Page 226 of The Forbidden Dragon King
Daire is silent.
“Say something,” I whisper.
“There is nothing that I can say,” Daire replies, flatly. “He won’t believe me. Tarquin’s prejudiced views about fae poisoned him against me years ago, or someone now in the court has been whispering in his ear. Plus, remember the fae rule: Never confess. So, is this the part that you kick my arse out of the pack?”
Terror jolts through me.
I am never letting that happen.
Aurelius’ lips twist. “What gave you that idea? I told you before, you’re mine now, forever. Nothing has changed. I just needed you to know that you haven’t played me:I’veplayedyou. Also,” his voice gentles for the first time, “however my uncle is controlling you, we can face it together. You’re bound to me now. Either, you can fight me and lose like you always do. Or you can fight with me, and we can all win together.”
Daire stalks back toward him. “Only you could make something romantic sound like a threat. First, tell me howwe’re going to survive tonight if we return to your corrupt Shadow Court.”
Aurelius tilts up his chin. “You’re cadets and I’m the King but we left the city in the middle of an attack. There are statutes in a war that allow an Alpha to leave a battlefield, when their Omega falls into heat. But this was no normal battle. Then we bonded. That’s the opportunity Uncle has been waiting for. He could try to execute you. Whatever happens, don’t reject me. I’ll find a way to protect you both. No matter how much you hate me or hate my plot, don’t reject my bond.”
My stomach drops. “Why will we hate you?”
All of a sudden, golden chains wind like snakes out of the walls of the cave, wrapping around my throat. I gasp and struggle, as I’m dragged against the wall.
Horrified, I kick and thrash.
Adrenaline surges through me, as I’m pinned alongside Aurelius and Daire. They’re clutching at their throats as they are strangled.
Then Maximinus strides into the cavern.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Golden Basilica, Shadow Court
Freya
My cheeks itchwith dried tears. I stopped crying hours ago. I’m the wolf who escaped the Mate Hunt. Survived being rejected by my first love, the prince of my own kingdom. The pet who became a dragon rider. The soul bond of two enemy kings, dragon and fae.
The secret Queen of this fucking kingdom.
Not bad going for an orphan thief.
It’s not sadness that’s howling through me and awaking my inner wolf; it’s rage.
Maximinus had his men drag Daire and me back to the palace. Still naked, I wanted to fight, but Daire stopped me with a shake to his head the moment thatMaximinus tightened the chain around Aurelius’ throat like a collar with a flick of his wrist.
Now, when I concentrate, I can sense the golden threads of our bond in their own collar around my neck. It’s a comforting presence, as if Aurelius is still with me in the same way that I know I can always sense Daire through our soul mark.
Did the servants collect the wooden dragon and feather brooch from my ruined clothes or are they still abandoned on Primo Mount?
I shake at the thought that they’re lost.
Inside the palace, Daire and I were pulled down a corridor toward the servant quarters and away from Aurelius.
What were they going to do to Aurelius? What the fucking hell would they do to my Alpha?
Then silent Betas, who avoided meeting our eyes, led us to the bathhouse and didn’t even bother to warm the water, before hurling buckets of freezing water over us both to clean us.
I screamed, as if I’d been pricked by thousands of needles.
Daire snarled and fought, despite still being chained. He twisted to shield me with his body, taking the full blast of the next cold water assault.
“May the Shadow Devils break your bloody bones.” Shivering, he glared over his shoulder at the servants. His feathers were bedraggled. Whatever the Betas saw in Daire’s eyes was enough to make them back off. Then he turned to me, resting his forehead against mine. Hisdripping curls brushed my cheeks. “Okay, love? Be strong a little longer. I’m with you. Even if I’m not the mate you hoped I was, I promise that I’ll be the mate you need.”
