Starting with the Dragon King.
“A seducer,” I whispered to my reflection. “I'm a seducer who tempted the Dragon King so much that he had to flee.” I laughed with delight and strode into the room naked.
Hair still damp, I stretched out on the bed, extending my wings further than they'd gone in a while. It felt so good that I slid my hands down my chest and luxuriated in it. Legs rubbing together, I sighed and turned onto my belly. I pulled a pillow under my chest and snuggled into the covers. I was strong again.The seducer! I would take control of my pleasure. Instinctively, I knew it was the best way to heal.
“Oh, fuck me,” the Dragon King muttered.
I looked over to see him coming in the door. He shoved the door closed, locked it, and then just stared at me.
“Your Majesty?” I rolled onto my side, exposing myself. “I'm feeling so much better. I think my wing is nearly healed.”
“Eliel.” Raventar shook his head as he came to the bed. In his hands were two leather satchels. He set my satchel down beside me and then sat on the bed. “You are killing me. Do you understand that?” He cupped his erection. “Look at what you're doing to me.”
I grinned. “You know how to survive.” I stroked my fingertips down his arm to take his hand and guide it to my shaft.
With a groan, he wrapped his warm fingers around me. I echoed the sound, arching back with the pleasure of his touch. When I opened my eyes, I found his glowing gaze on my face. In particular, my lips. I licked them and looked at his straining erection.
“No!” Raven lurched off the bed and away from me. “Damn it, Eliel!” He pointed at my satchel. “Get dressed. I'm going to take a shower.” Ignoring my pout, he stalked into the bathroom with his bag and slammed the door.
I grimaced when I heard the lock get thrown. “Son of a bitch!” I thumped my fists onto the bed.
Chapter Twenty
Hand in hand, the Dragon King and I strolled through the streets of Two Rivers, smiling at everyone who called out a greeting to us. The celebration sprawled through the city, the roads clogged with massive metal grills, tables laden with barrels of beverages, banquets of fresh fruit and vegetables, and portable dining sets. A few knights trailed behind us as we navigated the celebration, moving around people dancing to lively music. I munched happily on a grilled vegetable skewer while the King sipped an ale.
It was perfect.
“Dance with me.” The Dragon King handed his mug to Sir Lohawk and then took my skewer to hand off to Sir Neriver.
I looked at the people moving with bouncy steps. “I don't know this dance.”
“Neither do I, but I'm the King. I can dance however I want.” With a grin, he wove us in among the dancers, leading me along the circular tide.
I laughed as he spun me, my wings lifting. The night couldn't get any better. With a star-filled sky overhead and the Dragon King holding me, I knew this was a moment I'd neverforget. My heart sped up as my feet learned the movements from the King, following him as I would forever. If the Gods allowed.
My joy dropped an inch with the thought that, despite all his certainty, I might not be the King's mate. How odd to go from fearing his touch to craving it so badly that I knew my life would be over if I couldn't have him forever. Immortality made forever real. I had always dreaded marriage for that very reason. How could I commit myself to one man for that long? It was terrifying. But with Raven, the terror came from the opposite. Being without him would destroy me.
It was baffling that I had reached this point so quickly. A few weeks. That was all. And there I was, over the evil of Bara and clutching at the paradise that the King offered. He was everything now. No other man would do.
Raventar's expression stuttered and then settled into awe. He pulled me closer and swung us. “You look so happy, my foundling.”
“I am!” I cried to the sky. “I'm happy!” It felt almost defiant, as if I were shouting at Bara's ghost.
Chuckling, the King bent his head to kiss my neck, and then drew me away from the dancing. Smoothly, he shifted us into a stroll, his knights there a second later. My skewer and his mug were returned to us, and we carried on as we had before, although I may have pressed a little closer to him while my heartbeat slowed.
“Your Majesty.” Turinoca stepped into our path with Tara. They bowed to us, and Turinoca held out a leather-wrapped parcel. “We've brought you a gift.”
“That's not necessary.” The Dragon King held up his hand. “You are my subjects. It's my duty to protect you. Rescuing your wife was merely righting a wrong.”
“Still, please accept this. It's nothing. A small offering of gratitude.” He lifted it again.
“Thank you.” The King took it and unwrapped the leather. He inhaled sharply at what was revealed—a silver eagle with turquoise eyes lay on the leather, a thick silver chain coiled around it. About the size of my thumb, it was a heavy pendant and crafted with exquisite detail. “It's beautiful.” He lifted the eagle by its chain and handed the leather to one of his guards. Without hesitation, he secured it around his neck. “I'm honored. I know these pieces are precious to your people.”
“I crafted this for you myself, and I'm the one who is honored that you are wearing it.” Turinoca bowed. “My father is Chief of the Lamatoka, Your Majesty. I will tell him what you've done for us. We will make an offering to the Sky Gods in your name and pray that your reign will be long and peaceful.”
“That is an even greater gift.” The King inclined his head. “Please join us.” He motioned forward.
Turinoca settled on the King's left while Tara moved to walk on my right. As we strolled, the two men talked about the Lamatoka tribe and why Turinoca had brought his bride to Two Rivers. There was a gathering of the local human tribes to encourage goodwill among them. I tuned them out, more interested in Tara. I sensed that Turinoca cared for her, but I wanted to be sure that she was happy with him.
