“Sorry? I didn’t—”

“Please help me with my assignment,” she said, cutting him off.

He took a long stride back and bowed to her, sweeping one hand to the side. “Anything for you, my heart.”

He jogged to the lawn and changed.

At least now he can no longer talk, Yenni thought as she made her way down the steps to meet him. And she wouldn’t have to worry about any unwelcome advances. According to Professor Rosé, dragonkind felt no romantic feelings toward human beings while in their beast form. As she reached him, the dragon stuck out a clawed arm and bent over it in an elegant bow, a low clicking noise coming from his throat. Yenni couldn’t help but smile. He truly was a magnificent creature to behold.

“Right,” she said, hands on her hips as she stared up at him. How exactly was she supposed to go about observing the dragon personality? She tried to make a circle around him, but he followed her, turning so he was always facing her.

“Let me get behind you, Dragon,” she said, but he made a low soft moan and shook his head.

“Why not?” said Yenni. “Are you afraid you’ll sit on me?”

He huffed and stood up straight, and Yenni had the distinct impression she’d offended him. As if I’d sit on my own Given, his posture seemed to say. He turned his head and looked down at her from one huge, jewel-like eye, and the expression so reminded her of her brother Dayo it made her heart ache.

“My apologies,” she said to him. “I suppose it is only good manners to keep someone in front of you when you’re so big, isn’t it?”

He bowed his head slowly, a nod.

“I think I do see the difference in personality, Dragon,” said Yenni. “As a beast you seem somewhat more regal.”

He bent down and surged forward, so that his big head touched her neck and shoulder. The action was so similar to how her field sphinx, Ofa, would nuzzle her in affection that before she knew it she was stroking his scaly face, and she planted a light kiss on his hot, dry nose.

He shuddered, spread his wings, and let out a sharp, happy cry. Yenni laughed. Dragon turned slowly, keeping an eye on her, and sank low, presenting his tail. He wanted her to mount him.

“No, Dragon.”

He thumped his tail on the ground impatiently, looked back at her, and snorted.

“I said no.”

He stretched his neck up tall and let out one sharp, indignant click. You don’t trust me?

“The last time we went flying was because you snatched me up and whisked me away to a cave.”

He sank low to the ground, head bent at an angle to watch her, and made a low, mournful noise.