To Kiss a Dragon: Lords of Forbidden Fantasy by Miranda Bridges

Author:Miranda Bridges [Bridges, Miranda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Building Bridges Publishing
Published: 2023-02-26T16:00:00+00:00

"Blue flower, red thorns. Blue flower, red thorns."

I mutter the phrase over and over again as if it'll manifest the valix. The light from Terim's torch illuminates the path ahead, and it doesn't have what I'm looking for. Every minute that passes without success weighs heavily on me.

I urge my horse from a canter and into a gallop, flicking the reins and squeezing my thighs like I was taught. Then I hang on for dear life, leaning over the creature's back to avoid falling. Rusty has proven useful, albeit stubborn, and more than willing to follow another rider. Terim's mare leads the way, bringing our party that much closer to Zahtan's salvation. I hope. It's a small glade filled with wildflowers, the place where the dragon lord brought me during my riding lesson.

When we arrive at our destination, Terim slows his mount to a trot, and I do the same, frantically scanning the area. Something blue catches my eye, and I shriek. The shrill sound has my horse tossing its head in protest, but I don't care.

“Keep quiet.” The warrior assesses the area around us before dismounting. “Wolves roam these woods.”

"Sorry.” I grimace. “Look over there. I think that's the flower, but I need to inspect it to be sure."

Without thought, I swing my leg over the horse's back and drop down. I fumble the landing, and Terim's right there, his reflexes quick enough to catch me. I grin up at him sheepishly and step away. My hair flares about my shoulders as I spin and race over to the area with numerous flowers.

"Damn it all," I grumble. "There's nothing here but shit."

Ignoring the hordesman’s raised brow and wide eyes, I stomp over to another cluster of foliage.

"Where in the holy fuck is it?" I push aside a fern and squint at the flowers underneath. "Show yourself, you little bastard."

"If I didn't know any better, I might think you're talking to me," Terim says.

I stand up straight and shove my hair out of my eyes. "If I don't find what I'm looking for, I might be. It's a blue flower with red thorns. I've heard it referred to as 'valix,' but it’s different for you."

"Stay close to me while I help you search." He tilts his head, gesturing to the swords strapped to his back. "Just in case a predator thinks to try its luck."

"Thank you," I say with a smile. "If we work together, we're sure to find it."

We continue looking for the blossom until the moon has traveled higher in the sky, and I think I might lose my mind. Frustration is not a strong enough word to describe the anger and despondency flowing through every part of me. I press my fists to my eyes to quell the tears that threaten to spill. I'm unsuccessful.

With damp cheeks and my vision blurry, I keep trudging deeper into the forest. "I know I saw a cluster of valix. It has to be here somewhere. I won't go back empty-handed. I won't fail Zahtan.

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