Page 57 of Naga Warrior's Mate

Dernintracedthecurveof Alaysia’s shoulder as sunlight streamed through the high windows.Her red hair spread across the pillow, and the sight of her peaceful face made his chest tighten.

“Good morning, champion.”Her blue eyes fluttered open.

“The only prize worth winning.”He pulled her closer, breathing in the sweet rose scent of her hair.

A knock at the door interrupted their moment.Two servants entered with silver trays laden with fresh fruit, pastries, and steaming tea.

“The champion’s breakfast, as requested by Kingpin Fyret.”The servants set down the trays and scurried out.

“Quite the upgrade from your fighter’s quarters.”Alaysia sat up, wrapping the silk sheet around herself.

“The food might actually be edible.”Dernin selected a ripe peach and offered it to her.

His fingers brushed against hers as she took the fruit.The simple touch sent electricity through his scales.Every instinct screamed to let her know she was his mate, but the timing wasn’t right.

“Three more days,” Alaysia reminded him.“Then the warriors come.”

“Three days too many.”His tail coiled protectively around her.“I should take you far from here now.”

“We discussed this.We need to be patient.”

The warrior in him bristled at waiting, at leaving his mate in danger for even one more moment.But she was right.They needed the backup of his fellow warriors to ensure their escape.

“At least now we don’t have to hide.”She leaned against his chest, and his arms encircled her automatically.

The morning sun caught the copper highlights in her hair, and Dernin’s heart swelled.Soon he would take her home to Nirum, and soon she would know everything—that she was his mate, his perfect match, his future.

But for now, he simply savored this moment as they feasted like royalty in the champion’s suite.

He watched with satisfaction as Alaysia popped the last grape into her mouth.The empty breakfast trays littered the bed around them, and the silk sheets draped loosely across their bodies.Her bare shoulder pressed against his scales sent waves of contentment through him.

“We should really get dressed,” she said, though she made no move to leave his side.

“Mmm.”He nuzzled her neck, inhaling her sweet scent.The urge to confess to her that she was his mate nearly overwhelmed him, but he held back.Not yet.

Finally, they reluctantly separated to dress.Dernin’s muscles flexed as he pulled on his ceremonial garments.He couldn’t keep his eyes off Alaysia as she slipped back into her elaborate gown from the night before.

“Let’s get you something more comfortable to wear,” he said, offering his arm.

The underground corridors parted before them as they made their way to the slave quarters.Where before leers and whistles had been directed at Alaysia, now she only received respectful nods.Everyone knew she belonged to the champion now.

At the slave quarters, he stood guard while she changed, his imposing presence ensuring privacy.When she emerged in a simple dress, her red hair falling loose around her shoulders, his breath caught.She was beautiful in anything.

“Much better,” she said, twirling once.“Though I’ll miss some of those fancy dresses.”

“When we’re free, I’ll get you all the dresses you want.”He pulled her close, not caring who saw.Let them look.

She laughed and placed her hands on his chest.“I don’t need dresses.Just you.”

His heart almost burst at her words.Three more days.

Dernin soon guided Alaysia through the underground’s winding corridors.The champion’s privileges meant they could roam freely, and he intended to show her every corner that wasn’t completely miserable.

“Look at this.”He led her to an often-overlooked alcove where crystal formations caught the light from above, sending rainbow refractions dancing across the walls.

“It’s beautiful.”Alaysia reached out to touch one of the crystals, her delicate fingers tracing its facets.“How did you find this place?”

“I explored every inch of this prison while planning escape routes.”He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, pulling her against his chest.“Now I get to share the few beautiful things I found with you.”

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