Irene was frozen in place, wondering if she should pretend the Commander was some sort of monster because then she would be able to behave more confidently in front of him. When it came to orders and fighting, it was different, but this…
"You don't have to stand so far away," the Commander insisted gently. "She won't ever hurt you as long as you're not trying to hurt me."
Sure, Irene decided. It was best to have the Commander think the reason she wanted to stay far away was because of the dragon and not him.
Commander Henry's dark eyes fell to the dragon, who hadn't moved an inch since the mages were there. She seemed stressed out by what had happened.
Irene decided it was best to give him his breakfast so that she could escape just as quickly. With a bit of courage, she stepped forward and handed the Commander his bowl. However, she was captured by his gaze and unable to leave as she had expected.
