Page 51 of Claimed By the Dragon King

My eyes widen as she continues. “I’m surprised he did not wake you with all of his raging. And every time you even slightly stirred in your sleep, he rushed to your side.”

“He did?” I ask even as faded memories of being held against a muscular chest and his hand brushing the hair back from my face return from last night. “But… Aurdyn doesn’t even like humans,” I murmur, more to myself than to her.

“You, I believe, are an exception.” She grins and then smooths a hand down her tunic, yawning loudly. “I’ll be off as soon as the Dragon King returns. I’ve not slept a wink all night and I’m eager to get to my bed.” She rests a hand over mine. “Remember what I told you about your powers. Use them sparingly. Do you understand?”

“I do. I just… wish I knew how I even accessed them in the first place.” I glance down at my palm. “I’m not even sure if I could conjure fire again if I tried.”

“We’ll speak with one of the priests when we get to my kingdom,” Aurdyn’s voice drifts in as he steps through the doorway. “They understand the fated bond better than anyone else and the effects such a connection has upon those who have it.”

Trian gives me a warm smile. “I wish you well, Princess Freyja.” She darts a glance at Aurdyn. “You and your Dragon.”

I open my mouth to thank her for her care, but Aurdyn cuts me off. “Where do you think you are going?” he asks, brow furrowed in anger.

“Home,” she says.

“My T’kara has only just awakened. You are to stay here in case she needs a healer.”

Her jaw drops.

“Aurdyn,” I hiss. “You cannot just order people around. She’s tired. She needs to rest as well.”

“Is this true?” His head snaps to her. “You are in need of rest?”

She nods.

“Then you will sleep in the next room,” he states firmly.

Before she can respond, he opens the door and bellows down the hallway. “Garvin!”

The sound of dishes crashing to the floor echoes from downstairs, followed by quick steps up to our room. Garvin braces himself on the door, chest heaving and his face red as he stares wide-eyed at Aurdyn. “What is it?” He pants heavily. “Is something wrong?”

“Prepare the room next to ours for the healer,” he says imperiously. “I want her nearby in case Freyja has need of her before we leave.”

“But—but that room has already been taken by someone,” he stumbles over his words. “They—”

“Then, assign them another,” Aurdyn snaps. He turns back to Trian. “Garvin will ready your room for you.”

“I—of course, I will,” Garvin says quickly. “Right away.” He motions to Trian. “Follow me.”

As soon as they leave, Aurdyn closes the door.

“You cannot treat people like that.” I cross my arms over my chest. “They are not your servants.”

He gives me a look as if what I’ve just said is preposterous. “I amtryingto take care of you.”

“By ordering people around?” I ask incredulously.

“By making sure they are available for whatever you may need, Freyja. When you collapsed, I—” He stops short, and he turns away with a faraway look, his gaze fixed on the window and the snow falling outside.

“What is it?” I ask softly. Whatever this is, it troubles him. That much is evident. “Tell me.”

“I feared you might die,” he says, his voice thick with emotion.

A smile tugs at my mouth. He was truly worried for me. Hope flares bright in my chest. Maybe he is falling for me, just as I am already falling for him. “I thought Dragons were not afraid of anything,” I tease gently.

“So did I.” His emerald eyes snap to mine, and he moves to my side. His expression is a strange mixture of worry and devotion as he gently tucks a stray tendril of hair behind my ear. “You could have died trying to save me.” He frowns. “You do not feel the pull of the bond as I do. Why then would you risk your life for me? I do not understand.”

“Because I care for you, Aurdyn.” I reach up and take his hand, threading my fingers through his.

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