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Something felt off, my eyes scanning the sea of evergreen trees. Nothing had happened for a week, the sound of squeaks stealing me from my trance. Gazing up at the branch above me, Rosey and Sir Acorn were having a pleasant conversation. Lowering the top of my glove to examine the scales on my arm, a sense of pride swelled in me. Boran plopped down next to me, his palm rubbing the exposed scales. Shame dimmed my eyes, his crooked grin reassuring me.
“I had a boar’s head until I was sixteen.” He pointed out tenderly, nudging my shoulder. “I think you are beautiful no matter what happens to you. When was the last time you were feeling this decent? If I am being honest, your scales turn me on.” Taking my hand, his fingers traced our wedding bands. A tender blush colored my cheeks, a gentle tug on my glove hid my arm.
“It has been a while. The week off has been lovely. I am sorry that I ke-” I began, a black heart portal swirled in front of us. My face fell at the sight of it, Boran calling over Somata. Whispering something in his ear, they had come to an agreement. Hooking his elbow around mine, his lips brushed against the top of my head.
“Today is going to be a date, albeit a fucked up date. Yet a date no less.” He announced excitedly, Tommy hopping onto my shoulders. “I guess you can come too.” Tommy purred in my ear, his tail curling around my neck. Boran checked his belt for his club and sword, a sigh of relief escaping his lips at his fingers grazing his weapons. Stepping through, my heart sank at the endless emerald maze in front of us. My eyebrows twitched irritably, Boran not doing much better. Rubbing his forehead, every cell in my body wanted to tell me I told you so. Biting my tongue, we had a job to do. Dackworth groaned behind me, his bitter words not helping things.
“Of all the places to end up, you ended up in the Never Ending Maze of Despair.” He whined bitterly, I could almost see his one eye rolling. “Of course, you always end up in situations like this.” A snarl twitched on my lips, his attitude was the last thing I needed. Folding my arms across my chest, my ears pinned back. His attitude certainly seemed less than ideal.
“Your pessimism isn’t necessary, Dackworth.” I growled through gritted teeth, my fingers drumming on my arms. “You wouldn’t be able to see the world without me. Shut the fuck up.” Shaking off my anxiety, Boran watched with his crooked grin. Kissing the top of my head, his elbow rested on my shoulder. Cupping my face, his lips locked with mine. Scarlet painted my cheeks, chills shooting up my spine.
“Keep it pg, children.” Dackworth snapped hotly, low growls rumbling in my throat. Ripping him from my back, his eye was inches from mine. Narrowing my eyes in his direction, I was seconds from throwing him away. Choosing not to say anything, Tommy poked my face. Choosing to ignore my third wheels, dread bubbled in my gut. Marching forward, my fingers traced the walls. Images of every monster flashed in my mind, Boran ripping my hand off the wall.
“Let’s not do too much of that.” He suggested kindly, knowing what damage my visions could do to me. “So let’s play like we used to do when we were kids. Now which way?” Turning to the right, a dead end blocked our way. A white light swirled around us, the lot of us ending at the start. Grumbling under my breath, impatience wore on Boran’s face. Walking back in, our boots pounded down the opposite way. Hitting another dead end, a steady stream of curse words flooded from my lips the moment we ended up at the beginning. Ready to enter the maze once more, rapid wolves snarled behind us. Spinning my scythe over my head, one swing cut them down. Inky sludge painted Boran’s face, a furious snarl twitched on my lips. Impatience proved to be my downfall in these situations, more growls rumbled behind me.
“Well fuck!” I cursed audibly, cutting my palm. “Still think this is fun!” Smearing my blood on the walls, silver arrows flickered to life. Sprinting through twisted hallways, monsters nipped at his heels. A heavy oak door blocked our way, the jiggling of the crystal handle told me that it was locked. Patting the walls for a hidden compartment, nothing opened up. Boran sliced down the monsters with single swings of his blade. Dropping to my knees, my shaking hands picked up the gray cement flower pot. A silver key clattered to the ground, my eager fingers jamming it into the lock. Twisting the key, a soft click sounded like music to my ears. Whistling sharply, Tommy purred in my ears.
“Success!” He sang gleefully in my ear, my hand ruffling his fur. Pushing the door open, a blood soaked Boran rushed past me. Yanking me in, he slammed the door shut behind my face. Locking it behind him, the door rattled violently. Sinking to the plush grass, he wiped the blood off of his face. A cut bled profusely, my slender hand tearing off the hem of my silky emerald dress. Unbuttoning his stained shirt, scarlet colored my cheeks. Sliding down the shoulders, my nimble hands wrapped his wound. Smiling softly to myself, Boran kissed the top of my head. Tommy bounced off and rested on a red mushroom.
“Are you okay?” I queried softly, ignoring the rattling door. “I can’t heal that until we get home but I promise to take care of you.” Kissing his wound, his fingers intertwined with mine. A slow clap echoed behind us, my eyes scanning the black and white checkered floor. A crooked table twisted in every angle, mismatched chairs lined the table. A short man hung from a twisted tree, his bright pink top hat somehow defying gravity. His fluffy onyx hair floated around his pale face, his piercing green cat eyes falling on me. Flipping off the branch, he dusted off his onyx and bright pink striped suit. Leaning forward, his black lips curled into a sly grin. Offering his hand, confusion dawned on my face.
“I am Sir Cheshire, your local madman. I am so surprised you found my key.” He chirped cheerfully, taking his hand back. “I see, you don’t trust me. Fair is fair. Have tea with me and you are free to go, your majesty.” Narrowing my eyes in his direction, Boran left his shirt open. Clapping his hands, he sat on top of my head. Leaning down, his top hat was defying gravity once more. Eager eyes pierced my soul, Boran struggled to keep his cool next to me. Playing with my bells, Tommy hissed in his direction.
“Fine but only one cup.” I caved in, praying that he would let me go. “Let’s have some fucking tea.” Jumping to my feet, Boran popped up behind me. Wrapping his arms around my waist, my tail began to wag. Holding it still, now wasn’t the time. Floating upside down into the sky, he floated to the top of the table. Sliding into the nearest chair, Boran chose to remain standing. Dackworth examined the room, my eyes falling on a colorful treasure chest. Holding the chair, Boran failed to relax. Cupping his hand, a simple white porcelain teapot poured a stream of black tea into a cracked cup. Sniffing it, nausea wracked my body. Setting it down politely, the treasure chest floated in front of me. The hinges groaned in protest, Sir. Cheshire fading away.
“Tea was lovely but it appears I must be going.” He sang childishly, the door bursting open. The white door swung open, Boran placing me on his back. Sprinting into a marble colosseum, the black heart devoured the wall. Inky vines whipped in our direction, the treasure chest dropped to my feet. A jar of white powder rolled to my feet, Sir Cheshire popped up on my head. Gazing curiously into my eyes, a Cheshire Cat grin spread cheek to cheek.
“You have a dragon’s arm, correct? You might as well make it a show.” He teased playfully, floating into the sky. “I am looking forward to the entertainment.” Low growls rumbled in my throat, a frustrated scream bursting from my lips.
“What’s your fucking problem!” I chastised him, flipping him off. “Maybe instead of watching you could help.” Clapping his hands, clammy sweat drenched my skin. Clamping his hands around my throat, the color drained from his outfit. Ripping my head back, inky black eyes glared down at me. Hisses echoed in my ears, a single claw tracing my cheek. Boran charged at him, a single flick of the wrist sent him into the wall.
“I don’t help, I guide people through this maze so they don’t die.” He growled through gritted teeth, cutting my cheek open. “I haven’t had blood for months. You are so lucky I am not devouring you right now. Shut up and do your job.” Jamming my elbow into his chest, a swift kick to his jaw snapped it in half. Kicking him in the air, the impact of my heel into his chest shattered his ribs. Digging my heel into his chest, an irritated smirk twitched on my lips.
“I don’t play. If you want to survive you will do as I say. I am your queen after all!” I roared thunderously, his clawed hand attempting to pierce my golden leg. “I already lost that leg. Do your fucking part and you can have your realm back.” Color flooded his suit, Boran poked me. Swinging my scythe, the vines of the black heart dropped with a dull thud. Withering away, I let Sir Cheshire go. Struggling to his feet, his wide grin had returned. Silver water flooded in, blue roses blooming along every surface of the wall. Ruby poured from my nose, the immense pain haunted me. Ripping off my glove, Sir Cheshire gasped at my arm. Cupping my eye, a dragon eye rolled into place. Boran popped up behind me, spinning his blade in his palm.
“I will back you up. Are you coming, Sir Cheshire?” He asked politely, the demon taking off his top hat. Pulling out bright pink chains, he landed gracefully next to Boran. Whipping them in the direction of the dancing vines, Boran cut them down. Scanning the creature, a dot of white shined in the sea of a cool blue. Leaping into the air, a couple of flips dodged the damn vines. Landing clumsily on the top of its head, a vine smashed me into the wall. Marble splashed into the water, blood soaked the back of my head. Touching the back of my head, ruby painted my fingers. Struggling to my feet, a busted groan escaped my lips. I can’t wait until this is all over.
“Sir Cheshire, give me a path to his heart.” I ordered sharply, fighting my blurred vision. “Shit! That hurt.” Whipping his chains towards the vines, a game of tug of war ensued. Jumping into the air, fear rounded my eyes. A bead of sweat dripped off of my brow, a sharpened vine striking the wall inches from me. Well, that was new. Collecting myself, an idea came to mine. Bouncing off the wall, my bells jingled in the air the moment I landed on the other wall. Marble groaned in protest, the tips of the vines struggling to get out of the wall. Running into I couldn’t, a web of vines reminded me of a spider web, the boys fought off the remaining vines. Jumping onto the web, my boots pounded down the vine. Roses bloomed behind each step, the thorns excreting a silvery blue venom. Dodging the stray vines, the heat source was feet from me. Swinging the tip of my scythe into it, blue flames coursed down my arms, the roses turning into flaming balls. Shrill shrieks shattered the stale air, ruby poured from my ears.
“Devour the darkness!” I commanded boldly, my ear drums seconds from bursting. Green energy floated up, clogging my ears for safety. Flames devoured every inch of the monster's skin, every layer decaying to a muddy ash. Panic gripped my face, the vine I was standing on decayed, my hair flying up as I crashed towards the marble floor. Unfolding my wings, a gentle breeze caught me. Landing gracefully, Boran clutched me to his chest. Ash snowed around us, Sir Cheshire bowed down. His forehead was pressed against the floor, tears pooling underneath me. Crouching down to his level, I lifted him to his haunches.
“Hey, I am only annoyed with you. I don’t hate you.” I assured him warmly, pressing my rose quartz necklace to his chest. “Heal.” His bones fused back together, his cuts sealing shut. Cupping his shoulders, wet eyes met my friendly gaze. Pulling him in for a warm embrace, his emotions soaked my shoulders.
“It’s so lonely here and I can’t fucking leave.” He sobbed softly, gripping my dress. Sighing tiredly to myself, one solution remained. Lifting up his chin, his five foot two slender build seemed even smaller than he was.
“If I teach you how to make decent tea will a monthly gathering suffice?” I queried with my genuine smile, his face brightening. “You aren’t a bad person albeit a little high strung. I can handle that. Let’s teach you how to make tea.” Wandering back to the tea room, he opened the pantry. Throwing out the old rotten tea, he pointed to an orange and black tea. Tugging on my glove, he placed a filled kettle over a pile of logs. Snapping my fingers, a blue flame danced on the tips of my finger. Hovering it over the wood, flames licked the logs. Plopping down, a yawn poured from my lips. Sir Cheshire sat down next to me. Boran sinking down to his haunches, his strong arms dragging me onto his lap. Chuckling softly to myself, I still owed him a date. The sharp whistle of the boiling water broke our attention, all of us popping to our feet. Taking the pot off with my dragon hand, the heat didn’t bother me. Setting it down on a cork pad, my other hand dumped a teaspoon of the tea into a silver ball. Lowering it into the kettle, a pregnant pause hung between us. Five short minutes passed, a towel provided my hand refuge as I poured four cups of tea. Sir Cheshire took a long sip, childlike wonder brightened his eyes. Setting the cup down, his body smashed into mine. The dragon vision faded away, the room looking normal.
“Thank you so much. It tastes just like mother used to make it. She used to live here with me until that black heart stole her away.” He admitted sheepishly, embarrassment coloring his cheeks. “I stole your date away, so allow me to grant you my bathhouse.” Guiding me to a rose pink door, he pushed it open. My jaw dropped, the steaming water smelled of roses. Boran didn’t say a thing and dragged me in. Locking the door behind him, our clothes floated to the floor. Sinking into the water, the warmth relaxed the tension in my muscles. The dirt coating our skin floated to the surface and floated away. His loving gaze never left me, scarlet colored my cheeks. Tommy wandered in and slumbered in the corner.
“What are you looking at?” I queried nervously, Boran swimming over to me. “Why are you looking at me like that?” Chuckling softly to himself, he pulled me into a warm embrace. My real smile illuminated my face, his heart skipping a beat along with me.
“I was just admiring your beauty and thinking how lucky I am to have you as my wife.” He uttered simply, lifting up my chin with his finger. “I love you, Dagger.” Hearing the nickname for me sent chills up my spine, the sound of his voice saying it stopped time. It had been a long while since he called me that, my hand cupping his. Resting my head on his chest, his lips brushed against the top of my head.
“I am a mixed bag of body parts. Ugly is a better word to describe me.” I protested brokenly, my ears pinning back. Picking up my scaly arm, his lips brushed against the smooth scales. Playing with my fluffy ears, his other hand held my tail. Sliding his hand to my flat stomach, his lips grazed the nape of my neck.
“Every change makes you sexier in my eyes. I love you for how you care for everyone else. You gave birth to Mishal. You are the greatest mother in the universe.” He whispered sweetly in my ear, rubbing my stomach. “I can’t wait to have a huge family with you. I was thinking maybe seven. I would start it all over again right now.” My eyes bulged, his confession breaking me. Trembling in his arms, I sank under the water. Watching the bubbles float up, the twins' voices were calling for me. Popping up, I leapt out of the water. Rubbing myself dry, the idea of seven kids throwing me off. Tugging on my dress, Boran lumbered out of the water. Dressing with a depressed expression on his face, my hands cupped his face. Tommy landed on my head, his tail tickling my nose.
“Seven sounds perfect.” I chirped cheerfully, his face lighting up. “We have to go home.” Using the rare portal spell, we stepped into our camp. The twins smashed into me, panicked expressions on their faces.
“We’re pregnant!” They stuttered nervously, the news stunning me. Embracing them was all I could do. Everything was going to be okay.
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