“Yes. Well, the clock and Sken's proximity to Vix. I didn't want to go too far from my family. But there were other kingdoms I could have chosen. It was the clock that decided it for me.”
“Why? I mean, it's lovely. But why the clock?”
“It's an incredible invention that takes something mundane and makes it into a treasure.” I glanced back at it, then added, “And I knew if there were people like that here, not only would my inventions be appreciated, but I'd feel at home.”
Rian's voice softened to say, “Through your eyes, I see my city anew. A clock turns into a monument, one that I value highly now that I know it was what drew you to me.”
“I'm rather grateful to that clock too.” I took his hand under the blanket. “I feel at home here, even though Sken is very different from Vix.”
“I imagine so . . .” Rian trailed off.
“What's wrong?”
“No, nothing. I was just thinking about King Throll again.”
“While holding my hand?” I teased.
Rian snorted a laugh, but then said, “That too, played a part in bringing you to me.”
“I suppose it did,” I murmured. “Although, I wish it hadn't. Ensarena didn't just kill him. She killed his entire Guard. It was terrible. Everyone admired King Throll.”
“Including you?” Rian's eyes twitched.
“I wasn't his lover, if that's what you're implying. King Throll only bedded women.”
Rian cleared his throat. “I think we must prepare for my dragon emerging more and more often. And when we mate, you—”
“Rian, we don't know that I'm your mate,” I interrupted.
“I do. I know it, and you need to prepare for what will come, my jewel.” He let go of my hand to slide his palm over my thigh. “The mating intercourse lasts anywhere from three days to a week. Then it will take at least a month to settle my dragon. Until I'm settled into the mating, I will be volatile. You must try your best not to rouse my dragon. I know it's a lot to ask, but Ineed you to be as doting as possible. Jealousy could prove fatal. To innocent bystanders.”
I shivered with that last statement, but it was the mating itself that caught my attention. “Three days to aweek?”
“Yes. We'll likely stay abed most of those days.”
“You mean . . .”
“Yes.”
“Dragons fuck their mate for a week straight?!”
The knights up front didn't look back, but their shoulders shook with repressed laughter.
Rian didn't try to repress his. His laugh boomed out.
I rolled my eyes. “Go on, laugh it up. You're not the one who won't be able to sit down. Ever. Again.”
His laughter renewed.
I grimaced.
Rian continued to laugh as we passed through the city gate. The soldiers on duty stared. I crossed my arms and looked straight ahead.
At last, the Dragon King subsided. “Don't pout, my jewel. As adorable as it is, it's unnecessary. You won't be hurt by our mating. When my magic settles in you, it will give you a piece of my soul, and that essence holds my immortality, including my Dragon healing. Your immortality will be improved by mine. Trust me, you'll be fine. From what I've heard, non-Dragon mates match their Dragons in ardor during a mating.”
“Uh-huh.”
“You'll see.”
