It was easier with the other humans. They came to me with their intention already negotiated—bargainer demons treat a good negotiation almost like foreplay, I swear. There was no need for careful circling of each other. I enjoyed my time with them and went on my way afterward.
This is different.
Briar isn’t a human looking for some fun for a night. In a few moments, she’ll be my wife. More, even in the short time we’ve spent alone, I can’t deny there’s something startlingly fragile about her. As if by moving too quickly, I might bruise her.
I stop short of the waterfall and hold out my hand. I’ve been too abrupt with her, but there’s no point in taking the words back. They’re true, after all.
To her credit, she doesn’t flee. I don’t know what I’d do if she did. Chase her, yes. But only because I can’t have a terrified human wandering my lands. There are predators far scarier than me in the woods surrounding the keep, let alone farther afield.
The rationalization feels like a lie. I am not a beast, but I desire this woman, and sometimes instincts go a little funny. Especially after a marriage ceremony. Even now, my people are mostly clearing out of the keep. Only those essential to the running of this territory will remain. Marriages of convenience aren’t customary with my people, and none of us are quite sure what will happen after this ceremony. Normally, a careful courtship evolves into a marriage if both parties are happy with the relationship. I’ve only entered into one courting relationship, and my parents put a stop to things with Anika before we were able to decide for ourselves if it was something we wanted to make permanent. For their part, Anika didn’t seem particular broken up to have the courtship cut off, though we’re still friends.
If I were anyone else, even a younger child, I could marry for love. But my happiness is not worth sacrificing the health of an entire territory for. The last leader of the bargainer demons kept the borders closed and her resources fiercely guarded. Azazel took over sometime after I was born, and by the time I reached maturity, my parents made it clear that I needed to seek out a human bride if at all possible.
No matter what I personally wanted.
This relationship, if it can be called that, isn’t mirroring a normal one. I have no idea if the mating frenzy will be a factor at all the same way it would be with another dragon. We’re all playing cautious, though. Just in case.
Even so…
“Don’t run from me.”
She pauses in the middle of reaching for my hand, her brows winging up. Reading human body language is not natural to me despite the time I’ve spent in their company. Dragons are simpler. I know instantly if another dragon is approaching in threat, though we don’t engage in the dominance plays some of the other types of demons do. We’re civilized.
When Briar speaks, there’s a strange thread in her voice that I can’t quantify. “What will you do if I run?”
The truth likely isn’t the answer she wants, but I don’t lie. Even when it would serve me. “I’ll chase you.” I do not allow myself to picture what that would be like. The only path forward between us is a careful dance as I win her over. Nowhere in that exchange does it include chasing her down and ripping her clothing off with my teeth. She’s already terrified out of her mind. I clamp down on every instinct I have to ensure I don’t make it worse.
“I see.” She places her hand in mine. “I won’t run unless I want you to chase me.”
There’s nothing I can say that will be even remotely appropriate, so I turn us toward the waterfall. “The waters here are our goddess’s tears.”
“Tears at a wedding. How apt,” she murmurs, almost too low to be heard over the water.
“Tears are transformative. They aren’t only for sad times.”
“I wouldn’t know.” This time, I’m certain she didn’t intend for me to hear that.
Something strange and almost protective stirs to life inside me. The humans I’ve interacted with to date seem happy with their bargainer contracts and live a life free from worry about anything but giving and receiving pleasure. Not all of them engage in sexual activities, of course. But on the rare invitations to Azazel’s castle, he very intentionally opens the doors to those who are happy and willing to play.
Briar is different. I didn’t notice it during the auction, but she carries herself as if she’s wounded, though I can scent no injury on her. If I thought he’d answer truly, I’d ask Azazel what the price of her contract was. I have a feeling it would be illuminating.