“And what is your name, pet?” he murmured, drawing me closer with surprising strength. His arm crossed my chest, tugging a slip of red fabric back into place over my breast. I hadn’t noticed the exposure.
A choice hung in the air. Helpless creature or calculated player. Was I a pitiful woman in need of protection, or an ally? I wasn’t a prisoner—I was Tallon’sguest.
“Nienna Draconis.” I leaned against him, spine straight, legs crossing with deliberate ease. “The Dragon’s Heart. Queen of Radaan.”
“Oh my, a queen!” Laughter rumbled through his chest. He adjusted beneath me, settling me more securely on his thigh. His gaze drifted to Tallon, amused and indulgent. “Has our dear prince given you my name?”
“He’s been otherwise occupied,” I replied, embracing the cocky bravado I didn’t feel. “He required healers. A toe ache, I believe.”
The king barked another laugh, head tipping back. The sound rang bright and sharp across the chamber. I glanced toward Tallon with a smile, and his glare sliced hot enough to cauterize.
“Such flat teeth, yet you speak with the bite of a dragon.” The king’s lips curved. “My name is Deimos Daggerteeth.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I said, the lie smooth as silk.
His eyes dropped to my mouth, a curious tilt of his head accompanying the motion. “I would claim the pleasure as mine,but it appears Tallon shares in it. You are his guest.” His attention shifted. “Even so, remember, boy, you seek shelter in my palace.”
“I seek shelter now,” Tallon answered, voice a tight hiss, “but I offer the promise of much more.”
“So much,” Deimos agreed. His lips brushed my shoulder. “Fret not—I will hold to the terms of our bargain.”
Muscles locked along my spine; my skin ignited with disgust as his nose traced upward, inhaling. He would have sensed the tremor. I could not conceal it.
“What bargain?” The question tore from me before caution could catch it. “A queen holds more value than a displaced prince.”
A hum vibrated against my collarbone. His teeth grazed my arm, the blunt front edges scraping close enough to threaten. “There is no escape from this arrangement, I’m afraid. Tallon is the piece we require. He named his terms. I may not taste you, though you carry the scent of ash and beautiful ruin. You will fulfill the role you were born for. And he will fulfill his.”
My role? I was born a princess, my only duty to secure a marriage and ensure a treaty with an heir.
An heir.
His hand slid along the inside of my thigh, and I snapped my knees together at once. A chuckle ghosted across my skin as his fingers shifted, resting just below my navel.
“Yes. That is why you sit here. Tallon requires a womb.”
My nails bit into my palms to keep my composure intact. “There are countless women who would gladly bear his child.”
“No. You are special.” His hand curved around my side, thumb pressing into my abdomen with slow insistence.
The babe was too small. He wouldn’t feel it.
“So much power in such a pretty package—such a delicate vessel.” His eyes gleamed. “Do you understand why Tallon is rare?”
“He was the prince of Radaan.”
“Was.” Deimos laughed, easing his grip. “He is a Fortune. Centuries may pass without one, yet here he stands. See how my court keeps its distance? They’re too cautious. They sense it.”
My gaze flicked to Tallon. Impatience burned through him like banked fire.
“Why does that make him so extraordinary?” I asked.
“He carries both Ichor and Cruor.” Deimos’ voice lowered, reverent. “With blood, he moves swifter than any Velli and also controls them. Two gifts within one body. A halfbreed should not hold such power, yet there he stands.” His fingers tapped lightly against my stomach. “A child forged between him and the Dragon’s Heart? The continent would only be the beginning. We could venture to the island nations and far beyond. Nothing would stand between Vellos and complete domination.”
“Surprised, Nienna?” Tallon called from below. “You thought me insignificant, a worthless boy. And now you’re mine.”
My stomach knotted. “Why do all this?” I pressed. “Why allow me to leave Radaan if you wanted me here? What–”
“So many questions.” Deimos slid me off his lap without warning.
