Page 76 of The Dragon's Mate Proposal

“I—”

The sovereign lifted an eyebrow as I cut myself off, hesitating, making sure I properly answered the question the way it deserved. Just how deeply had I come to care for Samantha? After all, there I was, begging the leader of all our people to help me save her. A human.

Human by blood, perhaps, but that phrase doesn’t do her justice. Now, does it, Cade? She’s strong and decisive, unwilling to suffer being mistreated when she knows she deserves better. Funny, insightful, and caring. This is only the surface of what you’ve learned about her, and be honest with yourself, you want more. A lot more.

Memories of the time spent working away at the property, side by side. Of her little smile and the glow on her face as we flew out for the birthday picnic. The touch of her fingers on my arm. The sweetness of her kiss.

I reeled mentally as I abruptly realized my dragon had known from the start, but I’d been unwilling to accept.

“She is mine,” I growled, lifting my head to meet the sovereign’s eyes. “She is my mate, my everything, and I need your help to get her back.”

The sovereign smiled.

“I cannot help you,” she said, loud enough for everyone to hear.

My jaw dropped open.

“But—”

A single raised finger shut me up.

“There is an agreement between us,” she continued. “One that stipulated the conditions for the crown to repay your debts. That condition has not been satisfied. Not by both parties.”

How on earth was it supposed to be satisfied when Sam wasn’t around to speak for her feelings? I wanted to ask that question, but the look the sovereign gave me quelled me into silence once more.

Then her eyes slowly and deliberately shifted past me. To a corner of the throne room, past the other members of court, and those who waited to speak with her.

“I cannot help you,” she said. The emphasis on the first word wasn’t missed, even if it was so soft as to be barely noticeable. “I’m sorry, Cade.”

“Regrettable, but understandable, my sovereign,” I said, bowing my head and stepping back.

“I am leaving,” the sovereign announced loudly to all those in the courtroom.

Everyone rose in respect as she stood and waited as she walked down the stairs and through a door that led to her personal quarters. Feet shuffled as the others left the room, recognizing the signal to return to their normal duties and activities. Audiences were over for the day.

In moments, I was the only one left in the room.

A shadow stirred in the far corner of the throne room. The same corner the sovereign had directed her gaze while speaking to me. I approached.

“I am Damon, the Sovereign’s Shadow,” a voice rumbled, the speaker stepping forward. He was dressed in all black, the cloth matching his hair. Eyes of icy blue speared me with their gaze.

“I know who you are,” I said respectfully. “Your reputation precedes you.”

Damon nodded.

“Will you help me?” I glanced back at the door through which the sovereign had left. “Can you help me? Or are you bound by her will also?”

Damon’s mouth twitched. “I am her shadow. She is the light. It’s my job to handle the darkness when she cannot.”

A smile broke over my face.

“But this mission will require more than two of us,” Damon said. “Kalann is known to the sovereign. She does not like him, but she’s also aware he’s not a bumbling fool. Unfortunately. His security will be top notch in numbers and skill.”

“I know,” I said. “But I have to go anyway. They have my mate. The woman I—”

Damon nodded, glancing behind me.

“You know I can’t, friend,” someone else said.

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