Page 64 of The Dragon King's Curse
“Let’s get you into that dress.” Clapping her hands together, Cleo rushed to where the dress hung on the back of the door.
I shed my robe, allowing her to help me into the dress. The bodice hugged me snuggly while the skirt flared out in waves of purple silk around my legs. Cleo’s fingers moved deftly as she worked the lace in the back, essentially tying me into the dress.
When I stepped back to get a full view of myself, I was shocked by what I saw. Gone was the warrior. In its place was the princess.
Cleo stepped back to admire her work. “You’re an absolute vision. The king may simply fall to pieces at your feet. I can hardly wait to see it.”
She shot me a conspiratorial grin. Despite my efforts to smile, I found myself staring at my reflection. Even though I already knew that I would have to leave here soon, it hit me especially hard in that moment.
Cleo excused herself, retreating to her own chambers to dress for the ball. Shortly before it got underway, she wouldreturn to fetch me. While I waited, I nervously paced around Noxx’s bedroom. Unable to be still, I went to the window and stared out at the view of the back garden.
I tried to imagine what it would be like to wake up to this view every day. To gaze up at the sky and see his massive black form taking flight.
“You’re being a fool,” I hissed to myself. “You know that will never happen.”
Tearing myself away from the window, I kept moving around the room. Anything to keep my innermost thoughts from taking over. Tormenting me with the brutality of the truth.
When at last Cleo returned, I was relieved to escape the room. The party should occupy me for some time.
I took in Cleo’s deep evergreen dress, the gold accents in her braided hair, and the gold powder around her eyes. “Cleo, you look absolutely beautiful. I’m not sure if you’re seeking a man, but if so, you’ll no doubt have them lined up for you.”
A blush colored her cheeks. “I’ve learned that life can be simpler without a man. However, between you and me, I wouldn’t say no to a dance with Pyke.”
She drew me along with her, down the tower stairs to the main floor, and into the throne room where the party would be held. A large space with plenty of room for dancing and celebration. A buffet of food and drink had been laid out along one wall, stretching the entire length of the room. On the opposite wall were tables and chairs for those wishing to sit a while and take a break from dancing and revelry.
Immediately, the throne caught my eye. A gold chair with a high back and ornately carved dragon wings coming off either side. The seat made of red velvet. Several stairs led up to the throne, so that Noxx would be able to gaze down upon his people.
Soon I would see him as they did. The King of the Fire Realm. My insides twitched with growing nerves.
The ballroom quickly filled with people. Dragons in their human-like guise. Everyone was dressed up. The women in beautiful gowns and the men in fancy suits. As Noxx’s arrival was anticipated, everybody lined up in two rows. He would walk between them, leading up to the throne. Cleo pulled me along with her, holding my hand as we waited.
Across from me, I noticed Elora slipping me a vicious glare. She’d worn a black gown that tightly cinched her waist and thrust her breasts up toward the sky. I almost felt bad for the woman. It must be painful to be so close to someone who would never have you and to constantly pine for them.
There was a sudden hush of voices as the doors opened. Noxx’s righthand men appeared first, the three of them calling attention to the king’s arrival. They stepped aside, standing near the entryway as Noxx crossed the threshold.
He wore all black. Soft leather pants that had clearly been designed just for him. A black tunic with a gold design down one side shaped like a dragon wing. A cloak had been draped over his shoulders, dragging along the floor as he walked. His large wings framed him, reminding me that he was very much a beast.
The crown atop his head was simple in its design yet beautiful. Gold with black jewels all around. Noxx’s usually tousled hair had been combed into place. I watched him with breath held, certain that I’d never seen any man so perfect.
As he made his way toward the throne, his golden gaze landed on me. The flutters in my stomach grew to encompass my entire body. For a moment, Noxx froze. Our gazes locked. There was nobody in the room but the two of us. I felt something move between us. Something that told me I would never be free of him. Returning to my own realm would never break the bond between us. I would carry it with me always.
Noxx launched back into motion, tearing his eyes away as he continued to his throne. Flynn, Pyke, and Cain fell into step behind him, pausing at the bottom of the stairs as he ascended to the top. As he took his seat, the entire room erupted into cheers.
Noxx waited for the cheers to die down before saying, “Thank you all for coming. I’m grateful to each and every one of you for your loyalty to the throne. Your loyalty to me. It will never be forgotten or taken for granted.”
Another eruption of applause and cheers followed. My gaze travelled over those around me. The dragons who’d so willingly served him despite his inability to take his dragon form. That was true loyalty.
“As you know, the curse holding my dragon caged has been broken. The woman I have to thank for that is the Elven Princess, Feryn Raegel.” Noxx extended a hand toward me, beckoning me forward with his fingertips. “This woman is to be treated like a goddess among us. She will not be punished for the sins of her kin. She has proven herself to be a remarkable woman, and I expect you all to treat her as such.”
I almost stumbled over my long skirt as I made my way to him. My cheeks burned at having been put on the spot before his people. Flynn caught my hand in his, helping me to ascend the steps. I shot him a grateful smile as he pressed my hand into the king’s.
Noxx rose, standing next to me before the throne. He gestured to me with a sweeping motion of his hand before bowing down. On one knee, he peered up at me. To my utter shock, everyone gathered also bowed.
This was all too much. I was undeserving of such an honor. Truly, I’d done nothing to purposely break Noxx’s curse. I’d simply fallen in love with him. Something my family had never believed possible when they’d put the curse in place. I supposed the fates had their own way of making things happen.
Just when I thought I would faint away from the embarrassment of so much attention, Noxx rose, and said, “Let the party commence. We are here to celebrate and celebrate we shall.”
At his command, the entire room erupted into noise. Voices were raised, glasses clinked together. Music from a band in one corner began to play. I was relieved when everybody’s attention left me.
