“Ah…one of those situations.” Madden’s lips twitched, and his tone turned eerie and calm. “Smart, since they aren’t our kind.” His yellow eyes looked straight at the dragon king. “And they really shouldn’t be here.”
“Eh,” King Ula grunted and shrugged. “A little scenic trip never hurt anyone.” He tilted his head at the gnome. “Speaking of which, you should hop on over that line, too.”
Instant. “I like it here.”
“No, you don’t.”
“Fine. I don’t want to.”
“Do it.” King Ula narrowed his eyes.
Madden grimaced. “No.”
“You need to,” the dragon king said quietly. “I’ll even show you around if you would like.”
How lovely.I had a mighty dragon suggesting he be a tour guide of my realm, inviting other Fae to ‘hop on over’ where they didn’t belong. More than likely, to stay awhile since the dragon bastard had taken up permanent residence where he also didn’t belong.
I cleared my throat and stood, interrupting their dialogue, “We apologize for lingering. We’ll be on our way.”
Madden snorted. “No need to be polite. I did try to kill you, you know.”
I arched a red eyebrow sharply and drawled, “Did you now?”
The gnome shrugged without shame. “The wraith didn’t appreciate it.” He pointed his dagger down at the ground where he stood. “She’s quite mouthy, that Fae killer. That’s why I’m staying put. So Iwouldappreciate it if you’d be on your way.”
My fangs showed as I grinned. “I couldn’t agree more.” I looked at the dragon king. “Do you know where we’re at?”
He rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand, tracking his perusal from left to right. “Honestly, I’m a little turned around.”
“Where are you headed?” Madden asked.
Not hesitating, King Ula responded, “Ancient Archive.”
“It’s just over that hill.” The gnome pointed his dagger to his left and then lifted it. He eyed us speculatively and then stated, “Careful with the guardians. There’s been more than usual traveling through here.”
The King of Dragons bowed his head graciously. “Many thanks, Madden.” He lifted his sword and sheathed it. “Please think about what I said. I would like to see you again.”
Fucking Fairy.“Let us go!” I urged and turned in the direction the gnome had indicated, practically herding the gorgon king and my soul mate away before any of those plans could be finalized. I ordered over my shoulder, “Come now, King Ula.” The gnome had said his name—so I no longer had to hide it from my love, thank goodness. “We must be on our way!”
King Elon snorted under his breath.
“Be quiet,” I whispered sharply at him. “We must keep that dragon from chatting to every damnable Fae here. We’ll have an entire infestation in our realm, not merely a few rogues.”
“Yes, but you aren’t even being delicate about it,” the gorgon king muttered out of the side of his mouth. “That was rather obvious.”
Snarling, I muttered, “I fucking hate you.”
King Elon hummed and glanced away.
I stared at the side of his face, waiting for his comeback—but none came. Then a splash of repulsion dowsed over me. I grumbled harshly, “No, don’t you dare do that. You know not the half of it. I deserve your hatred.”
“I shall despise who I wish to, King Traevon,” the gorgon king murmured while he scanned the trees for guardians. “And at this moment in time? I am rather…numb.”
I huffed quietly and growled, “Well. Allow me to know when you are back to rights.”
“As you say.”
Thanks of a father:
