Page 61 of Dragon King’s Duty Bride

Lucas leaned down and kissed her soundly. “You’re not learning,” he murmured. “You’re reigning.”

And for the first time since the whispers had begun months ago, Sia felt utterly, unshakably secure.

Let them talk now, she thought.

They would only be speaking of her authority.

Chapter 21

Lucas

Lucas had faced down enemies, trade disputes, and a winter famine that lasted three relentless months, but nothing prepared him for the squeal that erupted in the courtyard when the girls shouted, “Surprise!”

He turned around, already suspicious after Sia had dragged him outside with no explanation.

They stood in a proud little semicircle with grins that stretched far and wide while at their feet wobbled the tiniest goat Lucas had ever seen.

It blinked up at him with bright amber eyes and let out a high, hopeful bleat.

“We thought,” Luna began solemnly, “that since you loved feeding the goats…”

“…and you said they’re remarkably intelligent livestock,” Celeste added.

“…and you smile at them,” Sia supplied helpfully with exaggerated innocence.

“…that you needed one of your own.” Stella shouted.

Lucas stared at the creature. It stared back. It was scarcely larger than a puppy and its coat was white with copper markings along its sides and ears. One ear flopped while the other stood straight up. Its legs trembled as if unsure whether gravity could be trusted.

“I did not love feeding goats,” Lucas said carefully as the goat bleated and the girls beamed.

Sia folded her arms and watched him with a look that he found dangerously amused. “Your Majesty,” she said sweetly, “it’s rude to reject a gift.”

Lucas crouched, because a king could not loom menacingly over something that small. The goat wobbled forward at once and pressed its tiny forehead into his knee with what was probably its first headbutt. His composure nearly crumbled.

“Well,” he muttered and cleared his throat. “It appears… spirited.”

“That’s perfect, Papa! We’ll name her Spirit,” Celeste declared. “Because she’s small but fierce.”

The other girls voiced their approval. “Yayy, Spirit.”

As if on cue, the tiny goat attempted to climb his boot. Lucas reached down with the intention only to steady her. She pushed against him with surprising determination.

That was the moment it happened. The bond. It was immediate and absolute. Spirit’s entire being seemed to align around him. She let out a satisfied little bleat and leaned against his palm as if she had always belonged there.

Behind him, Sia made a strangled sound. He didn’t look at her, he didn’t need to.

“Oh,” she breathed. “She’s accepted you.”

“Accepted me? I’m the king around here.” His words sent the girls into giggles.

Lucas stood slowly, and Spirit wobbled after him. He took a step.

She followed.

He took another. She followed.

“Papa, you have a shadow!”