Page 47 of Courting the Dragon King

“And all the protections we have there,” Konrad added.

Gerard nodded. “I—” He cut himself off. A smile chased his solemn expression away. “That’s Elias. What’s he laughing about? I thought he’d be in a meeting with his stepbrother.” He strode off, clearly distracted by his beautiful and charming husband’s laughter.

Konrad followed. They had nothing more to talk about. They’d discussed everything necessary and were just going over the same things again and again. Still, he wasn’t used to Gerard wandering off to be with his beloved husband mid-conversation.

They found Elias in a sitting room. Two guards remained on duty just outside the door.

Elias sat on a bright-red cushion on the floor. His eyes sparkled, and he smiled brightly. And beside him was Wraith. They sat close together.

Surprisingly, Wraith was smiling too. Konrad had never seen Wraith smile before. The expression softened his features and made him even more breathtaking. And Wraith smiled at Elias.

He’s never smiled at me before. Konrad shook his head.

What a ridiculous thought. Why would he want Wraith to smile at him like that? He didn’t like Wraith. He was a vile necromancer, and theirs was a political marriage. He did not want or need Wraith’s smiles. After all, Wraith was repulsive, morally bankrupt, and he fucked ghosts.

Elias reached over and placed a hand on Wraith’s knee. Konrad’s jaw tightened.

“I can’t believe that,” Elias said. “Did that really happen?”

“It’s true. I was only about four, and I didn’t realise the man was a ghost. So when he told me to follow him into the dead woods, I went.”

And he’s talking about ghosts!

“But were you okay?” Elias asked. “The dead woods do not sound like a place for children.”

“It was fine in the end. I got lost and cried. But the dead woods are filled with many ghosts. One saw me, felt sorry for me, and—” Then Wraith saw Konrad standing in the doorway with Gerard. His eyes dimmed. The smile fell. He closed his mouth and dropped his gaze.

A silence fell over what had been a room of brightness and light a half second ago.

Elias glanced between Konrad and Wraith. Then he smiled at Konrad. He squeezed Wraith’s knee, and Konrad had to stop himself from stepping forward and slapping Elias’s hand away.

“Konrad, your delightful husband and I are getting to know one another. And did you see Wraith’s hellhound! She is such a good girl.” Elias gestured towards a settee. “Come here, Umbra.”

Smoke and shadow crept out from beneath a settee. The half-formed monster flowed forward, towards Elias and Wraith.

Konrad drew his dagger. “What the fuck is that creature doing here?”

Elias and Wraith jumped. The hellhound turned towards him. It bared its teeth. Ears slicked back, it growled. Konrad stepped forward, levelling his dagger at the hellhound.

“Konrad? What the fuck are you doing?” Elias asked. “Put your dagger away!”

Wraith threw himself over the monster, wrapping his arms around it.

“An undead creature has no place here!” Konrad snarled.

Wraith pressed his mouth close to the hellhound’s ear. He said something, and immediately, the hellhound dissolved and was gone. Wraith glanced at Konrad and then looked away. He pulled his knees to his chest.

Elias stared at Wraith for several seconds. He placed a hand on Wraith’s shoulder before turning to Konrad. “Well, that was an overreaction,” he said, words sharp as lightning. “Did rabid barbarians teach you how to behave?”

“How did that thing even get in here?” Konrad growled.

Wraith shrank in on himself.

Elias’s grip on Wraith’s shoulder tightened. “Wraith mentioned he had a hellhound.” He lifted his chin. “I begged to see her. After some hesitation, he summoned her and she came to visit. So if you are upset with anyone for the hellhound’s presence, then you are upset with me.” He paused, a challenge in his eyes as he stared at Konrad.

Then Elias smiled, but his eyes were cold. “Umbra is very friendly. I very much enjoyed watching her rolling around on the carpet. She even chased her tail for a bit.” His smile widened.

“But I can see why a hellhound innocently playing might warrant drawing your dagger on her.” Elias’s dry voice dripped with disdain. And judgement. “Your behaviour shows a completely appropriate and reasonable way to treat your spouse’s beloved pet.”