Divine Dragons Book 1: A Bride for the Water God

The palace was a labyrinth, a stunning maze inspired by the sea. Calder entrusted me to the care of servants who seemed to be some sort of water spirits. Their bodies were ghostly, wavering as if they were water given form, barely held together by the skin that encased them.

They led me to a grand bathing chamber, linked to the bedroom where I had awakened. The water spirits filled a colossal shell-shaped tub with hot water, oils, and soaps. They showed me something they referred to as a toilet, a sophisticated version of the chamber pots and outhouses I knew from home. They explained that royalty in other regions had all the latest conveniences, and the gods always wanted the newest innovations.

The idea of a dragon using a toilet amused me. As I sank into the bath, surrounded by swirling steam and frothy bubbles, I was thrilled by its spaciousness. Calder could have easily joined me in the bath—

I quickly pressed my knees together beneath the water.

Why was I picturing him in the bath with me? We’d both be naked, and we’d be in close proximity.

I was certain I hadn’t misread the lust in his eyes earlier, and his dragon mouth hovering too close to my core. The Water God would have tasted me there.

A surge of heat spiraled through my lower body, pulsating between my thighs. It was insane, erotic, and infuriating to be turned on by a dragon. Yet, there I was, fantasizing about how it would have felt if that forked, ridged blue tongue had penetrated me.

If his tongue was different, I wondered about his other parts. The parts that were lower…

Did dragons even have penises?

Oh shit, did I want to find out?

***

My bathwater remained warm. Perhaps it was Calder’s magic, or some trick of the water spirits. Regardless, I almost didn’t want to leave once I was thoroughly cleaned.

The water and whatever else was mixed in it had healing properties. Every scratch and bruise from my journey across the waves and fight with the rusalka had vanished, leaving my brown skin flawless once more.

Even the dark circles under my eyes and the gaunt look on my face had faded. I didn’t look as underfed as I had when the wedding dress was tightened around me. Although I was still too thin compared to the previous year.

The only asset my body had retained through the drought and starvation was my—well, my butt. Still plump and perfectly round.

As the water spirits dressed me for the Water God’s feast, I was reminded of my final hours in my village. My mind wandered back, recalling the elders attaching the veil to my hair and tying the dress so tight it was a wonder I could breathe.

And I remembered my little sister being restrained in the doorway, crying because she wasn’t allowed to approach me.

A tear prickled at the corner of my eye. I blinked it away quickly, suppressing all feelings and emotions related to my village. The Water God asked for my trust, and I genuinely wanted to give it. I needed to believe that my people were safe now that I was here.

The spirits styled my hair into a bun on top of my head and used fragrant oil to smooth back the short hairs at my hairline. They adorned my ears and arms with delicate seashell and pearl jewelry that stood out against my darker skin.

The dress was sky blue and felt like a soft caress against my skin. The halter neck was braided, and the deep neckline showcased the cleavage of my breasts. A matching braided rope cinched around my waist, with the frayed ends hanging between the twin slits running up my thighs to reveal my legs.

A perfect dress for an evening with a dragon on the beach.

My dragon husband.

That thought sent a forbidden, illicit thrill coursing through me. I remembered his nose on my slit as he inhaled my scent. He knew I was aroused then, even if I thought I was dreaming.

Would the Water God want to share pleasure with me?

Did I want to sleep with a dragon?

***

As I was led out of the bedroom and back outside, I was amazed to see how quickly and beautifully the beach outside the palace had been transformed.

Vibrant hues of purple, orange, and blue painted the horizon over the glistening sea. The golden sphere of the sun was sinking toward the water, like a ship slowly submerging into the depths. Blue and green glowing lanterns cast an ethereal, hazy light along the path to the shore.

The water spirits stayed behind, leaving me to proceed alone.

I nearly stumbled when I saw a rounded table made of carved driftwood on the beach. It was piled high with foods I’d never seen before. It was enough to make my stomach grumble in protest at being empty for so long.

And standing by the table was the magnificent, towering Water God, clad in a blue toga with gold trim. Wearing it over one shoulder allowed room for his wings.

Calder’s wings fluttered almost imperceptibly when I stepped onto the sand. The tip of his finned tail swished as the only other outward sign. Until the corner of his lip twitched, curling into a devilishly hungry smirk.

“You are a beautiful little rabbit, aren’t you?” he said, once again extending a hand to me.

My smaller hand slipped into his, and his large, muscular fingers wrapped around mine, completely engulfing my hand. The sheer size and power of him made something tremble and shatter within me.

I swallowed over a lump of nerves in my throat and met the Water God’s intense gaze.

“And you’re a handsome lizard,” I blurted out.

Calder’s eyes widened and his mouth curled as more of his infectious laughter filled the air. I’d say any ridiculous thing that came to mind just to hear him laugh all night.

“I’m glad you think I’m handsome,” Calder pulled out a driftwood chair for me and pushed it in when I sat. “Maybe this marriage can be more than a transaction.”

“More than a sacrifice,” I said, referring to myself.

“You’ve been more than that to me since the moment I sensed you in my waters, Marilla. Something about you draws me in, and I can’t put my finger on it.”

He sat across from me, and I was pleased that the table was short and round. We were close, and I yearned to be near him. There was a strange pulling sensation in my chest, as if a rope was tied to the Water God at the other end. My body leaned toward him as if we were magnets destined to be drawn to each other.

A warm sensation brushed over my ankle. My eyes widened as I realized the tip of Calder’s tail was stroking my leg under the table.

Maybe it was presumptuous, but his words made me wonder if he felt the same. There were parts of him that unconsciously reached for me.

His wings fluttered and stretched in my direction, as if they were longing to envelop me in a comforting hug.

“I feel the same way. Even though you initially frightened me when I woke up, I’ve actually enjoyed your company since then,” I confessed.

As I spoke, Calder was busy loading my plate with an assortment of meats, vegetables, and fruits I’d never laid eyes on before. He also filled a large glass with chilled water for me.

“I think most people would be scared of you, but you’re surprisingly easy to get along with.”

He let out a chuckle. “That’s because I have a great sense of humor. I’m the funniest among my brothers.”

“The other gods.” My voice rose slightly, betraying my curiosity. “Could you tell me more about them? We villagers don’t know much.”

“Absolutely.” Calder’s large, clawed hand wrapped around a goblet filled with a fragrant mix of tropical fruits and rum. He hummed, his gaze drifting out to the sea as he collected his thoughts.

“You could tell me anything. Or maybe start with yourself,” I suggested.

“Are you interested in knowing more about me, little rabbit?” His smile sent a jolt of desire straight to my core. I yearned to feel those lips against my skin, his monstrous tongue exploring me.

“Yes, I am,” I managed to reply.

“Then I’ll share whatever you want to know.” His smile was so warm, so captivating, so attractive that I could feel myself growing wet. I wasn’t sure I’d make it through dinner without sliding off my chair.

But I did.

I indulged in foods more delicious than anything I could have ever imagined. Herb-roasted meat, vegetables drenched in garlic and butter, fresh fruits that were ripe, juicy, and chilled.

I drank a jug of fresh water until I was sure I could hear a sloshing sound every time I moved. And I moved a lot.

Calder shared stories about his brothers, the other gods. Ronan, the ruler of mountains, nature, and animals. Amun Ra, the god of the sun and light.

Zephyros, the god of wind and music, who occasionally shared storms with Calder. And then there was the fifth brother, the one they rarely mentioned or spoke to; the God of Death.

Calder, the Water God, ruled not just the seas and all waters on Earth, but also the moon. Every full moon, he was bound to his enormous dragon form and roamed the seas.

When he wasn’t in his dragon form, he resided here in the palace.

Over dessert, as we sampled cakes, pies, tarts, and cookies, I shared stories of my life in the village. I spoke of helping my parents on the farm until the rain stopped and the crops withered away.

I told him about my loving mother, my brave father, and my fragile little sister. I put down my fork when I realized that while I was feasting with a god, they might still be hungry and going to bed with empty stomachs.

Calder, ever the observant dragon husband, noticed my change in mood. He lifted his head from his hand, where he’d been attentively listening to my stories, hanging on my every word.

His eyes narrowed as he watched the sadness creep onto my face. “Are you thinking about your family again?” he asked.

I nodded, idly pushing my fork around. I was too full to eat another bite, anyway.

“I feel guilty enjoying such wonderful food while they’re suffering,” I confessed.

“But they’re not suffering,” he blurted out.

My eyes shot up, and Calder quickly looked away. He stared out at the ocean as if he was mentally scolding himself.

“What do you mean?” I asked, my voice cautious and slow.

His wings stretched out, and he sighed. “You have to trust me, Marilla. Everything will be okay.”

And I realized I wanted to. I wanted to trust him and believe that their sacrifice, my sacrifice, hadn’t been for nothing.

I wanted to know that my family was thriving and happy back in our village. My heart swelled with joy as I felt deep down that it was true.

I didn’t know how I knew, but I was certain they were going to be okay. I looked at Calder, the fearsome yet jovial Water God.

Something about him and this magical island was changing me. I was sure of it. But I didn’t mind the change.

Maybe it was the goblet of rum I’d finally indulged in after all the water, but I felt elated and warm. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the magnificent dragon god, bathed in the glow of the rising moonlight.

And I knew, without a doubt, that I wanted to return to that moment when his mouth had been between my legs, his tongue just inches away from tasting me.