“It's funny because men are known for avoiding conversations about their feelings,” I explained.
The King blinked.
“Gods help me,” I muttered.
He looked away from me, out over the assemblage. “My people have never been so close-minded before.”
“Huh? Are we still talking about your feelings? I thought we ended that conversation?”
The King ate a few bites of food before he responded. “I'm referring to the way they have treated you. It's odd.”
“Have you had many humans dine in your hall?”
“No. But I've seen my court interact with humans before. You are a master scholar. That gives you enough rank for your presence to not offend. And you are my guest, hired to do important work for me. Your race shouldn't matter to them.”
“Well, you sure showed them.”
“How do you mean?” The King took a long drink of wine and sat back.
“Inviting me up here.” I waved at the table. “You made your point.”
“Have I?”
“Yup. You just told them not to fuck with me.” I lifted my glass to him. “I appreciate that, Your Majesty.”
“I see you've gotten over your reluctance to curse around me.”
“I'm feeling a little more comfortable with you since we're on a date.”
The King, who had just brought his wine to his lips, sputtered into the glass. “We're what?”
“I'm teasing you. Don't worry, I know you're straight.”
“That's not the issue.”
“Oh, it's not an issue?” I just barely stopped myself from smiling.
“Did you not hear me when I said I have no love to give?”
“What does love have to do with sex?”
He frowned.
“Oh, come on! Don't tell me I've shocked you. You're a Dragon and a king. You must have fucked hundreds of women.” I leaned closer and added, “Maybe even men? One or two? Did ya?”
He ignored my question.
“Women, even Dragon women, don't speak so plainly. And no one in my kingdom, woman or man, would proposition me now.”
“Is that what I did?”
“Is it not?” No emotion behind his words, it was just him clarifying.
“You were the one who asked me to have dinner with you. Although you more told than asked. But I love a domineering man, so we're all good.”
Now, that should have gotten a laugh. It did not.
“This is not a date,” he said. “I simply did not want my guest mistreated by my court.”
