Page 90 of The Forbidden Dragon King
I shake my head.
This undercover mission is over. My cozy nest is calling.
I turn on my heel, but then jump, when one side of the study doors unexpectedly swings open.
I twirl back, my pulse pounding in my throat.
I throw myself back into the alcove next to the window. My heart is beating hard in my chest.
My eyes narrow in confusion, when I hear the Beta servant gasp, followed by a thump of dropped bedding and the clatter of running footsteps along the marble corridor.
Why is the servant running?
Curiosity may have killed the wolf, but I still have to know.
Panting, I peer out of the alcove.
Then my eyes widen in horror.
Aurelius is pinned to the door by snake like silver chains at his ankles and wrists. He is collared, as if he is a thrall and not a king.
Aurelius’ eyes are wide with fear and desperation. Dried blood trickles from his bruised nose.
Unexpected, protective fury rises in me.
The same fury that I feel every time that I see Daire behind the bars of the dungeon cell. Except, the difference is that Daire carries it off as if he’schoosingto remain in his cage.
He’s free, as long as he is in his soul.
Whereas this is different.
Aurelius appears truly bound. Staring into his amber eyes, there is no freedom in his soul.
Has there ever been?
I take a ragged breath but force myself to listen.
So, this is spying on the two most powerful men in the kingdom.
Treason.
Maximinus wouldn’t have opened the door, however, if he didn’t want people to overhear, right?
“I could advise the Council for you to be held in the dungeons next to your fae pet,” I hear Maximinus say. “Collared and manacled in enchanted chains under my direct control. How would you like to live your long life alone in the dark? If you can’t accept that you are forbidden to bond, then you will destroy us all.”
Forbidden to bond…?
Lucius told me that about Aurelius.
Why is Aurelius trying to break something now that he’s accepted since he was young and had that crown of roses and thorns placed on his head?
“Fool,” I whisper.
Why is Aurelius risking the same fate as Daire?
Do these two assholes both expect me to save them?They’re lucky that I’m here.
“I won’t,” Aurelius swears.
