Chapter 11
Chapter
Eleven
Gerard carried two goblets as he strode across the upper floor of the ballroom, searching for Senta. Below, couples swirled on the dance floor. Tonight, they celebrated the arranged marriage between Princess Dorothye and Shadow Lady Nocturna.
Theirs was the first betrothal between a dragon and a necromancer.
Konrad and whoever he would marry would be the second.
For the peace treaty, there would be two marriages between Draconia and each of the kingdoms they’d been at war with, Necros, Botanial, the Grey Mountains, and the combined Kingdoms of Zephyrias and Voltaria.
A glimpse of white hair caught his eye. Gerard’s breath hitched. The lightning prince stood with Luther on the upper floor. They laughed and talked, standing very close.
Gerard’s gut tightened.
Prince Elias lifted his hands into the air, showing off his sparkles for Luther. Once again, Gerard’s scars tingled.
Luther clapped at Prince Elias’s exhibition. Gerard’s jaw tightened.
Luther just got married to Warden Onyx. He shouldn’t be flirting with someone else!
That was why Gerard felt uncomfortable at the display. He wasn’t jealous. He was just displeased with his brother’s behaviour.
Prince Elias smiled, his face lighting up. Then he leaned forward, touched Luther’s shoulder, and looked into Luther’s handsome unscarred face.
Gerard turned away. Of course, there might have been a time when Gerard could approach someone like Prince Elias. If he had arrived at a ball and seen the prince across the room, he would have smiled and tried to charm the man. He might have asked him to dance.
But Gerard did not dance anymore. And he could not charm a slug. Not with this face.
Where was Luther’s husband, anyway? Then he spotted the man standing, holding two goblets, watching Luther and Prince Elias together. The warden glowered.
Fucking flames!
Was Luther going to be just like their father? Always having affairs, not even bothering to hide it from his spouse. Gerard gritted his teeth. Not to mention that the peace treaty was currently in the process of being formed!
Could Luther not have waited until after peace had been properly secured?
Gerard had always known his brother’s sense of duty was lacking. Still, he’d thought better of him than this.
Then Luther spotted Warden Onyx. He stepped away from the lightning prince, who smiled and motioned for Warden Onyx to approach.
That is … interesting. Father wouldn’t do that.
He watched the three interacting, uncertain exactly what was happening. After a moment, Prince Elias walked off, hips swaying. He disappeared into the crowd. Gerard leaned to the side, trying to keep the prince in his sights.
And then Gerard realised what he was doing. Shit! He exhaled. Why am I so drawn to him?
He’d barely spoke to the lightning prince. And when he had, he’d been thoroughly unimpressed by the man. They had nothing in common. Prince Elias was empty-headed. Not a warrior or useful in any way Gerard could see.
So why am I so fascinated with him?
Gerard had never been this swayed by a pretty face before. At least not for more than one night. In the past, he’d been attracted to pretty or handsome men, but if they’d held his interest, they’d also been competent or men of substance. Not like Prince Elias.
I hope I don’t end up marrying him.
But a voice in the back of his head whispered, Would that be so bad? They might not be compatible or get along that well. But to have that man in his bed …
An image of the lightning prince splayed out amongst his sheets, dressed in something flimsy and sheer, staring up at him, filled Gerard’s mind. He swallowed.
Then he shook his head, dislodging the tempting image. He glanced around.
Where is Senta?
Maybe she’d found something more interesting to do. Then he spotted her, dancing below with a woman Gerard did not recognise. He leaned against the balustrade, watching her dance.
At least she is having fun.
“You know, I had not seen the dragon warrior in years before this peace assembly,” a young man said.
He stood directly beneath Gerard on the lower floor. Lord Torrent from Draconia. He lacked the ability to shift. Beside him stood Albert, Gerard’s cousin. Gerard had never gotten along particularly well with Albert. He’d always thought the man to be an arrogant, jealous dick.
The king had gifted him the title of duke, which should have been an honour. But at the same time, the king had also gifted their cousin Dorothye with the title of princess. No doubt some, including Albert, saw that as a slight and thought he should have been granted the title of prince.
But what did Albert expect? He might be a competent fighter. But he lacked intelligence and discipline, often getting drunk or behaving inappropriately.
Still, Albert was the son of the grand dragon warrior in Draconia, who was Gerard’s mentor and aunt. So Gerard had always held his tongue around Albert. However, he’d always gotten the sense that his aunt did not think that well of her youngest child.
“And what did you think of our dragon warrior?” Albert asked. Despite the noise of the ball, his voice travelled clearly up to Gerard.
The man didn’t speak for a moment. “Well … I … ah … Honestly?”
Albert nodded.
“I was shocked.”
“Yes. The war did not treat my cousin well.” Albert lifted his goblet to his lips and sipped. “Lightning definitely ruined his face.”
Gerard held his breath.
“Of course, I am glad he survived. Praise to the dragon gods!” Lord Torrent paused. “Still, his face …” He trailed off. “It is such a shame. He was once so handsome.” There was a wistful, dreamlike tone to the lord’s voice.
“He was my first crush, you know,” Lord Torrent said. “So tall, broad, and brooding. I always dreamed of catching his eye.” He let out a breathy laugh. “Of course, he barely looked at me.”
“Now everyone can barely look at him. And when they do, they feel only pity or disgust,” Albert said, tone so casual for words so cruel.
Gerard froze as the words sliced deep into his chest. He’d known it, of course. He’d known what people thought when they looked at him. He’d seen people whispering. But to hear the words so clearly articulated …
Albert gave an exaggerated sigh. “He is going to be married at this peace assembly. I feel sorry for whoever it is he marries.”
Gerard stepped back from the balustrade. He did not want to hear any more.
His gaze skittered around the room. How many here had discussed his face in such a way? How many had thought the same things these two did? Did everyone feel only pity and disgust when they saw him?
His fingers on the goblets tightened. He straightened his shoulders, but he could not bring himself to lift his chin. He gritted his teeth.
I should not be ashamed of my scars! I fought for Draconia. I almost died for my kingdom. I did my duty. These are the wounds of a warrior. I should not be judged for them!
Still, he felt as if everyone stared at him, their gazes burrowing beneath into his skin. He lowered his head further.
He squeezed his eyes shut. And as he did, he could see, so clearly, that white mask with golden zigzags staring up at him. Clever fingers wove. They flicked. Then came agony.
He sucked in a breath and opened his eyes.
I am not there anymore! I am safe from harm!
Still, he turned towards the exit and began to walk. He wanted to get out of here. But someone stepped into his path. Gerard pulled up short.
No! Not now!
The lightning prince stood before him. “Good evening, Dragon Warrior.”
“Good evening,” Gerard muttered. He angled the scarred side of his face away. But of course, that would not completely hide his scars from the prince’s piercing violet eyes.
“Is one of those free?” Prince Elias asked in a smooth, light voice.
“What?” Then Gerard realised Prince Elias gestured to the goblets of wine. “Yes. You can have one.” He thrust it towards the prince. Wine sloshed over the edge.
Prince Elias lifted a brow but took the goblet. “How are you enjoying the ball?”
“It’s a … fine.”
Prince Elias’s gaze felt like it scorched Gerard’s skin.
What is he thinking? Is he revolted? Perhaps Prince Elias felt bad, knowing one of his compatriots had been the cause of Gerard’s wretched face. Was him being nice pity?
“I was just admiring the stunning gold-and-crystal chandeliers. They were imported from Voltaria. Did you know that?”
“I did not.” Gerard turned to look at them.
“And I wonder who painted the ceiling. It really is lovely.”
Gerard looked at the ceiling, eyes unseeing. But from the corner of his eye, he could see Prince Elias watching him.
“Now everyone can barely look at him. And when they do, they feel only pity or disgust.”
“Excuse me. I have to go.” Gerard spun.
More wine sloshed from his goblet. But he ignored it. He strode away, head down, leaving the ballroom without glancing back. He had to get away from the beautiful lightning prince and his gaze.