Page 96 of Fated to the Dragon Warlord

“I have further questions for your claiming dance, Lord.” He attempts to hand me the pad.

I clap my hand on his shoulder. To his credit, he doesn’t flinch as much as he could.

“I trust you to do a good job, Dalat. These celebrations will be the best Vorostor Central has ever seen, I am sure of it.”

They are likely to be the most expensive, but what is the point of being a Sarkarnii warlord with the best resources in any sector if I can’t ensure my mate has everything she deserves, including the best claiming dance?

“I appreciate your faith in me, Lord, but I do need you to look over a few items,” Dalat persists as I attempt to get away.

To my abject horror, a couple of confused looking warriors join us carrying various items.

“I need to know what colors you wish to adorn the halls,” Dalat says as a warrior holds up some fabric samples. “And if you prefer Nalor ale wine to Balor.”

I increase my pace, but unfortunately, he keeps up. And he’s not giving in.

“Hi, Dalat.” Kerra appears, as if out of nowhere. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to borrow your Lord Darax for a while.” Her hand grips at me, her pull impressively strong as I’m dragged down the passage to the aquium.

He is left behind, knowing to follow would result in injury.

“You looked like you needed saving,” Kerra says.

“I did, or rather Dalat did before I removed a body part,” I say without any malice.

“He’s doing his best, but he is…a bit much.” She sighs. “But I have Rosalie and Maggie to keep him at bay,” she adds quickly.

I pull her to me, inhaling her delicious scent and enjoying her proximity calming my shivering scales and whirling head.

“I want to dance for you more than you can imagine, my Kerra,” I murmur into her hair. “I can dance for you here and now, but the claiming dance should be done in front of others. Otherwise there is no real claiming.”

“How many others?” Kerra asks.

“It doesn’t matter, as long as there are witnesses.”

“Do they have to be Sarkarnii?”

I tip my head on one side, considering her suggestion before coming to a conclusion. “No, I don’t think they do.”

Kerra grabs my hands and pulls me through the door into my aquium. Inside are the females, waiting for us.

I’m not sure why.

“Do you need anything else to dance for me?” Kerra asks. “Or could you do it here, now?”

“With the females present?” I look at them. They are all smiling, and for the first time in my life, my stomach squirms with a little fear.

Females can envenomate. Females can be dangerous.

“With my friends as witnesses,” Kerra says. “And without all the fuss Dalat is planning.”

“You don’t want a celebration?”

“I do if you do.” Kerra raises her eyebrows.

I get the feeling the females are all holding their collective breaths. I think of the celebration, the fuss, the visitations by the warlords and the chaos which I know will ensure. And I look atmy beautiful mate. She wears a close fitting top in the color of my scales and pants which mold to her form.

She is so perfect.

“I want to dance for you, my mate. I don’t care who sees.” I press my lips to hers. “All I want to do is complete the claiming. I want you to be mine.”

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