Pushing down my excitement, I demanded, “Did you not hear what I just said?”
“Oh, I heard every word, Claw Shinkai. You find me devastatingly attractive, my power excites you, and my status is daunting. You also said that you're afraid of falling in love with me. Those are all reasons for me to continue my pursuit, not end it.”
My jaw—normally a stand-up fellow—fell. It took several long, silent moments for it to recover. When I was able to lift it again, I said, “Are you mad? That is decidedlynotwhat I said.”
“It is indeed what you said.” The King smirked as he leaned onto the table and looked me up and down. “Perhaps you should analyze your words and yourself more thoroughly, my claw. Now, as for your concerns, I can alleviate them.”
“I don't believe so, Your Majesty. Certainly, for you, they seem minor. But I have no interest in courting a man who could take away the only thing that matters to me.”
He lifted his brow again. “Your heart?”
“Myjob.”
The King's smirk vanished. “I would never take that from you because of a failed relationship.”
“Maybe not, but that is already hanging above my head and we are not together. I stay away from relationships because I don't like complications. People get attached and then if things don't work out, they get bitter. Some even get vindictive. A king has the power to follow through on those vindictive thoughts.”
“As I said, I would never do that. You have my word, and my word is unbreakable.”
“Be that as it may, Your Majesty, you are not an average suitor. Your inconceivable pursuit of me isn't just altering my free time. You have inserted yourself into a murder investigation. Several times today, I've felt restricted because of who you are and what you could do to me if I offend you.”
“Restricted how?”
“I cannot speak freely. I cannot protest your advances.”
“Are you not protesting this very instant?”
“Because you drove me past the point of prudence. If you were any other man, I would have stopped this nonsense as soon as it began.”
“Nonsense again?” He chuckled. “So it's not our lunch that you find annoying. It's my attentions that are nonsense?”
“Yes. I've tried to subtly indicate that I'm not interested, but you have ignored the signs.”
“Subtly?” His laugh was like the braying of a donkey.
“Yes, subtly! I want to focus on this case, and you have stood in the way of that. This is nonsense!”
The Dragon King looked away, rubbing at his nose, then licking his lips. A knock came. “Enter!” he snapped.
The server came in, the door held open for him by Sir Vasren. He hurried over to us and set a platter of appetizers down before bowing over his empty tray and leaving without comment. Smart man.
The door shut.
I stared at the King over the steaming palcha—fried dumplings filled with ground meat and vegetables. He stared back, the rising steam making his stare feel ominous.
“You're right,” he finally said.
Very quietly, I let out the breath I'd been holding. “Thank you.”
“I have been ignoring your subtle signs.” The King stabbed a dumpling with his fork and set it on his plate. After removing his fork, the thing steamed from the holes.
I swallowed.
“I've ignored them because I've sensed your attraction to me.” He leaned over the plate, his face coming through the steam. “You've just confirmed it, but I didn't need that verbal confirmation. I've smelled it on you. You want me. Badly. I feel the same about you. So, you will deal with my interference in your case, Claw Shinkai. You will accept my attentions, nonsensical or not, with grace. And you willneverspeak to me so disrespectfully again. I intend to be your paramour, but I'm also your king. Remember that!”
My eyes shivered. Yes, my eyes.
The King stabbed another dumpling and set it on my place, his demeanor softening along with his tone. “In return for your tolerance, I will not pressure you into anything you aren't ready for. I am not that kind of man. Have no fear of me. You may speak to me freely as long as you are respectful. You may, of course, reject my advances as long as you—”
