King Ula cocked his head in a distinct shifter way, studying my features almost casually. If I had surprised him, he wasn’t showing it outwardly.
“What is the favor?” he asked calmly.
It…was now or never. I knew perfectly well he wouldn’t like what I had to say. He had escaped Fairy for a solid reason. This would not be easy. I cleared my throat and explained, “I would like you to transport King Elon and me to Fairy. Specifically, the Ancient Archive. King Athon and Princess Trixie have been taken there. Once King Elon and I retrieve them, we’ll need prompt, safe passage home.”
A quietness descended on our group of four.
Only the slowly dripping icicles hanging from the ceiling could be heard as each drop splattered onto the stone floor.
Tension warped the room in a heady cloud.
The dragon who’d killed the original shifter stared bloody murder in our direction while the King of Dragons held perfectly still, his solid golden gaze roving over my features.
“Your daughter has been taken to Fairy?” King Ula asked so, so softly. “By whom?”
“Mamue.”
“Interesting…Why?”
“Artifacts were stolen. They’re using King Athon and my heir as bait to capture the culprit.”
The King of Dragons barely blinked. “Mamue is a fucking asshole and, apparently, also stupid as fuck to get caught up in that mess.”
My eyes narrowed on his. “You know of it?”
“I know the witch has her plans, and it’s best not to stand between her wrath and her target,” he murmured offhandedly, not truly answering my question at all—and, yet, he was telling me he knew more than he was willing to say.
“Hm.” I didn’t look away, keeping my attention on this mysterious killer. “Will you afford me the boon?”
“King Traevon, why would I want to help you?” the dragon king purred, leaning into my personal space. “What’s in it for me?”
I stared into the eyes of the beast and straightened my spine, knowing I would have to bend. “What is your price?”
Cruelty danced in this Fae damned prick’s gaze. Finally, a slow smile curved his lips, and he stated quite simply, “I want Princess Trixie’s firstborn daughter.”
My body stilled in shock. “Pardon?” I barely breathed. “I don’t think I heard you correctly. Would you care to repeat that?”
“Her daughter. Your granddaughter.” King Ula stepped even closer. “When she’s eventually born and comes into her majority, I want her.”
In the stunning silence that instantly hung in the air, King Elon whistled quietly at this jackass’s audacity. “I would kindly suggest asking for something different, King Ula.”
“No, I think not. That is my set price.”
My fangs quickly flashed at this daring bastard. “Not happening.”
“King Traevon, if you want my help, you will give me what I want.” He lifted an eyebrow condescendingly. “You are out of options.” The King of Dragons waved his hand behind me toward the exit of this cavern of horrors. “Unless you have another Fae powerful enough to take you over? But I’m guessing not.”
This…motherfucker.
Grinding my jaws together, I did the only thing I could. Because he was correct. There were no other options except him.
I showed my perfect weapon to save my child—and her eventual child. My smile was deadly as I whispered, “Mother, you are needed.”
Ponderings of a father:
We learn from those around us.
Our life experiences.
