And with Elias in his arms, kissing him after his victory, Gerard felt like he was still soaring in the sky, a dragon, mighty and revered. He’d not felt like that in his human form since he’d faced that archmage two years ago.
When the kiss broke, Gerard noticed grime on Elias’s robes. “Shit. I’m sorry.” He wiped at the bloodstains. But it just smeared it into the fabric.
Gerard tried to step away. Dirt, sweat, smoke, and blood covered his naked body.
But Elias’s grip around his neck remained firm. He raised a single elegant brow. “I don’t mind you getting me a little dirty.”
And once again, Elias had robbed Gerard of speech.
Then Elias kissed him once more. So what need had Gerard for talking?
“Excellent work, brother!” Konrad called out as he, Luther, Senta, Onyx, and Juniper approached.
Elias broke the kiss and handed Gerard his robes. Gerard tugged them on. Then he put on his eye patch.
Elias had seen him completely naked. Everything had been on display. He’d not seemed horrified by Gerard’s appearance. Not even a little displeased.
Hopefully his siblings did not notice Gerard’s cock had started to perk up. But Elias had been kissing him andplastered against him a moment before. He couldn’t be blamed for his reaction to the lightning prince.
“You beat Albert! Hopefully that will teach him to shut the fuck up.” Senta laughed.
Juniper smiled. “You did very well.”
Gerard inclined his head. “Thank you.”
The king and queen consort strode towards them, surrounded by Draconian guards.
“Well done. You have brought glory to the family and Draconia, Gerard,” King Alaric said.
“Thank you, Father.” Gerard inclined his head.
More and more nobles, dignitaries, and monks from the grandstand, as well as the other contestants, came onto the field.
Senta leaned towards Gerard when they had a moment by themselves. “I’ve come to a conclusion.”
“What’s that?”
“Your future husband might be a bit of a fool and a fop. But there are worse traits to have.” She glanced at Elias, who stood speaking with Juniper. “All in all, I don’t think he is as bad as I originally thought.”
Gerard smiled. “I agree.” And for the first time, Gerard found himself wanting to spend some more time with his husband-to-be.
But that would have to wait. Because the other royal leaders of the differing kingdoms approached and congratulated him.
“An excellent battle, Prince Gerard,” Queen Azalea Rosewood said.
“I have never seen a dragon battle before.” Emperor Hugo clapped. “I could barely breathe. It was so exciting!” Then he lowered his voice. “I was cheering for you the most!”
“Congratulations, Prince Gerard,” Empress Emmeline said.
He bowed and thanked them all. And finally, when they departed, he looked around.
He frowned. He couldn’t see Elias anywhere.
Where did he go?
Chapter
Twenty-Four
