Page 146 of The Forbidden Dragon King
I’m crying. My cheeks are wet. I can’t break the spell by even wiping away my tears.
I’ve glimpsed inside Daire’s memories: His agonizing loss and despair. The dragons think that he grieves for his loss of power or freedom. Yet I know that the howl hidden inside this song is for the souls of every fallen fae, his family and friends.
It’s for the fall of an entire kingdom.
Then slowly, the final notes of his song die off.
Daire tips back his head, and the moonlight that pours through the windows licks down the line of his long throat.
Then he starts to dance.
I gasp.
Aurelius leans forward on his elbows, gaze avidly fixed on Daire.
Daire spins breathtakingly fast. His outfit twirls out at the waist. Ragged shadows flutter around him. His wings snap above his head, as if he’s singed blossom tossed on the uncaring wind.
“Daire.” Aurelius holds his hand out toward the king who has been forced to dance in front of him.
At the sound of his true name for the first time on Aurelius’ lips within the walls of the Shadow Court, Daire throws himself elegantly to his knees in front of Aurelius.
It doesn’t look like submission but a victory.
Lucius leads the clapping, looking delighted.
Yet Maximinus’ expression becomes thunderous.
“Prostrate yourself properly before the king, whore,” Maximinus hisses.
The applause hurriedly peters out.
When Daire slides to fully bow before Aurelius, I can see his spine through the thinness of the silk costume.
I wipe furiously at my wet cheeks.
Aurelius’ eyes clear for a moment, before he growls, “Who ordered an Alpha King to play at courtesan on my brother’s deathday?”
Daire rises to stand. “Can’t I pretend to play it myself, Your Majesty?”
“You appeared to be enjoying it a moment ago.” Maximinus arches his brow. “Would you like him to be sent to your chambers later? You can enjoy hisothertalents in a more private setting.”
Daire’s jaw clenches, but he doesn’t say anything.
“If anyone touches the fae without his consent,” Aurelius snarls, “I will cut off their bollocks with Hadrian’s Dagger and make sure that they see them crushed in my hand, before they fully turn to ash.”
Maybe Aurelius is warming up to Daire.
“And what about your other pretty pet? It’s been too long since I had a nondragon sucking my cock.” Quintus grabs for my arm, and I yelp in pain.
Aurelius roars, jumping to his feet. He’s slowed by drink, however, and it’s Daire who grabs Quintus’ wrist hard enough that I hear the bones creak.
Quintus lets go of me, and I stagger back into Aurelius’ arms.
“You savage beast.” Quintus points a shaky finger at Daire. Light glints off his large, silver signet ring. “How dare a lowly pet attack a noble dragon? I will see you broken for this.”
“As much as that sounds like fun,” Daire drawls, “we can have more fun in other ways. Let me make it up to you.”
To my shock, Daire sprawls on the Alpha’s lap. His eyes are half-hooded. He takes Quintus’ bruised wrist in his hand and gently raises it to his lips, before kissing it, as if in apology.
