I'm free of the water!she cried.
I jerked upright.
“What is it?” Aras asked.
“I need to bathe and dress,” I said crisply, trying to hide my excitement. “You should as well. Our royal guest will arrive soon.”
Aras grunted and got out of bed. He looked strange and our bond wasn't telling me anything. But he often behaved oddly after submitting to me, and I had demanded more of him this time. I had demanded, and he had given. Maybe he was embarrassed.
I turned away to give him space and headed into the bathroom. Aras didn't join me. I showered and when I came out, he was gone.
Well, that can't be good, the Eye drawled.
“Where is he?” I asked aloud. “And why didn't you tell me he was leaving?”
I didn't realize I was your mate's guardian,she said.
For fuck's sake!I went back to thinking my replies.We are nearly to our goal. Why are you acting like this?
That's right. We are nearly together, King Lyrandir. You must focus on me now, not your mate. After you have me, you can dote on him all you wish. But until then, you must put all your efforts into claiming me.
Fine!I stomped into my dressing room and got dressed in my royal raiments. It wouldn't do to meet another king in any other manner. Not unless I was covered in scales.Now where is my fucking crown?
Chapter Thirty-One
I summoned Aras and was relieved when he walked into the throne room. He still looked upset, and I still couldn't fathom why. But the Eye kept rattling my mind, reminding me that I didn't have time to deal with my mate's feelings. I had to see to his protection first. So, I sent Aras to fetch Duke Zixin while I waited for King Vaxarion to arrive.
My hands shook with eagerness. I clenched them into fists. Soon. This long hunt would end soon. To either side of my dais stood my new Dragon knights. I didn't want the Sea King to know that I had non-Dragons guarding me. It would raise too many questions. Also in the room was the crew of the Tiger's Claw. Aras wanted them there, and I thought it was a good idea to be as intimidating as possible. So, I allowed it.
I'm here! I'm here!the Eye shouted.
My herald opened the massive door at the other end of the hall and called out, “King Vaxarion of the Morilren Sea!” He bowed as the Sea King passed with his Sea Dragon knights, but King Vaxarion didn't even glance at the Eljaffna man.
The King of Morilren stalked across the hall, every step an accusation, his stare locked on me viciously, and his teeth bared. He was still several yards away when he demanded, “Where is my mate?!”
The Sea King was a stunning man. A good match for his mate. They suited each other with their coloring. The King's midnight black hair shone with iridescence, just as Zixin's eyes did, although with more vibrant colors. Purple, blue, and green shimmered in those dark locks. And he wore his hair loose even though it hung down to his waist. On top of that, the Sea King had purple eyes to match his mate's hair. It was as if the Dragon God chose them for each other, not because their personalities would match but simply because they'd look good together.
But the Sea King's beauty was tempered by sharp features and a lean body. Not my type of man. I didn't care for his smooth, tan skin or full lips. I longed to dig my fingers into fur and rub my face against it. The thought of kissing those puffy lips disgusted me. Lips should be firm and powerful. They should move over mine possessively while also surrendering. They should—
“Did you fucking hear me?!” King Vaxarion roared. “Bring him to me now or I will tear down this castle!”
“You've already done that,” I drawled. “Why not try something new this time?”
He gaped at me. Then his expression returned to its former, furious state.
Before he could say anything, I went on. “He is on his way, King Vaxarion. Calm yourself. I would never harm another Dragon's mate.” I paused. “That is, unless the other Dragon gave me cause to.” I narrowed my eyes at him. “Have you brought it?”
I already knew the Sea King had the Eye with him. She'd been talking to me every step of the way. I even knew whatpocket he had her in. But King Vaxarion didn't need to know that.
“Yes, I've brought it,” he snapped.
That's when our mates entered the throne room from the door to the right of the dais. It was my personal entrance, but I had told Aras to use it. As my mate, it was his right. Warmth ran through me when I saw him, reminding me that King Vaxarion was probably feeling a similar joy at the sight of his mate. I looked over to see the Sea King's purple eyes glowing. Did my eyes glow like that when I looked at Aras? He had never mentioned it.
“Ah, here he is. Just as promised.” I waved at Zixin. “Let's not waste time. You will pass the Eye to Captain Aras while he releases your mate to you, King Vaxarion.”
Vax grunted and stepped toward our mates as he took Ensarena's Eye out of his pocket.
“Wait!” Zixin shouted.
