Page 5 of The Dragon King

KEMREMIR

Inchel was close to losing his head several times in the last few minutes—not over the Challenge, I’m not concerned in the least about that. It’s the way he looked at Tatha. She’s mine, or at least my dragon believes she’s ours. And I’m inclined to agree.

Every moment in the solarium with her has been bliss and agony. There was a calm that settled in my soul by simply being near her, but the raging need to claim her had my cock half-hard, and I could barely focus on our conversation. Her voice was like a siren’s song, and I had to concentrate to keep from getting lost in the melody.

At first, I wondered why she didn’t react to me. We were certainly close enough for her to scent me, but then I noticed her eyes kept blinking too fast, and her hands fidgeted as she took alternating shallow and deep breaths.

Realization hit me then. Her human form is disturbing her senses. She is overwhelmed—with her shift, with her father’s failing health, with being in the castle, with meeting her king for the first time … So I’ve kept as much distance as I can, trying to allow her to acclimate while fighting to keep my dragon from leaping on her and tearing that dress from her small body.

I keep an eye on Inchel until he turns a corner, and when I’m sure he’s gone, I face Tatha. A gasp threatens to escape my throat as I once again take in her beauty. Her soft purple eyes, ringed with gold, watch me, occasionally glancing down the hall where Inchel walked off.

I clear my throat. “Sorry about that. I know you probably want to get back to your father, but is there any way I can convince you to stay for the evening? I’d like to speak with you about your clan and your father’s wishes.”

She bows before glancing up at me through the fall of her amethyst hair. The Mating call hits me like a physical punch to the chest, and I take a small step back, imagining her looking up at me like that right before she takes my cock into her mouth.

Her eyes crease as she straightens to her full height. Small but mighty. “That man just Challenged you! … Sire. You don’t need to worry about the Mountain clan right now.”

I wave a hand, a lightness spreading through my chest at the heat and compassion in her voice. “Oh, don’t worry about that. I will kill Inchel. His clan will select a new council representative, and life will go on.”

Her eyes travel over my body, and every inch of my skin pebbles. When she makes it back to my face, a small smile lifts her lips. “So … so, you will come to the Mountain, your Majesty?”

“Of course, Heilsi.” The language of the ancients slides from my tongue, and I realize the name fits—Fierce one.

It’s been centuries since the dragons have spoken the old language; new, more modern dialects taking its place. But every once in a while, our present-day words aren’t enough—like now.

Her brows pinch, not understanding the word, but she bows again. “Thank you, your Majesty.” Straightening, she drums her fingers against her thigh, the skirt of her dress shifting slightly with the movement. My shadows swirl around my hands, my fingers aching to inch that skirt up her legs until I’m able to scent her deep between her thighs.

At the sight of my shadows reaching for her, a little gasp passes between her lips, and the sound punches right to my cock. I back up another step, forcing my shadows to melt back into my skin. I smile at her, hoping I look calmer than I feel. “My shadows seem to like you.”

Her eyes travel over my hands, up my arms, and across my chest. I have the urge to let the smokey tendrils back out for her.

She smiles. “They are … beautiful.” Tilting her head to the side, she asks, “What is their function?”

Beautiful? I’ve never seen them that way. They are a mystery. Sometimes, they are useful. They are what make me different.

I shrug with a soft chuckle. “I’m not sure. They’re great for hiding in dark corners, and there’s an intimidation factor that comes in handy sometimes, but on the whole, they’re just … there.”

Her eyes drop back to the floor. “I shouldn’t have asked. I’m sorry. Being different is something I understand.”

My feet take two steps toward her without my permission before I’m able to stop. “Don’t apologize, Heilsi. Not to me. Never to me. If there is something you want to know, ask.”

Her head lifts. “What does that?—”

She halts her question, her eyes dancing between mine. I take another step back, my shoulder brushing along the deep green leaves of the tardina plant, the fragrant shrub temporarily drowning out Tatha’s spicy scent, allowing my dragon to relax, just slightly. When she doesn’t finish her question, I ask, “Will you stay?”

“If you wish, your Majesty.”

Oh, I wish for so much from her. But I’ll start with dinner.

“Thank you, Tatha. I’ll have a room readied for you. You are welcome to wander the castle if you desire. Any areas off limits are locked, so feel free to explore.”

Her eyes light up, and I have the feeling a locked door will only present a challenge for her. I hold back my grin as she rolls her shoulders, looking up through the glass ceiling. “If it’s okay with you, Sire, I’d like to fly.”

“Of course. I’ll have dinner prepared. It will be ready at your leisure.”

“That’s not necessary, your Majesty. I can catch something while I’m out.”

I shake my head. “I’d like the opportunity to get to know you over a meal. Eating as a human is an … experience.”

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