Page 166 of The Forbidden Dragon King
Actually, I already know what I’m going to say. Daire and I have discussed it. I didn’t know that I would be able to persuade Aurelius this way, but on the other hand, I’m not sure whether Daire did.
I just don’t know how Aurelius will react.
Worse case scenario, he’ll bang his head on the desk again.
“Make me responsible for both these pets.” I gesture at Daire and Five, who both manage to look offended. “I promise that?—”
“You can tame them?” Aurelius is already shaking his head.
“I already told you before that I won’t be tamed and I won’t tame anyone else either.” My eyes flash. “But they’ll behave for me.”
Daire appears to be catching on, lounging against the wall. “She’s the only person in the world who I would behave for.”
Aurelius glances between us. “Say that I believe that, how is it a punishment? It sounds more like a reward.”
Here it comes.
“Because you’ll be sending us to train in the Shadow Military Academy,” I rush to say. “Won’t that appease your uncle? You know, the place where the whippings happen?”
Daire attempts to look devastated, but his eyes are gleaming with a suspicious level of mischief. “Harsh but fair. I do love a strict woman. Judgment accepted.”
To my shock, Aurelius turns and stalks to the desk. He rests his hands on it and sighs.
I stare at the curve of his powerful shoulders in confusion.
“I may appear acold Dragon King…” He sounds exhausted. Guilt twists in my stomach. How much did last night take out of him? “But I’m not merciless. Do you really think that I would send you into the academy, where Caligo is the Chief Instructor? You just broke his brother’s nose and are the cause of his exile. He’s ruined.”
Daire smirks. “Couldn’t have happened to a nicer dragon.”
I shiver, chilled.
If Caligo is even half as much of an asshole as Tiberius is, then Daire and I are in trouble. But it’ll be worth it.
“Pick something else,” Aurelius commands. “Spark is good. I won’t have her endangered, simply to teach you a lesson.”
Daire’s expression sours. “And what lesson would that be? Lie down and take my beatings like a good little fae?”
Aurelius turns around to study him. “Trust me enough to fucking tell me who is hurting you and know that I will stop them.”
Daire’s eyes widen with surprise, before his cheeks tint with pink.
He wraps his wings around himself. “Touching, boss.”
“What if we want to be able to protect ourselves?” I demand. “What if I’m fucking fed up of being afraid? You two are warriors. You can fight, but the most I’ve done is pick up a spear one time. As cadets, we’ll be better able to stand up for ourselves.”
“Better able to get yourselves killed.” Aurelius runs his fingers through his hair.
Fury sweeps through me, one that I didn’t even know had been building my entire life. “Then I’ll be dead but I won’t be defined as nothing but a non-shifter anymore. Nothing but a rejected Omega. If this is what I need to do to properly serve at your side, then I’ll risk it.”
“And I’m not an Omega, but I keep getting treated like my knot has been chopped off,” Daire adds. “I could best serve you like I swore to in our deal wearing a military uniform. Didn’t you want me as your adviser, before Maximinus manipulated you? You said that I was anexcellent strategist. We could spend a couple of months in the academy to make it look official, then you could summon us back to your side, but this time, as your personal staff, rather than pets. Just think what we could achieve against the vampires with me at your shoulder. After all, to the Bloods, I’m the infamous Shadow Queen Slayer. You know, the vampires were your allies, when your illustrious brother allowed my featherglass to slaughter the vampire army and take out their Queen. How fortunate for him that he somehow got delayed to the fight that day. Shame for the vampires who died though.”
“Don’t talk about Tarquin.” Aurelius’ eyes become molten. “You’re not worthy to speak of him.”
“Aren’t I?” Daire challenges. “Maybe you’re right. After all, I haven’t wiped out an entire court, razed a city, or betrayed my allies yet.”
Aurelius’ jaw clenches. “You’ve only slaughtered Lanlin’s mother in battle, led a band of outlaws in raidsagainst your rightful dragon overlords, rebelled and murdered more people than I ever have.”
Daire puffs out his chest in pride. “I’m honored that you’ve been keeping a record of my achievements, boss. But you left out how cute I look in tight breeches.”
