Chapter 15
Chapter
Fifteen
Wraith watched his husband stride away from the table without a word.
For several moments, Wraith remained where he was, sitting at the table at his wedding feast, completely alone. Then he stood. He glanced around the room and hesitated, wondering where he should go now.
Wraith could not simply leave, as he would normally do after the meal was completed. After all, this wedding feast was for him and his new husband. And he and Konrad would need to leave for their wedding night together. They’d need to consummate their marriage.
Wraith swallowed at the thought. He had no idea what to expect from Konrad tonight. Uncertain where he was going, Wraith circled the room. The living glanced his way. The dead mostly ignored him.
As he passed a group of necromancers, including his sister, Vex, they stopped speaking. Were they speaking of him? The treaty? Those plotting against it? He had no idea. He did not pause or try to engage them. They would not wish that.
A few monks inclined their heads respectfully. But they did not try to speak to him.
He spotted a distant cousin, Nihil Grimm, towards the edge of the hall, with another necromancer Wraith did not know. Nihil Grimm was part of the side of the family who did not get along that well with the shadow king and queen. In fact, Wraith was surprised he’d even been extended an invitation.
For a second, Wraith considered approaching him. Perhaps this distant cousin would accept Wraith in a way that others had not. But Wraith could not think of how to properly insert himself into their conversation, so he continued.
Wraith paused by a stone pillar. His husband stood speaking with Gerard. He did not appear ready to depart just yet. So Wraith stayed where he stood.
A scowl twisted Konrad’s facial features. Was he talking about Wraith and how repulsed he was to marry him? How angry he was to be bound to such an individual? How sickened he was at the thought of bedding Wraith?
Taking a deep breath, Wraith tried to calm his racing heart. He took a step back, pressing his back against the cool stone.
Wraith forced himself to look away and survey the crowds.
The shadow king and queen looked satisfied.
Not happy. They never expressed such exuberant emotions.
But there was a light in their eyes, and they held their heads high.
They spoke with the grand monk and grand healer, perhaps discussing the success of today’s events.
Most people tended to be nervous and jumpy around his fellow necromancers. Surprisingly, the grand monk had always appeared comfortable with them. But the grand healer hung back slightly, appearing not quite as at ease.
Konrad strode directly towards Wraith from across the hall. Wraith sucked in a breath and straightened.
Are we about to leave?
His stomach spasmed. He did not wish to remain in the banquet hall. But he did not wish to be alone with the dragon king. All Wraith wanted was to summon Umbra and hide somewhere out of the way, where they would bother no one and no one would bother them.
Konrad stopped directly in front of him. He held out his hand. “Shall we depart?”
Swallowing, Wraith placed his hand in Konrad’s larger one. Konrad’s strong fingers wrapped around his. He might have looked forward to his wedding night with such a handsome man. But all Wraith felt was fear, bordering on blind panic.
They walked from the banquet hall, Konrad’s guards trailing after them. A smattering of applause followed them out.
The dragon king walked with long strides. Wraith had to lengthen his to keep up.
Wraith’s hand in Konrad’s shook. They’d be alone tonight. And Wraith did not know what to expect. Konrad despised him. That was clear. He did not try to hide that or his displeasure.
With each step they took, he felt his insides quake. They silently walked to a part of the monastery Wraith had never been. Wraith wanted to turn, yank his hand from Konrad’s, and flee. But he knew he could not.
I wish Umbra was here. At least for moral support.
Guards in Draconian livery stood before a door. Two of them opened it.
This must be their quarters. But still Konrad did not speak as he led Wraith down a corridor. Everywhere Wraith looked, there were guards. Guards outside doors and within rooms.
Enemies on all sides. I’m surrounded.
Konrad opened a door and led Wraith inside. Two more guards stood inside.
They bowed to Konrad.
“Your Majesty,” one of the guards said. “We will be just outside, and we will remain alert and at attention.” She glanced at Wraith, a slight curl to her lip. “We will be ready in case you have any need of us.”
Gods of the beyond. Even the guards hate me!
“Good.” Konrad dropped Wraith’s hand and stalked further into the room.
The two guards left, joining the others already outside. They closed the door after them, leaving Wraith completely alone with his husband.
Wraith looked around the room. It was larger than his own, with a sitting area, a four-poster bed, and a bathtub.
Konrad removed his crown. He placed it down on a dresser and stared down at it. Wraith wrapped his arms around his stomach. With every passing second, his breath came faster.
He glanced at the closed door. At least in the Necros quarters, he was left alone. What would happen to him here?