Page 64 of Consort's Dragon
“There was no other choice.”Klothi didn’t sound repentant in the least.“But the good news is, once you aid us in neutralizing Zhos that we might punt it from our world, your rebirth won’t have a delay.”
Aid those who lied to us?Never.
When the head tilted that the dragon might roar its displeasure, Klothi moved fast.Her hand emerged from her sleeve and a chain with a dangling pendant went over the beast’s head.As it hissed and mind-yelled—You dare!—the other viziers flung their own metal links.Avera noticed Titus readying to toss a fourth around the opal-colored dragon.Avera darted and smacked his arm, ruining his aim.
The dragon, sensing the danger, squawked and lifted from the roof, flapping its wings as Klothi yelled, "Don't let it get away.”
“I’m trying,” Titus grumbled, retrieving and flinging the chain only to have it fall after bouncing off the fleeing dragon’s chest.
Avera couldn’t help but be glad it escaped.Fly fast and far,she thought.
Even when Titus towered in front of her, glaring and spitting mad, growling, “How dare you interfere,” she remained convinced she’d done the right thing.
Her chin lifted as she stated, “I will not stand by and watch as you enslave them.”
Betrayed.The three collared dragons swayed angrily.You will pay for your actions this day.
Klothi clasped her hands.“Be still and quiet.”
The pendants around the dragon necks glowed and they went still as statues and not by choice.
Avera took a step, knowing she had to free them, only to have Titus grab her by the arm and snap, “You’ve caused enough trouble.”He then glanced at Klothi.“I thought you said she’d be biddable.”
“I must not have given her enough of the potion,” Klothi muttered.“Fear not, the next dose will be stronger.”
“You admit then that you drugged me?”
“As if we couldn’t tell you were wavering.We didn’t want you ruining the occasion, and yet you still managed,” Titus grumbled.
“Knowing how I felt, why bother even bringing me along?”she snapped.
“Because I can’t exactly get married without my bride.”
“As if I’d marry you.I’m beginning to see who you truly are.”It would appear the rumors held some veracity and what he’d shown her up to this point?His charm, his agreeableness, his promises?Just an act.
“Who says you have a choice?”he retorted.He glanced at Klothi.“Might as well do the ceremony now.I doubt she’ll agree willingly anymore.”
“I was never going to marry you,” Avera spat.
“And again, you never had a choice.I need a blooded female to create an heir.A good thing you didn’t die as it turns out the other families are down to males only.”
“Why not breed your viziers?I’m sure they’d be less likely to kill you in the attempt,” Avera suggested and threatened in one breath.
“Alas, they are unsuitable.While blooded, they have regenerated too often and lost the ability to conceive, but I should manage to get a welp or two on you before I need to rejuvenate again.Ideally, we’ll conceive a blooded child for each continent.”
As she realized his intent, to literally rule the world, Avera stared at him in horror.“No.”She shook her head.“I won’t do it.”
Titus ignored her and spoke to Klothi instead.“Let’s get this done.”
Avera glanced around, seeking an escape.The only exit led to the tower, and even if she made it down the steps to the door on the main floor, a river of lava boiled around the shrine.She was trapped.
Still, Avera tried to run, making it only a few steps before Titus tackled her.She hit the rooftop hard, smacking her chin, biting her lip, and tasting blood.
“Where’s the potion?”he snarled as he pinned her bucking body.
“Flip her to her back,” Klothi ordered.
Titus wrestled Avera until she faced the sky.Her lips clamped shut as Klothi tilted her flask.
