There was only one word for a man like him—magnificent.
But he was unappealing to her as well.
Besides, it was clear as day that the two males were Mates. Their auras practically throbbed in sync with each other. Their shadows would probably Mate too if they could.
Warm muscles and hard cock.
Rui wrinkled her nose at the reminder as she swiftly climbed up the hundred steps.
How unappealing.
She’d trade such “pleasures” for the cool depths of the Four Seas any time. Or any body of water, really. The sooner she finished her task, the sooner she could go home.
Thankfully, neither male tried to make conversation as they climbed up the palace steps. Perhaps because she willfully ignored any and every attempt.
The dark one was especially difficult to talk to.
She hated being teased. It reminded her that everyone she knew claimed she had no humor. When she didn’t respond “correctly” to teasing, this shortcoming became all too apparent.
Perhaps this explained why she had so few friends.
But, no, Rui determined staunchly. Shechosenot to have friends. She was happier alone.
At last, they reached the gigantic gates of the Celestial Palace, which slowly swung open of their own accord to admit them.
“So…” Ere said softly behind her.
“The Jade Emperor. What does he look like?”
“We will not see him,” she replied. “He does not make himself visible to lesser beings. Most likely we will take instructions from the Master, a member of the Jade Emperor’s staff.”
“Seriously?” Ere sniped. “He dragged me out of bed to meet his fucking butler?”
“No cursing,” she admonished.
Ere groaned.
“I can already tell this is going to be a bloody long trip.”
The gates they went through might have been grand, taller than any in the mortal realm. But the lavish palace that rose beyond them made the heavy gold doors seem like the entrance to a mouse’s keep.
It was a gateway to another world.
Rui was always awestruck every time she came to the Celestial Palace. A brief look at her companions, and she saw that they were similarly affected.
As a treasure dragon, nothing made her eyes light up with hunger and verve like boundless, extravaganttreasure.
The walls were lined with intricate engravings of all the animals of the earth, sky, sea and heavens, carved and accented with the most precious metals and jewels. Gold and jade sculptures adorned lofty, marble stands. Soaring onyx columns, wound with diamond swirls, rose to a crystal-domed ceiling so high above them, she felt as if it reached into another universe altogether.
Beyond the clear, crystal dome was a mesmerizing amalgamation of swiftly moving clouds that curled and rolled, a dizzying rotation of starry night skies and sunny or stormy days. Rainbows, lightning and shooting stars alternately arched, crackled and streaked through the cosmos. Like a giant spinning kaleidoscope of sparkling gemstones.
If only she could swim in those starry seas. If only she could capture the sun, the moon and those shooting stars. What unparalleled treasures they would be!
“Worry not, dragon,” a quiet voice pulled her from her reverie.
“You will discover a treasure even more precious and more worth having on this journey. Something for which you would readily give up all your worldly and heavenly possessions.”
Highly unlikely.