“You two have bored him with your bickering and put him into a stupor,” Rantu declared.
“I was introducing myself,” the Zaknir said. “I am Lord Verall.”
“Yes, I caught that much at least.” I grinned, utterly unashamed of my distraction, and shook his hand. “Very nice to meet you, Lord Verall. Are you done arguing with Lady Elassa now?”
Verall snorted a laugh. “Indeed. Now, come with me, and I'll introduce you to the rest of the court.” He handed me a glass. “I brought that for you.”
I took the drink. “Thank you.”
I could barely believe that this was all it took to be welcomed by the Dragon Court. It was such a stark difference from my initial reception.
“We were having a conversation, Verall,” Elassa huffed.
“He's gay, Elassa,” Verall said. “Not bisexual. Gay. Leave him be. You don't have a chance.”
She pouted and pulled in her wings. As she did, Verall took the opportunity to lead me away from the Litotos.
“Damn birds,” Verall muttered to me. “Always squawking. Pay them no mind. And take everything they say lightly.”
“They said the King is a half-breed.”
“Shh!” Verall hissed and looked around.
“What? They said it wasn't a secret.”
“It's not, but that word is not acceptable. It has negative connotations.”
“Oh.” I frowned. “Shit. What is acceptable?”
“Of mixed race,” he said. Then he grimaced. “Racially mixed children are so rare, you'd think they be treasured.”
“They're not?”
Verall paused with us between groups. “They are by many.”
“I'm assuming Dragons are not included in those many.”
He inclined his head. “I'm sure you know how Dragons feel about themselves.”
A rush of fury surged through me, shocking in its intensity. “Was he mistreated by his own people?”
Verall shrugged. “Some say he was. They say that is what inspired him to seek the throne.” He dropped his voice to add, “They also say that the crown tourney King Shaleros fought in was the most brutal this kingdom has ever seen.”
“Because they hurt him so badly for being of mixed race?”
“No. Because he tore them apart. When our king wants something, he won't stop until he has it.”
A shiver ran through me.
Verall started walking again. “I think they underestimated him. They thought his mixed blood made him weaker. One look and you can see that he doesn't have the musculature of most Dragon warriors. But his mother's people have always surprised the other races with their strength. To underestimate them can be fatal.”
“Who are his mother's people?”
“You will learn that if he wishes to share it with you,” Verall said. “I've said enough. I don't want you dissuaded by something he cannot help. We are who we are.” He held his arms out.
“What are you talking about? Dissuaded? I'm a human.” I waved at myself. “We're looked down on by all of you. It doesn't matter to me what race the King is. Whatever it is, it's better than human.”
“Better in some ways. But you, especially as a human, might be . . . put off by what he is. And I respect our King. I want to see him smile again. I want to hear him laugh.”
