Page 28 of Courting the Dragon King

Part of Konrad wanted to grill him, ask his spouse what sort of vile things he had done during the war. But he didn’t think he could manage that conversation and stay calm. Anytime he thought about what the necromancers had done, he wanted to rage and yell and break things.

In fact, right now he wanted to spit in Wraith’s face and throw every atrocity he’d witnessed at him. He wanted to blame Wraith for the nightmares he still had. He wanted to punish him for Anton’s death, and resurrection, and death again.

Konrad took a gulp of his wine.

“Congratulations to you both,” Prince Ash Rosewood said as he and his husband, Lord Barrett Morton, approached the table.

Ash’s hand rested on Barrett’s arm. Theirs was the first marriage to solidify the peace treaty. It was at their wedding ceremony that Ash’s aunt had attempted to kill Barrett, as well as King Alaric and the queen consort. But despite a rather unpleasant start to their married life, they seemed genuinely happy together.

“We wish you many years of happiness,” Barrett said.

Konrad almost laughed. There would be no chance of that. Instead, he just said, “Thank you.”

Wraith licked his lips but said nothing.

What was wrong with his husband? The other necromancers at least pretended to be cordial. Why wouldn’t Wraith?

Others came and congratulated them. Sometimes Wraith responded in his soft, low voice. But most of the time, he didn’t.

Why does he have to be so odd? Why couldn’t he at least learn to behave like a normal person instead of a creepy necromancer? He probably enjoys it. Probably relishes unnerving people and reminding them of what he is, a depraved necromancer.

Most necromancers seemed to enjoy scaring others and being generally creepy. Konrad believed that was what all the black clothes, bone imagery, and strange names were about, unnerving everyone around them.

When the well-wishers died down, Konrad stood and strode away.

He would need to spend more time with Wraith tonight. After all, they would have to consummate the marriage. But he couldn’t stand being near his husband a second longer. He needed a moment away from him.

Chapter

Fifteen

Wraith watched his husband stride away from the table without a word.

For several moments, Wraith remained where he was, sitting at the table at his wedding feast, completely alone. Then he stood. He glanced around the room and hesitated, wondering where he should go now.

Wraith could not simply leave, as he would normally do after the meal was completed. After all, this wedding feast was for him and his new husband. And he and Konrad would need to leave for their wedding night together. They’d need to consummate their marriage.

Wraith swallowed at the thought. He had no idea what to expect from Konrad tonight. Uncertain where he was going, Wraith circled the room. The living glanced his way. The dead mostly ignored him.

As he passed a group of necromancers, including his sister, Vex, they stopped speaking. Were they speaking of him? The treaty? Those plotting against it? He had no idea. He did not pause or try to engage them. They would not wish that.

A few monks inclined their heads respectfully. But they did not try to speak to him.

He spotted a distant cousin, Nihil Grimm, towards the edge of the hall, with another necromancer Wraith did not know. Nihil Grimm was part of the side of the family who did not get along that well with the shadow king and queen. In fact, Wraith was surprised he’d even been extended an invitation.

For a second, Wraith considered approaching him. Perhaps this distant cousin would accept Wraith in a way that others had not. But Wraith could not think of how to properly insert himself into their conversation, so he continued.

Wraith paused by a stone pillar. His husband stood speaking with Gerard. He did not appear ready to depart just yet. So Wraith stayed where he stood.

A scowl twisted Konrad’s facial features. Was he talking about Wraith and how repulsed he was to marry him? How angry he was to be bound to such an individual? How sickened he was at the thought of bedding Wraith?

Taking a deep breath, Wraith tried to calm his racing heart. He took a step back, pressing his back against the cool stone.

Wraith forced himself to look away and survey the crowds. The shadow king and queen looked satisfied. Not happy. They never expressed such exuberant emotions. But there was a light in their eyes, and they held their heads high. They spoke with the grand monk and grand healer, perhaps discussing the success of today’s events.

Most people tended to be nervous and jumpy around his fellow necromancers. Surprisingly, the grand monk had always appeared comfortable with them. But the grand healer hung back slightly, appearing not quite as at ease.

Konrad strode directly towards Wraith from across the hall. Wraith sucked in a breath and straightened.