The Dragonfly in The Garden (ePub)

King Bendigeidfran turned to look at the young woman. Her face was flush from the exercise, but she was not out of breath.

The king spoke in his language in a calm tenor, "Do you know why I am here, Dominique of Earth?"

King Bendigeidfran expected Dominique to look at his son for translation, but when she answered in the same language with flawless grammar, he gained a new respect for the little woman before him.

Dominique paused before she answered King Bendigeidfran. She did not look to Prince Demetrjusz for direction or definition.

In a sweet clear voice, Dominique said, "Your Royal Highness, you are here to evaluate my character and determine if I am worthy of the title Princess Dominique, Crown Princess of Caledonia-Debian and fitting mother of a royal heir."

King Bendigeidfran leaned back and took a long breath. He was astonished by the candor he heard from this fascinating little woman. Dominique spoke better in his language than his own prime minister or the man's daughter. It gave King Bendigeidfran a great deal of satisfaction to know that this tiny little woman had obviously learned the royal language not just to say platitudes but to actually carry on conversations with her mate's father.

King Bendigeidfran spoke huskily in his native tongue, "It would appear my son has coached you well with what to say to his father."

Dominique's eyes flashed a sparkling shade of kelly green, her temper was high, and she answered the king, "King Bendigeidfran, Prince Demetrjusz does not coach me or give me the words that I use. I am an intelligent woman, and I will speak my mind with clarity in all things."

King Bendigeidfran drew in a shocked breath. No one other than his lost mate and his son had ever spoken to him with the fire that this little human had just used. Her head was high, and her eyes sparkled with the inner fire that she held. But the tiny creature maintained dignity and respect for his royal person. King Bendigeidfran was starting to warm to the tiny woman. He was very attracted to the little earthling. His eyes started to flicker with a tiny flame of passion.