets. Struggling to get up, the impact paralyzed me. His dress boots shoved my face into the filthy street, his soldiers gathering around us. Slamming my elbow into his knees, the crack of his kneecap shattering shocked his soldiers. The wooden puppets collapsed into heaps of wood, tears welling up in my eyes. Still standing somehow, two needles with a milky liquid spun in his palm. Jamming them into my legs, it felt like my ovaries were on fire. Fighting the urge to scream, the tip of a blade poked the back of my head. My brother's energy swirled behind me, a lump forming in my throat. Pulling his sword back, my attacker knocked me out of the way. My brother's sleek onyx curved blade stuck out of his stomach, my protector's face clearing up. A tortured wail burst from my lips, my student Puppeto died right in front of me. His ocean blue eyes glittered with love, his feathery golden waves dancing in the early morning breeze. Rage mixed with sadness, a reaper's assistance stealing away his soul, maniacal laughter rumbled in his throat. Leaning forward, he tossed his decaying body to the side. Towering a couple of feet over me, his inky eyes glittered with malice. Running his hand through his black striped ivory waves, he adjusted his ornate scarlet suit. Charging at me, his blade narrowly struck me. Another jolt of pain shocked my body, my coordination suffering. Unable to dodge his next attack, his blade quivered in my stomach. Ripping it out, inky blood spilled into the cracks of the cobblestone street. Running like a river, a fair amount was building up in my mouth. Cough it all out, my blood painted his face. His solid black ears flattened, his sleek matching tail twitched with irritation. Spitting in his face, ferocious growls rumbled in his throat.
"I see the brat escaped her slave days. That is too bad. I was hoping my immortal sister would be stuck with some insufferable husband." He mused darkly, his eyes falling on the wedding band on my finger. "You found someone who gives you freedom." My wound refused to heal, his blade raised over his head again. Slapping my face to snap me out of my extreme agony, a swift kick sending him into a pile of poop. Struggling to my feet, my hands cupped my wound. Fireboy was going to kill me, guilt dimming my eyes. Raising my scythe in the defense position, it blocked his attack with ease. Did he forget that I learned how to fight from him?
"Ellie!" Fireboy called out, fear gripping his features. "I told you to stay in the room." Chuckling nervously, my shaking grip on my scythe stole some of my agility. Dropping to my knees, my bloody palm pressed against the streets. Ignoring my husband, I needed back up. Grinning manically, a fresh bit of Hell was coming his way.
"I call upon my familiar Tatty to help me win." I wheezed, coughing up more blood. "Rise like the dead." Black smoke curled from the ground, a large shadowy figure towered behind her. Cloudy eyes fell on Tiger, fear showing in his eyes for the first time. Hovering her hands in my wounds, her soft chant sealed my wound shut. Acting like my good familiar, a bright smile served as temporary praise.
"Master, you need to take it easy for a few minutes for the damaged organs to heal." She warned sweetly, her shadowy hand petting the top of my head. Shaking my head that wasn't going to work. Charging at my brother, shock rounded his eyes the moment I launched into the air. Flipping behind him, he spun on his heels to block my attack. The impact of our attack caused the buildings to rattle, his wind powers clashing with my flames. Fireboy popped up behind me, hundreds of dragons roaring behind him. My brother stepped back, knowing that he was outmatched. Clapping his hands, he disappeared in a puff of smoke. Gripping the worn leather handle, relief washed over him. Shrinking back to the size of a dagger, he slid it into the cover. Clutching me close to my chest, every cell in my body wanted to take him. Being in the third stage made being near him nearly impossible, a quick shove sending him a few inches back. Refusing to let me push him away, he let my emotions soak his shoulders.
"Don't you ever leave me alone again!" I spat dejectedly, gripping his jacket. "I can't stand to be alone! I need you next to me at all times! Please, don't leave me. I am scared that you will abandon me like everyone else. " Silent tears streamed down my cheeks, a loud rumble lightened the mood. Fishing around his worn brown leather satchel, he pulled out a wrapped steamed potato. Snatching it from his hand, I devoured it in seconds. Covering his goofy smile with his gloved hands, he pulled out two more.
"I forgot that they probably starved you. It was unfair for me to expect you to eat rich foods so soon. I went back to the inn and he said something about you looking for a baked potato. We can work up to a normal diet." He uttered simply, passing me another one. "Please eat. We have a long day of traveling ahead." Devouring my potatoes, he watched on with his relaxed grin. Snapping his fingers, the blood stain faded away from my dress. Surprise rounded his eyes the moment I leapt into his arms, my tongue licking my lips. A bit of fluffy potato rested on my tongue, the last bite just as magical as the first. Kissing him feverishly, his face flushed a deeper red than I had ever seen. Kissing me back hungrily, time stopped. For just a tender moment, it was just us. Releasing me from his spell, he had sat me on the front seat. Climbing up, he snapped the reins. Midnight trotted forward, his free arm draping over my shoulder. Allowing my scythe to shrink back down, I tucked it into my belt. Resting my head on his shoulder, I felt emotionally safe for the first time in a long time. Please let this feeling last.