Rian nodded. “And I wasn't his.”
“That must have been awful.”
“It was difficult, but we both trusted that our Goddess knew best and the right person was waiting for us.”
“I don't have that kind of reassurance.”
“You also don't have that kind of limitation.”
“I do now.”
He lifted my hand and kissed it. “Yes, we're in this together. It is not uncommon for a Dragon to mate someone of another race.”
“I'm well aware,” I muttered.
“I'm sorry.” Rian grimaced. “I forgot that the man you loved was the King's mate. So you've already had a lover taken from you because of Dragon mating magic.”
It wasn't a question, but I answered it anyway, “Yes. And now I'm involved deeper than before.”
“Tell me about him. The man you loved. Still love, I assume.”
“I think I'll always love him.” I turned to face Rian. “Rontor was the first man to make me feel strong even while he dominated me.” I shook my head. “I don't think we should talk about this.”
“Yes, we should.” Rian took my hand. “I need to know.”
I sighed. “He was the Commander of the Ricarri Army of Vix.”
“Holy shit! That's damn impressive.” Rian leaned back. “A Ricarri commander? How the fuck did you meet him?”
“Rontor's king sent him to join the court of the new Dragon King.”
“New? So King Dhrostan hadn't been on the throne for long?”
“No. He'd only been ruling a few months when Rontor showed up. You didn't hear about what happened to the last King of Vix?”
Rian frowned, then his eyes went wide. “That's right! King Throll was killed by Ensarena for siding with Karadas.”
“Yes, it was terrible.”
“It was,” his tone went somber. “It was also terrible to discover how little our goddess cared for us.”
“I'm sorry.”
“It all worked out.” Rian shook his head. “I can't believe I forgot about that.” Then he cocked his head at me. “So, you weren't with either of them for long?”
I chuckled. “Oh, that's what you're after, eh? You want a timeline?”
He shrugged and grinned unabashedly. “It helps to know you haven't loved him for years.”
My smile faded. “No, I didn't have long with him at all.”
“Shit,” Rian muttered. “I'm sorry. I'm being selfish.”
“It's all right. I may not have long with you either.”
Rian's demeanor shifted suddenly, going from calm and reasonable to wild and furious. He surged forward, taking me to the floor, and pinned me down with his body. “Don't ever say that again. You are mine, Galin, and I'm going to fucking keep you. Do you understand?”
My breath caught. I should have been scared, but I wasn't. I was thrilled. Still, all I could do was nod.
