“Medicine often is.” Master Juc took the cup and packed his case. “You should be feeling better in a few moments.”
I took a deep breath and my body didn't react poorly to it. “Holy shit! I do feel better. Thank you, Master Juc.”
The Zaknir smiled at me. “It's my pleasure to be of assistance. Honestly, I don't often get the chance to practice my trade.”
“I'm happy to help.” I smirked at him.
He chuckled, then looked at the King. “Sire, I'm sure this doesn't need to be said.”
“Then don't say it,” Shale growled at him.
Master Juc pressed his lips together and bowed. “Your Majesty.” Then he left.
“Shale,” I said as soon as the man was gone.
“Don't,” the King said. “I can't do this.” He turned and walked out.
“Your Majesty!” I called, but it was too much of a strain, and I fell onto my side, whimpering.
“Sebastian!” He was back in a second, helping me up.
I looked up and met his stare. Our faces were inches apart. Shale's throat clenched. He looked away. I reached for him.
“I'm sorry,” the Dragon King whispered. “I'm so sorry, Sebastian.”
“Don't be sorry. Just stay.”
His stare coasted over my face. “I can't.”
I swallowed roughly and leaned back. “She's still with you, isn't she? She's standing between us.”
“I'm a mated Dragon. She will always be with me.”
“I understand.” I let out a long breath, then said, “Thank you for coming to check on me, Your Majesty. That was kind of you.”
The Dragon King's face twitched violently. He swallowed and stood. His hands clenched into fists. Finally, he nodded, turned around, and left.
I watched him go feeling the most awful I'd ever felt, and it had nothing to do with blood loss. I had screwed up with him again, and this time, there was no coming back from it. Because I had done more than cut the King flush. I had fucking chopped him down.
Chapter Twenty
I spent the next day doing the lightest work in the garden, things like fertilizing the flower beds and jotting down the supplies I needed. That night, I dined in the hall with the court. There was no reason not to. At least, I thought there wasn't. But when I got to the hall, the courtiers shied away from me again.
“Really?” I asked Verall's back. “We're doing this again?”
“You said the King didn't want you,” Verall hissed over his shoulder. “And then he nearly murdered me for speaking to you.”
“He didn't nearly murder you.” I rolled my eyes. “And we're not together. I think he's decided he doesn't like men.”
Verall turned to face me, his expression hesitant.
“But now I've decided that I'm not intoyou,” I said and walked away.
I grabbed a glass of wine from a server who grinned at me approvingly. I winked at her, then went to sit at a table alone. But this time, I did so confidently. Fuck them all. If they wanted to crowd in at the other tables rather than sit with me, let them.
“So, you're not afraid of Eljaffna?” an Eljaffna man asked as he gracefully folded himself down onto the low couch opposite mine.
“You're not killers. Or monsters,” I said.
