Page 17 of Courting the Dragon King

“Yes. We wish you great happiness together,” Lady Juniper added.

Wraith doubted that would be a possibility. “I … ah … thank you. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintances, Princess Senta and Lady Juniper.”

“You can call me Juniper,” she said. “I think it appropriate that we drop our official titles.” She glanced at Senta and the king.

After a second, Konrad inclined his head.

“And can we call you Wraith?” Juniper asked.

“Oh … yes. You can do that,” Wraith answered.

Juniper smiled at him, but Wraith could still see something guarded in her eyes.

She is just being polite. She doesn’t actually like me. Juniper and Senta probably hate me as much as Konrad.

“I hope you don’t find the couple’s quest too challenging today.” Senta turned to Konrad.

“I’m sure we will have no problem completing the quest,” Konrad said.

“It’s good that you are confident.” Senta smiled at her brother, her face brightening now that she no longer looked at Wraith. “We found ours quite difficult.”

Juniper laughed and placed a hand on Senta’s arm. “That’s because we got distracted.”

Senta smiled and lifted Juniper’s hand to her lips, kissing the back of it. They gazed into each other’s eyes, the affection pouring off them.

Wraith blinked rapidly. Why could I not have found affection in my marriage? Why do I have to marry someone who can’t stand me?

Juniper tore her gaze from her wife and looked at Wraith and Konrad. “And you’ll be married in a couple of days’ time. Your heads must be spinning.”

Wraith’s palms began to sweat. Everything was happening so very, very fast. He did not respond. He did not know what to say. Konrad didn’t say anything, either, but he nodded.

The two women glanced between Wraith and Konrad. Then they looked at each other.

“Well, I think we should get some wine,” Senta said.

“I’m also a bit hungry. Good luck in your quest,” Juniper said, and the two departed, leaving Konrad and Wraith alone once more.

Wraith wished he could leave too. He wanted to be alone and far away from the dragon king who loathed him. He’d heard stories of Konrad during the war. It was said that he’d been ruthless as he’d fought the necromancer army.

Would he act out that ruthlessness on Wraith once they were married? His breathing came faster.

But maybe this couple’s quest was an opportunity. He did not know why Konrad despised him. However, if Wraith did this task well, he could prove to his future spouse that he was competent and maybe worthy of being cared for. Maybe Konrad would come around and at least stop hating him.

It could happen. Although, Wraith was scared to hope.

The grand monk walked towards them. He bowed. “Your Majesty. Your Highness. Are you ready to start the couple’s quest?”

“Of course, Grand Monk,” Konrad said.

Wraith nodded.

“Excellent. Come this way, please.”

Wraith and Konrad followed the grand monk to a wooden podium. Wraith still had his hand in the crook of the dragon king’s arm.

Should I release him? What is expected of me?

After a second’s hesitation, he dropped his hand. He was not even sure why Konrad had offered his arm. It must be for appearances’ sake.