Page 29 of Mad Dragon of Chaos

Tyche hummed. “I’ll have to think about it.” He wrapped one hand around the jar of wine and shoved to his feet.

“What? You’re leaving? And you’re taking the wine?” Shey gasped, almost laughing.

“It’s late, and we have to make big plans for tomorrow. No more kissing for you.”

Shey gazed up at him, jutting out his bottom lip in a very pathetic pout. “Not even one more quick kiss? It felt like we were getting good at it.”

“Tomorrow. Maybe.”

Tyche turned on his heel and marched himself to his room with the Omari clan while chuckling at Shey’s complaints. But maybe he wasn’t laughing too hard because there were several of his body parts that demanded he go back for more kisses.

As tempting as it was, he needed to think about this more.

What the hell was he doing kissing a human prince?

TEN

SHEY THRUDESH-VO

The next morning, Shey’s mind was still reeling a bit.

He’d kissed Tyche.

He’d actually kissed the God of Luck.

And he’d liked it. A lot.

It was probably one of the most chaste kisses of his life, but it had also left him wanting more. The feel of Tyche’s lips and his taste were hypnotic. The tiny noises that escaped him as he let go of his wariness and kissed Shey back were addictive.

What had he been thinking?

It wasn’t the wine. Sure, it had been damn strong wine, and it had made his thoughts hazy, but he’d been wanting to kiss Tyche since they’d woken up in that cave in Damardor. The man had somehow looked both cuddly and grumpy at the same time. Shey had wanted to push his crazy hair from his face and steal a kiss before he’d even known what was happening.

Of course, he hadn’t, but the thought had never fully left his mind. The more time he spent with Tyche, the more he wanted to kiss the man.

Especially after it had become clear that Tyche thought Shey remained hung up on Rayne. Yeah, so maybe he’d needed some distance and time to think when he’d heard about Rayne’s wedding, but it had become obvious fast enough that he’d been clinging to old fantasies with Rayne and not reality.

Tyche was reality. Even if it wasn’t quite the reality he had been expecting.

But Tyche wasn’t the only reality he was facing. The bigger, darker one was that he didn’t know what was happening in his home. He wasn’t too worried. His mother was a strong leader. Experienced, intelligent generals led Caspagir’s military. And, though he didn’t give her credit often enough, his sister was proving to be a fast study in managing the kingdom. They could hold out against Damardor and New Rosanthe. Or the Federation of Order. It didn’t change the fact that they were up to no good, and Shey was determined to stomp them into the ground to protect his kingdom as well as protect the innocent people who were being slaughtered in Damardor.

It had to be stopped because this was just the beginning. He knew whoever was leading this slaughter was going to spread out and keep hunting for gods and goddesses until they had enough power to take over all the countries of Thia.

Returning to Caspagir also required helping both Tyche and Haru with Yesuntei’s powers.

Shortly after breakfast, Nori gathered his guests together in the main meeting room. Haru was present, looking well rested at last. Adrian remained close at his side, ready to jump in and provide aid at a moment’s notice. Tyche was among the last to appear, and the minor god refused to meet his gaze. His expression was bland, but Shey didn’t miss the fact that the tips of Tyche’s ears were bright red.

“Yesterday, we had an excellent exchange of information regarding the growing threat to the south, as well as the stance of the Kingdom of Erya and the Kingdom of Caspagir. As the spokesperson for the Isle of Stone dragons, I thank King Caelan and Prince Shey for their honesty and forthrightness.” Nori paused and bowed his head to Caelan and Shey.

Shey pushed to his feet and took a step to stand in the main aisle facing where Nori sat. He bowed low to the dragon clan leader. “I wish to thank Omari Nori and his clan for their hospitality and warm welcome. I pray that after we get through this turmoil, we can continue to explore this new relationship between our peoples.”

Nori clapped his hands lightly and smiled. “I hope that as well, Prince Shey. Haru has mentioned many interesting things about your kingdom, especially your snow-capped mountains. Since I was treated to a visit to Stormbreak, I find myself very curious about seeing your home as well.”

Dragons visiting Caspagir? That would be a huge coup over Ilon and other countries who had yet to establish relationships with the Isle of Stone. Fiona would be ecstatic at the prospect of meeting dragons.

“You would be most welcome in Caspagir.” Shey bowed his head to Nori and then resumed his seat. He glanced toward Caelan’s party on the other side of the aisle to see Rayne smirk at him as if the man just knew Shey had learned all his polite, ingratiating manners from him.

Caelan shifted in his seat, leaning forward slightly. “While I still have much to discuss with my military leaders, my plan is to return to Stormbreak and send a message of support to Queen Noemi immediately. We will also begin preparing ships to be sent to the Isle of Stone to protect their shores. Ships will also be readied to make the trip to Sirelis if Queen Noemi requests the aid.”