Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 46156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 231(@200wpm)___ 185(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 231(@200wpm)___ 185(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
Skye turned back to glance around the table. The other mates included her in the conversation but accepted however much she chose to contribute. For once, she enjoyed the chatter of others. She already cared about these women and considered them friends.
Her life had taken a one-hundred-and-eighty-degree turn. From a loner who everyone thought was strange to an integral part of a group of women. She was still quirky, but different in a good way.
Skye glanced over at the table of serious looking shifters. And she got to hang out with dragons. Her life rocked.
Chapter 16
Blunze kept Skye company as she wandered around inside Ardon’s lair. She enjoyed coming here with her mates. A change of scenery was great, of course, but exploring this closely guarded fortress was the best ever. Around every corner, nook, and cranny lay a prize she could discover. Skye suspected all dragons were very meticulous in setting up the security of their treasures. Ardon amazed her with the extensive safeguards he'd put into place.
Today, as she walked down one hallway she’d walked down a thousand times, Skye noticed a new door. Stopping, she studied it carefully. Surely, she hadn’t missed it.
“Curiosity killed the cat” popped into her mind. Skye hesitated before turning the doorknob. Walking inside, she couldn’t figure out where to look first. Along one side hung a rainbow of beautiful gowns of different lengths and degrees of frilliness. And over there against the far wall, tiaras and jewelry shimmered.
Skye didn’t consider herself to be a girly girl. She did, however, love beautiful things. Walking to the sky-blue gown, she brushed her fingers over the silky material. It took her exactly seventeen seconds for her to set Blunze down and whip her T-shirt and her leggings off.
Pulling the gown over her head, she felt it settle into place and struggled to zip up the back. No matter how she tried, Skye couldn’t get it closed. She abandoned the effort. Her reflection in the mirror revealed it didn’t matter. Swishing the full skirt back and forth, she admired the gorgeous style.
She tore herself away and focused on adding all the special accessories. Sparkling silver straps decorated exquisite heels. She sat on a stool and slid her foot into one. Perfect! What man actually knew his girlfriend’s sizes? Without worrying about that answer, Skye fastened the shoes on her feet.
Smiling as her heels clicked over the floor, she walked over to choose earrings. Her gaze landed on a tiara that had shimmery crystal stones as well as ones that matched her dress perfectly. Feeling silly, Skye placed it on her head. A glance in the mirror at her tousled hair under the jewels made her remove the headdress before smoothing her hair into place with the silver-backed brush. When she replaced the stunning tiara, Skye giggled with delight. She was a princess.
Taking Blunze with her to give her his tips, she sat on the stool at a makeup bench and smoothed on a light coating of makeup. Of course, she needed blue eyeshadow and pink lipstick. The supplies even included a small set of gem stickers. Skye added a small one to her cheek.
This is so much fun!
“You are beautiful, Skye. May I help you with your frock?” Ardon asked.
Oh! Daddy! I found this room and everything’s my size.
“It’s your new dress-up chamber. I’m glad you’re having fun. Would you like me to zip you up?” Ardon reminded her of his question.
“Please!” She whirled and had so much fun as the skirt flared around her legs. “Oh, check this out!” Skye repeated her twirl.
“Come here, my ballerina.” Ardon wrapped an arm around her to pin her in place against him. Quickly, he fastened the top of her dress.
She noticed he wore a dark suit and tie. You’re all dressed up.
“We are. Oldrik and I thought you might like to have tea together. Perhaps a bit of dancing?”
Is he all spiffy too?
“He is waiting for us. Shall we join him?” Ardon asked, holding out his elbow.
We shall. Skye dashed over to pick up Blunze. He had to see this. Returning to her mate’s side, she placed her hand in the crook of his arm and giggled.
Ardon patted her hand and escorted her out the door. Oldrik waited in the main room. He was as handsome as Ardon. Skye loved the huge smile that spread his lips when he spotted her.
“You are lovely, Blueberry.”
Look, Daddy! She released Ardon’s arm to turn a tight circle. She loved this dress so hard.
“Gorgeous!” He clapped his appreciation of her display. “Are you ready for a cucumber sandwich?”
Are those good?
“Surprisingly, yes. There might also be a few sweet treats as well. Let’s have tea and then we’ll swirl that dress around a bit,” Oldrik told her.
Will you dance with me, Daddy O?
“It would be my pleasure, Blueberry,” Oldrik said with a slight bow before offering her his arm. He guided her to the elaborately decorated table with vertical trays of goodies and a large pot of steaming tea. Oldrik pulled out the pink chair and helped Skye sit down before taking the blue chair while Ardon claimed the bronze one.