The Dragon King chuckled as he sat down. “It's fine. Sit.”
“Thank you.” I sat back down and waited for the servants to bring the King's food to him before I resumed eating.
“You're welcome.” He sat back as servants set several plates of food before him. Then he straightened. “Why did my words offend you so greatly?”
“They didn't offend me. They made us wary. All of us.” I picked up my fork and glanced at him.
He was looking at me expectantly.
“You surely know that people once hunted us. We were kept and sold like property.”
“That was centuries ago. It's outlawed now.”
“Slavery is hard to forget.”
“Of course. I'm sorry. That was insensitive of me.”
I sighed. “Volpers were prized for their skills and beauty. Traded to the royalty of other kingdoms like exotic pets. We previously held the same positions we hold in your court today, except we did not receive payment for our labor. When a Dragon says words like 'claim' or 'mine,' we get nervous.”
“Yes, I understand how those words could trigger you.”
“It happened before my time, but my parents taught me, as all Volper children are taught, that anyone who tries to claim me is an enemy.”
The Dragon King blinked, then frowned. “I will never allow slavery in my kingdom, Sevarin. You're safe here.”
“That's good to hear, Your Majesty. Still, you can't blame us for being careful.”
“I don't. I just want you to feel safe.” He sipped his drink, took a bite, and looked at me while he chewed. “I woke to an empty bed.”
I frowned at the abrupt change in conversation. “I'm sorry?”
The King sent me a sharp look. “You should be. I expected to wake up to you beside me.”
“Why?”
His expression went blank, then surprised, then confused. “Why did I expect you to stay? Because we slept together.”
“We had sex. We did not sleep together. Is that why you're angry?”
“My lovers rarely flee my presence directly after sex.”
“Sleeping beside someone takes a measure of trust that I don't have for you.”
“You don't trust me?”
“We've only known each other for a day. So, no, I don't trust you.”
The King cocked his head as if processing what I had said. “I didn't consider that it was an issue of trust. I understand, and I shall adjust my future interactions with you to accommodate your perspective.”
I don't know why, but his simple acceptance and offer to amend his behavior made me feel guilty. “After I rinsed off, I came back to find you asleep. There was no reason to stay.”
“And you didn't trust me.”
“Yes.”
“Perhaps you will trust me enough to stay the night next time.”
I frowned at him. “Do you have concubines?”
