Page 10 of Wrath of the Dragons
His sigh caresses my skin, and he leans forward to graze his lips above the spot on my neck he knows I love. “I’d ensure space would be the last thing you wanted from me, and I’d take my sweet time proving that.”
My thighs press together of their own volition, but I shove my desire aside, lacing my fingers through his hair to pull him away from my neck. His pupils dominate his eyes as I lower my lips to hover just above his, never granting him what he so desperately wants. Unevenbreaths dance within the small space as my chest both tightens and fills with butterflies. “This is not real.”
His hold tightens as the door is pulled open, looking ready to tell the driver to fuck off and lock us in here so he can savor the proximity for a few more seconds, but I whip my head toward the bashful man and slide farther up Cayden’s lap to brush my hips over his bulge, making his shoulders stiffen.
“Oh, I’m so sorry!” I cover my mouth to suppress a laugh.
“I-I didn’t mean to interrupt, Your Majesties,” he stutters, flicking his eyes over his shoulder to take in the small crowd that’s gathered by the entrance of the restaurant. “Would you like me to take you back to the castle?”
“Nonsense.” I smile to ease his nerves. “We’ll be just a moment.”
“Of course, my queen.” He bows and swiftly shuts the door, allowing me to climb off Cayden’s lap. I’m thankful for the winter wind that filled the carriage and cools my flushed skin.
“Do you need me to leave so you can sort yourself out?” I ask in a sickeningly sweet voice.
He rests his elbows on his knees and drags his hands down his face, whispering my name a few times under his breath as he shakes his head. “If this is how you wish to play, then I’m happy to oblige.”
I narrow my eyes and tilt my chin up as the rush of a challenge fills me. Cayden shoves the door open once enough time has passed, offering a hand to help me down then sliding mine through the crook of his arm as he tosses two coins to the driver.
“A drink while you wait,” he says over his shoulder as he escorts me through a stone archway chiseled with swirling blue designs that glow as if a lantern were encased within.
I stay close to Cayden as he leads us through the small crowd, not entirely as a façade. I’ve never liked being surrounded by people. Ailliard told me I’d get over it as time passed, but I never have, and he never missed the opportunity to tell me how weak it makes me. The shame that used to accompany his words has faded from a twisting knife to the sting of a slap.
I rest my head on Cayden’s bicep as the hostess rushes around the white marble podium to greet us, dropping into a low curtsy that makes her gown ripple around her like waves crashing on the shore. “Your Majesties, welcome to Starry Night. It’s an honor to serve you this evening.”
Cayden steps behind me to slide my coat down my arms and remove his cloak, handing it off to the servant awaiting them. I’m thankful the gown I chose this morning is fit for an establishment such as this. The sleeves widen below my elbows and drape dramatically, making the dark blue jewels and golden embroidery shimmer as I walk. The hostess leads us through a parted set of curtains, and a staff thumps against the floor, vibrating the soles of my shoes as a man with a deep voice announces us.
“King Cayden Veles and Queen Elowen Atarah. The conquerors of Vareveth.”
Chairs scrape against the floor as all in attendance rise as we glide through the room. I don’t let myself falter under their prodding gazes. Every move, every step, every breath is up for scrutiny, assessed for weakness. Those that remain loyal to Eagor are waiting for us to fail, but I’ll claw my way to victory, no matter the odds. I will no longer be at the mercy of men, but they will beg for mine.
I grasp my skirts to keep from tripping as we’re led up a set of immaculately polished steps to a singular table on a risen platform. Several ivy-covered columns circle the space to create the illusion of privacy, though we’ll be visible to the entirety of those gathered. Golden candelabras cast a warm glow from where they stand in the gaps, making it feel incredibly intimate.
Cayden moves past a server to grip the back of a chair and slides it in behind me before filling the silent establishment with the sound of himslowlydragging the seat across the table closer to mine.
“I wonder, are you this obnoxious with everyone or do you reserve this charming attribute for me?” I whisper, despite the chatter resuming as people return to their meals.
“It serves no purpose with anyone else.” He leans back in his chair,draping an arm over the back of mine. “I don’t wish to be associated with them.”
“Vos essa un nunti tasuri.”You are a stupid man.
“Vet vos essa tesis mas ulessi ardama en Ravaryn.” He smiles so wide his dimples deepen in his cheeks as I blush.And you are the most beautiful woman in Ravaryn.“I see you’ve been studying the Ravarian texts.”
I’ve been devouring them for several hours. He left me books on both the ancient language and dragon lore, and each time I cracked one open I kept wanting more. They’re all packed safely in the carriage, ready for me to continue once we get back to the castle.
Ravarian is a forgotten language used only by the cults who pass it down orally and a few select scholars who meticulously record it and lock it away. Mages often use it to cast spells even if they’re not in a cult. It was the language spoken in Ravaryn centuries ago before we adopted the common tongue.
“You never told me you speak a second language.” My brows crease. “How did you even acquire the book?” The pages are yellowed with age and show signs of water damage along with smudged ink. Some pages are falling out, but none are missing, thankfully.
He shrugs. “I have many skills I’ve yet to reveal. As for how I got it, I was a thief before I was anything else.”
“Are you fluent?”
“Yes, sirantia.” The way he rolls the R makes me wish he’d say it again. His voice is deep and raspy. I’ve always loved it. It reminds me of how he sounds in the morning, but I quickly shove that memory aside. Gods, when will someone bring me a drink?
I clear my throat. “What does that mean?”
“I seem to have forgotten.” He continues grinning at me. “Tell me what you learned about the dragons.”
