Page 8 of Courting the Dragon King

Although Grand Shield Dahlia, the monk in charge of the warrior monks and the security at the monastery, had allowed more Draconian guards, she had required them each to sign one of their binding, unbreakable contracts. It had been the grand monk’s idea.

“Fine. The monks chanted, and the guards signed, vowing that they would not harm the monks or work against the White Monastery,” Gerard said. “I think that’s also why the grand shield has allowed more of our guards. She doesn’t trust us, but she trusts the contracts.”

They walked past a sitting room. Their half-sibling, Leon, lay sprawled on a settee, fast asleep. His mouth hung open. A servant stood a few steps away, attending to him. Only trusted servants, ones who’d been with them for years, had been granted admittance into their new quarters.

Their other half-siblings had left after the funeral the day before. Leon, the second oldest of his half-siblings, had remained. He’d seemed less stable since they last met.

But that was unsurprising considering both Leon’s parents had just died. And their father had died as a result of Leon’s mother’s plotting. Konrad made a mental note to check on Leon when he was awake and see how he was doing.

Then Konrad bit back a groan. He did not need to add more responsibilities to his already overflowing plate. Konrad and Gerard continued on down the corridor.

“It appears we are as protected as possible,” Konrad said.

“I still want to get out of here as soon as we can.” Gerard glanced into a small library. “We know there are some still plotting against the treaty. And probably us. I won’t breathe easy until we’re home.”

“We’ll leave immediately after the peace treaty is completed.” Then they’d be back in Draconia, where Konrad would rule and be king. His gut clenched.

But will I be a good king? Or will I lead the kingdom and its people into ruin?

The door to Gerard and Elias’s room opened. Elias came out, wearing long blue robes embroidered with gold-and-white thread embellishments. Gerard’s face lit up as he watched his husband sashay towards them. Gerard wrapped his arm around his spouse’s waist.

“Evening.” Elias looked them both up and down. “You should probably both go and get ready.” His violet eyes fixed on Konrad. “After all, you wouldn’t want to be late for your own betrothal ball.”

Konrad’s whole body tensed. “Right.” His betrothal ball. He rubbed a hand over his face. They’d just had the funeral for his father yesterday, and today was his betrothal ball.

Part of him wanted to ignore it and just remain in their quarters. But he couldn’t. Nor could he stop his upcoming wedding growing closer with every passing minute.

From the start of this assembly, Konrad had known he’d have to marry a necromancer. Necros had demanded that as part of the peace agreement, one of their spawn would marry the heir of Draconia. Konrad had not really cared which necromancer he married. He’d hated them all, so what difference did it make?

Still, he’d noticed that Shadow Prince Wraith Grimm was strange even for a necromancer. He walked around, often appearing completely unaware of his surroundings. And he had that bloody hellhound, with its smoky black form and gaping eyes.

He suppressed a shiver at the thought of the hound. He’d have to ensure that it never entered the Castle of the Dragons. He didn’t want that undead beast anywhere near him, his family, or his people.

Elias leaned against Gerard. “And I mean this with only affection, Konrad. But you look terrible. Like you haven’t slept or bathed in days.”

“I’ve bathed,” Konrad protested.

“Well, it doesn’t look like it.” Elias had become more outspoken and direct since the attack and revelation that Elias actually was a brilliant lightning archmage, not an unskilled, magicless, empty-headed fool, as he’d been pretending to be.

Konrad bit back a retort. Honestly, though, he knew he looked bad. Since his father’s death less than a week ago, he’d tossed and turned in bed each night, thinking about the treaty and his kingdom’s future, which was now his responsibility.

“Lucky for you, Konrad, you have a wonderful brother-in-law who has already called you a bath.” Elias flicked his long white hair. “I also called a bath for you,” he said to Gerard.

“Will you join me?” Gerard asked his husband as if his brother weren’t standing right there.

Elias smiled and pressed a kiss to his lips. “Not if we want to be ready on time.”

“Thanks. I’ll go see to this bath.” Konrad turned away from his brother and his happiness. His guards followed him.

“Make sure you wash behind your ears,” Elias teased. “And don’t forget to shave. The unkempt look does not suit you, Konrad!”

Konrad kept walking in the direction of his room. He was still getting used to this intelligent and bright Elias.

He was pleased for his brother, and his other siblings who’d found joy in their arranged marriages at this assembly. But seeing them in love just reminded him of his repulsive marriage that was fast approaching. Then he’d be bound to a loathsome necromancer for the rest of his life.

He would sign an unbreakable marriage contract. There would be no escape for Konrad from his wretched fate.

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