Page 158 of The Forbidden Dragon King
Until Tiberius stalks towards me, pressing me against the wall. “How loyal. Do you have feelings for this other pet? Are you a filthy fae lover? But why don’t you play with us, instead? Dragons are much better lovers, treasure.”
I shudder, as Tiberius reaches to touch my cheek.
I’m going to bite his fingers off.
Before I can, Daire shifts behind Tiberius, speaking up softly.
“Touch me, then you may live. But touchher…” Daire’s voice is sugary sweet. Yet it’s like being smothered to death by blossoms. Tiberius becomes ashen at the sudden danger that shimmers in the air, snatching his hand back from me. “…and youwilldie.”
Tiberius twirls away from me, as if he always intended to, unable to meet the eyes of his fellow guards, who are now glancing unsure between the prisoner and their Head Guard. “Acting tough, pet? You swagger around just because His Majesty favors you.”
“He has a funny way of showing it,” Daire mutters, smoothing his curls back from his face.
He explores his bruised jaw, as if checking that it’s not broken. Then he fluffs his wings, before settling them back with a wince.
Tiberius’ expression darkens. “You’re a unique, interesting toy to him. I remember His Majesty when he was in the academy. Caligo, the Chief Instructor there, is my brother. He’d tell me all about the young prince and how fickle he was. He never could focus on his lessons of self-discipline and self-control. You offer himnovelty.And when he’s bored of you, then he’ll toss you to the Council. And they fucking hate you.”
My heart is beating too fast. I ball my hands into fists.
Daire’s lips thin. “But I’m so lovable.”
“You are pretty.” Tiberius gestures to the guards who grab Daire by the shoulders, holding him straight for inspection.
Tiberius grips Daire harshly by the chin, turning his head from side to side.
I take a quick step forward.
“I’m fine,” Daire rushes to say. “Just take a nice rest over there, Spark.”
I hesitate, unsure.
I trust Daire, however, and I know that those who think they are in charge of a situation with him, never are.
Tiberius smirks. “That’s right, pet. Let me examine my prisoner. Hmm, you looked better last night wearing those expensive silks and satins.”
“Are we having a chat about clothes?” Daire wrencheshis chin out of Tiberius’ grin. “Why don’t we swap tips? Your belt is too tight for?—”
Tiberius, predictably, backhands Daire.
Daire’s eyes glitter with amusement. “Truth hurts.”
Tiberius reddens with embarrassment. “Like this?”
He backhands Daire again.
I glance down the corridor. Should I go get Aurelius to stop this? Because Daire doesn’t appear to be able to stop running his mouth.
Is that the curse of all charming rogues?
Or does Daire have a scheme going on here that I don’t know about?
Daire licks the blood, which is streaming down his chin from his busted lip. “Aye, just like that.”
Tiberius takes a step back from Daire, breathing hard. “You make a better whore than a prisoner. The courtiers are gossiping this morning about your performance at the banquet. I’m sure that we would all love to see you put on a performance for us now.”
“And I’d love the Shadow Devils to rip out your spines and ram them up your arses. But we’ll both have to learn to live with the disappointment.”
I sigh.
