Page 102 of The Forbidden Dragon King
Aurelius’ arm is wrapped around me, as well as his golden wings.
He is sleeping as well.
My chest becomes tight.
I’ve never slept with anyone before. I’ve definitely not cuddled close to them like this. Nor has anyone allowed me close to them, trusting me in this way.
I stare up at Aurelius’ peaceful sleeping face.
His pale eyelashes fan onto his cheeks. The golden waves of his hair tumble under his elegant dragon crown. His sharp cheekbones are lit by afternoon sun through the window behind the desk.
He looks like a sleeping sun god.
How is it possible for him to be more beautiful, when he’s asleep?
He appears softer like this, as if he’s not constantly afraid of dark secrets, while plotting even darker revenges.
I nuzzle against Aurelius’ reddened neck, breathing in his scent. His pheromones are beginning to settle.
How can he allow himself to be vulnerable like this around me?
If I had the silver knife, which is underneath my mattress… If I was Daire… If I had the courage to sink my fangs into his exposed throat…
Then this wouldn’t be a bad assassination attempt.
I swallow, taking a final glance at this dragon who I am starting to fall for.
I’m torn with the need to both protect and conquer him.
Then I force myself to look down instead at Hadrian’s Dagger, which is still sheathed at Aurelius’ waist.
He never takes it off.
The dagger is whispering to me.
I can hear it, as well as feel it like a dark tar, stickier than the honey on my skin.
Its curse is loud.
Power…temptation…shadowed death.
My fingers twitch toward it.
Would it hurt to just take it out and hold it? I won’t touch the blade.
I bite my lip, as my mind becomes hazy.
The moment that my hand moves toward the dagger, however, Aurelius’ eyes snap open.
My pulse speeds up. I try to push myself up, but Aurelius pulls me back onto his chest with his wings.
“I have to get changed, since someone tore off my clothes.” I avoid Aurelius’ sleepy gaze. “Then I have duties.”
Including going to the dungeons and making sure that Daire agrees to this change in our plans.
Of course, I won’t tell Aurelius that.
Aurelius strokes my hair gently. “You don’t. I’m the King and I’m granting you the day off, Little Spark.”
