Excerpt of Dragon Wife by Diana Green

The gathering grew quiet as sounds of boot heels on stone
echoed from the entryway. A man strode in alone, though to
call him a man seemed less than sufficient. There was such
raw power about him, such majesty in his bearing. No one
could mistake his identity. This was the black dragon,
shifted to man-like form, just as legend described. Orwenna
felt the hairs stand up on the back of her neck.

“I am Huroth, son of Huren,” he announced, his voice rich
and deep. He faced the king, down the long silent hall. “I
am chieftain of the dragons who dwell in the Drake’s Teeth
Mountains. We offer an alliance to the kingdom of Rhelaun.
How do you answer?”

“You are most welcome, honored guest.” The King bowed as he
spoke then beckoned the chieftain. “Please, come and talk
with me, so we can decide how this alliance should be
arranged.”

As Huroth advanced towards the throne, he made an
impressive picture. He was tall and broad shouldered,
wearing dark leather armor and a heavy fur-lined cloak. His
hair tumbled in a thick black mane, his eyes the pale blue
of glacier ice. They swept over the courtiers, coolly
assessing.

When those eyes came to rest on Orwenna, she felt time
slow. Everyone else, all her surroundings, faded to
nothing.

And who might you be?

She heard the words in her head, as surely as if he’d
spoken aloud. Without consciously choosing, she responded
in kind.

Orwenna.

His eyes widened in surprise, and he paused mid-step.
Apparently, he had not expected her to hear his musing nor
be able to answer.

There is an aura of magic about you. He sent the thought,
his gaze on her as sharp as a hawk’s.

That’s from my mother. She didn’t know how she spoke
directly into his mind. It made her a little dizzy, like
too much wine.

Who is your mother?

Sister to the king and the mage, Vardis.

I see.

He considered a moment, before nodding respectfully to her
and continuing down the hall. Those nearby gave Orwenna odd
looks, and she realized how strange her encounter with
Huroth must have seemed. To everyone else, they would have
appeared to be simply standing, watching one another
without speaking.

How long had it been…one minute…five? She couldn’t guess.
All she knew was that it changed her. Reality had shifted
and would never be quite the same again. Dragons lived,
breathed, and walked upon the land like lords of men. She
had spoken mind to mind with one, his fierce eyes locked on
hers. It was not an experience she would soon forget.