Camilla cowered. "I mean, I was told I was going to be sacrificed."
The dragon stretched, scales glimmering in the morning light. "Were you now, little lamb?"
"I... know that every ten years there's a virginal sacrifice selected from my village, and... it was tradition that our family..."
"Uh huh," the dragon agreed. Its claws screeched against the stone ledge as it spread its magnificent wings. They were leathery, but so delicate they were almost transparent. Camilla knew this was a sham; they were tougher than chainmail.
The dragon lowered its head and viewed Camilla through slitted eyes. Camilla shrank a little when she smelled its breath.
"So, little lamb, have you made yourself more palatable for me? Have you taken the daily baths after your faith was announced to you?"
The dragon stroked Camilla's long, dark hair with the tip of one shiny black nail. Camilla suppressed a shiver.
"I have bathed daily, lord dragon."
"And have you used scented oils on your precious skin?"
"I have used scented oils, lord dragon." Camilla's voice was meek but not shaky.
"And have you dressed in a special, easily digestible ceremonial gown, my little lamb?"
"I have, lord dragon. No metal buckles. No bra. No laces that would get stuck on your teeth."
Morning sun bathed the breathtaking view in front of them. Camilla could see all the way to the river: her village was just beyond the great looping bend. When she'd been a child, she'd wondered why the dragon was such a worry when its mountain was so far away. From this direction, the village looked to be almost at--she glanced at the dragon's gnarly feet--claw's reach.
The dragon licked its lips slowly. Its tongue was deep purple, its fangs white. Camilla shivered, imagining those teeth ripping into her young, tender flesh.
"And?" prompted the dragon.
"And?" asked Camilla, playing the fool.