Once they’d turned a corner, Gerard let out a breath, his muscles unwinding.
“I’m glad I married Elias instead of him,” Gerard muttered.
Soon, Shadow Prince Wraith’s betrothal to Konrad would be announced, now that all the other seven weddings had been completed. Prince Beau and Albert’s nuptials had taken place a couple of days before, and they were the last couple before Konrad and Shadow Prince Wraith to be married.
Letting out a breath, Gerard continued down the corridor. He took long strides, eager to be with Elias.
Fire and fucking flames!His jaw clenched.
Because the newly married couple, Prince Beau and Gerard’s cousin Albert, headed straight in his direction.
Chapter
Forty-Eight
Gerard lengthened his strides, hoping he could pass Duke Albert and Prince Beau without having to stop and converse with them. He’d nod as he passed. Say good evening. And only slow his gait enough to not appear rude.
After all, he did not want to act like Shadow Prince Wraith.
Albert and Prince Beau leaned towards each other, whispering and smiling. It seemed they were getting along. Then Albert turned towards Gerard. His face lit up.
Gerard’s eye narrowed.Why would he be pleased to see me?
“Prince Gerard.” Albert stopped and bowed.
Taking a deep breath, Gerard paused. “Good evening, Prince Beau. Good evening, Albert.”
“Good evening, Prince Gerard,” Prince Beau said.
Albert took a step towards Gerard. “I’ve actually been wanting to talk to you, Cousin. I wanted to apologise for any offence that I may have caused you recently.”
Gerard inclined his head in acknowledgement but otherwise said nothing.
“As I’m sure you can understand, it has been a stressful period as we negotiate this peace treaty.” Albert smiled at Prince Beau, taking his hand. “But it has worked out well for me. I now have a beautiful husband.”
Then Albert looked at Gerard. “And it has worked out well for you too. You are married to Prince Elias, a renowned beauty.”
Gerard didn’t respond. Albert was building to something. He could feel it in his blood.
Then Albert’s brows furrowed. He placed a hand over his heart. “But, as your cousin, I feel it is my duty to tell you something …” He glanced at Prince Beau. “But perhaps I should not.” He pursed his lips.
Gerard huffed. “If you have something to say, then say it or stay silent.” He might respect the grand dragon warrior enough to tolerate her son, Albert. But that tolerance only went so far.
“Well,” Albert said, lowering his voice, “Beau informed me of some of the things Prince Elias has said about you. It seems he may not be so pleased with you as you are with him.”
Gerard’s gaze fixed on Prince Beau.
Elias said that his half-brother does not like him. He cannot be trusted.
Gerard did not ask what things Elias said. He would not rise to the bait. He looked away and took a step forward.
“He said your face was vile,” Prince Beau said, voice smooth like honey.
But the words pierced Gerard like a spear to the gut.
“And he said that your appearance was repulsive. Vile and repulsive, those were the words he used to describeyou, Prince Gerard. He said he couldn’t stomach being married to someone with a face like yours. He called you the dragon wretch.”
Gerard’s lungs constricted.No.
