dragon archives 02 - pursued by a dragon by linda k hopkins Page B

was already heading towards her, covering the distance in quick strides and swinging his legs over the low wall that separated them.
    “How are you this morning?” he asked softly.
    Cathryn looked down, the heat rising in her cheeks, mortified that she had been the cause of so much commotion, but placing a finger beneath her chin, he forced her head up and looked into her eyes.
    “Please don’t feel embarrassed,” he said softly. “I feel partly responsible for your unpleasant night.” He held up a hand when she started to protest. “I allowed my anger to get the better of me yesterday, adding to your distress after seeing the dragon.”
    “It was not your fault,” Cathryn tried to assure him. “It was the result of an overactive mind. And maybe the realization that dragons are real,” she added with a nervous laugh.
    Favian grimaced, before staring across the courtyard to where Owain and Aaron were still talking. He watched them for a moment before returning his attention to Cathryn.
    “My mother went to visit her patient, but she should return soon. She left instructions for your dinner to be kept aside. Should I send for it?”
    Cathryn allowed Favian to escort her to the dining room, and he sent for her food, sitting himself down at the table to keep her company while she ate.
    “Cathryn,” he said, “I find that I have a need to go into town, so I will accompany you when you return later today.”
    “Oh?” she said with an amused glance up at him. “Does this need have something to do with a dragon?” He gazed at her for a moment, his own expression serious, before responding.
    “I told you that you have nothing to fear from the dragon we saw, and that remains the truth, but I would feel better knowing that you are not traveling unattended.”
    “You could send a servant,” she suggested.
    “A servant would be as fearful as you,” he said, “should the dragon make an appearance.”
    “But you are not scared of the dragon?” she asked.
    “No.”
    “And could you battle with it if the need arose?”
    “Yes.”
    “Hmm. Very well,” she said, “I will accept your escort.” At this Favian grinned, knowing as well as she did that her acquiescence was merely for form’s sake. “Perhaps,” she continued, “we could make good use of the time and start negotiating the sale of your fleeces.”
    “Indeed, Mistress, but be warned that I drive a hard bargain.”
    “I look forward to the challenge,” she said, glancing up as Margaret entered the room.
    “Dear Cathryn, how are you feeling this morning?” she asked, taking a seat beside her. Cathryn nodded, replying that she felt much better, as Favian pushed himself from the table and stood up.
    “Ladies,” he said, giving a shallow bow before exiting the room.
    A few hours had passed by the time Cathryn was ready to take her leave of Drake Manor. She clasped Margaret’s hands as she stood outside the door.
    “Thank you for everything,” she said with a smile. “I have enjoyed my stay very much. I can only apologize for causing so much fuss.”
    “Nonsense,” replied Margaret, “there is nothing to apologize for. Your company has been very welcome, and I hope you will soon return for a longer stay.”
    “I would like that,” Cathryn said She glanced at Owain, who was watching her with an indulgent smile. “Master Drake, thank you for your kind hospitality.”
    “You have brought excitement to our dull existence,” he said with a grin as Margaret tutted and smacked his hand lightly. Placing his hands on Cathryn’s shoulders he pulled her against his chest. She stood tense for a moment, and then relaxed into his fatherly embrace, smiling at him when he pulled away.
    “We all look forward to your imminent return, Cathryn.” His gaze met Favian’s for a moment. “As Margaret has already said, your next stay must be longer.”
    Cathryn nodded. “Thank you,” she said.
    She turned to the carriage and stepped into its confines,