Page 230 of The Forbidden Dragon King
I hurriedly scan their hands.
A female Alpha at the front in her forties with a tight bun, and a harsh expression, as if she could slice your throat with the thinnest of smiles, steps forward in silence.
I don’t recognize her.
Moonlight catches on her silver signet ring.
My breath stutters, when Aurelius stalks out of the shadows next to his uncle.
For a moment, horror shoots through me.
Aurelius is dressed resplendently in a golden tunic, tan breeches, and crimson cloak. His crown gleams. He’s walking with his shoulders back, as if he’s going into war. He doesn’t look at Daire or me.
What’s going on? What in the realms of troll fuckers is…?
Then, as Aurelius rounds the throne, relief surges through me at the sight of the enchanted chains that are binding his wrists.
Is it fucked up to be relieved that your fated mate is being held captive as well, even if they’re being paraded as a puppet king, rather than that they’ve betrayed you?
After a lifetime of relying on no one but myself, I’ve only just allowed myself to trust these Alphas. It would break me to lose that trust.
Aurelius sits stiffly on his throne. “Why do we need these theatrics? I am the one who abandoned the city. I am aware that I am guilty of dereliction of duty. Punish me, damn you, then let me get on with my duties. I have a city to rebuild and citizens who need me.”
Maximinus doesn’t answer. He stands quietly in military parade posture to the side of the throne, watchful. He’s dressed in armor and leathers, jutting out his jaw.
I am terrifyingly aware that he could kill everyone here with a flick of his wrist.
Everyone else knows it too.
“You do not have the authority within these walls,” the Head of the Council barks. “You don’t get to decide the guilty and innocent. These two are cadets. They also abandoned their city when it was under attack.”
“Where were you, raven starver?” I growl. “Any of you? Safe inside the palace walls? Well, we were in the streets. We fought.”
Twelve furious Alphas turn their full attention on me. Their dominant pheromones flood the basilica.
I cringe back but don’t drop my gaze.
“Aren’t you ashamed to speak?” An ancient Council member with snow white hair and beard points a wavering finger at me. “An omega wolf shifter and a filthy fae daring to seduce our King away from protecting his city.”
A third, female Alpha, who would have been pretty if not for the sneering twist to her mouth gives a contemptuous laugh. “Look at the pets, in such a terrible state, hanging as criminals in chains. You should have allowed this to be a public hearing in order for them to be thoroughly shamed.”
My cheeks flush.
“You don’t shame us by treating us like this.” Daire’s eyes blaze. “You only shame yourselves.”
I light up with savage satisfaction at the Council’s muttered fury.
Assholes.
“Silence, fae!” The Head of the Council storms downfrom the apse. I tense in fear, as she prowls to stand in front of Daire. She studies him with disgust. “I will never understand what our kind sees in such barbarous, feathered creatures. Kitten, isn’t that what our King calls you? His pet?”
“He’s a cadet,” I snarl. “The King’s dragon rider and fated mate, just like I am. Treat him with some fucking respect.”
“Aye,” Daire attempts to make himself look like he’s enjoying hanging in his chains, indolently stretching, “how do you show your respect to your King’s dragon riders around here? How about starting by letting me out of these chains? Then we can all forget this business about punishment and…ooph.”
The Head of the Council punches Daire in the stomach.
“Stop it,” I cry out.
