AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“My apologies. I didn’t know you were interested in seeing my dragon.”
I scoff weakly, my eyes fluttering closed. Sleep is an incessant son of a bitch, and I curl up on his chest. “I think it’s obvious that I would want to see him. I bet he’s cute.”
A low rumble leaves his chest, and he chuckles. “I’m not sure cute is the word I would use.”
“No, it’s definitely the word I’m going to use. My cute dragon husband,” I say between yawns.
Malix rubs my back and I feel myself start to drift off.
“I’ll introduce you to him tomorrow.”
“Good,” I murmur and finally let sleep claim me.
Chapter 22
Malix
The mood in my meeting chambers is somber as we listen to the reports from last night. It’s not good. Not fucking good at all.
Early this morning word was sent to my chambers, drawing me away from my sleeping wife. Rose looked so peaceful and thoroughly fucked. I didn’t have the heart to leave her. I also didn’t want her to think I ran out on her so I left her a letter on her bedside table, telling her I would meet her tonight.
Last night something changed fundamentally between us. Before, I couldn’t say with full certainty, but this morning I can confidently say Rose is mine. In every sense of the word. Our bond has grown stronger, though it’s not at its full potential yet. Even now, I want her. To fuck her. To taste her. To nest her properly.
But that isn’t in the stars for us. At least not yet.
“The entire west border is flooded with Nephilim, far more than we have ever experienced before. We tested the strength of our wards in the west, and they are waning quickly. I fear the worst, My King,” the young soldier, barely past the age of a hatchling, says. Since when did we start robbing the nests of babes to produce a full team of guards?
We have no time.
Aeron’s words reverberate in my mind. I know he’s right. I hate that he’s right, and I can't deny that anymore when the evidence is staring me in the face.
We need more of our dragons awake. Which means I would require more from Rose and be unable to provide her with much in return. My Rose is so damn caring that she would wake the entire kingdom if I let her, but I know how much energy an awakening costs her. I’m not willing to risk her.
But she’s only one person.
The heinous thought enters my head. Rose is only one person and Ender did bring her here to help my people. I should be taking full advantage of her talents, but if I push her too far, the only person capable of breaking the curse will be out of commission. She needs to be protected too.
However, I refuse to see Rose as a pawn in my war. She’s my queen and I vowed to protect her. I won’t go against that promise. Not when everything between us has changed so drastically.
“Did you catch sight of Gadreel?” The only hope we have for time is if the Nephilim king is still imprisoned in the mountains. His people won’t act until their king is free.
The guard shakes his head. “No, My King. None of the guards spoke of seeing Gadreel. We can only assume he is still in the mountains.”
I don’t like assumptions. I need facts. Assumptions allow room for mistakes and mistakes lead to death.
“We need to send a warning to the other territories,” I say to the table. The guard, sensing he’s dismissed, bows, and leaves the room. Aeron, Otis, Vivia, and Aracelia all turn to me. For once, everyone agrees.
“I can arrange a messenger,” Aeron supplies, but I shake my head.
“No, I must go. This is business between rulers, just like how it was in the past. Besides, there’s too much to say that we can’t convey in a simple message. I also want to investigate the infestation of Nephilim.” I need to see with my own eyes if Gadreel has awoken.
“I’ll go with you,” Vivia is quick to offer, and I nod. I couldn’t do this alone and she’s the only one I trust by my side.
I also want Aracelia to remain at the castle. I don’t trust leaving Aeron and Otis alone to their own devices and Aracelia is a good council member. She doesn’t always agree with me, but I trust that she has the best interest of our kingdom at heart.
Perhaps Aeron did too, but his ideals are also filled with greed and exploitation. He will climb over anyone if it means he achieves his desired outcome.
I don’t know what my father saw in him.
