“My apologies,” I said to her. “I was lost in thought.”
“That often happens in here,” she said, grinning to display a pair of sharp canines. “I asked if you were here to browse our wing bands.”
Of course, that's what she asked. An Argaiv in a jewelry store accompanied by a handsome man. What else would we be interested in? Except this man was a Dragon. Not that wing bands weren't exchanged when an Argaiv married someone of another race. It was just one-sided. As the mating bond would be.
“Uh, no,” I said. “We're just browsing.”
“Well, they're over there, in that case, if you'd like to see them.” She pointed to the left corner of the shop. “I'll just leave you to your shopping, Your Majesty. Let me know if you'd like to see anything closer.”
“Thank you,” Rian said. “We will.”
As she walked away, he turned to me and whispered, “Wing bands?”
“Argaivs exchange wing bands when they marry.”
“Oh.” His stare strayed to the left corner. “One for each wing?”
“Just the prime wings, the biggest ones at the top of each pair,” I said, my wings fluttering in their sheaths. “One band is exchanged when they agree to marry, and then another at the ceremony.”
“Where do they go?”
“Around the base of the wings.” I cleared my throat and feigned interest in a display of necklaces.
“Interesting. Should I buy you one?”
A fit of coughing took over me.
The King chuckled as he pounded my back, right between my wings.
“Would you like some water?” the saleswoman asked.
“No,” I gasped.
“He's fine,” Rian said. “I just said something shocking.”
“Ah.” She grinned knowingly and resettled onto her chair.
“Did you just propose?” I whispered.
“Is that what I did?” He lifted his brows.
I let out an angry exhale. “I see. So, now you're pushing back.” With a straight back, I walked away, going across the shop to another display.
“I was half serious,” Rian said as he followed.
Meanwhile, Vashana settled by the door.
“Well, do let me know when you're fully serious, Your Majesty.”
“Galin.” He grabbed my arm. “I am as committed as you want me to be.”
“You can't marry me, Rian.”
“Why not?”
“Because I might not be your mate!”
Rian's eyes went wide, and the saleswoman glanced over.
