lli

s hand onto a small panel in the wall igniting more of those green-fire torches, illuminating the corridor before us. As we make our way through the doorway, the hallway o

many books?" I ask

as if the answer is obviou

've never had enough

lding out a hand. "You

d lords need letters written on a page. I am just a maid. What

something in his eyes that I can't quite

t him expectantly. He is, a

en I was very small. My favorite th

from a storyteller?" I inquire, confused. "But they don't need books to tell sto

vigorously as if that alone could convi

an anything compare to a story acted out in front of you

ainment," he explains, his eyes alight with joy. "I have books on my shelf that I've had since I was a small child." He si

ing to his logic, "but I do know that when they speak, I am complete

isappointed by the way he looked down as we walked through this room with too many books. I t

floor disappears, dropping off a cliff. Gasping, I

out, worried. "The

of me, standing in the mid

are y

and down. "You will be safe. Jus

y. "I am not. I will no

?" his eyes are wid

my head again. "I d

ens, amused at my fear. "Come on, I promise it's safe. If anythin

his hand. "I'll help y

rs touch, he gets a firm hold and yanks me off o

sore nose. "Why

he poin

anding

is th

l the element of Earth, which is why so much of this place is grown directly from the hillside, rather than pieced together like most homes. This corridor leading to his private chambers is made entirely of polished quartz cryst

ing as much of the natural hillside as possible, only bringing in outside materials when necessary. Apparentl

ince and his family. Only the prince, his personal guest

bra

cannot read. Can you at least spell your name?" Then he s

ay proudly. "I know how t

ment and then nods, no

ping before a stone door decorated with gold filigree that, Leon explained, had been grow

the center of the door before removing it. I placed my hand where he had place

t th

ed. "It will only open to your touch. Anyone else

im?" I

For now at least. I wouldn't push your luck with him, however. He is, after all, a dragon. He created all of this with his magic and skill from his imagination," Leon waves his hands

in?" I a

towards the room in front

y floor to the peaked roof. It was round, like a traditional tower, but spacious, having a fire pit of its own in the center, a large bed to the right, and a bathing pool full of warm, soapy water to the right. Near the

om behind me. I tu

unished for

quizzically.

the room of a fine lord or lady. Maybe even a princess. This cannot be for me."

d grabs my upper

ing down at me again with that expression I

his is your room," he sighs. "You'll find, given time,

as he heads to

ll after him

to me, for showing me this place and helping me know what to do and where to go. I..." swallowing back tears I co

ns. "It's just

verstep. "Do you think, m

gave me this morning. "I will do my best

, ple

have that settled, I have one final

t him exp

and the food. "But you are expected to dine this evening with Prin

the room, I ask, "D

"You do," he confirms. "But I wouldn't t

see yo

tly. "But not today. I hav

han any I had ever been allowed to clean, thinking of

my fingertips b