Page 97 of Upon Buried Embers
“Have my ear for their advice and opinions, but in the end, it’s my decision.”
And they will hate me even more for it.
“I did not become clan leader on the basis that I’m a Dragonbond, an Alpha to one of the largest dragons of its time to roam Dracozar. Although I hold a title, that did not make me a leader. Others hold weight to their titles, think they’re superior in every way, but we do it differently here.Ido it differently here.”
My brows furrow, and he spreads his fingers over my cheek, stroking my ear. “I fought for my position. I spilled my blood and sharpened my axe to any who challenged me, dragon or man. I will do so for those who still come, but I took it. Just like I took you. You think I’m a man that has no honor? That my words mean nothing?”
“I have no idea what kind of man you are,” I whisper, biting my lip.
I still when he pulls the abused flesh free, staring as his thumb rubs back and forth over it. My breath hitches as his eyes become a darker hue of purple.
“I could show you in many ways just what kind of man I am.” His eyes flick up to mine. “You tempt me like no other, so if you ever want to find out… really find out, Little Whisperer, be sure it’s what you want, because I won’t have enough control to stop.”
My chest heaves with his words, knowing what lays beneath them, what he’s insinuating. I’m… confused.
The Dragorie are barbaric people, yet this man hasn’t hurt me. Not even my punishment for Serah hurt me, not really. And now he wants me in …thatway? An elf?
It isn’t unheard of to lay with one of my kind whether we want it or not, though they only do it in the underground, hidden from the king’s eyes. Rohan says it like it isn’t frowned upon. As though I’m just like any other woman and the king wouldn’t take me from him.
I don’t understand.
All I’ve ever heard about is their cruelty, but so far I’ve seen none, and he hasn’t forced himself upon me, even though he speaks of wanting to.
Doesn’t mean he won’t. Men love to tell us pretty things when all along it’s a trap.
“Now, is there anything else you would like to discuss regarding yesterday?”
I shake my head.
“Good, but just one more thing.” He brings his face an inch from mine. “Do not run off and cry on your own again.”
I say nothing.
“I mean it, Elf. You stood there, my own damn dragon at your back, ready to fight me, and I couldn’t get to you because you protected him.”
He takes a deep breath.
“And though one side of me is filled with pride that you would protect my dragon, even from me, the other half of me wanted to rip him away to stop your tears from falling.” He growls. “Do not do that to me again, understand?”
I nod, warmth filling me.
Escor, however, growls at Rohan, bashing his tail against him.
“Drogonah is agitated,” Rohan says casually. “Don’t make me have him teach you a lesson, Escor.” The dragon grumbles at my back.
“Leave us.” There’s a pause, then Escor stands, bumping his head gently against mine before he walks over to his bed. “Now,” I’m grabbed and pulled into his lap. “No more tears.”
I look up at him and nod. “I’ll try.” I cry so much it’s a wonder I have any left.
“That will do for now.”
“Shall I start my chores?” I look up at the light shining through the opening. “It’s morning now.”
“It can wait. Winter’s end is approaching and things have changed.”
They have?
“How much do you know about dragonkind?”
