Treasure Of Dragons, Royal Dragons Book 1 Chapter 24

Ria:

After the girl baby revelation, I am let out of this bed. Drago carries me upstairs because, of course, I can't walk.

As soon as I get to my room I head to the closet, I don't care to sport this stupid hospital gown thing any longer.

I am incredibly frustrated. Most of even my pajamas don't fit over my ballooning stomach. I end up just wearing stretchy underwear that doesn't feel like it's strangling me, but is from Granny Panty Anonymous. Oh well, I'm not trying to impress anyone with my underwear, if it fits and is at least halfway comfortable, it's good with me.

The guys trickle into the closet room, there's no other way to say it, from their rooms. The closet is central and everyone's rooms branch off of it. They each have their own section of closet space.

So, when they come in, I head out, as quickly as possible.

I thought about taking a shower or a bath, but in my current state of mind, I would probably fall and make an idiot of myself, so I'll wait until tomorrow. Hopefully by then I won't feel so foggy-headed.

I unbraided the front of my hair and brushed it out. Then head back into my bedroom.

I have blankets already on the couch as that is still where I sleep. As I get comfy, well as comfy as I can, I grab the remote and turn on the fireplace. I have discovered that I get a lot of comfort from this fireplace, and I can use all the comfort I can get.

It's actually a long time before I finally fall into a fitful sleep, and I am, once again, plagued by nightmares.

I am awoken by a tapping on the glass of the French doors leading to my balcony. I smile because I already know what it is.

Since Cole's house tour and discovering the garden, I have spent a lot of time there. I have lots of little animals that have discovered I'm safe and I bring treats, and I very much love their visits.

Now that it's truly winter it's too cold to spend time in the garden, and a lot of small animals are hibernating. There is a sunroom that has a wall of windows. I go there a lot, but it's cold, so the guys put in heaters. So I have a couple of chaise lounges, a bunch of blankets, and the heaters, so I can still enjoy outside.

One night when I was standing on my balcony just looking at the moon another animal found me, and this one was not quite as little.

It had actually surprised me with flapping wings as it settled on the railing. It was a beautiful owl. I had looked it up in the library, and it was called a Ural Owl. It was beautiful, grey with black markings and a round face.

It hooted and clacked its beak as if talking to me. I was so excited. I was nervous but I put out my hand praying it wouldn't bite my fingers off, on the contrary it moved closer and under my hand, so I had to pet it.

That was just the beginning. The next night there were 2 of them. They are a pair and come to see me most evenings. Now, on a few occasions when I didn't make it outside for our little rendezvous, they woke me up by tapping on the glass.

So, as I heard that sound I was sure that's what it was. I hopped up from the couch to open the door. However, they must have been quite put out as they didn't wait for me to walk out, but rather let themselves into the bedroom.

"Well, good morning to you as well." I told them that the one I was pretty sure was the male flew up to my shoulder.

They were both just talking away, and I wondered if part of it was scolding me for my absence.

"Yes, I'm very sorry I wasn't here, there were quite a lot of things happening. Now, if you will join me outside, I have to take a moment in the bathroom, but I will be out shortly. They barked a sound at me and flew out the door.

I hurried to use the bathroom and put on warm clothes. A coat, hat, and gloves. I had a heater for the balcony, but still needed to bundle up, as it was seriously freezing. Then I carried a blanket outside.

They were on the ground nestled up together. When I sat down at the small table I had placed out here, next to the heater, and turned it on, they moved next to me on the table. Then I sat and talked to them while giving lots of pets and cuddles.

I was startled when the male started making loud sounds and vigorously beating his wings, when just a moment ago he was quietly watching as I gave affection to his wife.

I looked up and saw Cole standing at the door to the balcony. I must have been out here longer than I realized.

I hurriedly got up, turned off the heater, told my friends goodbye, gathered up my blanket, and went inside.

I folded the blanket and placed it back on the couch. Then proceeded to remove all my cold-weather gear. Then I was in a pair of sweats and a sweater and turned to Cole expectantly.

"I came to get you for breakfast."

I nodded, I guess I really had been outside longer than I thought if it was time for breakfast. I started walking downstairs with him, and I could see him constantly glancing at me.

Finally, I'd had enough, sighing "What? Why do you keep looking at me like that?"

He snuck another glance as he asked, "You seemed very at home with the owls, have they flown up to the balcony before?"

"Yes, they come almost every day. In fact, if I am neglectful and don't go out to see them they'll come and fetch me. That was actually what they did this morning. They tap on the glass until I open the door and let them in. Then I have to promise to come outside for them to go back out there."

He looked extremely surprised and almost tripped, but caught himself. I wasn't sure what the hell the deal was and didn't ask.

We got to the dining room and I sat down. Mary had already set my tea, a cup of coffee, and my new breakfast staple, a fruit and protein smoothie. It was actually easier to drink stuff than to try to keep solid foods down.

"Everything okay?" I heard Drago ask and looked up, but he wasn't looking at me. I turned and realized he was looking at Cole, who was still looking at me funny.

"Yes, it's fine. She was just distracted by spending time with her friends, the owls."

Every head at the table turned and stared at me, "Okay, what the fuck, you guys are weirding me out. Who cares that the owls like me, they are nice."

Ash cleared his throat, "I'm sorry we're making you uncomfortable, it's just that as dragons we are the apex predators. That means usually animals shy away from us and are extremely uncomfortable around us. Another predator, would be more likely to attack another predator, than befriend them."

"Ah, okay, but I'm not like that. They know I'm safe. Animals have always loved me and flocked to me." I shrugged.

"Ah, on another subject, we need to sort out maternity clothes for you. I know you are having trouble finding items that fit you. How about you sit with us in the living room after breakfast and we can pull up some websites, and get some stuff ordered?" Drago was looking at me hopefully.

I shrugged, "Okay, but you know I'm still unsure why you won't let me just do it myself. It's not like I want to spend all your money or anything."

He looked at me and tilted his head, "You know it has absolutely nothing to do with that, we just thought it perhaps best, if we take care of that for you for a while. You have the tablet for books and movies, and of course, there's the library."

He was trying to change the subject and I felt a lump forming in my throat. I looked at him, "No, you just didn't want me to have the opportunity to possibly try to contact my family."

I paused trying to keep my voice steady. "You don't have to worry about that anymore, I don't have a family anymore, they're gone."

With that, I had to get up and leave, so I grabbed my smoothie and my tea and retreated to the living room.