Page 35 of The Dragon of her Dreams

I took it gratefully, smiling at the young man as I wrapped myself up. “Thank you.”

“Come,” Samuel said. “We have made up a room and have food waiting.”

It was dinnertime, and my stomach lurched with hunger at the mention of food. I definitely needed to refuel and rest. “Thank you, again.”

We were shown to a large, opulent room warmed by a roaring fire.

Vanya hurried towards the fireplace, extending her hands to drink in its heat.

I walked around the room, taking in the richness of the furnishings and decor. “This place is as beautiful as your palace.”

Vanya laughed, rubbing her hands together and shuffling from foot to foot, trying to warm up. “King Magnik was a tyrant, but he liked to show off his wealth. You’ll see his touch throughout the palace. There’s gold and jewels added to the strangest things.”

“King Magnik?” I asked, having never heard of him.

“Yeah, Uncle Erik’s half-brother. He was the king before—”

“Before what?” I asked, my brow creasing.

Vanya turned to me, a smile quirking her lips. “Before Uncle Erik, and before my dad killed him.”

I stopped my perusing and stared at her, dumbstruck. “I’m sorry... what?”

My mate quickly recalled an event that had taken place more than thirty years ago, of a King who’d stolen Lucy from King Stavrok—out of blind greed, rage, and a thirst for power.

I growled loudly, anger rolling through my chest like an inferno at the mere thought of such a thing. “I would have killed him too,” I growled. If someone ever took Vanya because she could be bartered for land and power, they’d be dead before they knew what hit them.

Vanya smiled softly at my reaction. “You’re a lot like my dad, you know.”

“Hmm?” I enquired, unwilling to accept such an immense compliment. King Stavrok was an excellent man, king, and father. I could never compare myself to someone such as him. I’d never even dare.

“You are,” she repeated. “But I doubt I’ll be able to convince you. You’re as stubborn and unyielding as the mountains, though you’ll see in time, I’m sure.”

There was a knock at the door and a woman came in, with clothes draped over her arms. “Princess Vanya, I brought some of Queen Marienne’s clothes for you. And, sir... some of the King’s clothes. They are simple but—”

“They’re perfect,” I interrupted her. “Thank you.”

She hurried away at my swift but polite dismissal.

I walked over to the bed, picking up one of the shirts laid out for me. “Simple... I don’t understand.”

“Uncle Erik was the bastard son of the old king. He never expected to inherit the throne,” she explained. “And he doesn’t like all the pomp that comes with being royalty. Much like your father I assume, he isn’t comfortable in royal robes.”

I didn’t bother replying, afraid of what it would reveal about myself. But instead made a mental note to speak to King Erik in the future, if he would speak to me about such personal topics. “Well... these clothes are still beautiful,” I said.

Vanya picked up one of the dresses and nodded her head. “Oh, yes. Marienne has beautiful taste too.” She dropped her cloak and began dressing.

I feasted my eyes on her slim body before she covered it once more. I would have stripped her and taken her to bed again if my stomach wasn’t empty and my body not incredibly fatigued from our trip.

“Dinner?” she suggested, as though reading my thoughts. “Then bed?” Her eyes held a mischievous twinkle, which lightened the mood considerably.

“Absolutely,” I said, dropping my own cloak and not bothering to hide my half hard cock. “Seeing your beautiful body is never going tonotaffect me, sorry.”

She giggled and covered her mouth with her hand as she enjoyed what was on view. “Never apologize for wanting me. I’ve spent my whole life around my curvy mom and sister. I know I’m lacking in places, but honestly, I just didn’t have a choice in the matter. This is me.” She gestured to her perfect body with a lop-sided grimace.

I reached out and grabbed her hand, guiding her to wrap her fingers around my swelling cock.

She did so and stroked me once, drawing a long groan from me.

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