Before I could speak, he added, “They will not be dates. Nothing has changed.”
“Great! I'm looking forward to our not-dates. I have a feeling they'll be better than real dates that I've had.”
He snorted. “You're so irreverent for a human.”
“For a human. Always that amendment,” I said. “If you think about it, we have less to lose. Might as well do as we please with the time we get. You know?”
“I believe most of your people look at it contrarily. They are careful not to endanger themselves and lose the few years they have.”
“So, talking to you like a normal person is dangerous?” I lifted a brow.
“Some might see it as such.”
“Ah, but you just told me you'd never hurt me.”
“I must amend that to; I will never kill you. You are far too amusing to kill. I will, however, punish you if you disrespect me. I am a king after all.
“You're not my king.”
The Dragon King leaned to the side and gave me a stern look. “I am your king for as long as you are in my kingdom.”
“Are you sure? I don't think that's how it works.” I pressed my lips together to keep them from twitching.
He shook his head. “Irreverent.”
“It's hard to be reverent when you're sitting here shirtless and sweaty. Both of which I heartily approve of, by the way.”
“I would think you would bemorereverent over my lack of dress.” The King smirked.
“Oho! Now, you're getting cocky.” I laughed. “I'll tell you what, Your Majesty. I'll be happy to worship you with all the reverence you desire.” I leaned in to grin, then added, “In your bed.”
And that's where I lost him.
The Dragon King cleared his throat and stood. “I need to get back to my duties. If you require help again, send for one of my knights. I'll instruct them to assist you.” He bent to fetch his tunic and sash, then hurried away.
I didn't say anything until he was long gone. And it started with a curse. “Fuck,” I muttered. “I cut him flush again.”
Chapter Thirteen
I stood before my dressing mirror, staring down at the tunics I held. I was trying to decide not only which tunic to wear but also if I should attend dinner at all. After the King's abrupt exit, I didn't think his invitation to dine with him remained open. But it might. I had flustered him, not enraged him. So, did I go to dinner and risk shunning? And if I went, what should I wear?
A knock interrupted my dilemma.
I tossed the tunics on the dresser and went to answer the door. I had a standing order for dinner, and I'd forgotten to cancel it, so I expected it to be my meal. In which case, the decision would be made for me.
It was not my dinner.
“Gunrel?” I asked after I had the door open.
The Dragon knight pushed past me, shut the door, then stormed to the couch. As he sat down, he noticed my bare chest and frowned deeper. “Do you always answer your door in such a state?”
“Do you always barge into men's rooms when they're in such a state?” I shot back.
Gunrel grimaced. “Fair enough. Sit down, human.”
“Sebastian.” I crossed my arms over my chest.
“Sit down,Sebastian,” he amended and waved at a chair. “I need some answers.”
