Page 112 of Wrath of the Dragons
Erix drums his fingers along the desk, letting his eyes drift to the sea that sprawls to the horizon. “And if I disagree?”
“Despite Cordelia’s words at dinner, Elowen will always hold Galakin in a higher regard than other kingdoms because you presented her with her dragon eggs.” I trail my tongue over my lips, taking time to mold my next statement. “However, your wife’s hatred for bastards makes me believe you have a few hiding within the kingdom, and well…if a bastard with the blood of commoners can take the throne, imagine what a royal could do if given the right opportunity.”
Erix’s nostrils flare and his eyes narrow on me. “You have no idea what you’re speaking of. I could have your tongue for that.”
“You’d be dead before you rose from your chair.” I take another sip, placing a boot over my knee as I lean back. “I don’t care where your cock has been. The only reason I’m here is to ensure my wife has the highest chance of survival in the battles to come.”
I can take on their armies, but it’s Elowen who will face the navy while on dragonback. Galakin can aid her efforts in ways I can’t while fighting on land. After almost losing her in the last battle, I need to take every precaution to ensure that never comes to pass.
“And do you intend to achieve that by threatening me?”
“I mean to achieve that by whatever means possible, and always remember that no threat of mine is empty when it comes to her,” Istate. “My loyalty is not to a crown or a kingdom; it will always be to my wife.”
Erix takes a deep drag of his smoke, looking to the sea again as he blows it out. “Though I don’t agree with your methods, I respect you as a man.” I remain silent, not really caring about what he thinks of me. All I want are his ships. “Love has always had a way of bleeding duty dry. As king your duty is to your kingdom, even at the expense of those you love. The crown on your head must always come before the ring on your finger.”
“You were born into a role I claimed with my sword, and considering you have bastards, I don’t regard any of your advice on how to conduct myself as a husband highly.”
His nostrils flare. “I never admitted to that. I love my wife.”
“You didn’t have to, and I don’t care.”
Erix knows he’d be a fool to make an enemy of me. With Elowen claiming the Imirath throne, our kingdom along with the southern isles will become the largest kingdom in Ravaryn. Not only that, but its queen is bonded to five dragons, and the flame-wielders of Galakin can’t wield dragonfire if Elowen’s revenge finds them next.
“A treaty must be drawn up,” he says. “But I will aid your naval forceonlywith the guarantee that trade will be established and Thirwen’s ships will be pulled back from where they skirmish with mine.”
I finish off the whiskey and place the empty crystal on the edge of his desk. “A pleasure doing business with you, Erix.”
I yank open the doors to the study and step over the still-sleeping guards. They’re in Erix’s command so he can deal with them however he sees fit.
“Your Majesty!” someone calls out behind me, but I keep walking, eager to get out of this castle. “Your Majesty!”
I glance over my shoulder, and sure enough, a servant has her eyes on me. She pauses for a moment to catch her breath when she’s close. “I only wanted to ask if you’re lost. I know the towers can be confusing.”
“I was just on my way out.”
“But the queen has just arrived,” she says.
“Queen Cordelia is busy with her sister, and I suggest keeping her occupied until I’m gone.”
“No, sire.Yourqueen. Her majesty has arrived with Prince Zale and Commander Finnian.”
Chapter
Fifty-five
Elowen
Incense burns my nose, sopotent I can practically taste it. Mae’s chamber is darker than most, but the woman is nowhere to be seen. Gold chimes hanging in the windows create a soothing melody…so I don’t know why goosebumps dot my skin. It’s the same feeling I got while crossing into Zraka. It feels like I’m forgetting something, like I’m meant to be somewhere else but can’t remember where to go. Aside from the chimes, everything in the suite is red. It reminds me of Asena’s robes, and I wonder if Mae has any ties to the fire cult.
I fist my skirts to keep from tripping over several floor pillows surrounding a low table and pause when Zale holds a hand up before disappearing onto the balcony.
“I think I’m going to sneeze if I stay in here a moment longer,” Finnian whispers.
“I lived with you in your teenage years so this smells pleasant in comparison.”
He glares at me while resting a finger beneath his nose. “Rude.”
“Mae?” Zale calls out, and I peek through the gossamer curtains to watch him round a small lounge facing the ocean. The canopy overhead provides the elderly woman some reprieve from the sun, but I try not to gag when another wave of incense washes over me. Sticks of steaming wood rest in several golden bowls all around her. Her frailshoulders are wrapped in a shawl and rise when Zale steps into her vision. “I brought someone who wishes to speak with you.”
