Page 75 of Courting the Dragon King

He had not expected it. Although, honestly, he’d not thought much about Konrad’s hoard, what it could be, or where it was. But he understood what it meant for Konrad to show him that cave of glistening artefacts.

It felt momentous, like Konrad was inviting Wraith into his private world. Wraith had assumed that Konrad was spending time with him to try to get used to him, so he could tolerate Wraith and make their arranged marriage bearable. But this act suggested so much more. It meant Konrad trusted him, and maybe even cared for him too.

But could Konrad really care for me? Because Wraith found his own feelings for Konrad to be growing with every moment they spent together. He felt his old hopes for their marriage reawakened.

They passed over the outer monastery, a city where the half-brethren lived. Throngs of people flowed through the crowded streets. Perhaps many were heading home after work, now that the sun had faded from the sky.

Next, they passed the lower monastery, where the monks themselves lived. He saw five of them, standing in a circle, hands upturned. Were they chanting in that monk language, which Wraith once again had forgotten the name of?

Then came the middle monastery, which held the Dove Healing Academy, where individuals, not just monks, came to study healing magic. He saw a couple of individuals walking around with giant tomes. Finally, they reached the upper monastery, where the monks hosted their esteemed guests, like him and Konrad.

Konrad landed in a courtyard that had been provided for use by the dragons. Servants ran forward. One held out a hand and assisted Wraith down. Another two removed the pack and harness from Konrad’s back. Then they stepped back.

Konrad exhaled and closed his eyes. The air rippled, and the scent of smoke rose in the air. Konrad’s limbs shifted and reorganised. Tail and neck retracted. Scales turned to soft brown skin. Finally, Konrad squatted in the middle of the courtyard, a human once more.

A sexy, muscular, and very naked human.

Wraith let out the breath he’d been holding. He did not think he would ever get over watching Konrad shift. It truly was magical.

Another servant came forward, offering Konrad the clothes he’d worn before they’d flown out. Konrad dressed quickly.

Meanwhile, Wraith stood to the side of the courtyard. Six Draconian guards stood near him. Wraith glanced at them but did not say anything. Four of the guards were for Konrad. The other two, Lina and Karl, were for Wraith. For his protection. Because Konrad cared whether he was safe.

They entered the monastery and walked along the corridor.

“Does it bother you that you have to be naked so often?” Wraith asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, you have to shift in front of everyone. Servants and guards just saw you naked,” Wraith said.

Konrad chuckled. “It’s never bothered me. I grew up seeing family and other dragons I knew strip down so they could shift. I guess it made me think it wasn’t a big deal. And then when I could shift, no one seemed to care about me being naked. So…” He shrugged. “It never felt like anything to worry about.”

“That makes sense. Although, I think I’d die of embarrassment to have so many people see me naked. But I’m not nearly as attractive as you.”

Konrad scoffed. “Who says?” He stopped and turned towards him.

Wraith came to a halt too. “Anyone with eyes can see it. I mean, I can see it!” Then he waved at Konrad. “You’re so muscly and strong. Meanwhile I’m scrawny and fragile. Not at all attractive.”

“Well, that is very confusing for me to hear.” Konrad placed his hands on Wraith’s waist and came in close. He lowered his voice. “Because I think you are the most stunning man I’ve ever seen, and I am counting down the minutes until I can see you naked and get you squirming and moaning beneath me.”

Heat travelled to Wraith’s gut. His cheeks burned.

Konrad tucked a strand of hair behind his ear. “And when we next make love, I’ll be sure to explicitly tell you all the ways in which you are beyond beautiful.” He pressed a kiss to Wraith’s lips and stepped back. “But let’s save that for later tonight.” He took Wraith’s hand and led him on.

Meanwhile, Wraith held his free hand in front of his groin in an attempt to hide his slightly aroused state.

They passed elaborate silk tapestries depicting monks enacting good works, such as tending to the sick and handing out food to children, and then there was one where the monks sat at a table with what looked to be different rulers.

“Should we head to the banquet hall?” Konrad asked. “Dinner will have been served. Although, we are a little late.”

“I do not mind where we go. I am not so hungry,” Wraith said.

Konrad glanced at Wraith. “Let’s go to the banquet hall. I’ve noticed that you don’t often seem hungry. You nibble food, but you don’t really eat a lot. Also, you sometimes skip meals.”

Wraith shrugged. “I’ve never been the hungry kind. And I do forget to eat pretty regularly. It’s just so hard to remember and keep track. I …” He trailed off. “I think it might have to do with me being a reaper too.”

“In what way?”