Page 144 of The Forbidden Dragon King
“I have toasted your dead brother.” Maximinus flicks his wrist, magically raising a fresh silver goblet off the table and lifting it, until it cracks against Aurelius’ closed mouth. “Our murdered King. Or do you dishonor the memory of your own kin?”
I’m shaking.
I stare at Lucius, who smears the blood off his cheek. Aurelius and he appear to be communicating without saying anything.
Then reluctantly, Lucius staggers back to his couch. Instantly, a group of Alpha courtiers gather around him, instinctively protective of the pretty Omega. Lucius allows himself to be petted and soothed.
It’s obvious that Lucius is liked within the court. The public violence against him wasn’t popular.
Lucius hasn’t only gained his status because of his closeness to Aurelius or by being War’s dragon rider.
It’s an intriguing thought how much power I may also be able to wield as an Omega within this court, compared to holding none at all in the Moon Court.
Finally, Aurelius snatches the stem of the goblet, and Maximinus allows him to control it.
Aurelius downs the wine.
Maximinus gestures to me. “Again. To King Tarquin.”
Aurelius stands, unmoving.
Reluctantly, I refill his goblet. Again, he downs it.
Over and over, Maximinus toasts King Tarquin, and Aurelius alone is forced to drink in the strained silence of the room.
What the hell is Maximinus planning?
Aurelius is swaying now. His gaze is hazy.
When the goblet finally slips from Aurelius’ fingers, and Aurelius falls back onto the couch, Maximinus claps his hands.
“This is how Tarquin’s deathday should be celebrated. Shall we have some fun now?” Maximinus declares.
The other guests call out agreement, but it’s muted and fearful.
Maximinus holds up his own empty goblet, waggling it at me. “Pet, stop slacking. Refill this.”
I move to lean over to reach Maximinus, but Aurelius clamps his hand around my thigh, holding me back.
“She’s my personal pet.” Aurelius’ words are slurred. When he looks up at me, his gaze is heated. It makes my stomach flip that he’s claiming me like this in public but also, frightens me what he may let slip. “Get your own.”
Maximinus’ eyes flash, before he appears to calm himself. “Excellent idea. Mine is both better trained and more beautifully dressed for the occasion. Your brother, who is looking down at us from the heavens, will be honored by my offering this deathday.”
What…?
Maximinus flicks his wrist and the doors magically swing open.
Anticipation races through me.
Everybody turns to look at the courtesan who is gliding into the hall.
Daire’s eyes are icy.
He looks elegant, aloof,untouchable.
It would seem an impossible trick to pull off, when heis wrapped in thin satins and silks that whisper across his skin.
My hold loosens on the pitcher in shock and desire. Wine drips out over my hands like blood, but I barely notice.
