AN:/ Hey guys, I'm back and just updated my new story for Dragon's Bait. I started on this chapter some weeks ago so I hope you guys will enjoy this chapter. Oh, I've decided to out the copyrighted symbols on everyone of my chapters. I've been hearing a lot of people taking stories from other writers. Please don't get offended, I'm trying to keep my work safe and not to sue anyone. They will be more of these signs on my other stories as well. The next chapter of Meaning will be up soon, I'm still working on it.

(C)

Chapter 1

Alys was sitting in the living room with her Uncle Gower, Aunt Etta and cousin Una; which they were also her adoptive parents since her father died six years ago from cancer; discussing about another way for them to mess with her life once again by giving her away to a fellow she has never met.

"An arranged marriage?" she asked still trying to grasp the information that her 'father' just told her.

"Yes, an arranged marriage. You're marrying an important person to my businesses," Gower said with a smirk. Of course, he hasn't really seen this guy he's sending his niece/daughter too.

Alys knew he was speaking of his multi-million tire company and her father's Tin and jewelry shop that were a multi-billionaire business. She unnoticeable gritted her teeth with anger but was still composed. Una was glare pouting at her father and Alys for talking about something that wasn't about her but was glad that she doesn't have to see Alys every day. Alys stayed silent for a while before she asked..

"Why does it have to be me? Una would be a better choice than me," Alys asked curiously.

"Una is already in a relationship with another young man and she didn't want to be with someone else," Etta answered with her head lifted up with pride.

Una smiled at her mother for her praise. Her boyfriend, Nathan who works for her father, was the best guy that ever happened to her since the existence of Justin Bieber was signed. She would always rub her relationship in Alys face with every chance that she could get, even though Nathan doesn't like it when she does it.

"I'll give you some time to comprehend the information and since you don't have anything to do; I'm going to give you money so you can go shopping for an outfit to meet this young man in two days," Gower replied while getting out of his seat and left the room with his wife and daughter right behind him.

Alys stayed behind before she went into her bedroom to get her car keys to leave the house. She had to go to work in the next part of town. Alys really didn't want any of her family to know about what she did, already knowing that they will have a fit. Basically, she was barely at home anyways, but they really don't care where she goes as long she stays away from them everything is good.

She arrived at her jewelry shop Love to the Eye in Griswold, France. It was a three story store that has three levels with different kinds of stones, rubies, bands, necklaces, office, lunchroom, meeting room and a creative room; where Alys makes her new jewelry or special orders. Parking her new 2010 light blue Nissan Almera in the owners' car space she got out, locked the door and went inside her store. Alys went into her office and started doing payroll, checking the accounts, online orders, in-store orders, emails and events that would invite them for a showcase.

Already forgetting what her uncle/father wanted her to think about was gone from her mind. Her assistant, Risa, came in the office to see Alys so deep in the computer that she was close to falling off her rolling chair. Risa smiled softly at her best friend, but was worried about her personal life outside of her jobs; her uncle wasn't the best man to live with since he treats Alys like garbage eh found on the slum streets.

Since her father died six years ago, Risa noticed the changes in her best friend and boss. Alys was a dead women walking. Albdelard was her father's name and was the only person Alys had left in her life. He was a very wise and gentle soul but he did have a side of him that he never showed unless he saw something that wasn't right. He loved his daughter with all that he had since her mother died while giving birth to her. When he died, the love left Alys and now the word 'loves' meaning is taboo to her.

"Yes Risa, is there anything that you need?" Alys asked nonchalantly.

"Mrs. Torono placed an order a few weeks ago for a limeade 26 carat diamond ring in a size 9. She was wondering if it arrived yet?" Risa replied. She could hear the clicks of the keys on the keyboard and then a stop of the noise.

"The ring arrived today at 3:30. Check the in the creative room to see if it's there," Alys instructed. Risa nodded and left Alys alone once again in her office. Still going over the emails and seeing that some of the showcases in Berlin were this Friday evening. She checked the best rates in hotels for good prices so she and Risa could have some relaxation time while they were there. She found one for two beds one room costing 1,284 euros then she went on to find airline tickets.

While looking she saw a picture of a bride and a groom climbing on a charter plane to go off to their honeymoon. They were happily waving goodbye to whomever before they left. Alys stared at the photo thinking about what her uncle/father told her today.

"An arranged marriage, huh? Tch another way for them to get rid of me, after what they've done to me for years on end? What did I do to deserve this?" she thought.

Alys had thought about marriage but that was a long time ago when she thought that her father was going to survive to walk her down the aisle to the love of her life. Now it's just distant memory that went along with him in the ground. A lone tear trailed down her face then she wiped it away and went back to find airline tickets.

"I wonder what kind of man they set me up with."

"I hope he's not like them or stupid like some muscle heads," she said. Alys went back to finding tickets before Risa came back and do some research on spas and salons. She smiled and opened another window for Risa later before they go out to eat for dinner.

Somewhere in Central Paris

If you would look up in the bright blue sky the only thing that you would see is a bird like dot moving, but if you look more closely and hard enough you would be able to see two strong golden wings flapping up and down to stay in the air, the scales on the body of this creature was shining brightly, the mane was flowing like ocean waves with poise and strength from the wind. This beautiful creature is called a Dragon. But just a Dragon; The Great and Powerful Golden Dragon and his name is Selendrile. He was just returning back to his office after having a discussion with his 'nosey family that needs to stay out his personal life' about an arranged marriage with a business man's niece.

"I think his name was Gordon something? Or was it Goad? Or Gow..? Whatever that man's name is how dare my family stick their nose into my personal life? Just deciding on a whim to get me some kind of women to marry so they can have grandkids." Selendrile thought puffing smoke out of his snout.

When he was close to arriving at his building, Selendrile changed into a small hummingbird so he can fit through the crack in the office window. He saw Atherton coming through the doors. Selendrile flew in his office, changed into his human form and put on his clothes. Selendrile was already behind his desk when Atherton came in his office.

"Hello there Atherton, how's are you today?" Selendrile asked.

Atherton was a mid-50 years old and works as a lawyer for Mayor Anne Hidalgo and Gower. He's also part of an old as time secret organization called Fey Hunters. Of course, Selendrile already knew about Atherton's secret life so he had to make sure that his identity won't be trifled with by Atherton.

"I'm fine and you?" Atherton replied with a fake smile of sincerity.

"Better then yesterday. What can I do for you?" Selendrile said also with a fake smile saying 'get down to business already. I got a lot of things to do and you're messing with the remaining time I have left before I go home.'

"I'm here on behalf of my client, Gower, concerning with the arrangements of marriage." Atherton waited to proceed and Selendrile gave him a nod to continue. "Since both parties family agrees on this marriage both you and the niece have to meet in a week or so and the wedding is going to be in two months."

"In two months? That's a bit too soon, isn't it? What does the one I'm supposed to marry think about this?" Selendrile thought with squinted eyes.

"How does my 'betrothed' think about the time limit of the wedding?" Selendrile decided to ask.

"I wasn't sent word about her thoughts on the matter," Atherton answered honestly.

"What do you mean by that? Does she know about this arrangement?"

"Gower hasn't told me anything except that he would set up a reservation for you both at the L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon this Friday at lunchtime," replied Atherton. Selendrile raised his left eyebrow and stared the lawyer down. Trying to see if he was lying or not.

"I see. Well, lucky for you and Gower; I am available on Friday evening. Make sure she's also available beforehand so I won't be as the kids of my generation say 'stood up' because you and him didn't get the times right. Do you know her name? Her interests, jobs, who her friends are or anything that is her that I need to know?" Selendrile asked.

"No, he really didn't give me anything on the girl."

"He didn't give you a name? How do am I supposed to know if this person I'm supposed to marry is even a girl?" Selendrile seethed.

"What is wrong with this old man for not getting information on this girl? Worthless," he thought.

"I'll get more information on her tomorrow for you," Atherton stammered fearfully.

"Make sure you do. Now leave, I have important things to deal with right now," Selendrile ordered. He twirled his seat around to face the window and watched as Atherton left with furious blush. Selendrile closed his eyes and sighed. His fingers scrunched the bridge of his nose with irritation. He turned around and started on signing and reading proposals from combined companies or from companies that want to combine with his company. Selendrile stopped and wondered about how his life was going to be like married.

"I hope she's not dumb. I'm going to kill my family for doing to me," he said to himself. He went back to work and started thinking on how he would deal with his new life.

AN:/ Review and wait until next time. Alys father's name was messed up together by these names I found:

Adelard- noble strength

Alberi-elf leader