We continued through the hall, Raoul pointing out features and explaining their history while I askedquestions about construction methods and magical enhancements. His knowledge was impressive, and he seemed to appreciate that I was genuinely interested rather than just being polite.
As we exited into another corridor, we encountered three dragon shifters deep in conversation. They stopped and bowed when they saw Raoul.
“Your Majesty,” the eldest said, a woman with silver-streaked black hair and intelligent dark eyes. “We weren’t expecting you on this level this morning.”
“Myra, good morning.” Raoul’s hand remained steady on my arm. “I’m giving my wife a tour of the palace. Adele, this is Myra, our Master of Agriculture. Myra, Queen Adele Thornwick.”
“Your Majesty.” Myra bowed, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she took in my appearance. “Welcome to Emberforge. I’ve heard wonderful things about your weather research.”
“You have?” I blinked in surprise.
“Of course. Your grandmother mentioned your work when she proposed the alliance.” Myra smiled warmly. “I’d love to discuss your predictive models sometime. Our farming communities would benefit greatly from extended weather forecasting.”
“I’d be happy to speak with you,” I said. “I’m hoping to set up monitoring stations around the territories if that’s acceptable.”
“More than acceptable. I’ll arrange meetings with our regional farming councils.” She glanced at the two younger dragon shifters with her. “These are my assistants, Kruger and Thain.”
We greeted each other, and I tried to ignore how bothmen’s gazes kept drifting to my neckline before jerking away.
Raoul’s low growl rang out, and they stiffened, flinging their gazes to the ceiling.
“We must continue,” Raoul snapped, and the three nodded, frowning as we passed them.
Raoul led me through more corridors, each one revealing new wonders. We passed through a library with shelves carved directly into the stone walls, rising three stories high and filled with thousands of volumes. A conservatory where magical plants grew in carefully controlled microclimates. A smithy where dragon fire was used to forge weapons and jewelry.
Everyone we encountered bowed and offered greetings. Most looked curious about me, their gazes assessing, and no one was openly hostile. A few seemed genuinely pleased to see Raoul with a wife.
We were passing through what Raoul called the East Gallery, a long corridor lined with portraits of previous dragon kings and queens, when a voice called out from behind us.
“Raoul. There you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
We turned to find a man striding toward us with the kind of confidence that suggested he’d never encountered a room he didn’t own. He was tall, though not quite as tall as Raoul, with golden-blond hair that fell in artful waves to his shoulders. His features were almost too perfect—sharp cheekbones, a strong jaw, and eyes the color of polished bronze. He wore a deep-blue tunic trimmed with gold.
“Niles,” Raoul said. “I thought you were reviewing seating arrangements.”
“I was, but they’re boring without someone tocomplain to, and Demi just brushes me off.” Niles’s gaze landed on me, and his eyes widened. “And who is this vision of loveliness?”
“My wife,” Raoul said flatly. “Queen Adele Thornwick.”
“Your wife?” Niles’s perfect eyebrows rose. “Ah, yes, a witch. You didn’t mention she was so abundantly blessed.” His gaze traveled down my body and back up, lingering on the tops of my breasts.
My face grew hot. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine.” Niles took my free hand and brought it to his lips, his eyes never leaving mine. “Welcome to our humble mountain home, my queen. I’m Raoul’s cousin and occasional claw in his side.” He flashed me a grin that probably made most women swoon. I found it a bit irritating. “Though I suspect I’ll be much better company than this brooding dragon.”
“I’m not brooding,” Raoul half-snarled.
“Of course not.” Niles released my hand but stayed close, his bronze eyes twinkling. “Tell me, Queen Adele, has my cousin been boring you with tales of architectural significance and historical preservation?”
“I’m not bored at all,” I said. “I find it fascinating.”
“Fascinating.” Niles repeated the word as though I’d spoken in an unknown language. “Well, you’re either genuinely brilliant or an excellent liar. Either way, you’re far too good for him.”
Raoul stiffened beside me, his arm going rigid beneath my hand.
“I wouldn’t say that.” I felt oddly defensive. “Raoul’s been very kind and informative.”
“Kind and informative.” Niles’s grin widened. “High praise indeed. Raoul, you should have this embroidered on a banner.” He turned back to me, moving slightly closer. “When you tire of dusty corridors and stone carvings, I’d be delighted to show you the gardens in the adjacent valley. We have some truly spectacular views, and I promise it will be significantly less educational.”
