dance with death

The cold water hit me like a million needles puncturing my skin all at once. My lungs seized in my chest, shocked by the sudden force and temperature change. In the dark, murky water I couldn't find my way up I frantically searched in the water for the dragon but to no avail. The slimy strands of lake weeds wrapped around my ankles pulling me down like hands of death. I told the king I would rather die than tell him where David was, now it looks like death is my only option. I felt the warm call of death call to me, it was tempting afterall what was there to live for? Micah was gone, I had no idea if he was alive or dead. Even if he was here and none of this happened, I still can't provide children for him. The very fact I can't do what a woman is meant to do ate at my very soul. I closed my eyes to the murky water and prepared to succumb to the crippling pressure that was exploding on my body.

Warmth. I felt the comforting feel of warmth, and smelled the familiar scent of fresh pine and bacon? Fluttering my eyes open, I was blinded by the brightness of a campfire, warm furs wrapped around my soaking body. The little dragon curled against my waist snored peacefully. Confused I sat up slowly, a figure rushed toward me.

"Shhh, be careful!" They steadied my back with their strong arms.

"M..Micah?"

"Yes, my love. It's me." He beamed a bright smile at me as I lurched forward wrapping him in a hug.

"I thought you were dead!" I sobbed into his neck.

"Nah. It'll take a lot more than that to kill me!" He pulled away planting a kiss on my head.

"That was a reckless thing to do." He scolded.

"I know but that king is a monster! I couldn't give him what he wanted..." I said before remembering,

"DAVID!" I gasped.

"Who??"

"He was a slave I helped escape, he's injured I need to find him!" I tried to get up, wincing I fell back down.

"You're injured to, whoever he is can wait until morning. You need to rest."

"But-"

"No! You rest, then we'll go look. Together. "

"Ok." I sighed laying down, I couldn't rest well that night not until he was safe.