Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 56189 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 187(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56189 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 187(@300wpm)
We are creatures of tradition, and while that can drive me up the wall from time to time, it certainly does make being king easier. At least on this subject.
I hesitate, which is exactly what I need for reason to take hold. Azazel gives away nothing for free, and going to him with questions will ensure he knows how badly I’m bungling this. No, better to feel through the situation by instinct. Regardless of the regrets I have for speaking to Briar the way I did—no matter how truthful the words were—it’s obvious I didn’t harm her with them.
We can do this. We can figure this out. Together.
But first, apparently I have some paperwork to get through. I follow Aldis to the study and barely hold back a groan at the stacks of paper waiting for me. “Did something happen?”
“It’s second harvest season.” She shrugs.
Ah. Of course. If I hadn’t been so preoccupied with Azazel’s offer and what it might entail, this wouldn’t have crept up on me. Each territory in this realm runs a little differently, and while there is some trade, all us leaders are loathe to rely on each other for fear that it will tip the power balance. Because of that, at some point in the distant past, one of my ancestors completely overhauled our internal industries. Only about half of our territory is farmland, but it’s more than enough to feed our people. Twice a year, when various crops come to harvest, everything is gathered and redistributed to all. It allows us to share crops and make the most of the land available, while also ensuring that everyone has a bit of variety. If, for some reason, one crop fails during one of the harvests, no one will go hungry.
This task can’t be put off.
I find myself glancing at the ceiling in the direction of my rooms. “Aldis, while I get started on this, can you put in an order with the kitchen for dinner?”
She goes still. “So you’re finally going to stop ignoring your bride. Lovely.”
“If I wanted your opinion, I’d ask for it.”
“Sometimes you need opinions even if you don’t ask for them.” She props her hands on her hips. “You took a huge risk bringing her here and marrying her. I know your parents were the ones to call off the courtship with Anika, but there are plenty of our people who were very happy to have them as a leader at your side. Anika is familiar. This human isn’t.”
“Anika isn’t the one stirring the pot.” Why would they? About a year after my parents stepped in, they fell in love with a reclusive dragon who lives on the edge of our territory where it bumps up against the gargoyles’ mountains. “They’re too busy with their little one and husband to worry about what I’m doing.” At that, I do feel a bit of a twinge.
I want children. I always have. I’m happy for Anika, but there’s a tiny thread of envy in there. I want that happily contented life, too.
“No, it’s not Anika. And it’s only grumbling at this point. Nothing to worry about, but I still wanted you to be aware of it.”
This is one of those leadership things that I don’t enjoy. Taking care of my people? It brings me such joy and pride. Dealing with the petty squabbles or politicking? Not so much. Especially in this, when I’m following my late parents’ wishes, Goddess hold them gently. “The entire territory stands to benefit from this marriage, and they know it. The only reason they’re complaining at all is because complaining is a sport to them.”
“True.” Aldis motions to the desk. “Now stop stalling and get to work. I’ll go down to the kitchen.”
I sink into the chair behind the desk. “Tell them to cook whatever Briar’s been eating.”
“Mm-hmm.” Aldis’s amusement filters through her tone, but when I look up to hiss, she’s already gone. It’s just as well.
Earlier, Briar asked me why I hadn’t attempted to seduce her. I had thought to give her time to settle in, but in this moment, I can admit the truth. I was acting the part of the coward just like Ramanu accused me of being. After this morning, the fact I didn’t scare off my bride for good…
It’s time to seduce her properly.
Starting tonight.
Chapter 10
Briar
I pace the room, my gown swishing around my bare feet. Dragons don’t wear shoes, I’ve discovered, and even if they did, they wouldn’t fit my feet. I have no reason to be nervous and certainly no reason to feel guilty. Except no matter how many times I tell myself that, I can’t make it stick.
Earlier today, I was a bit of an ass. I could tell Sol was uncomfortable, and I pushed him despite that. Then, when he spilled those sinful words that he obviously meant to sound as a threat, I immediately went back to my room and touched myself to the fantasy of them.