Page 73 of Dragon King’s Duty Bride

“Your Majesty,” Voilear began smoothly with his voice echoing against the walls. “I come not as an enemy, but as a man concerned for the stability of this realm.”

Lucas did not blink. “Crystafalls has been stable for some time.”

“For now.” Voilear’s smile thinned. “But without a strong son of dragon blood to inherit it, what is stability but an illusion?”

A murmur rippled through the Trust Council. Lucas felt it like a blade sliding between his ribs.

He did not look toward the council benches. He did not look toward the high window that faced Sia’s art sanctuary. He kept his gaze locked on Voilear.

“My wife,” he said evenly, “is not a topic for your speculation.”

“Not speculation. Strategy.” Voilear clasped his hands behind his back. “The royal bloodlines are thinning, and the dragon fire grows weaker with each generation. Crystafalls was founded on power. True dragon power. And yet… there is no heir.”

The murmurs grew louder.

Lucas rose and his fury was barely contained

“You speak boldly in another king’s hall,” Lucas said, his voice no longer cool but edged with steel. “Especially for someone who comes from unsanctioned lands that you choose to pass off as royal. Be careful your boldness does not cost you.”

Voilear did not retreat. If anything, his eyes gleamed brighter.

“I intend to strengthen this kingdom,” he said. “If you cannot provide a son of pure dragon blood, then I will, and I will rule. My beginnings will no longer matter..”

The chamber froze.

Lucas stepped down from his throne slowly. Each step echoed like a drumbeat.

“And how,” he asked softly, “do you intend to do that?”

Voilear met him halfway across the floor. Close enough now that Lucas could see the faint scar along his jaw and smell the smoke on his tunic.

“By claiming the throne,” Voilear said. “And taking a bride capable of bearing such a son.”

It took every ounce of discipline Lucas possessed not to strike him where he stood.

“You presume much,” Lucas replied.

“I speak plainly,” Voilear shot back. “The council knows the truth. Without a son, Crystafalls will fracture. I offer unity. Strength. Continuity.”

Lucas glanced toward the council but they avoided his eyes.

Cowards.

Elder Aldrek cleared his throat. “Your Majesty, while Lord Voilear’s… delivery… lacks tact, the concern is not unfounded. The bloodline must continue through a male successor. The people grow restless.”

Because Sia had not yet given birth to a son. Because their girls, bright and fierce with dragon blood flowing in their veins, were not enough. Lucas’s jaw tightened. One of the elders had betrayed him.

“My daughters carry dragon blood,” he said sharply.

“Not the throne’s right,” Voilear muttered. The words detonated in the chamber.

Lucas felt the heat rising in his veins, real heat. His dragon stirred beneath his skin, anxious to answer the insult. The chandeliers trembled faintly.

Voilear noticed and his smile widened.

“There,” Voilear murmured. “That is the power I speak of. It must not die with you.”

“It won’t,” Lucas said.