“What?”
“You've been here exactly two weeks today.”
“Oh. Well, then I've only been here two weeks. I haven't left the castle much. So I don't of any good restaurants. Besides, if there's going to be something between us, you'll be the top. Tops aren't always dominant, but I prefer that you are. So, it's up to you where we dine. But you'll need to ask me nicely because I'm still mad at you.” I paused and added, “Your Majesty.”
“You . . . I . . .” He cleared his throat. “I'm not taking you on a date. There won't be anything romantic happening between us.”
I gave him the look that deserved.
The Dragon King cursed. “You're going too far, Sebastian.”
“Oh, just stop,” I huffed and shook my head at him.
“Excuse me?”
“Stop it. Stop pretending you don't want me. You wouldn't have gotten so upset about Gunrel if you didn't. And you certainly wouldn't have scared poor Lord Verall just now.” I leaned in. “You're not sure, I get that. But let me tell you a secret, Your Majesty. None of us are. You can't be certain about any relationship at the start. You have to take a risk. Maybe I won't make you happy. Maybe you'll make me fucking miserable. Maybe we won't be sexually compatible. Maybe you'll take one look at my dick and yours will go limp. All kinds of maybes could hold us back. And that's completely normal. But I'm human. I don't have the time for this shit. Make up your mind on whether you want to take that risk with me, then act upon your decision. Be a fucking man.”
It was a good thing the court had moved to the sides of the room, giving us a significant amount of space and therefore, privacy. Because if any of them had overheard what I just said to the King, he wouldn't be able to react honestly. He would have had to reject me simply because of my disrespect. But I deliberately kept my voice low, practically a whisper, so not even those with amazing hearing would be able to eavesdrop. And the King was able to show me how he truly felt.
The Dragon King straightened his shoulders and lifted his chin. “Very well. I'm not interested.” He turned away, leaving me gaping after him, but then looked over his shoulder. “You deserved that. Now, come.”
He headed for the dining hall's main doors.
“What the fuck just happened?” I whispered.
The King kept walking.
I broke into a fast walk and caught up with him. “Does that mean—”
“We have caused enough of a scene,” he cut me off. Just outside the doors, he paused to tell one of the doormen, “Tell the kitchen staff to serve dinner and the court to proceed without me. I'm going out.”
The man's eyes widened before he bowed. “Yes, Sire!”
Then the Dragon King strode down the hallway, and two of his knights—men I hadn't even noticed were with us—fell into step behind him. I had to double my pace to catch up to them, then dash around one of the knights to resume my place at the King's side.
I remained silent as we passed through the castle corridors. But when we emerged into the main courtyard, and the King ordered a carriage, I had to speak up.
“Your Majesty!” I stepped in front of him.
“Yes?”
“You haven't apologized! Nor have you asked me to dinner.”
He lifted a brow.
I lowered both of mine.
He grimaced.
I crossed my arms over my chest.
“You said you wished me to be dominant,” the King said as if this explained everything.
“Dominant, not an asshole.”
His eyes widened. “Did you just call me an asshole?”
“No, I said you'd be one if you didn't apologize. And I want to be asked out!”
