“I want that too, but there's been a misunderstanding between us, and I don't think he's going to speak to me again. He's the one who's been dissuaded, not me.”
“Ah, I see. Thus your bold entry tonight.” Verall frowned. “Then come along, Lord Sebastian. I'll make those promised introductions.”
“Wait. You haven't told me what his other race is.”
“Does it matter? If you are not to be his lover, you don't need to know.”
I growled in frustration. “So, you won't tell me if there's a chance we could become lovers, but neither will you tell me if we aren't? That's ridiculous.”
“Perhaps.” He grinned. “But there's something I will tell you if you're certain you won't become the King's lover.”
“What's that?”
Verall's markings started to shine. “I find you very attractive, Master Sebastian.”
Chapter Sixteen
Before I could react to Lord Verall's glowing attraction and use it to tease the King's race out of him, someone joined us. Someone who made Verall bow and his eyes go wide.
“Your Majesty!” Lord Verall declared. “I'm so sorry. I didn't see you enter the hall.”
“You were distracted,” King Shaleros said in a clipped tone.
I turned as casually as I could, thoughts racing in my head. Was the Dragon King jealous? If he was, my erotic display had worked. Which meant he wanted me. Which meant, I might just turn this straight Dragon gay. For a little while, at least. We'd see how long it lasted. But I'd take whatever I could get.
“Your Majesty.” I inclined my head since he stood too close for me to bow.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Verall's markings wink out.
“Sebastian,” the King said, his tone warming though still tight. “I'm glad you've joined us for dinner tonight.”
“Well, after Gunrel explained why I'd been shunned, there wasn't a reason to sequester myself.”
“And there was my invitation, of course.”
Verall literally slunk away with his tail tucked between his legs, as quiet as sap leaking from a tree, and about as slowly. As if he didn't want to make any sudden movements.
“I didn't think that invitation was still valid,” I said.
“Gunrel explained.”
“Did he?” I cocked a brow. I wasn't about to let him skirt an apology.
“Yes,” he said.
“So, you know that there's nothing sexual going on between us?”
The King's stare shifted away, then returned to me. “He convinced me there is not.”
I followed that eye shift. The court was watching. I glared at them. They immediately turned away and started up loud conversations.
I looked back at the King. “How about you take me out for dinner?”
“What?” Both of his blonde brows popped up. “Out where?”
“I don't know. I've only been here a little over a week.”
“Two weeks.”
