At least one of us has made a good match.
Queen Consort Adelina leaned forward in her chair. “It will be so lovely to celebrate your nuptials and the courtship periods. There will be balls and banquets. It will be a wonderful time for the family!”
The queen consort paused and glanced at her husband. “Perhaps our children should come to witness these happy occasions. I do miss them so much. And I think they would?—”
The king waved a hand, not even bothering to glance at his wife. “There is no need for them to be here.”
The queen consort’s mouth snapped shut. She leaned back.
Senta tensed.
Could Father at least pretend to respect his wife?
“Perhaps our siblings couldbenefit from being exposed to the diplomatic efforts taking place at the peace assembly, Father,” Gerard said. “They could learn a lot.”
Senta nodded. “And surely it would be good for them to meet other individuals from the different kingdoms. Everyone of importance has gathered here.”
But their father shook his head. “They are better off in Draconia.” King Alaric walked to the window and gazed out. He stroked his chin. “Perhaps Lady Juniper can be impregnated with Gerard’s seed.”
Gerard gaped.
“What?” Senta asked.
“Gerard is a very strong dragon,” their father continued, as if musing to himself. “I suppose the child could end up a nature mage rather than a dragon. That would be a disappointment. But if they took after Lady Juniper, they’d be a strong nature mage at least.”
The king turned towards Senta. “And of course you could be impregnated too. We could find a strong dragon to donate their seed. To ensure your child is a dragon.”
Senta sat very still. “Well, that will be something to consider,” she said, voice flat.
“Good,” the king said, as if the matter was settled. Then he swept from the room without another word. The queen consort jumped to her feet and followed him out.
For several long moments, Gerard and Senta did not speak. The footsteps of their father and stepmother grew fainter.
Then Senta and Gerard burst out laughing. Gerard rubbed his hand over his face.
“I cannot believe it! He only just told me who I’m marrying, and he is already getting me and my wife impregnated!” She hunched forward, arms wrapped around her stomach as she shook with laughter.
“Well, he needs to ensure the bloodline continues.”
“The fucking bloodline! You’d think he didn’t have an army of children already.”
“When I am properly introduced to Lady Juniper, should I offer her my seed, do you think?” Gerard asked.
She slapped his arm. “Don’t you dare!” She wiped tears from her eyes. “Fire and flames! I can’t believe Father.”
Slowly their laughter died away.
Gerard smiled at his sister. “I’m happy for you. I know you like her.”
“Lady Juniper is charming. And beautiful. And smart. You’ll see when you meet her properly.” She sighed. “Apparently she was quite a threat to us during the war too.”
“A dangerous, beautiful woman. Exactly your type.”
Senta grinned. Then it dimmed. “And your marriage …” Her voice trailed off. “At least you find him attractive.”
“Yes.” A silence followed, as if neither of them could find anything else positive to say about Prince Elias.
“And Luther has come around regarding Onyx. They are getting along. Now they’re off on a trip to Draconia together.” She placed a hand on his arm and squeezed. “So perhaps you and Prince Elias could find a way to be happy too.”
