Page 79 of The Forbidden Dragon King
Am I crying?
Lucius is casting me a pitying look.
Why can’t I be better at this like Lucius is? Like all of them around this table are?
They’re spies, assassins, and warriors.
What chance do I truly have against them?
“Can we all start paying more attention to the king who is still a threat and less to the one who is already conquered?” Lucius affects to look bored, but I know that he’s trying to rescue me…and my fae Alpha. Did Lucius truly mean it about being my friend? “This is boring. Our strategy against Lanlin is what we need to discuss.”
Vicious’ expression lights with a dark excitement. “That barbarian Blood is the only assassin who can match my skills. Now him Iamallowed to capture and examine, play with, and take apart in my guild, right?”
I flinch at the same time that Lucius does.
This Shadow Vampire King may be a villain, but I can’t help a stab of sympathy for him. Nobody deserves to be held by the Guild of Assassins.
I hate vampires. A generation ago, they massacred my parents and entire court. As much as they’re my enemy, however, do I hate this unknown vampire king, who is fighting the dragons now?
At least, hate him enough that I want him to suffer Daire’s fate or something worse?
Aurelius offered me revenge on the vampires, as well as the shrine for my parents. I craved it then.
Now, I still want revenge but I’m no longer certain that this is the way I should take it or whether destroying the current king for the sins of his parents would make my own parents in the heavens proud or disappointed.
Lucius pretends that Vicious hasn’t spoken. “Kit is already declawed, whereas the Shadow Vampire King is an admittedly beautiful monster but is now causing real distress to the citizens.”
“Luc is right.” War tightens her arm around Lucius. “The fanged fuckers have intensified their raids. Increasing numbers of villagers are destitute and terrified. They’re streaming into Bael, thinking that they’ll be protected.”
“Because we all know Maximinus’compassionateopinion on refugees and the poor,” Lucius drawls.
“Luc,” War warns, grabbing him sharply by the curls.
Lucius struggles. “Then tell me our plan to stop them from starving.”
War lets him go, turning to Aurelius. “We crush the Shadow Vampire King. We force him to kneel like we did the ex-fae king. Then you burn him to fucking ash.”
“That’s too easy for him.” Aurelius’ voice is a low rumble. “He deserves to suffer as I have.”
Frozen, I stare at Aurelius in shock.
Aurelius’ expression has darkened. His dominant pheromones flood the room. His amber eyes are glowing, swirling,fathomless.
Dread grips me.
When he’s like this, I feel like I don’t know him.
I raise my hand to touch the cool Golden Dragon brooch, which shows that I belong to the King’s personal household. I’d been insulted, when I’d first been given it. Both Vicious and Wraith, however, wear golden sashes as a sign of their loyalty and fealty. War is dressed in the King’s personal armor.
Lucius’ entire soul was already given willingly to Aurelius when he was just a kid. He doesn’t need to be marked outwardly. He’s branded on his heart.
I trace the outline of the Golden Dragon.
This brooch was meant as an honor.
It shows that Aurelius already sees me as part of the inner circle, as loyal to him as his friends are.
Why didn’t I see it before?
