“It certainly does.” I grinned at Shale.
“Oh? You're not disappointed that it doesn't shine with iridescence?” Shale lifted a brow at me.
“Let it go, Shale,” I growled under my breath.
The Sea King chuckled. “I understand now. It's my hair, isn't it? Your consort likes the color?”
“I like iridescence,” I said. “But it can be found in a beetle's wing too. That doesn't mean I want to kiss a beetle.”
King Vaxarion burst out laughing. “Oh, you are amusing. How lucky you are to have found him, King Shaleros.”
Shale, now grinning, said softly, “You have no idea how lucky I am.”
“Aw, now that's sweet,” King Vaxarion said. “I'm glad you've gotten over your jealousy, as your consort hoped.”
Shale lifted a brow at King Vaxarion.
The Sea King held up his hands. “Not that it's any of my business.”
“No, it's fine. You were trying to be polite,” Shale said. “I am overly sensitive about my consort.”
King Vaxarion grinned. “Are you sure he isn't your mate? I've been reading up on it ever since Karadas granted us Sea Dragons mating magic too. Dragons get possessive, irrationally possessive of their mates, even before they've mated. Sometimes even more so before they're mated.”
“Yes, I know,” Shale said in a clipped tone.
“Then couldn't Sebastian be your mate? You're certainly showing the—”
“No,” Shale and I said together, me a little more bitterly than Shale.
King Vaxarion's eyes widened. “Very well.”
“I must make some adjustments to the feast,” Shale said as he stood, drawing me up with him. “I'll have you escorted to your guest suite so you may freshen up before dinner.”
“Thank you, King Shaleros.” The Sea King stood with us and held out his hand. “I look forward to dining with you later.”
“Thank you for coming personally to inform me of the change in rulership.” Shale nodded to King Vaxarion, then all but yanked me out of the room.
He didn't stop yanking on my hand until we were at the entrance to his tower. Then Shale picked me up, tossed me over his shoulder, and carried me upstairs.
Chapter Thirty-Four
“Shale!” I slapped his back.
I went flying and landed on my back on Shale's bed.
“Take off your clothes,” Shale growled.
I propped myself on my elbows and frowned at him. “You're mad again?”
“No.”
“You seem mad.”
“Take off your fucking clothes!”
I flinched.
“I'm sorry.” Shale panted and ran a hand over his face. “I need to be inside you, my doll. Now.”
