Page 161 of The Forbidden Dragon King
Daire and I are seated on a long bench, which has been dragged from the side of the room and placed in front of the desk. It feels like we’re awaiting judgment from a court.
Or are about to be interrogated, which I guess we are.
“Nay, it wasn’t a rebellion,” Daire says with a merry loudness that I just know is on purpose. “More like revenge.”
Aurelius groans. “Can you keep it down?”
He places the goblet back onto the desk with a wince, as if even that noise is too much for his head.
“I can but why should I? You’re the idiot who drank too much last night.”
I bite back a grin, despite my nerves.
Seeing my two Alphas together makes me want to purr with happiness.
I dart a glance between these two powerful rivals.
It feels so right to be together like this, even if it’s in the wrong situation.
Will Aurelius truly punish us?
Aurelius once told me that Daire needed to be called Kit because Daire could only survive in the Shadow Court if he was perceived to be harmless.
Unfortunately, Daire isn’t declawed.
“And you’re the idiot who has a cat hanging around his neck.” Aurelius arches his brow.
“Isn’t she beautiful?” Daire reaches up to stroke Five, who is still wound around his neck and shoulders like she belongs there.
Aurelius grimaces. “Does she have fleas?”
“Don’t listen to your mean uncle.” Daire tickles under Five’s chin. “Da loves you.”
“Uncle?” Aurelius mouths. Then he sits straighter, eyes narrowing. “I have here…” He slams his hand down on the file in front of him, “a complaint that my bad pets?—”
“Spark is agoodpet,” Daire says, quickly. “She was only there to bring me breakfast. She isn’t part of this.”
Aurelius’ expression gentles, as he glances at me. “I should have known. Either return to your duties or your room, Little Wolf, while I deal with him.”
I cross my arms. “Not a chance.”
Aurelius’ heavy gaze settles with displeasure on the feather woven into my hair.
Then he studies Daire’s bruised cheek, busted lip, and purpling eye, before taking in the careful way that he’s holding his side. He’s fought enough battles to know how badly Daire has been beaten up.
Surely he won’t side with his fucking sadistic guards?
“Do you need a healer?” Aurelius finally asks.
Daire looks caught off guard, as if that’s the last thing he expected Aurelius to ask. “Why? Don’t you enjoy looking at the results of your orders?”
“I didn’t order the guards to beat you.”
“But they did.” Daire cocks his head. “Who’s ruling this court? You or the Council?Maximinus?The guards told me that you had no authority over them. By the Shadow Gods, my kingdom may have been shattered a decade ago, but if any of my soldiers had dared to say that…”
He trails off with a sharp smile.
I suck in a breath at Daire’s boldness.
