The Knight of Her Dreams

chapter Five



She kept on screaming as she sat up in bed.

Even when it sank in that she’d been dreaming, Julianna was still shaking. She didn’t need to feel her pulse to know her heartbeat was racing, nor to ask why her curls were now plastered damply against her forehead. That dream had been a nightmare in nearly every perspective.

Except for one thing... Dominick had reappeared to join her again.

Glancing down, she saw her book lying on the floor. Well, that certainly explained the science fiction scenario of her nightmare. And her situation had been similar to what she’d read, where a pair had fled from a squad of renegade spacemen. Luckily, they’d been as fortunate as the characters in escaping, although flying into the Warp Zone itself hadn’t been pleasant.

As for Dominick’s reappearance, surely it was due to her constant thoughts of him the day before. And as this dream was as vivid as the last, she remembered with dismay some of her last words spoken.

She’d agreed to meet him again the following night.

Her mind returned to their other meeting at the ball, and she worried that it was only their unforeseen state of conflict last night that had kept him from making advances towards her again. What if tomorrow presented a quiet scene? Would she be reduced to having to fend off the charming rogue instead?

His kisses did have a way of bewitching her, but still…

“Julianna!” a pair of voices called out discordantly, causing her to gasp. She looked up with relief as her two older sisters ran into the room. She’d nearly forgotten Crystal and Vicki lately since her own thoughts were so preoccupied.

“We heard you scream,” said Crystal, resting a hand on her shoulder. “Are you all right?”

“Yes,” she whispered. “I-I guess I had a nightmare.”

Both of her sisters exchanged knowing looks, as Julianna’s overactive imagination often led to them over the years, and this was by no means the first time they’d come running to her, though more often it happened in the middle of the night.

Vicki gave a short laugh, emphasizing the dimples in her chin. The middle sister at nearly twenty-eight, she acted much younger than her years. Her formerly straight, dark hair—once reminiscent of their father—was now a golden blonde permed with short curls. Unlike the others though, she had the same blue eyes as their father, although like Crystal, both were fairly tall.

Basically, Vicki was the bubbly spirit in the family who managed to find humor in everything. Her fiancé Luke certainly appreciated this aspect, and for the second time, Julianna was soon to be a bridesmaid.

The eldest sister Crystal was thirty-two, having been married for nearly ten of those years. Similar to their mother, she had long, brown hair that fell past her shoulders and brown eyes, maintaining her composure with a parental smile. She was the career-oriented dynamo of the family, managing a top notch position in a business while managing her five-year-old son Sam, affectionately called Sammy by all. Proud pop Jerry—now thirty-six—who’d come from a large family himself, instantly took to Vicki and Julianna as a loving older brother.

After the sisters’ parents both passed away—eleven years ago their mother, and nine years ago their father—Jerry and Crystal left their apartment to move in with the girls. Vicki only stayed at the house over the summers, as she was in college at the time. But as Julianna was just sixteen, she’d almost come to regard Crystal as a second mother. Fortunately, Jerry had a successful business career of his own, which gave them a fairly comfortable living.

Having started school very young, Julianna was seventeen when she’d gone to the local college, but as she was less independent than her sisters were, she’d decided to commute instead of living in a dormitory. Crystal didn’t mind at all, and Julianna certainly proved her worth. Not only scholastically, but also in helping Crystal both before and after Sammy was born.

Since Julianna always loved children, she and her young nephew took to each other right away. And to her delight, one of Sammy’s first words was her name. She’d always felt a bit funny about having the name Julianna, since Crystal and Vicki were much more common, but before her mother died, she told Julianna that she’d always thought the name was pretty from one of her ancestors, and so had bestowed it on her youngest daughter. For the most part; however, the people she knew—including her family and little Sammy—generally called her Julie.

Only with Dominick had she failed to mention this.

She rather liked the way he said it in his own way, when he’d look in her eyes and…

Abruptly rubbing her eyes to brush the last remnants of sleep from them, while dodging the morning rays of the sun, Julianna turned to her clock. “Eleven-thirty?” she murmured, privately angry with herself for having overslept again. It was an annoying habit she’d never been able to kick, even sleeping late as a baby. Thank heavens it was the weekend, so responsibility wasn’t about to bust down her door with reprimands. As her sleepy thoughts faded, she turned to her sisters with alarm. “You’re back from your trip a day early. Is something wrong?”

Crystal smiled as she sat beside her sister. “Ever worrisome, Julie,” she replied, “but no, we just decided we’d had enough of the shore for the week.”

“That and the weather kept raining most of the time,” Vicki supplied with a cheerful laugh. “Not to mention, we couldn’t seem to convince Sammy that we weren’t leaving his Aunt Julie for good. He’s still asleep from the car trip, but he should be awake soon.”

Julianna smiled warmly. She’d be equally glad to see her reddish-haired little nephew, not quite remembering when a week took so long to pass. True, it had been by her own choosing that she’d wanted some time alone, instead of going with the others, but now that they were back, she was more appreciative of having the family with her again.

Especially since she’d now have other things to replace her thoughts with, leaving no room for thinking of further encounters with Dominick, either when awake or asleep.

*****

It had turned into one hell of a night!

Or more accurately, a night of... well, never mind.

While busying himself with work around the island earlier, nothing he did seemed to distract his thoughts from meeting Julianna again tonight. Not even meeting his friends at Lost Limbo managed that.

The sun was finally setting, drawing his attention to the sky and its everchanging myriad of colors playfully fading.

“Sounds like that girl’s dreams are dangerous,” commented Inferno, as if sensing where his thoughts were. “I’m sorry I suggested you follow up on your association with her.”

Dominick smiled, keeping his voice quiet as if guarding a secret. “Despite it all, I’m not. Twice now, nothing’s happened, yet I’m twice as interested in her.”

“No doubt simply because she has eluded you twice,” Buddy added with a sneer. “And I’d appreciate it if you’d tell Jarissa so, because she hasn’t said a word to me since yesterday over your latest dreamphasing affair.”

Upon seeing the curiosity on his friend’s face, Inferno related events quickly, earning a surprised laugh from Dominick. “I’ll be sure and steer clear of her then,” he chuckled. “Can’t have a guardian devil breathing fire down my neck.” No, that wouldn’t be advisable! “But if dear Jarissa shows up again, kindly inform her that Julianna’s agreed to see me again this night... by choice.”

Buddy whistled at that, earning a warning look from Inferno. The guardian angel had assumed this Julianna to be different from the rest, but if she’d agreed to another rendezvous with Dominick, it was all too obvious that it could only be for one reason.

Hopefully afterwards, he’d have the decency to leave the girl alone in the future. After all, it could otherwise make his own life miserable in regard to his relationship with Jarissa, who was still fully opposed to Dominick pursuing the supposedly innocent Julianna.

A fact that was now more in question.

Buddy’s expression darkened slightly. “In all fairness, Dom—not to say that I agree with Jarissa’s railing at me over this, of course—you aren’t intending on forcing the girl into anything, are you?”

For the most part, Dominick’s anger was well hidden when it existed at all. This wasn’t one such time.

“What are you implying?” he asked in a deadly voice.

Buddy continued with little heed. “Look, it’s just that you’re so used to charming women, you probably don’t consider one might say no.”

“Take care what you say, Buddy,” Dominick warned slowly, a gleam of anger sparking in his eyes, just waiting to be kindled into a blaze. “For your information, there have been those who declined, and I’ve always respected their wishes.”

“Maybe,” Buddy agreed in a low voice. “But you’ve been acting different towards this one, as if she’s become your sole objective. If she refuses your advances, will her voiced protests be enough to stop you, or will you let your momentary desire blind you to the right and wrong of it?”

Dominick’s fist slammed into Buddy’s jaw faster than he could breathe another word. As he went flailing into another table, shattering it beneath his weight, several women screamed in shock while the men got to their feet. Buddy shook his head painfully, rubbing his sore mouth, as he stared up in disbelief at his angry friend who now stood before him.

“If you ever hint again that I would take a woman by force, either in the waking realm or the dream-state, you’ll regret the day you joined this universe, guardian,” hissed Dominick.

As he strode by the downed Buddy to leave, he bumped into several stunned females, one of whom drew his angry gaze instantly. “You’d do best to remember that too, Jarissa,” he warned her. “For while I’ve made it a policy never to strike a woman, if you start spouting similar lies about me like your companion, you’ll earn the right to be the first I break that rule for.”

Jarissa merely gaped at his words as he swept past, both Psych and Kiri moving to stand on either side of her, just in case Dominick returned to carry out his threat.

*****

What do you do when your own friends turn on you? Dominick wondered, angrily stalking back to his home. Once in his room, he continued to wrestle with his thoughts. The aggravating part was that the entire day he’d looked forward to seeing Julianna again, but now the voices of reason and chaos started playing back-and-forth in his mind, leaving him unsettled.

If Riff hadn’t been so annoying recently, he might have considered asking his opinion. However, he knew how his ‘dear brother’ would likely respond, since once long ago, they’d had a similar discussion. When he was younger, Dominick had asked what Riff did when the women in dreams refused his advances, and he’d simply replied that he became even more persistent.

An approach that Dominick had never followed himself.

To his way of thinking, he’d never believed it to be a desirable tactic, considering the best liaisons were those of a mutual nature. When Dominick had encountered reluctant women, he’d simply let them go as they wished. Yet Buddy did strike a minor point. Knowing his code of honor at it stood, why then was he finding it difficult to sever his attachment to Julianna?

The answer seemed simple enough, stemming from their first few meetings together.

It had been a responsive woman that kissed him back those nights. Not someone who despised his company, or wished him to leave her forever. For hadn’t she agreed to meet him this night as he’d asked? Yes, the answer was clear enough.

If only some of his friends hadn’t suddenly turned condescending.

Leaning his head tiredly against the windowsill of his room with closed eyes, Dominick sighed heavily. “What does one do in a situation like this?” he whispered.

“By Chavernos, you depend on your trusty dragon, of course,” came a deep voice in answer. “Must I teach that lesson to you a hundred times more?”

Unable to suppress a smile, Dominick raised his head knowingly, facing the familiar forest green eyes and bright blue scales of his faithful dragon ally. “Roderlin,” he murmured. “I might have known you wouldn’t hide for long.”

“Hide!” sneered the dragon, raising his head in disdain. “Loyal dragon allies are never far when you need them, as well you tend to forget.”

True enough, mused Dominick, gladdened anew at being gifted many years ago by their meeting. As a child, he’d been awed by the strong bond of friendship between his grandfather Chaos and the wise silver dragon Chaolyn. So much so, that at the age of twelve, the dragon had granted him the rare honor of being present with Chaos at a hatching of baby dragons.

An even greater honor was bestowed upon him that day, as one of the hatchlings took to him instantly, sparking the beginning of a time-honored kindred friendship that would last a lifetime. A rare and treasured gift indeed.

As pureblood dragons matured quicker than those of mixed breeding, and twice as fast as humans, in human form Roderlin looked the same age as Dominick when his human friend turned twenty-five. Around this time, Roderlin had surprised Dominick by returning from a journey with a female dragon, Alysadaria, who’d become his mate. Though a bit jealous at first, she’d quickly become good friends with Dominick as well, so despite their constant travels, the dragon pair often visited.

“I just found out what happened regarding that tiff with your friends at Lost Limbo, and also this betrothal plan of your grandfather’s,” Roderlin added quietly. “Chaolyn filled me in on the last.”

Dominick smiled weakly. “And what’s your verdict?”

“As to the betrothal, I applaud your actions. Chaos means well, but a forced marriage isn’t the best way to continue a family line.”

“Nor will I ever accept it,” agreed Dominick. “If I ever marry in this lifetime, it will only be for love.” His thoughts turned briefly to Julianna, smiling at the memory, before shaking his head to clear it. “Only for love,” he whispered.

“A wise decision,” said Roderlin. “As to your friends, may I inquire what the argument was about?”

Sighing heavily, Dominick explained the situation, relaying his meetings with Julianna, both now and from their initial meeting months ago. He also mentioned how she’d agreed to meet him again tonight. Roderlin listened patiently, only interrupting occasionally with a question or two. By the end of the explanation, the dragon nodded in understanding.

“Don’t take what they said too harshly. They meant no harm either. And regardless of their words, Alysadaria and I will always stand by you, since we know you to be more honorable than they’ve implied.”

Smiling wholeheartedly this time, Dominick patted his nose. “Thank you, dear friend,” he replied softly. “Now, where is ‘Lysa? I’m surprised she’s not with you.”

“Who says I’m not?” a light, mirthful voice called out from above. Leaning out the window to glance upward, Dominick grinned at the amused white dragon staring down at him, waving her talons.

“It’s a good thing we made the roof stronger,” he chuckled. “Otherwise, you might end up in Riff’s room again.”

“A pesky human, if ever I’ve seen one,” she sighed, moving swiftly to hover in the air beside Roderlin. “The way he’d complained that day, one would think he’dnever made a mistake in his life!”

All laughed at the impossibility of that!

Looking out towards the distant stars now winking into view against evening’s canvas, Dominick’s laughter faded. Earth was one of them in reality, even though he might not be able to see it from here. If only he knew just what to do about Julianna.

Maybe she didn’t realize the response she was capable of invoking in someone else. That Roger she mentioned certainly hadn’t given her any feelings of self-worth or esteem, so it might have left her feeling inferior to other women.

As if that were true! his thoughts retorted.

From just three days together, he’d seen so many sides to her: happiness, sadness, anger, fear, strength, passion, and a touch of mischief. Each one endeared him in its own way, although his body seemed all too certain sometimes which one it approved of best.

Such feelings aside, he decided he preferred the side of her that laughed and made comical quips to hold her own. It was quite a change over some of the women he’d known. Most were either reluctant to talk, or laughed to cover their lack of intelligence, and while these might be fine as temporary paramours, they weren’t the type he wanted to keep seeing.

Julianna was different. There was something intriguing about her, although part of him wondered if it was more due to the chase. Once he’d quenched his desire for her, would he then think of her as the rest, as merely a fond memory? For some reason, the mere thought left a bitter taste in his mind.

“You’re thinking of that girl again, aren’t you?” Roderlin asked knowingly.

Dominick nodded once, briefly explaining the situation to a curious Alysadaria this time. “I don’t want to hurt her,” he said softly. “Even though we’re supposed to meet tonight, maybe it would be best for her if I don’t return in her dreams anymore.”

Alysadaria’s ears perked up. “After all you’ve told us and Chaolyn of her, you’re giving up so soon?”

“Why not?” he sighed. “She’ll forget me quickly enough if I end our association now, and it’ll avoid hurting her later. For whatever reason, she’ll believe that she’s cleared her mind of me, and go back to her normal dreams.” Staring at the stars, he continued, “It’ll also get Buddy and Jarissa off my case.” Although I’d sooner sever ties with them than lose Julianna, his thoughts added silently. “It’s the perfect solution, worthy of a guardian angel.”

“Maybe so,” agreed Roderlin, with a chuckle, as he joined his companion in the air. “But remember, you’re a full human, and by no means one of their kind. Even Buddy is no saint, in case you’ve forgotten.” Dominick couldn’t help smiling slightly at that. That all was certainly true, especially with he himself being a descendent of Chaos.

“If your preoccupation with that girl over your two month separation is anything to judge by, Dominick,” the dragon continued, “I’d say you’d best think twice before leaving her for good. After all, there is something to be said for finding the right companion.”

“Aye,” agreed Alysadaria, with a mischievous grin. “It’s too bad I’m still searching for mine.” As she flew off with a laugh, Roderlin bid Dominick a quick farewell before following her with an irritated reply. Dominick smiled after them, mulling over what they’d said.

It was a good thing Chaos hadn’t overheard it.

Not that the elder man couldn’t be reasonable about some things, such as in his attempts to expand one of his multiple abilities—the rare ability to fully maintain the age of his choosing. He was currently working on a magical device to harness this power to grant a similar ability of longevity to his loved ones, so as not to lose them as swiftly to time. He theorized it might even be possible to extend the range to encompass the entire island, but he’d cross that bridge later.

This was what Chaos would consider a reasonable endeavor.

However, there was one most undeniable fact regarding Chaos in Dominick’s mind as to what both he and his father Discord would say over his continual meetings with Julianna.

For true to reality, Chaos would never see reason here, and Discord always followed suit.

His mother Warp might see things differently though. Sometimes hard to contact, since she was a teleporter who adored visiting the outer regions of Chavernos whenever possible, Dominick couldn’t help wishing she was here now. Although she didn’t approve of his meeting women in the dream-state either, and especially the very long distant category, there were times when she’d inquired if he’d met anyone he was truly interested in. Time and again, he’d denied this.

Dreams were one thing, but reality was another.

Some gaps just couldn’t be bridged.

She might like Julianna though, he found himself musing. His mother could hold her own in a verbal dispute when angry, much like Dominick’s long-distance Earth companion, and never hesitated to stand up to her husband or sons when called for. Yet Warp would more likely be fond of Julianna simply because she was an intelligent and amiable woman. The kind that could charm the sternest guardian devils to rest... or unrest!

And unrest would remain within him unless he went back to find his dream companion again. Maybe it was desire solely from the chase, but right now, it wasn’t something he had the will to fight.

His dragon friends were right.

Come what may, he had to keep his promise to see Julianna again this night, and although he most certainly wouldn’t force her into anything as Buddy and Jarissa seemed to think, neither was he about to give up easily.

Shutting his eyes at the thought, a smile crossed his face as he wondered what strange dream they’d end up in this time. And then, he considered lending a hand in selecting a suitable one for their nightly rendezvous. This time, one without spaceships or squads of officers to bother them.

*****

“Ooof!” gasped Julianna as her enthusiastic nephew pounced onto her bed, narrowly missing her. Dropping her book, she gave him an amused smile. “And just what are you doing here at this hour?” she asked mischievously, tickling Sammy once.

“I want a story, Aunt Julie,” he laughed, looking up at her with his brown eyes shining.

Julianna glanced quickly at her clock. It’s after nine-thirty, and way past this little guy’s bedtime, she thought, amazed he was still up. But as always, she could no more refuse her nephew than if he’d been her own child. A fact she doubted greatly ever to see, hence she was determined to make the most of things with Sammy.

“All right,” she agreed. “But then, off to sleep.”

“Okee dokey,” he said, jumping into her lap.

Laughing a bit at the phrase he’d picked up from her over the years, Julianna proceeded to tell him a story about a knight who sought to vanquish a terrible creature that dwelled just outside his kingdom. Naturally, no one could defeat this creature, until the knight received a gift from a beautiful sorceress that saved the day, enabling him to slay the creature. She went on to say that the knight married the sorceress and they surely lived happily ever after.

Sammy’s quiet snoring ended the tale!

Carrying the sleeping child back to his bed, Julianna was unaware that she was being followed by an invisible—yet familiar—presence.

Dominick gaped upon first arriving at Julianna’s house, seeing the child she held as she told him her story. Is this child hers? he wondered in partial irritation. She’d certainly never mentioned having a son before, let alone the boy’s father she’d been involved with, if not Roger.

He was also bothered due to her falsely having him believe her innocent, when she apparently couldn’t be as much so as he’d thought. She’d told him repeatedly of her lack of association with men, yet if this was true, then where did the child come from?

Despite his surprise over this news, he couldn’t help but notice the affection she lavished on the boy, between cuddling him as she told him her story and kissing his forehead now as she gently covered him with a blanket.

Even after she left the room, Dominick lingered to gaze upon the boy, finally deciding that it didn’t matter. If the child was hers, then he was fortunate indeed, even if his father had been too blind to realize it. And admittedly, the boy was a cute little one, he thought with a fond smile.

Just before an unfamiliar male voice rang out from the hallway, soon joined by Julianna’s, draining Dominick’s pleasant thoughts to nothing instantly.

Eyes narrowing, he left the child to float towards the direction of their voices, halted by a sight that chilled his blood. Although he missed the first part of what was said, Julianna was talking to an older man. Much too old for her! he decided absently, catching the tail end of their conversation.

“...fortunate to have such a loving husband,” he heard Julianna say with a smile. “I’m sure your son in there will take after you in that respect someday.”

“Not for many years yet I hope,” laughed the man. “Considering how restless he was during our vacation, I’m just glad we’re home again, since your imaginative stories always seem effective in putting that energetic tyke to bed.”

“Well, thank you,” she replied, with a blush.

Smiling back, the man leaned forward to hug her, bestowing a quick kiss upon her cheek. “Julie, you must be tired yourself. Why don’t you head off to bed while I make sure Sammy isn’t sneaking in some prehistoric wars in the dark with those toy dinosaurs of his?”

Julianna nodded once, afterwards returning to her room. Her brother-in-law Jerry certainly doted on his only child, although perhaps that last fact might change if he could convince her sister otherwise as he hoped. A discussion which would have to wait until his wife and Vicki got back from the late night movie they’d gone to see an hour ago.

As she shut the light and got into bed, she had no idea that a certain man was scowling at her in the darkness.

A man who now gazed upon her with the pain of betrayal, shaking his head against the apparent duplicity of her nature. He’d seen others betrayed by women of her type before, but never thought he’d succumb to one himself. Growing increasingly angrier at the thought, he vanished with an unmistakably wry look filled with silent intent.

*****

Darkness encompassed Julianna as she walked through a foggy atmosphere beneath the full moon. According to her friends, that type of moon always signified that people would be acting strange on nights like this. Perhaps not to the point of becoming werewolves—although maybe there were a few—but strange people lurking about nonetheless.

Wonderful thoughts to carry in one’s mind late at night!

Well, it didn’t matter, since she wasn’t far from her castle. Maybe it wasn’t the most elaborate one in the world for a sorceress of her caliber, but then again, she was only one person and saw no need for a monstrous museum of a home.

Her shimmering lavender satin gown swished about her feet, hugging each and every curve like it was part of her, covered by several gossamer veils of blue, green, and violet which deemed her a sorceress. Drawing her fur-lined, midnight-black cloak closer, she shivered slightly. The night air was crisp, even if it wasn’t altogether freezing.

Fortunately, her castle shouldn’t be far now, since she’d walked this path countless times during the day. Yet for some reason, perhaps due to the darkness, her castle was still hidden from view. She could only hope the lunatics in the kingdom, influenced by the full moon, weren’t prowling about just yet. Not when she knew she was so close to home.

As she picked up her pace, a sudden ice-filled voice froze her.

“What’s your hurry, lady? Afraid of night creatures?”

Julianna whipped about to see who dared address her so, even as she knew instantly without seeing his face. What she wasn’t expecting was the cold unfathomable look in his eyes as the silver rays of the moon shone upon him.

Yet it was him, as she now remembered hearing him say before that he’d meet her here. “It depends on the type, I suppose,” she answered. “Are you referring to evening night creatures, or chivalrous knight creatures?” At his continued silence, she took it to assume that he hadn’t caught her pun, yet at the same time, she felt the uneasy need for caution.

Something was wrong.

Has the full moon gotten to him too? she wondered.

After an uncomfortable pause, he replied, “Why should that bother a sorceress, when she can weave spells?” And lies! his angry thoughts added, barely containing the words.

“You know, I nearly forgot that. Thanks for reminding me.” Her attempt to break the ice only met with more silence. “So,” she continued lightly, “since I’m the local sorceress around here, have you decided to play my resident knight in truth?” Hoping to rekindle his former easygoing manner from their earlier meetings, she flashed him a smile.

She was surprised when he didn’t return the gesture.

“Truth?” he exclaimed, striding forward with folded arms and a forced smile. “Ah, yes, let’s speak of that for a moment. I find it a most peculiar word to be coming from you, since deception seems more fitting.” She wanted to protest, but his eyes stopped her with their cold amusement. Yet beneath this... was that a look of pain in them as well?

“You seem to understand deception as well, since you’re not acting like yourself at all,” she replied, resting one hand against his arm. He flinched from her touch as if singed by fire. “What’s wrong, Dominick?” she pressed, more quietly. “I thought you wanted us to meet again, or weren’t you the one who asked me?”

He considered her words for a moment before laughing without humor. “You’re right. It was my idea, wasn’t it? Well, no matter, after this evening you’ll never have to worry about that again, since tonight is good-bye.”

“Good-bye?” she whispered in confusion. “But why? I don’t understand. I thought...”

“You thought I’d never notice your web of lies that you’ve tried to ensnare my sympathy with, lady,” he sneered, hissing the last. “But those self-same lies have managed to tangle you up in them as well.”

“Lies?” she protested, a touch of irritation in her own voice now. “Since when have I ever lied to you? Or have you forgotten it was you who played the mystery stranger lately?”

“No!” he interrupted. “You’ll not continue to cuckold me with your false innocence.” A weak smile creased his expression. “I thought I understood you once, Julianna. I believed your words of unhappiness and loneliness, and I wasn’t going to rush things with you. I even considered leaving you forever, since I thought you deserved better. But now...” He gave a forced laugh. “To think that you were so easily lying to me, and I’ve just been wasting my time with you. Well, no more, lady. No more. Tonight the charade ends once and for all.”

Julianna had never been one to stand for accusations without reason, and now glared at him with undisguised anger of her own. “Now see here, Dominick, everything I told you before was true, whether you believe it or not. And if there’s something else that I don’t know about, then you’d better damn well tell me what it is!”

He shot her a crooked smile, his eyes narrowing. “Why don’t you ask your husband for the answer to that?” he hissed.

“My what?” she yelled, leaving the anger in his expression undiminished.

“I said your husband!”

Before she could even think where he’d developed this conclusion, both had their attention diverted by an ear-shattering roar nearby. So loud that the ground started to quake, shaking Julianna backwards. Without a second thought, Dominick reached out to catch her.

Even when the ground rumbling stopped, he still held her.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

“A bit shaken up, but yes,” she whispered. “What was that?”

“I’m not sure,” he replied, “but seeing how your dreams have a tendency to turn into nightmares, I have a feeling we’re soon to find out.” Abruptly, he faced her with renewed anger. “What happened this time? Were you watching a monster movie before telling bedtime stories to your son?”

“Oh, so now I have a son too?” she snapped, pushing away from him just before her eyes opened wide. A husband... and a son? The realization hit her instantly. He must have seen and thus assumed... Well, he was certainly in for a surprise!

But before she could tell him the truth, another one dawned. The story she’d told Sammy before was happening here. She was dressed as a sorceress, Dominick was obviously the knight, so that must mean...

“Uh-oh,” she murmured.

Dominick’s eyes narrowed. “And what’s that supposed to mean? Coming from a guilty conscience perhaps?”

She glared at him. “No, you idiot! It means...”

Another roar and a ground quaking.

“What in blazes have you gone and conjured up now?” he demanded, shaking her once.

“Would you believe the monster from that bedtime story?” she replied, just before said monster in question pushed aside several trees to reveal itself.

It appeared to be a two-story tall green-scaled dragon, although a bit warped with pointed spikes protruding from its sides. Stretching out its claws, they looked like steel butcher knives, and no doubt could make mincemeat out of whatever they chose. Its teeth weren’t any more comforting.

“Your story’s monster was a dragon?” Dominick asked with a forced laugh, just before shaking his head. “Not to disillusion you, but I know a few dragons who’d be rather insulted at being referred to as evil monsters.”

“All right, so it’s of no relation to your scaly friends,” she retorted. “Can we argue this later, and deal with this gruesome green lizard first?”

“We certainly will continue this later,” he swore, turning his attention back to the dragon that roared again. The creature took several steps towards its newly sighted prey, blasting a spray of fire towards the sky, and causing them to edge backwards. “So tell me, how did your story characters defeat this thing, my dear sorceress?” Dominick asked with a sarcastic look. “A fire extinguisher perhaps?”

“Try some on that temper of yours, and we might get somewhere,” she replied tartly, even as she tried desperately to remember what gift the sorceress had granted the knight to defeat the monster. “I’ve got it,” she said finally, snapping her fingers. “It was a palm-sized crystal. One that wouldn’t be melted by the dragon’s fire, but would absorb it instead.”

“That’s the grand plan?” he laughed. “Considering how minuscule that crystal sounds, just how badly did your sorceress and her knight get burned to a crisp?”

“Not at all!” Julianna protested, reaching within her cloak to withdraw the crystal she’d spoken of. It glowed brighter than the moon itself, temporarily blinding the monster and causing it to turn away with a growl. After a few moments, the glow subsided. “Here,” she continued, pressing it into his palm. “According to the story, the knight’s supposed to use it to defeat that creature.”

“You’ve got to be kidding. And how pray tell do I do that?”

“I’m not sure,” she replied honestly. “I never went into the exact details.”

Dominick sighed heavily. “That does present a bit of a problem for us now, doesn’t it?”

“Look, how was I supposed to know we’d become part of that stupid story? Just figure that thing out before we get shishkebobbed!”

Rolling the crystal about in his hand, there didn’t seem to be any deviance from its smooth surface. Certainly nothing that might activate a hidden power. Just a slight indentation on one side that wasn’t readily visible to the human eye. Hmmm, but if that was the case, then maybe...

Holding it up carefully in direct line with the monster, Dominick pressed his thumb sharply against the indentation and kept it there. At first, there was merely a low hum, but it gradually grew in intensity.

“Sounds promising,” he murmured. “If nothing else, maybe it’ll lull the creature to sleep.” Moments later, the crystal’s glow returned and expanded to form a disk-like aura around him, causing him to step backwards slightly. Seeing the chance of losing its prey, the creature sent an immediate barrage of flame cascading towards Dominick, but as Julianna had mentioned, the flames were completely consumed by the crystal, vanishing into thin air. “The blasted thing works!” he laughed. “Maybe you are a true sorceress after all.”

“Don’t be silly,” she replied, although not masking a smile.

Neither expected the creature to retaliate by bounding towards them. While Dominick was protected by the crystal’s glow, Julianna was not. As she tried to flee, the creature reached out its clawed hand to grasp her waist. The sharp talons pierced her skin as it lifted her off the ground, causing her to scream in pain.

“No!” yelled Dominick, raising his free hand just as a silver sword materialized within it. Glancing briefly at the crystal he still held, he shouted to his companion, “Julianna, can you catch this?”

Struggling against the creature’s hold, while biting her lip against the pain, she nodded weakly, stretching forth her shaking hands. He tossed it to her carefully, just before shifting to a more defensive stance against the monster. “What now?” she yelled.

“Shine it in the creature’s eyes to distract it!” he instructed, rewarded by another bloodcurdling roar from the dragon as Julianna accomplished her task.

Racing around the creature to attack it from behind, as was his intention all along, he was abruptly frozen upon seeing the creature drop his screaming companion to the ground, silencing her instantly.

“Julianna!” he yelled, as the crystal’s light faded around her. New-found rage filling his eyes against the monster as it turned to face him, Dominick pulled back his sword and flung it like a spear directly between the creature’s own eyes.

The ground shook again as the creature grabbed hopelessly at the sword embedded in its forehead. Black smoke arose from its wound, gradually encompassing it until the dragon was no longer visible. During this time, Dominick had rushed to Julianna’s side, picking up her limp form as gently as he could. The motion stirred her. Dropping the dormant crystal from her hand, she clutched her injured waist, feeling herself hugged tighter.

“Dominick?” she whispered against closed eyes.

“Right here, honey,” he assured her, cradling her close. He was surprised when the crystal abruptly renewed its glow, humming again on its own, but crackling as the black smoke fell upon it. Instinctively, Dominick carried Julianna away from the site as quickly as he could.

Long moments later, he turned upon hearing the creature give another loud roar, just before the crystal exploded with an ear-shattering bang. Shielding Julianna from the blast, Dominick continued away with her, while the smoke slowly began to dissipate behind them.

Sighting a small stream up ahead, Dominick brought her over to it, resting her carefully against the bank as he dipped a cloth in the water and gently touched it to her forehead. Her eyes fluttered open.

“Welcome back to dreamland,” he said smiling.

Dreamland? Her eyebrows puckered slightly. “Why didn’t I just wake up?” she asked.

“Because fortunately, you weren’t fatally wounded,” he explained, soaking the cloth again as he glanced at her wounds from the dragon’s claws. They weren’t as bad as they might have been, but still more than mere scratches. Frowning, he warned, “This might sting a bit.” Touching one wound with the cloth, he wasn’t surprised when she flinched.

“Ouch!” she yelped. “Is that really necessary?”

“Hmmm.” Rubbing his chin in consideration, he shook his head. “No. I have a better idea.” Resting his hands along her waist, she couldn’t help flinching again, although perhaps for a different reason this time. “Relax, sweetheart, this won’t hurt you.”

Focusing his gaze, a white glow began to surround his hands. As he moved them slowly over the still bleeding wounds, Julianna nearly swooned at his touch. Not because he was hurting her, since the pain was certainly receding, but instead due to the unfamiliar sensations he was evoking.

Ignoring the way he’d stirred her, Dominick continued his ministrations, closing the wounds and erasing their marks as if they’d never existed. When the last one was healed, the glow faded from his hands and he turned to face her.

Flushing a bit at his stare, Julianna grasped at the first distraction she could. “This is amazing,” she gasped, seeing not even the slightest blemish remaining on her skin. “The only thing still slightly torn is my dress, and that’s minor.” Smiling up at him, she clasped his hand. “Thank you, Dominick.”

“Your well-being is thanks enough,” he replied, returning her smile. Just before the reasons for their earlier argument returned to plague him. Steeling his expression, he moved to stand, gazing absently towards the horizon. “I’m surprised the monster hurt you though, since your story characters were unharmed.”

“Maybe,” she agreed. “But the sorceress wasn’t present during the knight’s battle with the monster. Obviously, I created an alternative to the plot by being there.”

“Yes, well, I’m sure your son would have accepted it either way,” he replied softly.

“Ah, yes... my son,” sighed Julianna, standing as well. “Dominick, there’s something I think you should know about him, and this so-called husband you mentioned. You see...”

“Please,” he interrupted, raising one hand. “I don’t need the complete details thrown in my face again. It’s bad enough I saw you playing with your child, moments before you were engaged in pleasant conversation with his father, not to mention your husband.” He fairly bit out the last. “I just wish you’d told me that a few nights ago.”

Julianna walked about to face him, despite the fact he seemed determined to look past her. “Dominick, I’ve only known you for a few nights. Yet sometimes I feel like I’ve known you for much longer, even a whole lifetime. For that reason, I guess I took it for granted that I never mentioned the circumstances of my family to you before, since they were on vacation at the time, and I’d like to change that.”

“What are you proposing?” he asked, sneering slightly, although without much force. “That I meet your husband and son?”

“That would be a good trick, if they existed. But the child you’ve spoken of is my nephew Sammy, and that man whom you labeled his father is indeed that, but my sister’s husband Jerry.” Her smile brightened. “Let me assure you, there is absolutely nothing going on between us.”

For a brief moment, Dominick felt a surge of relief, just before a certain memory nagged at him, rendering his face impassive again. “You’d like me to believe that, wouldn’t you?” he asked. He expected her to back down, but she wouldn’t, prompting him to fold his arms with unmasked disbelief. “All right then, if this is true, answer one simple question. Why were you declaring that man to be such a loving husband to you?”

Julianna gaped for a moment, about to shout that she never said anything of the kind. Why, just the fact that he’d somehow been eavesdropping annoyed her! But... her brief annoyance faded when she caught on to what he referred to, only bringing a calm smile to her lips.

“Obviously you only heard half of what I said,” she told him plainly. “My words as I recall them were that my sister was fortunate to have such a loving husband. Not me!” At his sudden silence, she continued quickly, “Search my thoughts if you don’t believe me, Dominick! You’ve already proven that you’re good at that. But let me assure you right now, you’ll find nothing less than the truth of what I’ve told you.”

It was a matter of seconds before her words were driven home and confirmed. Moments afterwards, his expression took on a slight smile of amusement, before he started to laugh. Gradually, she found herself joining in.

“I thought he looked a bit too old for you,” admitted Dominick.

“I’ll say,” she replied. “For all that I love him like a brother, the man’s nearly old enough to be my father.” Seeing the slightly chagrined look on his face, Julianna placed her hand on his shoulder, catching his gaze before continuing. “Hey, you’ve rescued me from pesky late century admirers, men from space, and even a dragon. I think you’re entitled to one minor misunderstanding.”

Clasping her hand tightly, he nodded once. “I’m just grateful it was a misunderstanding. The thought of you being married to someone else... Well, I’ll admit I wasn’t too pleased with the notion.”

“Oh?” she teased. “I can’t see why.”

His expression took on a mischievous smirk. “In that case, I’d certainly better correct what I’m doing wrong with my approach to sorceresses.” Her knowing laughter warmed him as his arms encircled her waist, pulling her into a fiery kiss that stole every drop of her laughter away.

It was long moments before either spoke.

“By the heavens… I should leave,” Dominick murmured finally against Julianna’s cheek.

She blinked in confusion. “Why?” she asked quickly. “It can’t be morning yet, since I’m still here.”

He shook his head with a brief laugh. “I know you’ve had your share of bad luck with men, but if you want me to remain a knight about you, my dear Julianna, I think you’d understand why I’d best be on my way.”

No longer an immature teenager with a lovestruck crush, but instead a more intelligent woman of twenty-five, she knew exactly what he meant.

She also knew that while this might be a dream come morning, the memories would be real now and likely remain so later as well. If she gave in to her current thoughts, would the rational side of her mind condemn her when she woke up? she wondered. And yet by the same token, would it condemn her if she didn’t? For once, Dominick didn’t seem to be reading her mind, or else he surely would have been surprised at what she’d been debating.

A debate that ended swiftly.

“I understand why,” she replied, gently moving her hand to touch his cheek again lightly. “But I still don’t want you to leave.” She could feel as well as hear his sharp intake of breath. His apparent shock was no more than her own, as she wasn’t typically the wanton type, but it only took one glance in his eyes to strengthen her resolve again. “Please, Dominick,” she implored, “don’t leave me now.”

He hesitated for a moment, kissing her hand fiercely afterwards.

“By heaven, Julianna,” he murmured, “I’ll fight the rays of morning itself to stay with you.”

Dominick’s oath trailed off as he pulled her close, kissing her stormily with unleashed passion. Sharing the same desire, Julianna’s feelings soared. She was as eager as he to cherish this brief time they had, no matter what happened later.

It was only when he broke away abruptly that any sense of reality returned to her.

“This is all wrong,” Dominick said quietly, his own breathing unsteady as he gestured towards the area around them. “Any two-bit moron could stumble upon us here when we don’t need disturbing, and that’s the last thing I want, let alone to remain in a dark place like this. Besides, I wish to make amends for our earlier disagreement.”

Julianna gave a short laugh, stroking his cheek. “You can’t change the world to accommodate us at will,” she told him. “I understand.”

“I don’t believe you do,” he replied mysteriously, giving her a quick kiss, before stepping back a few feet with a knowing smile. “Once more you underestimate my talents, my lady, thus let me prove otherwise. Close your eyes.”

“What?” she laughed.

“Trust me, Julianna. You’ll see what I mean in a few moments.” As she followed his instructions with an amused smile, he echoed her expression. “Keep them closed, and it’ll soon seem as if that time before never happened.”

She remained skeptical, even as she felt the wind pick up around her. “Dominick?” she whispered uncertainly. He gave no reply as she felt the ground disappear beneath her.