21

The dragon plunged through the air a few more times, spinning and turning expertly, then dove head-first toward the throne room. The music picked up as he moved through the open skylights. The power of his wingbeat was enough to make the empty wine glasses tilt precariously where they stood. His long, serpentine tail flicked once, and he bared his teeth in greeting. Even in dragon form, his fangs were golden. The guests hooted and clapped their delight, thrilled. I clapped along. It was an impressive display, but I certainly understood what Elias meant when he said King Draunar was a showman.

The dragon turned away from us, folded the wings into his body, then shifted back into human form, indifferent to his own nudity. Two attendants hurried forward and helped him into his golden robes and his jewelry, moving with practiced quickness and ease.

“Welcome, my dragons,” he called. The music didn’t even drop a decibel. “Please join me in welcoming our honored guests, King Elias and Queen Reyna of Nightfall. King and Queen of Frasia, enjoy the finest hospitality Shianga has to offer.”

Then came an endless stream of dishes, and wine, and I turned on all the charm I had as I tried to make myself heard over the noise.

After a few hours, the room was finally shrouded in dim light and the music had lowered to something softer and slower. I’d finished my spiced drinking chocolate and final aperitif—and Elias had been pulled into a conversation with King Draunar and what appeared to be a Shiangan general. Fina and Adora had already excused themselves, and at my request had sent a servant to escort me back, too.

I caught Elias’ eye again from across the room and raised my eyebrows in question. He nodded.

That was one of the nice things about marriage, I supposed. The unspoken communication.

I slunk out the throne room doors. One of the Shiangan handmaidens hopped to her feet. “Milady!” she chirped. “How can I assist you?”

“I’m sorry,” I murmured. My voice was a little scratchy from speaking over the noise. “I can tend to my own needs this evening.”

“Of course, you must be exhausted,” she said, though I could hear the slight disappointment in her voice. “Shall I run you a bath? Bring some wine?”

“No, no, I’ll take care of myself,” I said. “Thank you.”

I dismissed her as I stepped into my quarters. I needed time to myself. I stepped into our fine ensuite bathroom.

Maybe I needed to talk to Elias. As I peeled myself out of my dress and changed into a light nightgown, I turned the possibility over in my mind. I knew it was a strange thing King Draunar had done, but I was still unsure if it was worth it to bring it up to Elias. I couldn’t get a grasp on how he might react. What if his possessiveness interfered with the negotiations? Or worse—what if he decided to keep me hidden away for the entirety of the trip?

I could handle King Draunar on my own. But I wasn’t sure if I wanted to.

I sighed and ran the brush through my hair, then washed my face, rinsing the evening from my skin. When I stepped out of the ensuite, Elias was in the room as well, unbuttoning his silk shirt with a grimace on his face.

“Oh!” I said. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

“Are you as exhausted as I am?” he asked, throwing me a weary smile. “That event dragged on a little too long.”

“It was quite a party,” I murmured. I paused in the doorway of the ensuite and pressed my lips together, still unsure.

He glanced over at me again and his happier expression was replaced by a look of careful concern. “Are you okay?” he asked.

I blinked. “Oh, yes,” I said. “Fine. Just tired.”

“Something’s on your mind.” He sat down on the foot of the bed. “Did something happen?”

“No,” I said, then rubbed the back of my neck, where my wolf was making my nape itch. She was alert again, pleased to see her mate, and begging me to move closer to him. I hadn’t realized how stressed and exhausted I was until I had the possibility of relief in his arms right in front of me. Well, relief for her. Maybe not for me. “I mean, nothing happened. It’s just… It’s nothing.”

“Reyna,” he said softly. “What happened?”

He could be like a dog with a bone—or a wolf with one, I supposed. He wasn’t going to let this go.

And I realized I did want to tell him. This would be easier to navigate if he knew what was going on—easier for both of us.

I wanted his support. I wanted him.

“King Draunar asked for me in his private study today,” I said.

Elias’ eyes flashed gold. “He what?”

My wolf thrilled at the show of possessiveness. “I know,” I said. “I had the same reaction. I almost turned him down but I was worried what that might do to the negotiations.”

“The negotiations—Reyna, fuck the negotiations. He asked for you alone?” A low growl sounded from his chest. “I should gut that bastard tonight.”

“That’s really not necessary,” I said, fighting back a smile. “I would’ve done it myself if he tried anything. Plus, I brought Fina and Adora with me, just in case.”

That seemed to ease his anger a little. “I don’t doubt you would have,” he said.

“He said he wanted to give me a wedding present,” I said. “Come look at this.”

On the small table, I unfurled the map King Draunar had given me. Elias leaned over the table to look at it, his hand at the small of my lower back.

“Wow,” he said. “This is older than anything we have in Frasia. Where did he get this? And why would he give it to you?”

“That’s the thing,” I said. “He wouldn’t tell me.”