“Actually, no.” I chuckled as I sat down.
The Dragon King pushed back the hood of my cloak. “What happened?”
I took the bread, tore off a chunk, and dipped it in the butter. “She was pregnant.”
“No. Truly? In the middle of winter?”
“Yes.”
“Thank the Gods you didn't have to kill her. How odd for her to be pregnant so early.”
I nodded. “She was beautiful too. And ferocious.” I took a bite, chewed, then swigged some wine. “I got the fur just fine, then I tried to leave. I was almost out when she smelled me. Ren and I had to run for it. I tore a piece from my tunic and tossed it in a tree to distract her.”
“Ah. I was wondering about that.” He looked pointedly at my bare chest, visible through the flaps of my tunic. “I wasn't going to say anything. You know, in case it was a fashion choice.”
“A fashion choice?” I snorted a laugh, then grinned at him. “You think you're funny.”
“Oh, I'm very amusing.” The King knocked his shoulder into mine. “What happened after you tossed a piece of your tunic into a tree?”
“I ran for my life.” I grimaced. “Just as we reached Lord Juri, the mueyaru caught up with us, but he scared her away.”
“Juri.” He sighed. “I need to be kinder to him. He's been very good to me.”
“Maybe because he feels guilty for poisoning you.”
The King looked at me with wide, horrified eyes. “No. Juri?”
I shrugged. “You never know.”
“No, I suppose not.” He slid the trencher halfway onto my lap and picked up another piece of chicken. Chewing thoughtfully, he stared at the herbs and vegetables. “I'm going to have to learn to cook, aren't I?”
“Or you could come home with me.”
The King slowly turned to look at me. With us sitting so close together, it brought his face within inches of mine. His stare locked on mine. “Are you coming on to me, Blue-Eyes?”
“No. I'm trying to do my job.”
“Then you're staying?”
“I'm accepting the position, but I'm trying to get you to leave. With me. Thus the invitation.”
“So, you're not coming on to me?” The King smirked.
“Can I do both?” I smirked back.
“Absolutely.” He blinked and frowned, then ducked his head. “Fuck, you're beautiful, and I look like a monster. I shouldn't be flirting with you. Plus, I just hired you. There's probably something morally wrong about—”
“Hey,” I cut him off.
“Huh?” The King looked back at me.
“You think I'm beautiful?” I grinned broadly.
King Cynric snorted. “You know you are.”
“To some.” I shrugged. “To others I'm scary.”
“Why? Because you're a Raltven?”
