Lahi backed away. That was yet another thing about him I didn't like—he was a coward.
“Protect you,” the guard clarified, as if that made things better.
“I do not need protection. I am a Dragon!”
“So am I, and I am only doing what I'm told.”
Sighing, I gave in. “Fine, but stay out of my way.”
The Sea Dragon inclined his head.
“I see this is a bad time,” Lahi murmured.
“Indeed, and I'm sorry, Lahi, but our relationship is in the past. We're just not compatible. But I wish you the best.” I left before Lahi could respond, a Sea Dragon dogging my steps.
Chapter Fifteen
“What's your name?” I asked as we walked away from the carriage, toward the Blue Heron.
“I am Sir Feilen.” His gaze shifted about, over buildings, ships, and people.
“All right, Sir Feilen. When we get on that ship, stay out of the way and be quiet. Got it?”
“Yes, sir.”
Although it was what I wanted to hear, I didn't trust the undersea knight. I had a feeling that if he saw something his master wouldn't approve of, he'd speak out. Or worse.
“About that man . . .”
“And so it begins,” I muttered, mimicking Jucai.
“Excuse me?”
“What about that man?”
“Is he your lover?”
“Not your business.”
“The King would be upset if you took another lover.”
I stopped two steps away from the Blue Heron's gangplank. We were down one of the many long docks off the wharf, so there weren't many people around to overhear us. Narrowing my eyes at the smaller man, I leaned in. “If you had been listening, you would have heard me reject him, and I'm sure you were listening. So why are you asking about him? Is your king's bed partner your responsibility?”
“No, only you, Lord Nadar. He is . . . fond of you. And I guard the King in two ways.”
“What two?”
“Body and heart.” He put a finger on my chest and pushed. “You will be faithful, or I will step in to ensure it.”
“And how would you do that?”
“I would kill your lover.”
My jaw dropped. Sound came out, but I couldn't form words. At last, I said, “If you hurt anyone here who hasn't threatened your king, the palace guards will imprison you, and it might start a war.”
“Any lover of yours who isn't my king is a threat to my king.”
“Unbelievable,” I muttered. “I'm not fucking anyone else!”
