Page 31 of Courting the Dragon King

Konrad cleared his throat and placed his wine glass down on the table. He rose and then gestured towards the bed. “Shall we?” By all the dragon gods, sex has never been this awkward before.

They just needed to get this over with. Then Wraith could return to his room, and Konrad would not have to deal with him again until they departed for Draconia.

Wraith placed down his wine and stood. After a second, Konrad walked towards the bed and stopped. He removed his boots. As Konrad began to disrobe, he wanted to curse everyone who had been a part of the decision to include consummating the marriage as part of the contract.

Why did it need to be a part of it? Surely all the other terms of the marriage contract would be enough. Perhaps it was needed for the binding magic to work. Konrad folded his tunic and placed it on the ottoman at the base of the bed. He glanced back.

Wraith remained where he’d initially stood, but he had removed the pins shaped like bones from his hair and placed them beside the wine goblets. His long black hair hung around his shoulders and down his back. He removed his long cape with the feathers and hung it over the chair. Next, he took off his boots.

He reached behind himself and began to undo the buttons that ran down the back of the translucent top he wore, but his hands struggled to reach.

“Let me help with that,” Konrad said, before he could second-guess himself. He came up behind Wraith.

Wraith glanced at him. After a second, he gathered his hair in his hands, pulling it over his shoulder so Konrad could access the back of his top.

Konrad pushed the black velvet buttons through their slots, one by one. The smell of incense and the sweet scent of lilies filled his nostrils. When he’d undone the last button, he took a step back. Wraith removed his top, revealing his slender back. Wraith placed the garment with his cape.

Konrad had to hold himself back from reaching out and caressing Wraith’s soft skin. Because whilst he knew he disliked Wraith and did not wish to bed him, his body had no such reservations.

Already Konrad’s skin flushed with heat. His gut tightened. His cock began to fill.

For a second, Konrad considered turning away, but this was what they were meant to do. So why was he fighting it?

Perhaps because Wraith is terrified of me.

Konrad may not like his husband, but it did not sit well that he might be afraid of Konrad. Especially on their wedding night.

Konrad’s fingers flexed. “May I touch you?”

Wraith turned to face him. He swallowed, and his Adam’s apple bobbed. “You may.”

Konrad lifted a hand. He touched the side of Wraith’s elegant swan-like throat. Wraith’s pulse beat rapidly beneath his fingers. He stroked the side of Wraith’s neck.

Wraith sucked in a breath. Konrad slid his hand to Wraith’s collarbone, caressing the pale skin. Wraith’s eyelids flickered shut, lips parting. Konrad’s throat dried.

He’s so responsive.

And he did not seem scared of Konrad anymore. Which was good, because Konrad did not wish to fuck someone scared of him. He stepped closer. He slid his hand around the back of Wraith’s neck.

Gazing down at Wraith, Konrad was once again struck with how incredibly beautiful Wraith was. Perhaps the most beautiful man Konrad had ever seen.

And suddenly, Konrad found himself looking forward to the night ahead. He knew this would not be an affectionate or even a tolerable marriage. But they could enjoy tonight at least.

Konrad lowered his head and pressed his lips to Wraith’s. The kiss was chaste, soft lips simply pressing together. Konrad held still. With his fingers on the back of Wraith’s neck, he massaged gently.

After a moment, Wraith’s muscles relaxed and his mouth opened. Konrad moved his lips against Wraith’s. Konrad slid his free hand down Wraith’s lithe torso, then curled it around his back. He pressed his palm against Wraith’s lower back, holding him in place.

Wraith’s hands found their way to Konrad’s bare shoulders. His fingers dug in as they kissed.

Konrad did not want to think any more about treaties or the fact that he’d married a necromancer. Tonight, it was just the two of them. He wanted to lose himself in the movements and feel of their bodies.

He slid his hands to Wraith’s waist. He lifted him. A startled noise escaped Wraith, which was swallowed by the kiss.

Wraith wrapped his legs around Konrad’s waist, and Konrad carried him towards the bed.

Chapter

Seventeen