King Tor'rien tried to hide his grin with his hand. “The tea.”
“Yes, sire.” The man took a pitcher from his tray and poured tea into the King's glass. Then he asked me, “Tea or water, sir?”
Feeling bad for snapping at the poor man, I softened my tone. “Water, please. I apologize for my outburst.”
“Not at all, sir. The summer heat gets to us, doesn't it? Perhaps you should remove your coat?”
I smoothed my lapels. “I'd rather not.”
“Of course, sir.” After he filled my glass, he went over the specials for the day, then left us to peruse the menus.
The King remained silent while I looked over the single page. Then I set it down. As if that were an invitation, he suggested dishes that he enjoyed. I stared at him. Unblinking.
The Dragon King cleared his throat.
As if waiting for that cue, the server returned to take our orders. I ordered a dish the King hadn't recommended. It wasn't to be spiteful. That was only a bonus. Now, itwasspite that made my lips twitch when I saw the King's expression sour.
I knew I was walking a fine line. I shouldn't have spoken to any Dragon like that, but especially not the King. He could, at the very least, remove me from the Talon Force. That thought helped to cool my anger. I valued my job above everything else in my life. It was all I had. My family lived in the country. I barely saw them. The few friends I had were like me and didn't socialize often. I had no hobbies. Clawing that took up the majority of my time. That's all I had. And I loved it. I enjoyed hunting criminals. Figuring them out. The puzzles, the twists. It kept my life interesting even when the crimes were boring.
So, I endeavored to tone down my rejection.
The server left, and the King waved at his knights. They left as well, closing the door behind them. I assumed they took positions on either side of that door, but they were too far away for my comfort.
After rubbing at my eyes with a thumb and forefinger, I said, “I apologize, Your Majesty. This case is straining my patience.”
“I'll accept your apology if you will accept my presence.”
“For how long?”
“As long as I deem fit.”
I forgot all about my decision to be nicer and instead narrowed my eyes at the King.
He leaned back in his chair and cocked his head. “What is it you find so unappealing about me?”
I have never been one to prevaricate. Maybe I should have. But it felt like an opportunity to end this flirtation. “Mating magic,” I said.
The King straightened his head. “What?”
“Dragon mating magic. It makes you a risk. Not only that, but you are also too handsome, too powerful, and too . . .” I squished my lips together, holding back the last word.
His lips twitched as he lifted a brow. “Too?”
“Royal.”
Well, look at that. I could be tactful when necessary.
“I'm too royal for you?Royal? Well, I'm afraid that's one attribute I can't change.” The Dragon King laughed again. This time it was loud enough to echo in my ears.
I continued to stare at him.
He stopped laughing. “You're serious?”
“You wanted to know why I'm being standoffish. Those are my reasons. Now, would you like me to leave so you may enjoy your meal?”
“I'll enjoy it far more with you sitting across from me, providing me with a stunning view and stimulating conversation.”
There went another shiver. How dare it race down my spine without my permission?
