I looked up and forced myself to hold his earnest gaze. I held no anger toward this man. He was a victim as much as I was. Still, just looking upon the striped fur of his face, his whiskered muzzle, and his fur-covered, muscular arms sent fear zinging through me.
“I'm very well, thank you,” I said. “How are you and the other Hulfrin Katai freed? Did all of you go with him?”
“Yes, we all decided to join his team.” Dracal smiled. “And we're all doing well. Lord Katai is a wonderful employer. Word is spreading about us, and people are seeking our help now. So many people have been wronged and ignored. We set things right. Sometimes we report to the Talons, but mainly, we take care of the criminals ourselves. It feels good, really good, to help people. I feel as if I've been given a second chance.”
I looked into his sparkling eyes and felt both peace and longing. I wanted to feel like that. A second chance spent helping people. Maybe I could go to Rushao and find Katai. Maybe he'd take me on as an apprentice if I promised to work hard. “How fulfilling. I'm glad you're doing well. Please let all of your fellows know that I hold no grudge against any of you. I know you were enslaved as I was.”
“Thank you, Eliel. I've thought of you often. Prayed for you. I'm relieved to see you recovering. But if you ever need anything—”
The King cleared his throat, and we both looked at him in surprise. “He is quite well. I am looking after him. So, if you are satisfied with his wellbeing?” He motioned toward the door.
Dracal's eyebrows lifted. “Oh! Oh yes, of course, Your Majesty. I'm sorry to take up your time.” He stood up.
“Wait!” I launched to my feet, earning a scowl from the Dragon King.
“Yes?” Dracal paused.
“Where is he? Katai, I mean. Where in Rushao?”
“We are in the coastal city of Sunsho.” Dracal smiled gently. “Perhaps you might visit us one day.”
“I would like that. Please give Katai my best. I'm in awe of what he is accomplishing.”
“I will.” Dracal bowed to me and then to the King. “Your Majesty.” He strode out while I sat down.
“Give us some privacy.” The King motioned to his men.
The knights inclined their heads and marched out after the Hulfrin. My throat went dry. Was he going to ask me to leave now? Maybe he would send me to live in Bara's old house. He had given it and all of Bara's belongings to me. If he did that, I'd sell everything and leave with Dracal. Maybe I could catch up with him before he left.
Looking at the King, my stomach twisted. I didn't want to leave. So, as soon as the door shut, I met his gaze and pleaded forleniency. “Your Majesty, I'm sorry about what I said at breakfast. I won't insult you like that again.”
“Insult me?” King Raventar turned in his chair to face me. “Why do you think I was insulted?”
“The way you reacted. You obviously aren't interested in me. I mean, of course, you're not. I shouldn't—”
“Eliel, stop.”
I sighed. “Yes, all right. Let's be honest with each other. You're attracted to me, but you won't debase yourself by being with me. I understand, and I won't make anymore sexual advances toward you.”
“Debase myself?” The King leaned back. “What are you talking about?”
Surprised, I met his gaze. “By bedding me. I'm unclean. Broken. You don't have to say it. I know what I am. It's all right. You're a wonderful man, and I've misinterpreted your kindness. I won't do it again. I'm truly grateful for all you've done for me, and I don't want to make you uncomfortable. If you prefer, I'll keep to my room from now on. You don't even have to see me.”
“Eliel, that is enough!” He grabbed my hand.
I shrank back.
The Dragon King jerked his hand away. “Fuck me!” He covered his face with his hands and breathed deeply for a few moments. Finally, he lifted his head. “Eliel, please don't fear me. I would never hurt you.”
“I'm sorry, Your Majesty. It's instinctive. I didn't mean to pull away from you. I know you won't hurt me.”
“No, Eliel, you don't know that, and I don't expect you to. You need time to learn to trust me. I'm willing to wait.” His hand lifted but then lowered again. “I reacted poorly to your . . . offer earlier because Idowant to be with you.”
“Yes, I know. You can't help what your body feels, but I am not worthy of your attention. So, you must control your urges and deny me. I understand.”
“Oh, for fuck's sake!” The King threw both arms into the air and slumped back in his chair. “This is absurd.”
I scowled at him.
