Page 71 of Dragon King’s Bullied Mate

“You told me Bjorn died.”

“He may as well have.”

“That isn’t an answer. I found the prison records.”

Dag laughed softly beneath his breath, though there was no humor in it. “Of course you did.”

“I haven’t dug enough to find the full story, so why don’t you tell me. What really happened?”

Dag stared out across the training yard for several long seconds before speaking quietly. “Bjorn got involved with the Skelvarns.”

The answer stunned Mikael despite everything. “What?”

“He was young and stupid and angry,” Dag muttered bitterly. “The Skelvarns promised money and brotherhood.” His mouth twisted harshly. “The usual lies.”

Mikael remained silent.

“There was a smuggling exchange near Stagholt,” Dag continued. “Weapons. Information. Corrupt guards helping move supplies across the border.” His eyes darkened as he pinned Mikael with a glare. “The operation got conveniently intercepted.”

Mikael felt unease begin tightening through his chest. “By whom?”

Dag’s nostrils flared and his teeth ground together. “Lyra’s father.”

Shock rooted Mikael to the floor. “Her father?”

“Her father served King Sven directly back then.” Dag’s voice sharpened with old resentment. “He coordinated the operation that captured Bjorn and the others.”

Mikael stared at him in disbelief.

“Bjorn was thrown into prison,” Dag said flatly. “And my family…” His jaw clenched hard enough to ache visibly. “They decided it would be easier to tell everyone he died than admit he was rotting in a dungeon for treason.”

Mikael thought of all the years of torment. “You blamed her,” Mikael said slowly.

Dag laughed harshly. “I was nothing more than a boy. There was nothing I could do to help Bjorn.”

“So you spent years tormenting a girl because her father arrested a criminal?”

“He was my brother!”

“And Lyra was innocent! She probably had no idea what was going on. We’re all the same age, remember?”

The words cracked through the courtyard violently enough that nearby guards startled.

Dag’s expression twisted sharply. “What difference does it make?”

Guilt slammed viciously into Mikael’s chest all over again because every ugly memory from school came roaring back clearer now.

“You destroyed her childhood,” Mikael said hoarsely. “You tried to destroy her.”

Dag looked away. “She became the easiest place to put the anger, and after enough years, hatred becomes habit.”

Mikael felt sick. “You don’t get to go near her again.”

Dag’s eyes narrowed. “You really think she belongs in your world?”

“I think she belongs wherever she chooses.” The dragon stirred approvingly beneath Mikael’s skin.

Dag noticed the shift immediately and something ugly crossed his face. “Careful, Mikael. You’re becoming exactly what people imagine dragons are. One of these days, you’re going to sprout wings in front of everyone and burn your kingdom down.”