Page 88 of Courting the Dragon King

Konrad opened his mouth, about to protest that he was doing his duty. Or at least he was trying to.

But then Wraith said, “He said you must continue to bed me regularly, as you just did, so you can get me pregnant in order to continue the family bloodline.” He covered his mouth, trying to smother his laughter.

Konrad gaped. Did my father just watch me fuck Wraith?

When Wraith managed to get himself under control, he continued, “He said we should go again now, as I need to get pregnant as soon as possible.”

Konrad choked. “What? But you can’t get pregnant! And does he just expect us to fuck right in front of him?” Fire and fucking flames.

“He is a bit confused,” Wraith said whilst still battling his laughter. “That can happen when people die. Details and facts become hazy.”

Of all the ways he’d expected his father’s ghost visiting him to go, this wasn’t it.

Konrad cleared his throat. “Well, tell him you can’t have children.”

Straightening, Wraith said, “Your Majesty, I am unable to have children.” For several moments, he stared at the spot where Konrad’s father was. Then Wraith shook his head. “He doesn’t seem to be comprehending that. It happens sometimes after death. They don’t always listen or retain information.”

“Oh.”

Wraith’s face sobered. “You can talk to him if you like. He can hear you.” He took Konrad’s hand.

Konrad dropped his gaze to their entwined hands. “What should I say?”

“You can say whatever you like,” Wraith said. “He may or may not remember. But he is paying attention to you.”

Konrad stared at the spot where his father supposedly stood. “Father, I—” What the fuck am I meant to say?

Wraith squeezed his hand.

Konrad took a deep breath and tried again. “Father, I’m sorry. I’m sorry that you died. And I’m sorry that we still do not know who killed you. But we are trying to work it out so we can ensure you get justice. And we are also trying to discover who is attempting to undermine the peace treaty so we can stop them.”

Konrad closed his eyes and took a breath. “I’m sorry that I didn’t listen to you and that I was so focused on the necromancers that I did not consider someone else might be a threat. I—I’m just sorry. I know you’d be better at getting this peace treaty finalised than I am.” He paused. “I wish you were still here.”

King Alaric had by no means been perfect. He’d been a tough and stern father, determined that his children would do their duty to their kingdom. As a ruler, he’d been somewhat ruthless. But he’d been clever, and he’d taken the responsibility of running the kingdom seriously.

That responsibility was now Konrad’s. And Konrad could really use his father’s advice and strength. But his father was dead, and his ghost did not seem aware enough to give him proper advice.

Wraith placed his other hand on Konrad’s shoulder.

“I will try my best to be a good king,” Konrad said. “I will do everything I can to finalise this treaty and secure peace for our kingdom. Hopefully, that will ensure that strong dragons will be born into our family once more. I will do everything I can for our kingdom and for our family.”

He stared at the spot before the cupboard. “I hope to be a good king and to make you proud, Father.” He paused. “I am sorry you are gone.”

After a few moments, Wraith spoke, “He has faded now. But he heard you.”

“Has he passed on?”

Wraith shook his head. “Not yet.”

“Thank you for that.” Even if his father did not remember what Konrad had said, he was glad he’d said it. “Well, we should get ready for the ball. We wouldn’t want to be late.”

Chapter

Forty-Four

Wraith stood on the upper floor of the ballroom, gazing out over the celebrations for the completion of the peace treaty. He tilted his head.

It all looks a bit … depressing.