Page 71 of The Heart of the Dragon

Damn. This woman went straight for the jugular. It was going to be interesting to see how she did later in her training.

"I'd like to think so, especially since being the king is not my goal. But can one truly know before he has experienced that power? Although no matter what happens, I know I will not be like him. I take no pleasure in being cruel. I'd rather see people in the kingdom happy. Or at least productive and satisfied. Happiness would be a weird and lofty goal."

"I don't see happiness as lofty. Elusive maybe. But I think I get what you mean. You don't need people to fear you to control them."

"Don't get me wrong. I am not as pious as it sounds. I've led an army. I've experienced the power of being royal. And I have not been kind. Many in fact, have called me cruel. If I were to take over leadership I would have a lot of issues to overcome from the past."

"So, it's a challenge then. I like those."

"Your optimism is killing me."

"The word you’re looking for is tenacity. I'm stubborn, and willful when it comes to my goals. I don't give up, no matter what. I just can't."

I laughed at the strong determination in her voice. "That's about the darkest dark fae thing you could have said."

"Is it? Interesting. So tell me more. What are dark fae like? I take it from them being called dark they aren't the happy, sweet people in the realm."

I shook my head. "They are warriors, first and foremost. In any battle, you want the dark fae at your back, not as your enemies. They are methodical, studious, show very little emotion, and most people just like to steer clear of them as much as possible."

"Are they evil?"

"Not by nature. No. Their power, however, is rooted in dark magic. So it can be volatile."

"You don't like them."

It didn't sound like a question, and I was half tempted not to answer her. The politics of the fae realm were complicated. But I’d spent my whole life serving a vengeful king under the cloud of a spell. I didn't trust my own judgements from the past.

"I think when I go back, I will have to take some time to form my own ideas. Everything in my head was crafted by a cunning man who warped me to believe what he wanted me to believe. And he trusted no one, and hated almost everyone."

"What a piece of work. Are you sure you want to go back? Can't you stay here and be a part of the dragon clan? They are your real family."

"Are they though? I barely even knew they existed until I was forced to face Isaac a few months ago. I was only a few weeks old when my father and mother with my brothers in tow left the fae realm and me behind. They are virtual strangers. I know Kitra better than I do Isaac. And I was too late to meet Ian."

Her body had gone completely still as I spoke and the silence in the room following my revelation hung heavy in the air. I could practically feel the questions burning her tongue to get out. Fortunately for us both, she held out. My family history wasn't a subject I wanted to dwell on. My parentage was only revealed by my uncle under duress as a distraction. So even if I wanted to answer her questions, and I DID not, I had no answers to give. I was as much in the dark as she.

“Are you two going to play tickle the pickle all day long or are we going to get down to much needed business? We're running out of time.”

Isaac's voice exploded in my head, and I groaned. Motherfucker. He did not have to yell.

“Sure I did. It's the only way to get your attention.”

A violent rumble rolled through my chest. It was clear to me that meddling brothers were a huge hindrance in life. I'd been better off without?—

Rose twisted so she could look at me. "What's wrong?"

"Isaac's in my head again. I may have to kill him."

Rose bit her lips as her eyes danced with laughter. "What does he want?"

"Our presence downstairs. He says we don't have much time."

"All righty then. If we've been summoned, then I guess we'd better get to it. Plus, I don't know about you, but I'm starving."

"I can always eat. Dragon metabolism, remember?"

She smirked as she took the cloth from my hand. "How could I forget."

By the time we were washed, dressed, and heading down the stairs, I could feel the scales of the dragon pushing at my skin. It was time to let him out.

---