Goodnight, Your Majesty.
I was surprised by the Eye's easy capitulation and respect. But she had won, hadn't she? I trusted her now. And I didn't give my trust easily.
Out loud, I said, “I was a little surprised that the attack was orchestrated by my knights. But the attack itself wasn't shocking.”
Aras shook his head. “I thought Dragons stuck together, and they were loyal to their king no matter what.”
“Maybe in other kingdoms.” I shrugged. “Dragons are like any race—they differ from region to region and from person to person.”
“You don't deserve this. You're a good king.”
“Am I?” I frowned, considering it. “I do try to be fair with my subjects. But I'm beginning to wonder if I've given them the respect they deserve. Maybe I've behaved as elitist as the nobles in my dread, just toward other races.”
“I don't know about that. Maybe you have, but not to the point of abuse. The people of Gavemor are happy under your rule. Even though there are many rumors of your savagery, there are just as many reports about the way your rule has helped the kingdom prosper,” Aras said. “Trust me, that alone speaks to your competence. I can't believe your dread has tried to kill you for no other reason than your old status.”
“Hatred, especially in the form of elitism, can be obstinate and unreasonable. I learned this very early.”
“I know. You told me. I just didn't truly understand until tonight.”
“Aras.” I took his hand and led him to the bed, but only to sit beside him on the edge. “Thank you. You showed me loyalty tonight. And bravery. I would knight you if I thought you'd accept it.”
Aras chuckled. “Thanks, but I prefer to be a ship's captain.”
“Do you own the Tiger's Claw?”
“Yes, but that means its upkeep and the salaries of all its crew are my responsibility.”
“If you could have one thing, one wish fulfilled, what would it be?”
Aras went still, staring at me. It became unnerving. And then he said, “Ly, I don't need a reward. I'm not one of your soldiers. I love that you want to do something for me, but don't do it like this. Take me out on another date, maybe something that doesn't include a battle.” He paused to wink at me. “But don't give me a grand reward for guarding your back. I was there because you're important to me. I fought for you because it was also fighting for me. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” I whispered, my throat closing with emotion. “Aras, I . . . you are important to me too.”
And then we were kissing. It wasn't wild or violent or passionate. It was beautiful. Sweet. Sensual. Our lips moved gently in harmony with each other. We were sipping from a holy chalice. The touch of my mate's hand became sacred. Every movement was sublime, summoning emotions along with desire. Rolling, undulating, adoring emotions.
We moved back together, hands working without sight to remove our garments. When we were finally undressed, there was no hurry to do more than feel. Aras coasted his hands over my skin, tracing the curves of my muscles and the dip of my stomach. He bent to kiss my shoulder. Then my chest. He nuzzled me there. Ripples of delight ran outward from every spot, filling me with such joy that I thought I might die from it.
I didn't expire. Thank the Goddess, I lived to push Aras onto his back and return every caress he'd given. The happy sounds rumbling in his chest lured me closer until I had my ear pressed against him and his arms held me there.
“I will be your shield,” Aras vowed. “The armor on your back. Just keep kissing me like that. It's all I want.”
I lifted my head to meet his gaze. “I don't want you at my back, Aras. Nor do I want you to be my shield. I want you at my side. Safe.”
He grinned and sat up, his hands going to my hips to help me settle astride his lap. “I will surround you. Wherever you want me to be, I'll be.”
I sighed, suddenly remembering whathewanted. I wasn't in the mood for rough handling, but it was what my mate needed, and I would provide it. I started to reach for his throat.
“Ly.” Aras grabbed my hand and kissed it. “I see your reluctance. It's just a kink, not a necessity. We can play when we both feel like it, all right?”
Joy burst through me again. He was feeling my needs too. And he wanted to make me happy. “Have I told you how perfect you are?”
“I believe you mentioned it earlier.” Aras brushed his lips across mine. “But by all means, say it as much as you wish.”
“You are perfect, Captain Aras of the Tiger's Claw. The perfect man, the perfect lover, and the perfect soldier to have by my side. I trust you.”
Aras went serious to say, “I know what that means. Thank you, Ly. I trust you too.”
I kissed him again, this time letting passion take control. It wrapped us in warmth and tingling pleasure until we writhed against each other. With a thought, I summoned the bottle of oil I kept beside the bed, bringing it to my hand on a cloud ofwater droplets. Without opening my eyes or pausing our kiss, I held out my hand, and the bottle fell into it. A ribbon of water removed the cork, and another ribbon lifted the bottle to pour a little oil into my hand.
