Page 122 of The Forbidden Dragon King
I try not to roll my eyes.
Predictable.
I shuffle closer between his legs.
Maximinus unstoppers the bottle. I try not to vomit at the foul, metallic stench.
“Seduce Quintus,” Maximinus murmurs, “and kill him. You missed that his preference is forOmegaswho look like you: athletic but slim with stunning eyes, curls,a challenge. He won’t be able to resist putting an Alpha who looks the same as that in their place.”
I gag, as Maximinus raises the stinking bottle to my lips.
Maximinus makes a hushing noise. “I know. It may be unpleasant but the best medicine always is.”
He pushes my chin back gently, before tilting up the bottle.
I struggle to swallow the thick, revolting liquid. It coats my throat like tar.
I choke.
“Once you’ve seduced Quintus,” Maximinus pats me on the back, until my coughing subsides, “you’ll kill him, of course.”
Of course.
Quintus is just my next mark. It’s only another mission.
So, why does this feel worse?
Maximinus pulls away the bottle, wiping a stray tear of liquid from the edge of my lip. “You are my best secret assassin. It’s an honor. Out of all my spies and assassins throughout the Shadow Court, I’m entrusting this to you. Follow through on this mission properly, and I’ll give you another dose of the antidote. I won’t allow you to suffer for as long this time. Then perhaps, your life will be extended for a few more months.”
Months.
It’s little more than the beat of a butterfly’s wings.
It has to be enough.
I steel myself, looking up to meet Maximinus’ gaze through my curls. “One condition.”
“You don’t get to make conditions.”
“Strange, I am. I want my fae brothers and sisters to be given permanent housing and equal pay to the shifter soldiers.”
“But they’re only mercenaries.”
“It seems to me that this Quintus is an important dragon in the Shadow Court. This assassination must be worth what I’m asking.”
Maximinus laughs, patting my head like I’m a dog. “My pet, you’re becoming almost too good at this. Fine, I agree to your condition.”
I relaxe.
This will be worth it.
It’s worth it for the antidote alone. It’s the only way that I can remain by Freya’s side and serve her, as I swore that I would in my deal.
It’s the only way that I can take my kingdom back.
Except, this is the most high profile of the murders yet.
“Won’t it be suspicious?” I ask. “I lure the man in with my charms, then he’s discovered the next day with his throat slit? Are you setting me up to have my own throat sliced by the executioner’s ax?”
