Page 193 of The Forbidden Dragon King
I kiss him because then I don’t need to think about the conversation that I had with Ignatius last night.
I sat on the cold floor of the corridor in a circle with Ignatius and Daire, as moonlight sliced across our faces through the barred windows.
This spot had become our unspoken place to gather before curfew. Our spot to whisper secrets and plot away from the other students.
I won’t call it friendship because that word doesn’t feel heavy enough for what’s being woven between the three of us.
What has already happened between us.
At least, not friendship alone.
Plus, Ignatius is still a dick. It’s just that he’s a dick who is now on our side.
“Were you only trying to scare us with all that stuff about being devoured by the Shadow Gods if we’re not matched to ride with an Alpha dragon tomorrow, Iggy?” I asked.
Ignatius dropped his gaze.
“It hasn’t happened in a generation. My father insisted that I study everything about both the Shadow Court and the academy before I attended. This ritual is meant to frighten students with the threats of being bound and dragged to the lands of merciless mermen and then…”
“Being devoured?” Daire drawled.
Ignatius balled his hands in his lap. “It’s typical of thecruelty here. Shadowed threats, but in truth, once cadets reach this stage, the instructors are careful to select the right number of both Alphas and Omegas. The best suited will take each other as mates. It’s no more than the military version of a matching ball.”
“How?” I demand.
“I read that your bond mate will be able to hear your thoughts.” For the first time, Ignatius smiled. “It’s one of the most powerful bonds in the realms. A telepathic connection. It will be nice not to feel alone.”
Daire’s expression became sharp. “But I’m not an Omega.”
“Open for debate.”
I stiffened, waiting for Daire to launch himself on Ignatius, but he only fixed him with a deadly stare that had Ignatius cringing back.
“I’m an Alpha who already found his soulmate.” Daire slung his arm around my neck. “Fate won’t match Spark to anyone else, and Aurelius would tear off their bloody wings if they tried. What do your books say about that?”
Ignatius looked troubled, carding his fingers through his hair and mussing it. “It’s unprecedented. But this matching isn’t about Alpha and Omega. It’s about fated mates, not always bonds, although it usually develops. It’s livelong companionship and forever love.”
“I have my mates already.” I stubbornly pressed closer to Daire.
I think of Aurelius’ amber eyes and the touch of his fingers to my cheek, as well as the way that he stormed into the parade ground, grabbing the whip and hurling it.
How he stood up for Daire, halting his punishment.
Aurelius is my Alpha.
My King, as I’m his Queen.
I’ve made deals with both these enemy kings, and I don’t know how to choose between being sacrificed and being taken as the mate of another Alpha.
“Why doesn’t Aurelius have a dragon rider, when he goes into battle?” I blurted. “He went through this academy.”
Daire tensed, pulling away from me. “Trust me, I’ve faced him in battle. He doesn’t need one.”
Ignatius’ questioning gaze met mine. “Mother told me that the King is the only Alpha who was never selected. It was declared by Maximinus that Golden Dragons could not bond, were too dangerous, and would never be selected because they werewicked. He was made exempt.”
“Excluded,” Daire said, softly. “The word that you’re looking for is bloody excluded.”
Now, standing here as the rain lashes the training ground, and I stare at the ranks of warrior Alphas and Omegas waiting to be matched up for life like War and Lucius are, my heart aches.
