Before too long, the all-too-familiar sight of the Dragon Lord’s Keep enters view.

We land with hardly a jolt, Titania kneeling again to accommodate me.

“You know where everything is, see you in the morning.” Tarrah calls down, then takes off again to get Titania settled in for the night.

I greet several of her staff and attendants on the way to what is now, strangely, my bedroom.

I guess Tarrah felt pity or guilty or both but during my fourth stay, she let me out of the dungeon and let me stay in one of the guest rooms. I later convinced her to let me stay in one of the larger rooms, presumably for a family member, but I never heard about nor saw any of Tarrah’s family.

I unpack my travel sack and settle into bed, appreciating that it is both larger and softer than mine at home. I drift off to sleep thinking about what books I want to add to my bookcase here, which has been steadily growing over time.

One of Tarrah’s attendants rouses me from my sleep the next morning, several others help make me presentable for the day, yet another luxury not afforded to me in my own fucking home castle.

“Morning Tarrah.” I say to the dragon lord as I enter the main hall.

“Good morning Jayne, I pray you slept well.” Tarrah says, sitting back down as I settle in next to her.

“Yes, and you as well.” I reply, mouth starting to water as my eyes take in my breakfast.

All traces of formality have evaporated between us at this point and I dig into my meal. Delicious as always.

“Say Tarrah, I gotta ask you.” I say while sipping my after breakfast tea. “Why do you keep kidnapping me? I know it’s not for the money and don’t say it’s because you’re bored.”

“I- “ She starts, then clamps her mouth shut as her eyes narrow. “You’re feeling awfully comfortable, aren’t you? Asking me a question like that. You do remember whose keep you’re in right now, right?”

“What are you gonna do? Throw me in the dungeon again.” I say, throwing caution to the wind.

Her eyes narrow again and I wonder if she is planning on doing just that.

Then she settles back into her chair with a sigh.

“No, I suppose not.” Tarrah says.

A few moments pass before she finally decides to answer.

“Well, I- GODS, are you gonna make me say it?!” She says, slamming a fist against the table, making me jump.

“Well, it turns out that it’s pretty lonely being a Dragon Lord, and you’re one of the few people that doesn’t treat me like some sort of demon or…or a freak.” She says after collecting herself.

“What about the other dragon lords?” I ask, having never met one.

“Those guys, oh, they’re all assholes.” She says with a wry chuckle.

“And your servants?” I ask.

She fixes me with a level stare.

“You know as well as I do that the employer-employee relationship isn’t ever really a genuine one, not when money is involved.” She says with a growl.

“Ok, so you said I’m ‘one of the few’ just how many other people are you abducting on a regular basis?! I don’t recall ever seeing another prisoner or person who wasn’t in your employ.” I say, changing tack.

“Oh, well…I mean, you’re the only one I’ve ever really kidnapped, let alone more than once…” She says, averting her eyes.

“Wait…what?” I say, mind now reeling.

“Let’s just say that it’s difficult to meet people, in my profession.” She says, still not looking at me.

“Hold on, are you saying that you like me?” I say, wondering if I am, in fact, still dreaming.

“Argh, I told you not to make me say it…YES, I like you! I like spending time with you! And Titania likes you too, which is more than enough proof for me.” She says, finally able to look me in the eyes again. “So, I wouldn’t mind if you wanted to live here all the time.” She finishes, looking away again.

I’m so in shock that the only thing I can think to do is take another swig of my tea.

“Are you, are you asking me to marry you?” Are the next words out of my mouth.

“What if- what if I am?” She says, heat returning to her voice as she fixes me with a hard gaze.

“I mean, to be honest, I like you a lot too Tarrah. And Titania! So, I would say yes, well after getting to know you a little better.” I say, feeling my face flush.

Tarrah grins. “That’s what I wanted to hear.”

Oh yeah, did I mention this is the story of how I married a Dragon Lord?