“Karadas?” I asked. “The Dragon God?”
“Yes,” Rian said gravely, a reaction that sent shivers down my spine.
“Isn't that a good thing?” I asked. “Aren't you thrilled at the possibility of having a mating bond akin to that of your God's?”
One of the knights cleared his throat. “I think I'll go check on the horses.”
“There's a stable around back,” Elias said. “Take them there. It's too cold to leave them on the street.”
“Thank you.” The man hurried away, the other guard giving him a look reserved for cowards.
“Uh, that was a stragavur sandwich, right?” Elias asked Rian.
“Yes.” Rian looked away from me.
“What would you like, Galin?” Elias asked.
“I'd like someone to tell me why it's a bad thing for Rian to react to me as the Dragon God did to his mate!”
Vashana, still standing at my flank, yipped as if she'd like some answers as well.
“Bring him the same, Elias,” Rian said wearily, then waved me back to my seat. “Sit down, my jewel.”
As Elias left for the kitchen, Rian's remaining guard went to stand outside. I watched him go, then looked at Rian expectantly.
“You have to understand that the Dragon God never expected to have a mate. He didn't think it was possible. And it wouldn't have been if Ensarena hadn't interfered. She thought she was cursing him to love one man forever, but instead, she gave him his greatest joy. His greatest strength.”
“Then what's the problem?”
“Karadas is a great god. He cares about us far more than Ensarena ever did.”
“Rian!”
“The Dragon God did terrible things to his mate before he discovered who he was. Things I would never do to you.”
“What things?” I whispered.
“These are just stories. Rumors.” He waved his hand. “I wasn't there the entire time. I just—”
“Gods damn it, Rian! Tell me!”
“The God's mate was given to Karadas in the old tradition.”
“Given?”
“Yes. As a sacrifice.”
A chill ran down my spine. My face must have gone white because Rian hurried on.
“Not to be killed!”
“Oh.” I sighed in relief. “Then as what . . . oh.”
“Yes. The God demanded a beautiful companion to serve his every need. A sacrifice. I believe he accepted the sacrifice on an altar.”
“Accepted?” My eyes went wide. “Are you saying he fucked this man on an altar in front of everyone?”
“No!”
