Chapter Three
I swayed on my feet.
King Raventar steadied me. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, thank you.” I turned to face him, but he kept his arms around me. The message was clear; mistake or not, I had made a bargain with a Dragon King. There would be no going back now.
My chest clenched. After our conversation, I didn't believe that Vas was there to take me back to face the King's justice. He had come because he loved me. And I had rejected him. Again.
“I don't suppose you'd consider releasing me from my promise?” I asked.
“What promise?” He let go of me and stepped back.
My jaw dropped.
“Did you think I was such a monster that I'd force you into my bed? I don't take unwilling lovers.” He leaned closer and winked at me. “I don't have to.”
“Oh, great Gods. Thank you.” I started to turn away.
“But are you sure you want to give up my protection?”
I stopped. “Why do you ask that?”
The King jerked his chin toward the ballroom.
I followed his gaze to see Vasren standing near the entry. He had paused to look over his shoulder and stare through the glass, balcony doors as if he could see me. I knew he couldn't. Not with the reflection from all the chandeliers. But still, his stare met mine. And it was not pleasant.
Then he spun on his heels and strode out.
“Perhaps he did come here out of love,” the King mused. “His aggression toward me was both irrational and impressive. I've only seen mated Dragons behave that way.” He looked back at me. “Are you sure you aren't his mate?”
“We were intimate for over a month.”
“Ah. Well, sometimes, it can take a bit to set in. Especially if the Dragon is under a lot of stress.”
A shimmering hope burst in my chest. I quickly shoved it down.
King Raventar had just reminded me of why it was pointless to go after Vas.
The likelihood of him being one of those few late-to-mate Dragons was slim.
Coupled with the risk of him taking me back to Rushao to be tried for my crimes, it wasn't worth it.
Vasren's face suddenly filled my mind, his expression wounded.
No. No, I couldn't face Vas again. It was hard enough to listen to him rage at me, telling me how much I had hurt him.
I deserved it, but it still wasn't an experience I wanted to repeat.
If I hadn't been with the King of Tabaa, Vas might have taken me back to Rushao despite his love for me.
No, there was no “might” about it. He would have taken me back.
There was no other option for him. He was a part of the Rushao Dread. Vas couldn't stay in Tabaa.
But I couldn't go back to Rushao. Not if I wanted to keep my head attached to the rest of me.
And now that Vas knew where I was, I couldn't stay in Tabaa either. Unless I wanted to keep the bargain I made with the Dragon King.
My heart hurt to even think about bedding another man, but I needed to move on. The Gods had given me the perfect protector and the opportunity to free my heart—all in one man. It would be stupid to reject such a gift. And I was never stupid, not even in love.
“Are you sure you want this?” I asked the King. “I come with a lot of problems. Vasren will leave, but he'll probably return with his king. I'm a diplomatic nightmare. And you've only just met me.”
King Raventar chuckled. “I couldn't give less of a fuck about diplomacy. But it sounds more like you're trying to talk me out of this to give yourself the excuse to walk away. If that's the case, go, Katai. I don't want a sobbing lover sucking my cock. That's just plain messy.”
My eyes went wide, and then I burst into laughter. “Holy fuck, that was quite the visual.”
He stroked my cheek. “You are one of the most beautiful people I've ever met.
I've been watching you all night. And then I discover your past. Your intellect. Your strength.” He shook his head.
“You are spectacular. I want you. I want you enough to take you with me tonight, even though I barely know you. I would make you my concubine. Do you know what that means?”
My breath caught. To be a Dragon King's concubine was to live a life of ease but also one of high status. I would outrank Vasren. No one would dare to hurt me. I would be safe.
Great Gods, it was a harsh thing to admit, but I wanted to feel safe.
And not by my own hand. I had spent so much time fighting and scheming, working in the shadows while simpering in the light.
Training. Clawing my way to the top of a pile of filth.
I dove into the darkest parts of Kochan and faced some of the most frightening people all in the name of justice.
I had no help. No one standing behind me to steady me when I swayed.
No one to watch my back. Even when I amassed a crew, I didn't trust them.
I had been alone so long. Even Vas hadn't supported me. He had never known the real me.
Fuck, I was tired.
I just wanted someone else to take care of everything for a little while. I wanted someone to take care of me.
Gazing upon the King's stunning face, I felt the ache in my chest ease.
Maybe I'd fall in love with him. Maybe I wouldn't. Maybe he'd mate me.
This could be the man I was destined to be with.
Maybe not. But I'd never know if I let an old lover hold me back just because the wound was still fresh.
No, I wouldn't reject the gift of the Gods. This had to be fate.
I stepped into the Dragon King's arms and lifted my face to his.
Grinning in triumph, he bent to meet me halfway.
Brutal though he may appear, King Raventar was an expert kisser. Gentle at first. So soft, brushing his lips over mine. But then he pushed forward and pulled me closer. His lips shoved mine apart, and his tongue swept through the opening.
It was all I could do not to vomit in his mouth.
I pushed aside my revulsion and all thoughts of Vas.
The Dragon King was perfect. He did everything right.
Not too forceful, but not hesitant either.
His hands roamed my back and then pulled me closer.
I should be enjoying it. He was masterful, and this was just a kiss.
If his kiss was like this, he must be incredible in bed.
But the thought of lying beneath him made me shudder.
The King misinterpreted my trembling. He made a rumbling sound into our kiss and bent his knees to bring our hips together.
His erection was massive, startling in its size.
It ground my flaccid shaft into submission.
I started to feel pleasure. Maybe this would be all right. I just needed some time.
But then he eased back, and I was left swaying again. I could hardly breathe and couldn't speak.
The Dragon King steadied me again, stroking my hair until I focused on him. When I did, he asked, “Was that a yes?”