Page 84 of The Forbidden Dragon King
“Stand up.”
I push myself to my feet, holding my hands behind my back.
This time, when Maximinus punches me in the gut, I don’t fall and nor do I make a sound.
Maximinus gives a cruel smile. “Better. You always were trainable. Now, since when were you allowed to march into my study and demand what youneeded?”
I don’t reply.
Maximinus’ lips thin. “I didn’t summon you.”
“You didn’t.” I carefully keep my gaze over his shoulder and fixed on a point on his wall of scrolls.
I can do this.
I will do this…for Freya.
For myself, finally.
Because at last, I have something that I want, which is worth fighting for.
My body isn’t my own, but surely, I can enjoy it sometimes? Experience pleasure?
Love?
I have never willingly entered Maximinus’ study by my own choice before. This is a place of punishment and pain.
Most people in the Shadow Court are terrified of Maximinus’ magical nightmares.
“I must bond.” My voice is steady. “The golden threads are fraying. I am already losing myself to my feral nature by spending my ruts alone. What happens if the threads snap? I will miss my only chance to be matched with my fated mates.”
“You are forbidden to bond,” Maximinus replies. Rage surges through me. “The Council will never allow it, and neither will I. Get out, unless you want me to call Liviana in here to sign the promised match that she has been pressing for since your brother’s death. A strictly political arrangement between the two of you, of course, without bonding. Otherwise, don’t bother me with such sluttish begging again. Are you a whore led by his knot? Maybe I should train you as a courtesan, rather than Kit.”
My dragon side rears up inside me. There is no holding it back. My wings tremble beneath the surface of my skin.
“I am your King!” I roar.
For the first time in his life, I see fear in Maximinus’ eyes, as he takes a step away from me.
And that scares me.
Then Maximinus gentles his expression, putting on a smile that makes my stomach churn like I’m about to hurl because he wore it often when I was a child in hisprivate chatswith me.
“Calm down, my boy. What’s this tantrum about?” When he reaches to gently stroke my arm, I flinch back.
“Don’t. Touch. Me.” I back away from my uncle. “I’m no longer a child who you can…”
“I am quite aware that you are no longer a sweet child.”
I become ashen.
The tremors are back in my hands. This time I can’t control them.
When Maximinus notices, his eyes twinkle with amusement. “I can strike you but not comfort you without you falling apart…? Caligo truly did a twisted, outstanding job in his training of you. I knew that sending you to the academy was the right decision.”
“I was six years old.”
“The perfect age to be conditioned.”
