Page 51 of Claimed By the Sinful Dragon
Like I hadn’t worked that out for myself. I opened my mouth to snap a retort that would probably get the crap kicked out of me, but a loud rap on the door interrupted me. Uther’s eyes snapped up to the newcomer, and I twisted round to follow his gaze.
“I’m busy,” he snapped.
“Apologies, Your Highness,” the newcomer said, a guy who looked to be in his thirties but carried himself with the quiet stoicism of someone far older. Dark hair fell across sharp cheekbones as he bowed his head. His shoulders were heaving but his face didn’t look red with exertion. Was that a dragon thing? “I wouldn’t interrupt if it wasn’t urgent.”
Uther tutted and I could feel the irritation rolling off him as he waved an imperious hand. “Very well. Speak.”
“You’re needed outside at once, Your Highness. We’ve had word the rebels have been sighted on the border. We need to move you to a safer location.”
“Run?” Uther sneered. “I am the King of the Wraiths, and you expect me torunlike some cowardly cur?”
“I’m sorry, Your Highness, I intended no offence. What—” he seemed to cringe. “What shall I tell the royal guard?”
“Tell them to prepare to fight. And that I shall personally lead them into battle.” He took hold of the leash hanging from mycollar and gave it a sharp tug, sending a jolt of pain through my neck. “Stand.”
I staggered to my feet as quickly as I could with my hands still bound behind my back, but not fast enough to avoid another savage yank of the leash. I bit my lip on a gasp of pain, and saw the cruel delight in Uther’s eyes as he watched me.
“I shall have great fun playing with you later.”
He jerked me forward by the leash, then tossed it to the remaining guard. “Bring my new pet. I want her to see what happens to those who defy me. We will discuss your finder’s fee once I’ve finished slaughtering rebels.”
“Of course, Your Highness.”
“And as for you,” Uther said, his gaze snagging on me once more, “be sure to keep your eyes open. I wouldn’t want you to miss the show.”
Chapter 26
Rook
I crouched lowon the ridge, watching as the lone figure hurried from the front door of Uther’s fortress. He turned, sending a quick glance in my direction, and then dipped his chin. My lips curved in a smile. Good. Gaheris had delivered the message, and the beast who would be king had taken the bait. We’d known he would—the arrogant bastard had never been able to resist a slaughter. Not when he thought his enemies were outnumbered and outpowered.
As I watched, Gaheris strode across the yard, looking as though he belonged there, and drawing no attention from the guards. He’d always had a skill for blending in.
Dragons are not meant toblend in, my dragon grunted irritably.
I ignored him as Gaheris flashed his open hand by his leg once, twice, and on the third time extended only two fingers. There were twelve dragons there, not counting Uther.
And Kaylee.
Yeah, Kaylee was there too—Gaheris would have left without giving a signal if she hadn’t been.
If we can trust him. He wants the king’s blood—and his crown.
He can keep the crown. All that matters to me is gettingherout of there, alive.
And I meant it. I didn’t know when it had happened, when the annoying wolfless shifter had stopped being something I’dgladly have rid myself of, and become someoneI couldn’t see myself without, but she had. And every part of me burned with the need to tear into Uther, to taste his blood and his fear for even daring to threaten her.
Our talons shall tear into his flesh for daring to threaten her,my dragon vowed, and I inclined my head in silent agreement, not taking my eyes from Uther’s courtyard. Gaheris melted into the shadows, and seconds later, the palace doors opened again and this time—
A roared built in my throat, and it was all I could do to keep my jaws clamped tight and stop it escaping. Uther was walking into the yard, accompanied by a guard…and Kaylee. On. A. Fucking. Leash. I was going to rip that asshole limb from limb. By the time I was done with him, there wouldn’t be enough left to weave into one of his fucking tapestries.
Agreed.
I threw myself off the ridge, shifting on the fly, and raced for the courtyard. Shouts of alarm went up, but in seconds I thudded to the ground amidst them, sending guards scattering in every direction. Gaheris had said there were only twelve of them, and it looked like five of those had just pissed their pants. I didn’t allow myself a moment to relish the satisfaction. How could I when Kaylee was standing right there, fresh cuts and bruises marring her face, and her eyes wide with hope as they fell on me.Hope. That horrified me most of all, because I’d treated her like shit, and if seeing me made her hopeful, then what the hell had Uther put her through already?
I lashed out with my tail, hitting two guards who hadn’t moved away quickly enough. They went down with cries of pain, and no surprise—my tail was powerful enough to break bones,and I wasn’t holding back today. They should have been grateful I aimed as low as I did. They’d be out of the fight, but they’d heal.
A mercy they do not deserve.
