Page 4 of The Dragon King

Inchel’s lips pull up in a cruel smile as he leans a shoulder against the doorframe. His eyes land on me again, and I fight to keep from sinking into my chair as his gaze travels back down my body. He tilts his head, like he’s assessing me. I sit taller, keeping my eyes on him. He snaps his gaze between the King and me a few times before his sharp tongue darts out and licks his lips with a small nod, coming to some conclusion.

Kemremir growls again, louder this time, and takes another step toward him.

Inchel raises a hand. “Of course, our mighty King will make an exception for the Mountain clan. I would too, for such a beauty.”

Kemremir’s shadows spread like dragon wings. The darkness expands, blocking my view of Inchel. I stand, clenching my fists at my side. I don’t need protection.

But then I feel more than see the King turn slightly to face me. The inky shadows part, revealing his face. His eyes are creased at the edges with what I can only assume is concern, but there’s also a small grin on his lips as he glances at my clenched fists. With a shake of his head, he turns back to Inchel, and his shadows draw back to his body, melting into his skin.

Amazing.

When Inchel comes back into view, I catch the wide-eyed look of fear on his face before he smooths his features into a smirk, mumbling, “This is most excellent.” His eyes snap to me again, landing on my chest. I hold his gaze, anger at his disrespect straightening my spine and subsequently pressing my small chest against the thin fabric of my plain dress.

Shining scales ‌crawl along Kemremir’s black skin. His black nails elongate to sharp claws. Steam rises from his body, and I can practically feel his dragon fire pulsing through his veins. This dragon is more powerful than any I’ve encountered.

A long pause hangs in the air as heavy as the scents of the flowers and ferns around us.

Inchel’s smile spreads to a malicious grin. “It is time, Kemremir.”

I’m not sure why, but my skin bristles at Inchel’s disrespect by calling our King by name. I take a step forward … to do what? Jump to defend Kemremir’s honor? If someone spoke to my father in such a tone, I’d be on them in a second, claws and teeth tearing and shredding. I may be small, but I’ve trained and fought all my life. I’ve taken down dragons over twice my size.

I plant my feet. The King doesn’t need me. He doesn’t need anyone. My teeth ache with the power pulsing off him. My eyes snap between the two men who obviously have a history, and not a great one, it seems.

Another growl rumbles from Kemremir, and my body heats at the sound. What is going on with me?

“Inchel, I don’t have time for this right now. Leave.”

“No, Kemremir.” Inchel’s eyes snap to mine. There’s a wildness to him; excitement pulling his face into a slightly crazed look. “I Challenge you!”

For a second, I think he’s Challenging me, but his heavy gaze crawls from my face, landing on Kemremir.

He’s Challenging the King? My laugh bubbles from my lips before I can stop it. Inchel’s head snaps back in my direction, his greedy smile sliding to a scowl. The King keeps his back to me, but I catch the faintest chuckle beneath his growl. I press my lips together. If Inchel’s dragon is anything like the man, he could never best Kemremir.

And the King seems to share my amusement as his chuckle grows louder until he throws back his head and laughs. “Really, Inchel? Now? After all these years of threatening to Challenge me, you’ve finally found the balls to do it?”

Kemremir rolls his shoulders, glancing back at me, and for some reason, I have the urge to run to him and wrap my arms around his waist. But I bite the inside of my cheek, blink several times, and hold still. Being in my human form is messing with me. This was supposed to be a quick trip, but here I am, stuck between these two males.

Kemremir continues, “So, when would you like to die?”

He speaks the words like a promise, but Inchel’s smile is back in place and doesn’t waver as his eyes sweep over me yet again. “In deference to the Lady’s father’s failing health, I will allow you to see to his final days and to his Elevation.”

There’s not an ounce of sympathy in his voice, and I wonder what game he’s playing.

Inchel turns back to Kemremir. “Enjoy your last days, black dragon. You will not be around to see the new year.”

Kemremir says nothing.

Eyes on me, Inchel licks his lips again. “It was a pleasure to meet you ….” I don’t give him my name, and neither does Kemremir, which I am grateful for. A little half-smile lights up Inchel’s pretty face. “... Lady of the Mountain clan. I look forward to seeing you again at the Challenge.”

Raising an eyebrow, I nod. “I look forward to it. I’ve always wanted to see the King fight. The stories are legendary.”

Kemremir’s eyes bore into mine, and there’s something like hunger in their depths. I swallow, but Inchel’s cruel chuckle draws my attention away from the King. “Legendary, yes. But legends fade.” He bows to me, not Kemremir. “I look forward to working with your people as your new King.”

That thought sours my stomach, and I dig my nails into my palms.

Inchel turns on his heels, his expensive shoes tapping loudly on the marble floor as he strides down the hall.

3

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