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She bites her lip, and I can tell she doesn’t like the idea of eating cooked food, or maybe the idea of eating with me makes her nervous—or both. But she nods, tucking her hair behind her ear. “Then I won’t be long, your Majesty.”
“Kem.”
“What?”
“Call me Kem. And take your time. Flying through the valley is one of my favorite things to do.”
How I’d love to scream through the air currents around the mountains with her. I’d love to drag my wings through the waterfall, sending a spray of mist onto her purple scales.
Her head whips back and forth. “Oh, I can’t possibly call you … it’s improper, your Majesty.”
I chuckle. “Humor me? At least when we are alone?”
She raises an eyebrow. “Okay … Kem.”
My eyes almost roll back in my head at the sound of my name on her lips. Fuck. I’m in trouble. I’d go for a flight of my own to cool off, but I can’t chance running into her in the skies. My dragon would sink his claws into her, mount her, and ride her in a free-fall until she climaxes.
I take another step back, crossing the threshold. “Thank you, Tatha. Enjoy your flight. A staff member will bring you to dinner when you’re ready.”
Turning, I keep my pace casual, when all I want to do is run away … or run back to her and crush my lips to hers. Rounding a corner, I press my back to a wall and run my hand over my face. Letting out a deep breath, I shove off the wall. Absently, my feet take me through my castle, aiming for the south wing to the large salt-water pool. I prefer the lake on the far side of the valley, but … Tatha.
The sound of my boots against the marble is distant in my ears, the gleam of the crystal walls shimmers in my periphery. But my mind can’t appreciate the beauty of my surroundings. All I can think of is her. My Mate. I found her—or rather; she came to me. All this time, she’s been in the mountains.
I have a Mate. The one soul in the universe meant for me. And the call to claim her is strong.
Pulling my shirt over my head, I kick off my boots and step out of my pants. I dive into the pool, the cool water slicing over my heated skin, and thoughts of Tatha naked and swimming with me play out in my mind.
Finding an easy rhythm, I attempt to swim away from my raging desire. My shoulders flex as my arms cut through the water. My legs kick powerfully, and with every lap, my pace picks up.
Stroke, stroke, stroke, breath. Stroke, stroke, stroke, breath.
I dive deep, blowing the air from my lungs. Hitting the bottom, I turn over and lay on my back. The water ripples above me, the refracted light hypnotizing. But then movement catches my eye.
A smirk pulls across my face as I see a flash of bronze hair that moves out of sight, then back again, then out of sight … over and over.
I push against the floor of the pool, shooting for the surface, and when my head breaks out of the water, I spy my guard, Syphe, pacing back and forth.
On her next pass, she notices I’ve surfaced, and a rumble vibrates from her chest as her lips pull back with rage. “That slimy worm! That useless bag of meat! How dare he! Ugh! That mother-fucker! Oily, green sludge of a dragon!”
Her tirade continues as I press my palms to the edge of the pool and haul myself out, shaking the water from my body. A towel hits me in the face as Syphe continues swearing creatively.
“Syphe, calm do—” She stops, spins, and slams her stare at me. I chuckle, holding up a hand in peace. “Inchel is a mild annoyance. His timing is shit, but?—”
“Oh! What did the Lady of the Mountain clan want?” The fight temporarily leaves her as curiosity takes its place.
My frown reflects my change in mood, even as my stomach muscles clench as Tatha’s image floats through my mind. I secure the towel around my waist, padding over to my pile of clothes. “Tovra is dying.”
A small sound of sorrow comes from Syphe, and she paces again. “He will be missed. Will his daughter take his place as clan leader?”
“I’m not sure, but I’m meeting with her again over dinner. We will sort out as much as we can tonight. Then I’ll leave with her in the morning for the mountains. I will see Tovra through his last days. He wishes to be Elevated on the Mountain.” I pull on my clothes, my muscles loose after my time in the pool.
Syphe pauses, hands on hips. “Makes sense. But what of the Challenge?”
That last word comes out on a growl, and I smile, sliding on my boots. “It’s Inchel. I’m not worried.”
She raises an eyebrow. “You know he’ll try something.”
“Of course. He can’t beat me if he doesn’t cheat.” I cross to Syphe, placing a hand on her muscled shoulder. “I’ll still win.”
