Page 15 of Three Scorched Kingdoms

The council.

I should have guessed.

My father was the most democratic king of his line, and while the people loved him for it, the egotistical, privileged people he elevated to power cling to their titles and their tradition with an ever-tightening vise grip.

“What have they said?” I ask.

“Leo’s arrangement with Esma was their idea,” she admits, exhaustion creeping in now that we’re alone and she’s confiding. “And it wasn’t a suggestion, either.”

I frown. “You make it sound like they’re the ones giving the orders now?”

She sighs, and in that sound is exhaustion—and defeat. “I couldn’t hold them off any longer without risking the throne itself.”

Shock then anger simmers in my blood. These men are meant to advise and advocate—not dictate to the crown. “Paige is my mate. I have already claimed her. They have no authority to oppose a rightful king and queen.”

She looks ready to argue, but in the end, she merely says, “If there’s anyone who can get through to them, it’s you.”

“Tomorrow,” I say, thinking of Paige. “Tonight, my friends and I need rest. Our journey has not been an easy one.”

“Of course, darling. I’m so glad you’re here.”

“As am I.”

I press a kiss to her cheek and return to the others. Paige looks exhausted. Blossom has her head propped on her hand, elbow on the table, and Mag is outright yawning.

“I think it’s time for us to be shown to our rooms,” I announce.

“I suppose you are right.” My brother stands and nods to a maid lingering near the wall. “We need… How many rooms?”

“The gnomes might get into mischief if they are in a room by themselves,” Paige says.

“Hey,” Ned protests.

“Mag and I will take them,” Blossom says. “And Bingo if he wants to come.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Paige tells her, stifling another yawn.

“If they get out of hand, I’ll find a dungeon to lock them in.” The gnomes protest, but Blossom ignores them, winking at Paige. “Just go enjoy some time with your dragon prince. And try to get some sleep.”

Bingo brushes against Leo’s legs on his way to the door.

“Until morning, then?” Leo asks.

I nod and clap his back before ushering Paige out of the room, confident that the maid can handle securing the others a guest room.

Paige leans against me as I lead her through the castle to my chambers. My body relaxes as we step over the threshold. The worries will still be there tomorrow. Tonight, Paige is home with me where she belongs.

The room is as I left it, and the familiarity is a balm, giving me a sense of home I didn’t know I needed.

“Wow.” Paige walks over to my canopy bed, spins around, holds out her arms, and flops back onto it. “So soft,” she murmurs.

I laugh, even as my dragon roars at me to take her here—in my bed.

I cross over to stand before her reclined form, noting her closed lids. So much for a christening of this mattress tonight.

“Do you want to at least change your clothes?” I ask.

She groans, peeling her lids open as she lifts onto her elbows to peer up at me. “A shower would be even better.”

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