Page 20 of Courting the Dragon King

He glanced into Wraith’s face, which no doubt did not instil confidence, since Wraith still did not fully comprehend what Konrad wanted of him.

“Just do as you normally would as a prince dealing with civilians!” Konrad said, clearly exasperated.

Well, that was even more confusing. He’d had no proper role in any functions involving civilians. Anytime his presence was required, he just stood there and shut up. That was what was wanted of him.

Wraith opened his mouth, about to explain that.

But Konrad turned away. He walked towards the crowd. “Good afternoon. I, King Konrad of Draconia, and my betrothed, Shadow Prince Wraith of Necros, are here on behalf of the Monks of the Way of the Dove on this festive day.”

Chapter

Eleven

Wraith stepped up beside Konrad as the crowd cheered, trying to look like a prince and not Konrad’s servant. Whatever that meant. At the same time, he kept his focus on Konrad and the living, ignoring the dead completely.

He especially did not look at the middle-aged woman dancing naked down the street. She smiled and sang. At least she clearly did not mind being dead.

Wraith looked away from the woman. He needed to focus and act appropriately so Konrad would stop hating him. He reached in and pulled out the bait box, ready to present it. Konrad stood so tall and strong with his head high. He looked like a regal king, even in his simple robes.

Wraith straightened, trying to copy his posture.

“We are so glad to be here with you and be a part of your festivities.” Konrad glanced at Wraith.

Wraith’s brain scrambled as he tried to think of something to say. But Wraith had never addressed a crowd before. His skin crawled at the thought.

Konrad took a deep breath and turned back to the group. “My betrothed and I wish to present you with this special bait along with the blessings of the Monks of the Way of the Dove.”

Wraith lowered his head as Konrad continued talking. His fingers on the wooden box tightened. The couple’s quest was not going well. He kept failing to prove himself.

Konrad took the box from Wraith and presented it to a man wrapped in a fishing net.

“Thank you, Your Majesty and Your Highness,” the man said with a bow.

“We wish you a prosperous haul today and for the year ahead,” Konrad said.

“I … ah … hope you have a good day of fishing,” Wraith rushed out, hoping that speaking might show him to be somewhat up to the task.

But although the man smiled and bowed again, Konrad’s lips thinned. Wraith clearly fell short in his eyes. They departed soon after.

The third village was ten times the size of the other two. From the air, it wasn’t even clear where the festivities were being held. The buildings and streets all squished together. The harbour stretched all around the coast and covered quite a distance. And it was difficult to see a place to land as people filled the streets, squares, and any space they could potentially land.

In the end, they descended into a field on the outskirts of the village, away from the crowds.

“We will have to ask where the festivities are,” Konrad said after he’d shifted and put on his robe.

They walked towards the village. They passed several townhouses, but all seemed empty. No doubt everyone was at the festivities.

A door opening sounded directly behind Wraith. But he knew that only a vacant street stood behind him. A cold wind stirred despite the heat of the day. It carried the scent of lilies and incense. A fog floated across the cobblestones and to one of the closed doors.

Someone had just died.

Skin prickling, Wraith stopped as Konrad continued on down the street. Wraith hesitated, but then he followed the fog to the closed wooden door. He knocked. After waiting a second, he turned the handle. It was unlocked.

He entered the small room. The smell of mould, damp, and illness filled his nostrils. Thin, frayed curtains blocked out the light, leaving the room in shadows.

An old woman lay on the bed. Her pale eyes remained open as she stared blankly at the ceiling, mouth ajar. The spirit had not yet left the corpse. It remained within.

“Hello.” Wraith came forward. “I’m Wraith.”