Aurélien recoiled, nearly tripping over himself, as Keonegrew.Larger and larger, body darkening, turning a familiar ocean blue—and then there were scales and horns and a long, heavy tail.
Dragon.Keone was adragon.Since when did dragons turn into humans?Or was he a human who could turn into a dragon?Did the difference matter?
That meant…Keone had left behind one of his own scales.By accident?On purpose?What did that mean if he had?
Keone roared, a loud, echoing sound that rattled Aurélien's bones, shuddered in his chest, set his heart racing even faster than it was already.
Before he could get his breath back, there was fire.Brilliant blue-green fire that washed over the thorns and reduced them to nothing in mere seconds.
Trembling, Aurélien retreated inside and sat on the edge of his bed, then decided he absolutely hated that and went to the chair and table the staff had been kind enough to send him, though how they knew he'd needed a proper table and chair, he didn't know.
Just moments later, Pip came bounding up and ran right to him, yipping excitedly.Right behind him came heavy footsteps, and then Keone was before him, even more beautiful than he was six months ago, and this close, it was easy to see he was dressed in clothes and armor of the highest quality.Combined with that jewel on his forehead, a tradition Aurélien had never seen…
He squashed all his questions, no matter how badly they wanted to be voiced.Keone prowled slowly across the room toward him, and Aurélienhatedhe was happy to see the stupid bastard.He didn't want to be happy.He wanted to shove Keone over the balcony railing, though it would be better if there was a giant mud puddle at the bottom.
"What doyouwant?"
His heart seized in his chest as Keoneknelt, going down to one knee and bowing his head low."To apologize, Your Highness.I acted like a coward and a fool, ran away like a child, instead of accepting the fate I very much wanted to embrace.Apologies are not enough, I know, but you have them."
Damn this stupid, infuriating, confounding bastard.Hands fisted tightly in his lap, Aurélien asked bitingly, "Accepting what fate?"
Smiling softly, wry and fond all at once, Keone replied, "That I would find myself happily tangled in thorns."
"Well, you burned them away quite thoroughly, though I don't know why you bothered, so I don't see what you have to be concerned about."He wouldn't be moved, hewouldn't.Keone had snuck out on himsix months ago.Aurélien didn't give a damn about his stupid apology, no matter how sincere it seemed or how prettily it was delivered.
Keone lowered his head, then slowly lifted it again."I am sorry I took so long to return, Your Highness.As I said, I fled initially because I was avoiding my fate.I was stubbornly determined not to do what some ambiguous, loftyfatetold me to do.But I regretted it immediately.I think that's why I left one of my scales, because I knew I was being stupid and would return."
"So you did leave it on purpose."Aurélien hated that made him feel a little better.He didn't want to feel better, damn it.He wanted Keone to go away again and stop being sostupidly infuriating.
"Yes.I was already on my way back when I was notified of a family emergency and had to return home to address it.My family did not want me to leave again, but I could not remain without you by my side.If you will forgive my gross stupidity and give me a second chance."He smiled fleetingly, teasingly."I was told any who could breach your thorns and climb the tower had the right to your hand in marriage.I figured that might be my only chance to get you to talk to me again, even if it was just to tell me to fuck off before you threw me off the balcony."
Damn it all.
"What was the family emergency?"Aurélien asked quietly."Is everyone all right?"
"My eldest sister fell deathly ill.She is recovering, thankfully, but it will be some time before she can resume her full duties.The healers say it's highly possible shewon'tbe able to, that she will remain weak and sickly the rest of her life.So I am very likely to be named crown prince next year."He reached up to lightly touch the jewel on his forehead—no, this close, it was easy to see it had somehow beenembedded."Until she is able to resume her duties, I am Acting Crown Prince.My parents and younger siblings are managing for me until I return, but I must do so soon."
"Crown Prince?Of where?"
"Anshara."
"Anshara?"Aurélien repeated incredulously.Anshara was a nation composed of a remote chain of islands.They weren't cut off from the world, per se, but they didn't go out of their way to invite foreigners and weren't seen often around the rest of the world."Do all of you turn into dragons?"
Keone laughed."No, only the royal family can do that.It's one of our deepest secrets.Probably wasn't smart to shift out in the open the way I did, but I wasn't getting through your thorns otherwise."
"Have you, then?"Aurélien asked, so beyond annoyed with himself."Gotten through my thorns?"
Smile softening, eyes warm and fond and filled with remorse, damn the man, Keone replied, "That's not for me to say, Your Highness."
"Oh, stand up, you're getting on my nerves pretending to be humble," Aurélien said, standing and going over to add wood to the stove and set the kettle for tea.When he turned back around, Keone had removed all but his shirt and breeches, setting the rest of his clothes and gear neatly aside."Make yourself at home, I guess."
Keone grinned."I brought you apology presents, if that matters.I already gave Pip hers."
"My dog is easily swayed."
"I know, that's why I started with her," Keone replied, still grinning.Aurélien had never wanted to punch and kiss one person so badly."Shall I fetch your gifts?"
"Do whatever you want.I can't stop you."
