The Dragon's Kiss

Chapter 11 - Control

The soft, warm blanket was ripped out of her grip, replaced with a crisp, sudden wave of chilly air. Ashley gasped, her eyes shooting open, as she scowled up at Haco.

"What the hell?"

"Good morning, Ash." He smiled at her. 

"Dude, give me the blanket back," she muttered, frowning at him. "Let me sleep."

"No one asked you to go out of the cottage in the middle of the night and waste time. You were supposed to sleep then. Now is the time to train, so that's what we'll do." He took her by the wrist and pulled her out of bed, making her let out a squeal.

"Ow," she groaned, yanking her hand out of his grip and holding her head. "Never do that again," she seethed. "My head hurts when I stand up too quickly."

Haco let out a chuckle, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "You're not even willing to wake up early, you can't even stand up quickly. How are we supposed to train you, amor?" he asked.

"I'm willing," she replied, rolling her eyes. "I need a bath first. Is the water warm?"

"Already heated up. Go. I also laid out your clothes for you."

"Thanks," she said in a raspy voice, before dragging herself out of the cottage. When she found the surroundings still blue and dark instead of bright and sunny, she frowned. "It's not even morning yet!" she called out, going back inside. 

"What? Why are you comi--"

"The Sun isn't even out yet, why are you torturing me like this?" she cried.

"Because we're to meet Rieker and Migara as soon as the first rays of sunlight hit the ground. You'll need some time to wash up, to eat something, and get dressed, right?"

"Wrong," Ashley replied, scowling at him. "I'd rather stay dirty and hungry, than waking up even earlier to do all that."

"Really, Ash," Haco said incredulously, an amused look on his face. "Stop behaving like a child. Go, clean yourself up."

"No," she stated, crossing her arms. "You can't make me do that."

"Actually," he walked over to her, "I can throw you over my shoulder, and then into the water. But I don't want to do that. Why don't you be a good girl now and follow my instructions?"

She stepped back, glaring at him. "You're threatening me," she said through a clenched jaw, nodding. "Alright. I won't forget this."

"Stop being so dramatic," Haco laughed. He took her shoulders and turned her around, pushing her out the door. "Go."

She let out another groan, before finally obliging. She walked around the cottage and made her way down the slope, before cautiously looking around and quickly undressing. She stepped into the water, a sigh escaping her lips when the heat travelled up her foot and through her body. The moment she went in deeper, the drowsiness and exhaustion got sucked away, drowning in the warm pool of relaxation. Ashley closed her eyes, dipping her head in as well, the heat numbing the slight ache in her head. She allowed herself to soak for almost fifteen minutes, and then swam to the bank, climbing out. Just as the previous day, her clothes were neatly laid out on the stone ledge, and a soft smile stretched across her face. Her deep blue jacket glimmered under the faint moonlight, and the vague glow of the early morning sun.

Ashley glanced up at the sky, letting out a small chuckle as she stared at the vibrant shades of purple and orange, dissolving into each other ever so perfectly. The moon was still slightly visible, but the birds were starting to sing, and the air was getting warmer. 

Who thought you'd ever get to be naked under the open sky? she thought to herself, before taking in a deep, refreshing breath.

She quickly threw on her new conves and her jacket, as well as the short, brown skirt, before walking back to her boots. She pulled them on, and gathered her clothes from the previous day, rolling them into balls and carrying them back to the cottage. 

"Take these," she ordered, tossing them towards Haco without a warning. He still caught them, but frowned at her.

"What should I do with them?"

"Wash them and return them to your friend," Ashley replied, shrugging. She pulled her wet hair on one side, and turned away from him. "And do the strings, please? I couldn't reach them." She had no idea what had got into her, but that morning, she felt oddly confident. The water seemed to have washed away far more than just dirt and sleep.

"Uh, sure," Haco said awkwardly, walking over to her. Now that he stepped behind her, and she felt his masculine presence, her heart fluttered again, making her gulp. He tied the strings for her, asking her if they were tight enough, and when she approved of it, he secured them safely. "All done," he muttered, stepping away from her.

"Thanks," she said quickly, turning to face him. "Now, food. Get me food."

- - - -

Ashley narrowed her eyes at her plate, scrutinizing her food from all angles. She then glanced at Haco.

"What is this supposed to be again?"

"It's cave salted cake, and almond jelly," he replied, already stuffing a huge bite into his mouth.

Ashley pursed her lips.

"If I get diarrhea, you're cleaning up."

"What's diarrhea?"

"Never mind." She picked up the piece of cake and took a deep breath, before taking a bite. Her eyes shot open as soon as it touched her tongue, and a weird sense of familiarity spread in her chest. She chewed, frowning. She did not like the taste, and she did not hate it either. But there was something odd about it. "What is this made of?" she found herself questioning.

"Some hawk eggs, cave salt, frozen milk, and--"

"Why do I feel like I've had this before?"

Haco frowned. "I don't know..." he trailed off. "Maybe, you've had something similar."

She frowned as well, but nodded, shrugging it off.

Once they were done with breakfast, Haco put their plates away, in a small cupboard built into one of the walls. It was the first time Ashley noticed its presence, realizing it was almost completely camouflaged with the wood. She walked over to it and traced her hands over the handles, trying to confirm if it was even there. 

"What are you doing?"

"Nothing." She shook her head, turning to him. "I think we should leave now. We're probably already late."

"No, we're not," Haco reassured. "But come on." 

They walked out of the cottage, and Valak was already waiting for them by the gravel path. Ashley glanced up at the sky. The Sun shone brightly, blessing everything around her with a faint golden hue.

"Are you sure we're not late?" she asked as they made their way over to Valak.

 "We'd be late if they reached on time. I know they won't, so don't worry." Haco snorted.

"That's fair," replied Ashley, letting out a small chuckle.

"After you." Haco gestured for her to climb onto Valak's back. 

She blinked at him. "He's too high."

"Oh right," Haco nodded. "I'll lift you up, if that's okay."

"Great," she muttered, feeling a slight blush creep up her cheeks. He moved behind her, and effortlessly picked her up by the waist, mounting her onto the huge animal. She quickly held onto Valak, afraid to fall off, as Haco settled down behind her.

He leaned in and his front pressed against her back, making her suck in a breath. He held onto Valak as well, his arms on either side of her waist, his hands right behind hers. "Hold on tight," he whispered, before tapping Valak's back. "Hazemont."

Valak pounced onto the gravel path with a jerk, jolting Ashley's body backwards, making it collide against Haco's rock-hard chest. She could barely maintain a firm grip Valak's fur, moving up and down with every step he took.

"I've got you," Haco reassured, wrapping one arm securely around her waist, holding her down. As if sensing that she was safe, Valak increased his pace, running through the branches and circling around trees, the wind whipping at their faces. Ashley's hair danced around her, tracing over Haco's face, the sweet scent of her soft locks distracting him from the route. He found himself leaning in, closer to her, as he rested his chin on her shoulder, his warm breath fanning against the side of her cheek. Ashley tensed up slightly, feeling her heart pace as quick as Valak's legs. Haco's light stubble tickled her skin, and she closed her eyes, pursing her lips.

The journey was silent other than the sounds of leaves rustling, and the heavy pounding of Valak's legs on the ground. Once a few moments had passed, Ashley relaxed against Haco's touch, her body seeming to get used to it a bit too quickly. His closeness felt eerily natural, as if she was meant to fit in his arms, her body designed to be held by him. Her thoughts made her lose the track of time, and before she knew it, they had stopped at the foot of a colossal mountain. 

"We're here. This is Hazemont," Haco announced, pulling away from her. He jumped off, and offered her a hand she completely ignored, climbing off without his help.

"That was quick," she remarked, looking around. "And you were right. They're not here yet."

A loud screech rang through the air, and she flinched, huddling closer to Haco. He chuckled, looking up towards the sky. 

"Remember the demons and they'll show up," he said, as a large, winged creature shadowed them.

Ashley frowned up at it, squinting her eyes. "That's an alata?" she asked, her mouth agape in awe. 

The animal descended onto the ground like a gust of wind, arising particle of dust into the air. Ashley coughed, waving her hand in front of her face to get rid of it. Once it had settled down, she let out a small gasp, a grin stretching across her lips. "Wow," she exclaimed, walking up to the winged animal. "A flying reindeer. It's beautiful," she whispered, her heart racing in excitement.

"I know, right?" Rieker grinned back at her, jumping off the alata. Migara followed, slapping dust off her conves once her feet touched the ground.

"Maybe santa is real," Ashley mumbled, stepping closer to the brown animal with glittering antlers, that towered way above her head.

"Ashley, meet Breda. My precious baby, and my first love," Rieker introduced, a proud smile on his face. "I found her when she was a tiny little thing. They're quite rare."

"Can I touch her?" Ashley asked.

"Of course," Rieker nodded, "just keep a distance from the antlers. They could hurt you."

Ashley nodded in understanding, before moving closer to the animal. She hesitated, but gently placed her hand on Breda's birdlike wing, the texture leathery, yet soft under her fingers. 

"So beautiful," she whispered, smiling. "How do you guys deal with so much beauty?" she muttered.

"Just like we deal with you, domina."

Ashley rolled her eyes, but her smile widened. "You're such a flirt."

"I don't know exactly what that means, but I'm hoping it's something like handsome, or charming."

"Absolutely." She chuckled.

"Okay, listen up guys. We don't have a lot of time on our hands, so I suggest we start training her," Haco announced, clapping his hands. All three of them turned to him. "We need to teach her everything she could need inside the Palace walls, anything that she could use to protect herself. That includes sword-fighting, hand-to-hand combat..." he trailed off.

"Archery," Migara piped in.

"Knife-throwing," Ashley suggested.

"Seduction."

All three of them gave Rieker an incredulous look.

"What?" He shrugged. "That's what she's gonna need the most. Not that it'll be hard for her..." He winked at Ashley, making her roll her eyes.

"Rieker, please. This is serious," Haco sighed.

"I am being serious," he replied, frowning. "Your plan was to send her inside the Draconian Palace, charm Drago Caligum, and find Divignus. How will she charm him, if she can't seduce him? You think he's gonna give away the whereabouts of something so important to a mere slave girl?"

Ashley gulped, glancing at Haco. He was already looking at her, his expressions showing his discomfort. 

"I hate to say this, but he does have a point," Migara muttered. "It won't be easy to make him talk. He'll have to go crazy for her, and given the variety of women he has had over the years, her looks won't be enough."

"Okay, wait," Ashley spoke up now, a scowl on her face. "First off, I am stunning. Stop insulting my looks. And se--"

"I wasn't insulting you," Migara said quickly, an apologetic look on her face. "It's just a fact. The Crown Prince gets the most gorgeous of women to sleep with him. They have skins as flawless as marble, ruby red lips, thick, shiny hair, and twinkling eyes. We are nothing compared to them. Their only weakness is that they're not too experienced, since he has a thing for virgins. So, you have to use that to win him over. You have to be exceptional with your words and your actions, if you're to catch his eye."

Ashley gulped, feeling her heart thump against her chest.

"Well." She cleared her throat. "Who says I'm already not? Why do you think I do not know how to seduce a man? Why would you even consider me a virgin?"

"It's obvious." 

She glanced at Haco, her eyes narrowing. "What do you mean?" she snapped.

His eyes widened slightly, and he raised his hands in surrender. "You're just too tense whenever I even pass by you." He shrugged. "I felt you're not used to physical contact with men."

Ashley scoffed, gaping at him. "You, kidnapped me. So naturally, I am 'tense' around you."

Haco narrowed his eyes. "You said you forgave me for that."

"There's a difference between forgiving and forgetting. There's also one between growing used to someone, and trusting them."

"Alright." He rolled his eyes. "Forget I said anything."

"But I can't. Yes, I'm a virgin. But I'm not completely inexperienced in the field, alright? I know how to attract a man." She crossed her arms.

"Really?" Rieker smirked, slowly walking over to her. "How do we know?"

"I'm telling you," Ashley replied, frowning.

"We can't just believe anything you say, can we? Why don't you show us?" he suggested, his eyes glinting with mischief. He leaned in closer to her, winking. "Seduce me."

"Why you?" Haco said instantly, walking over to them. "Even a bird could seduce you. If she is to demonstrate her skills, it should be on me."

"She is not seducing any of you," Migara stated, taking Ashley's hand and pulling her away from them. "I'll teach her myself, and I'll go over the details with her privately. We don't need you boys to be around."

Both their faces fell, and Ashley bit back an amused smile.

"For now, we're focusing on the fighting part of her training. Let's start with archery."

"Migara is right," Haco agreed, nodding. "We shouldn't waste time."

"That would not have been a waste, trust me. But alright, whatever you guys want," Rieker shrugged. Migara narrowed her eyes at him, shaking her head. 

- - - -

Ashley pulled the arrow back, her gaze focusing on the target in front of her. It was a plain rock placed on the top of a large stone. She narrowed her eyes, and was about to shoot, when Migara stopped her.

"Wait," she said, walking up to her from behind. "Move your foot a bit to the back" --she tapped it with her own--"like this. Now, make sure your back is straight, and keep your eyes on the target at all times."

Ashley nodded, fixing her posture.

"Great. Now shoot."

The arrow flew way over the rock, barely missing Valak's head and falling to the ground.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry!" she cried, her eyes wide.

Rieker let out a laugh, clapping. "Amazing shot. You're truly a natural," he mocked.

Haco shot him a glare. "That's okay, Ash. It takes time."

"I'm a loser," she muttered dejectedly.

"Hey," Migara chuckled, taking her by the shoulders. "Why are you disappointed? Don't feel bad. Did you really expect to learn it so quickly?"

"It's not quickly," Ashley replied. "You've been teaching me for the past hour. All I've done is almost taken Haco's eye out, graze a poor tree, almost paralyzed Rieker, and now almost hurt Valak. This isn't getting anywhere."

Rieker bit back his smile, before walking up to her. 

"Okay, let's do one thing. Let's try knife-throwing or sword fighting. Maybe you're better at those. Not everyone can be good at everything, right? We're not all like Haco," he suggested.

"Haco's good at all three?" 

"Not exceptional, but yes, I can manage," Haco replied. "Migara excels at archery, can fight with daggers and swords, but she cannot throw knives. Rieker, on the other hand, can throw knives and take out his targets while blindfolded, but cannot use a sword to save his life. I can do all three, but I'm best at sword fighting. We all have our talents and weaknesses."

"Okay..." Ashley slowly nodded. "So you're saying I can actually be a natural at one of the other's. Right?"

"Precisely," Migara grinned. "What do you wanna try next?"

"Hmm, I'm kinda tire--"

"No, that's not an option," Haco cut her off. "You have to commit to this, or you won't be able to learn a thing."

"Alright." She rolled her eyes. "I've already seen what a bad shot I am. So I'm gonna stick with the swords and daggers now."

"Okay." Haco nodded. "Let me get my--"

"Before you begin, how about we go for a ride?" Rieker asked, interrupting him. "I could show you what Maleficus looks like from the sky's perspective." He winked, biting his lip.

Ashley glanced at Haco. "That sounds..."

"Awful," Haco stated. "She's not going."

"What's your problem again?" Rieker asked, scowling at him. "You know full well that I'm more than capable of taking care of your little girlfriend."

"He's not my boyfriend," Ashley said, crossing her arms. "But he's right. I don't like heights."

Rieker frowned. "You sure you don't wanna go?"

"Yes."

He glanced at Haco suspiciously. "Is this guy pressurizing you?"

"No," Ashley replied, chuckling. "He can't do that."

"See? Told you," Haco said with a smug smile. "She doesn't wanna go."

"Fine." Rieker rolled his eyes. "But, we should get something to eat first. My stomach is grumbling."

"So is mine," Migara agreed.

"We just ate," Ashley said, glancing at Haco and then at Rieker. "I don't think I'm hungry yet."

"Yeah, me neither. You guys go, and then come back. I'll continue with her."

"Great," Migara shrugged. "Let's go, Rie."

"Alright, Rufus. Hop on."

They walked over to Breda and climbed on, before it swooshed away, soaring above Ashley and Haco's heads. Once they were out of view, Ashley turned to Haco.

"So? Where do we start?"

"Right here," he replied, drawing his sword. He waved it around in a circular pattern, the blade cutting through the air. 

"Uh, do I get my own?" she asked expectantly.

"Yes, but tomorrow. People here don't like sharing their swords, so I couldn't ask Migara or Rieker to lend you theirs. I'll get you a new one today."

"So what do we do now?"

"We can practice with mine," he replied, stepping closer to her.

"I thought you guys don't like sharing--"

"It's okay, I don't mind," he cut her off, offering her a small smile. "Here," he turned the hilt towards her, "take it."

She obliged, holding onto it with both hands. She recalled the last time she had picked his sword up. Just a couple of days ago, yet felt like it was months back.

Haco stepped closer to her, and took her wrist, before correctly positioning her fingers on the hilt. "Drop your other hand." She did as she was told, and was surprised that the sword felt much lighter than she remembered. "Better?"

"Yeah," she nodded, frowning. 

"Good." He hand lingered on hers, as he looked her in the eye. "Now there are multiple ways you could cut a person. Up, down, left, right, or diagonally. You could also stab, of course. But all that comes later. For starters, you need to have the correct form, or you're gonna hurt your wrist, or your back. You also need to be able to judge whether or not your opponent is close enough to attack. Sword fights are very personal, since you have to have the opponent within the range of your blade. What you have to remember is, never hesitate. Because your rival won't."

Ashley gulped, letting his words register in her mind. She was suddenly not very sure of that vague plan she had drafted, of becoming trained enough to run away, or defy them. In reality, her situation was way worse. She knew she could never actually best any of them, be it Haco, Rieker, Migara or any other caster. Let alone a fire-breathing dracone. All of them had their whole lives to train and fight. Whilst she was a complete newbie, who barely had the stamina to run a whole lap in school.

"Ashley," Haco snapped his fingers in front of her face, pulling her out of her thoughts. "Where are you lost? I'm talking to you. Focus is key, Ash. You get distracted, you're dead."

"Sorry," she muttered, frowning. "You think I'll actually be able to learn?"

"Of course you will, if you want to. If you're just trying half-heartedly, then you obviously can't."

She sighed, before taking a deep breath. Focus, Ash. You need to know how to defend yourself.

"Alright. I'm ready," she nodded, a look of determination on her face.

"Good," Haco replied, the ghost of a smile on his face. He circled around to stand behind her, close enough for her to feel his hot breath on her shoulder. Her heart gave an excited flutter as he stepped even closer, his front rubbing against her back. She tensed up, slightly turning her head to glance up at him. "The rest is easy, but needs a lot of practice," he whispered, his gaze flickering to her lips before returning to her eyes. He placed his hand on top of hers, holding the sword over her hand, his fingers fitting between the gaps in hers. "Look in front, your enemy won't be behind you most of the time." His tone was teasing, and a small smirk tugged up the corners of his lips, causing her eyes to widen slightly. She turned her face away from him, gulping. Her gaze focused on his hand holding hers, and warmth spread in her chest. 

"I know," she muttered, realizing how hard she was breathing.

Haco leaned in, the side of his face brushing against her head. "Now you always keep an eye on your opponent's moves," he said softly, before starting to sway the sword in a diagonal fashion. "More important than attacking, for you, would be defense." His free hand settled on her other shoulder, before he traced it down to her wrist, sending shivers through her body. She sucked in a breath as his fingers intertwined with hers. "This hand here is very useful. Don't just use the one you're holding the sword with. Usually, a warrior has a number of secret knives hidden in secret places of their body." He let go of her hand, and touched her waist. "You could have one in your belt, right here"--his hand moved down to her thigh--"or somewhere around here, or in your boots. Be quick, and wait for..."

Ashley closed her eyes, letting out a shaky breath. His words were falling upon her ears, but not registering in her mind. All she could focus on was his burning touch on her bare skin, and how her fingers felt brushing against his. He spun her around all of a sudden, both of them still holding onto the sword as she faced him, her eyes shooting open. She glanced up at him, blinking, as her gaze dropped to his lips.

"Do you understand what I just said?" His warm breath fanned over her skin, making her realize how close they were. Haco tilted the sword slightly, causing the blade to touch her neck. She tensed up, but did not make any moves to back away. "Ashley. What's going on in that head of yours?" 

Her eyes widened, and she met his gaze again, her heart racing wildly in her chest. He raised his eyebrows in a questioning manner, but she remained silent, her heavy breaths and quivering lips speaking for her. His gaze moved down to her mouth as well, as his parted slightly. She tried to ignore the heat pooling up in every inch of her body, and curled her toes, searching for any kind of relief. 

"H-Haco," she whispered, her voice trembling, tone uncertain. 

He hummed in response, lowering the sword, along with their connected hands. It caused her to move closer to him, completely closing the space between them, their bodies pressing against each other. 

Her eyes fluttered shut, and she took in a deep breath, as his free hand rose to cup her cheek.

"H-Haco, this is wrong," she mumbled, gulping.

"Is it?" he asked, before leaning in.

His lips had barely touched hers, when she quickly leaned back, her eyes shooting open. He frowned.

"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice huskier than usual.

"How can you... how can you kiss me?" she asked, her eyebrows furrowed together. "This is messed up on so many levels. You're... you can't do this, we--we can't do this." She shook her head at him.

Haco nodded in understanding, before letting out a sigh. His thumb caressed her cheek, as he leaned his forehead against hers. "I know," he muttered, closing his eyes. "You're right. I don't know what happens to me, Ash... Whenever I'm close to you, I--I seem to lose all sense of control."

She took a deep breath again, a futile attempt to calm her raging heart. "You can't lose control," she replied, "because I have none. So please, be careful. I don't want my life to get even more complicated than it already is. You--you expect me to seduce a Prince. How will I do that, if I'm thinking about having your lips against mine? If my mind is fogged with thoughts of you?"

"You're right," he replied, before letting go of her. He stepped back, turning away from her as he shut his eyes. "You're right, forgive me. I shouldn't... I'll be careful, I promise. You have nothing to worry about. Just... just forget this happened." He ran a hand through his hair, opening his eyes, before he walked away from her.

Ashley stood there, her heart and mind in conflict, as she watched him retreat into the trees, probably to allow himself, and her, some time to clear their heads. She dropped the sword to the ground, and turned away, burying her head in her hands.

How exactly am I supposed to forget this? she wondered, letting out an exasperated sigh.

- - - - - -