To Claim A Dragon

By Lisa Kumar

When Lord Eacion, leader of the dragon fae, visits Anni Brownston's village, he takes over her life for a day—and one glorious night. But when the next morning dawns, will Eacion's rash actions and her own fears about her lame leg kill any future between them and consign her to a fate they will both abhor? 

 

This is a novella of approx. 24,000 words. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lisa Kumar
• Release date: Sep 20, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393502630

Lisa Kumar

I'm a wife, mother, and romance writer who grew up in small-town Indiana. I studied psychology in college and have worked off and on in the mental health field over the years. I now reside in the suburbs of Chicago with my husband and our two sons. When not spinning tales of romance and fantasy, I can often be found with my nose buried in a book. I also love going for walks with my youngest son and taking Zumba classes. One of my stories, Bound to the Elvin King, won Ind'Tale's 2015 RONE award for best Sci-Fi/Fantasy.  You can find me on: Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/lisa_kumar Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lisankumar

Book preview

To Claim a Dragon

When Lord Eacion, leader of the dragon fae, visits Anni Brownston’s village, he takes over her life for a day—and one glorious night. But when the next morning dawns, will Eacion’s rash actions and her own fears about her lame leg kill any future between them and consign her to a fate they will both abhor?

Dedication

Aspecial thanks to my family, especially my mom, who happens to be the number one supporter of my stories. Also, a shout-out to Jessica. You started out as a fan but have become a dear online friend.

Chapter 1

I sn’t this wonderful ?

Anni Brownston frowned at her friend and squashed the urge to roll her eyes. Really, all this fuss seemed silly. So what if their liege lord and his entourage were visiting? After they left, life would continue on. It’s okay, I suppose.

Janaa giggled. I love how the village looks. It’s so festive!

Yeah, that was one way to view it, though to be fair, it was quite lovely. She’d never seen so much garland festooning the cobblestone streets. And everyone was bustling around as if they were losing their minds. She twisted sideways to avoid an older woman who was about to crash into her, doing her best to ignore the dull ache in her left leg. After she joined Janaa again—this time limping more than usual, if it was possible—the two strode together until a less busy place at the edge of the village square called to them.

At least the sun was shining, and the warm spring morning was a welcome respite from what had been a lingering winter’s cold. They paused near a crooked tree, which Anni leaned against gratefully. Dang, when she’d avoided that woman, she must’ve strained something because her knee was twinging more than usual. Patting the rough bark of the tree, she smiled to herself. She had an affinity to this beleaguered piece of wood. She was crooked herself. Well, her leg was. Funny how that feeling of solidarity worked. But, really, her leg wasn’t so different from the tree. They were both twisted and weathered looking. Very few people outside of her immediate family and Janaa accepted her for how she was. Men certainly didn’t, not that she cared. Most were shallow creatures who only thought with their equipment down below.

Janaa bounced on the balls of her feet, drawing her attention back to the moment. Aren’t you excited?

Anni sighed internally and flicked a pesky lock of brown hair from her eyes. Her friend wasn’t going to let this go. It’d been Janaa’s favorite subject for days, after all. So she might as well answer. Why would I be? Their arrival will have no long-lasting impact on our lives, least of all mine.

Her friend planted her hands on her ample hips. The dragon fae come every twenty years! This will be our first time seeing them.

And likely our last time, too, unless we’re fortunate enough to live to forty.

Her friend’s blond brows lowered into a scowl. Must you always be a killjoy?

Anni’s lips nearly twitched into a smile. She straightened from her slouch against the tree and knocked her shoulder into Janaa’s. It’s in my nature, you know.

I think you just like being grumpy and acting like you don’t care.

"Ahh, is it an act or reality?"

Janaa crossed her arms. With you, who knows.

She nodded, satisfied. And that’s the way I like it.

Her friend made a sound of exasperation. Come on, you curmudgeon. Let’s get ready for the dragon fae. At least we’ll have new males to gawk at for a few days.

Anni sniffed. Speak for yourself. I don’t gape at anyone, no matter how pretty.

Or handsome.

Anni nodded resolutely. Correct.

Still, I have plenty of gawking to do for both of us, so let’s get going. Anyway, you do want to look presentable.

Anni glanced down at her faded blue dress that had seen weekly wear for the last few years. What’s wrong with this?

I think you mean, ‘what’s not wrong with it?’ Janaa asked, a brow arched.

It’s not that bad.

If you’re planning to clean the house, it’s acceptable. To see handsome fae dragon lords...it’s horrendous. Either Mother or I will have something for you.

Sensing this was a battle she couldn’t easily win, Anni waved a languid hand. Fine. Work your magic on me. Turn me from pig sop into something decent so I don’t shame the whole town.

Janaa snorted. You’re laying it on a bit thick, but challenge accepted. Here’s to the perks of being the daughter of a seamstress and a tailor.

Should she be a bit worried? Probably so, but if it made Janaa happy, she’d give her some leeway. Some.

ANNI PULLED AT THE low-cut neckline of her borrowed blue gown, trying and failing miserably at yanking it up higher. Her chest was dangerously exposed with a hint of cleavage showing. Where was the nearest tree to hide behind when she needed one? Thank her stars, most everyone was already gathered in the town center. She sent a considering glance back at Janaa’s modest home from where they stood on the sidewalk. Though it would pain her leg, she could bolt for the door and hold onto the knob or frame for dear life if Janaa tried to pull her away. Or if she could get inside, she could lock herself in one of the—

Will you stop glowering as if you want to kill something?

She shot a dark look at Janaa, who was looking much too smug. Or someone. Why did I ever let you convince me that this gown was a good idea?

Janaa caught her hand and pulled her away from the comforting shadows of her house. You didn’t. You’ve been complaining about the gown ever since I brought it out.

It should’ve remained in the closet. It looked much better in there.

Oh, hush. You’re beautiful in it and are lucky we’re the same size from the waist up.

Anni dragged her feet, all but stopping. Her friend halted, too. Though she knew Janaa only meant to offer support, those words only entrenched the fear deeper. I don’t want beautiful. I want plain, ordinary.

Anything else just garnered her more stares, and she received enough of those as it was. With the newcomers in the form of the dragon fae, now she’d only get more. She shuddered. Even if her face was acceptable enough, her limp was not. Being a freak show wasn’t her idea of a grand time.

You’ll do fine.

Anni scowled. "Not helping. I don’t want to do anything, let alone fine. I’m not looking for a beau or a man friend."

Why not? Janaa sighed, frustration coating the sound. Even if you don’t marry, surely you’d like male company before you die?

Anni gritted her teeth at this sore point of contention between them. You might like men and even being intimate with them, but you know why I scorn them.

Your leg? A gentleman would look past that.

Yeah, for the chance to bed the Limping Ice Princess, but after? They’d be gone faster than Cook Berry’s fresh donuts.

Janaa planted her hands on her hips. You give men too little credit.

And you give them too much. You, of all people, should know their nature.

A few bad seeds don’t sour them all.

Anni crossed her arms and glared at her friend. Janna returned the favor. A few bad seeds? It seemed all the men her friend ran into were exactly that. Janaa wasn’t a whore by any means, but she’d fancied herself in love enough times that