“They'reQiú Niú, but yes, they can shapeshift into a type of octopus.”
“What else have you got?”
Verin grimaced at my wording.
“What other animals do the rest of the Lóng shift into?” I adjusted my question.
“These aren't animals of Earth, Elaria,” Verin clarified. “They look similar to your sea mammals, but they are very different.”
“I get that. I know where Beneathers come from, Verin,” I huffed. Then I joked, “My mother bought me a picture book to explain it all when I was very young—Beneathers at Bedtime.”
Verin snorted in amusement. “Then, to use English labels to describe our shapeshifters, we have eels, tortoises, manatee, otters, and sea lions.”
“Wow.” I immediately peered around the room, trying to figure out who was what.
“Only the dragon races are noble and can serve at court,” Verin said to my look. “The others serve in the capacity that best suits them. Like the Qiú Niú who work as maids and musicians and the Chi Wen—those are the otters—who serve as cooks and kitchen staff.”
“What are the dragon races called?” I stopped staring at the courtiers, who must all be dragons, and looked back at Verin.
“The Yá Zì and Pú Láo.”
“Which are you?”
“I am of House Yá Zì. All kings and soldiers are.”
“Why is that?”
“Because the Yá Zì excel at killing, my dear,” Savassa said sweetly. “And dragon kings need to be powerful, first and foremost.”
“So I've heard,” I muttered. Then I added in a louder voice, “Fair enough. I've excelled at that myself.”
Verin made a thoughtful sound as he brushed my hair back, over my shoulder. “We are two savage creatures, tamed by the softest of emotions. Brought to our knees by it.”
“You want me on my knees, do you?” I lifted a brow at him.
Verin growled and nipped at my ear, then whispered into it, “Only if that's where you want to be.”
“Well, I suppose if you're down there with me, it's all right.” I grinned.
“With you is where I always want to be.”
Chapter Ten
Dessert arrived on golden plates—little layered cakes in different colors.
“For you, Your Majesty, chocolate cherry,” the servant said as she set my cake before me.
“That's my favorite,” I said in surprise.
“His Majesty informed us.” She smiled broadly as she set Verin's plate in front of him. “For you, my King, peach bavarian.”
I made an interested sound and checked out Verin's plate.
He moved his plate out of my reach and looked pointedly at mine.
“You want some?” I offered.
He grunted with interest.
