Page 81 of Dragon Blood

Astred’s spasming body drew Kai ever deeper. He surged, filling her, hot and true as their magic descended in a mingled, glittering mist, coating them and everything around them.

Astred opened her eyes, absorbing every inch of Kai’s features in that moment before he opened his. Traces of gold dust flared before receding into the depths of the dark brown.

He smiled, his gaze sweeping hers.

“What is it?”

“Your eyes flared blue for a second,” he grinned.

“Did they?” She laughed. “Well shit, yours were gold for a bit, too.”

He grinned back at her.

“What chaos have we stirred up?”

“Who the fuck cares?” He kissed her, deeply, with all the tenderness in his heart, so that it brought tears to her eyes.

“I love you, Kai.” Her fingers fluttered over his damp hair.

“I know you do, Red. As fiercely as I loveyou.”

She closed her eyes before the droplets could fall, shaking her head. “I don’t know how—”

“It doesn’t matter how, yet, but we will make it work, Red. Trust us.”

Astred drew a deep breath.

Inside, her dragon purred.

She smiled. “I do.”

Chapter 25

KaiandAstredstoodin the Eastern Air Dragon’s palace, positioned at the foot of the ceremonial throne and dais where the king sat in gold and silver threaded robes. At the far end of the grand hall, the massive wooden doors eased open to admit Kai’s father and his retinue.

Astred stood erect, eyes forward.

The traditional curved headdress with its intricate carvings balanced on Keone Sun’s head as he glided forward. As the tiger clan’s head spiritual shaman, he bore the weight of his people’s traditions on his body for every age-old ceremony, since he’d accepted the title passed down from his ancestors before him.

Kai marveled at how the helmet never dared tip.

A talent he was sure never to develop, despite his father’s urgings and great disappointment.

No, the beautifully decorated attire would one day pass to one of Kai’s cousins, who made up part of the retinue. One of his aunties’ daughters, he hoped.

He studied their impassive faces as the group approached, though their eyes glittered with intense curiosity when they looked at him, next to Astred and the dragon king.

At the bottom of the dais, Keone flowed to a stop as though he’d never moved a muscle, dipped into a low bow, eyes always respectfully on King Dai Zen Long. “Your Majesty.” His smooth voice rolled forward, barely above a whisper, yet unmistakable.

“Wu Sun,” the king replied with a slight nod using his respected title.

Keone Sun’s gaze slid to Astred. “Princess.”

She curtsied respectfully, low and deep. “Your Eminence.”

Keone acknowledged Bayn before finally settling his gaze on Kai, his expression curiously resolute. “Shall we begin?”

Suddenly rigid, Astred lifted a brow, sucking in a breath, but nodded. Bayn had already explained some of the protocol to her before the mystical attendants arrived.

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