With the utmost care she stood up, cradling Galen's still form in her arms. She walked to the end of the field and got a running start. He was almost too heavy, but she just managed to get aloft. With strong steady beasts of her wings she gained altitude until she could see the city stretched below her. Circling high above it, unseen against the dark moonless sky she finally located her destination. With care to circle straight down so that she'd be less likely to be seen by the guards who stood sentry on the palace walls, she descended on the square tower. Pulling up expertly, she extended her feet at just the right second and landed with a soft thump on the balcony that Galen had pointed out to her. The wide doors that led into the room were just wide enough for her to squeeze through. She eased her way into the spacious room. There was a big four poster bed against one wall. She gently put Galen down on it. Then, reluctant to leave, she shifted back to human form.

She looked down at Galen, memorizing his already familiar features. His handsome face was peaceful in repose, a lock of his unruly hair straggling down over his forehead. Serali brushed it back. She thought of the old childhood story. Beauty and the Beast. Only this time there's no spell to break and make everything work out happily ever after. She sighed. There was no use delaying any longer.

She kissed him on the forehead and then turned back to the balcony. With a thought she shifted back to dragon form and turned to go. She halted suddenly, hearing a soft sound of surprise from the other end of the room

Standing in the doorway, dressed in a white nightgown, was a little girl. She was probably no more than seven or eight years old.

"Who are you?" the girl asked.

Serali stood speechless, unable to think of a thing to say.

"How did you turn into a dragon? Can I do it? Could you teach me?"

"I... no, I can't teach you. I am a dragon, not a human. I don't think humans can learn it."

"Oh. Why did you kiss my brother? Are you in love?"

Tears gathered again in Serali's eyes. "Yes..."

The little girl looked from Serali to the bed and back again. "I never heard of a dragon being in love with a human," she said. "Is that why you look so sad?"

"Yes... I.... We can't..." She didn't want to start crying again.

"I understand. My mother told me about marrying for state. I'm the only girl so I might have to. And my parents wouldn't let my brother marry a dragon."

"No," she whispered. Then she shook herself. "I have to go. Tell your brother goodbye for me. I don't think I will see him again." She turned to leave again but stopped. Running her claws over her scales she found one that was loose. She worked at it until it came free. Then she turned back to the little girl. "Here, give this to Galen when he wakes up. He'll know who it's from."

The girl solemnly took the scale from Serali's huge taloned hand. "I will."

Then she turned back to the door one last time and went out. Spreading her wings, she leaped off the balcony and flew away into the night. The girl stood on the balcony and waved goodbye until the dragon disappeared into the darkness.