“Thank you.” I wasn’t sure if I should address him as Your Majesty, but seeing as Scylla admitted I’d be ascending to his throne, it felt awkward to do so.
“Why would you place your daughter in the west wing of the palace? I’d prefer she be near at hand. I intend to court her,” Aden challenged before biting into a slab of meat even as he pushed bread-like croutons into it as well. My eyes honed in on the way he raucously crunched it as if he lacked any manners. Of course, I had little room to talk. I had just stuffed my face like I hadn’t eaten in months. Before he’d finished chewing, he continued on. “It would be much easier for me if Aria were near my chamber.”
“I don’t think she intends to be courted,” Griffon pointed out as if conveying the message to a spoiled child.
My attention flicked to Zyion to see what he made of this argument, but his focus was on my lips. It made me self-conscious that maybe he’d felt the same way about my manners as I felt about Aden’s, and I wiped my mouth with the napkin again. My appetite vanished as I chewed my lip and pretended to ignore the conversation.
“I think Aria isn’t sure what she really wants or needs, Your Majesty. After all, she’s been fucking our mortal enemy for months now. I’m sure the princess had a reason to be screwing our enemy’s king.” Aden’s cold, cruel eyes held mine, revealing the true bastard behind the polished mask.
“Enough, Aden,” Griffon warned.
“Why? If she is to be my bride, shouldn’t I know where her loyalties are, Griffon?” Aden persisted.
“‘Sir’ or ‘Your Majesty’, Aden. Remember your manners,” I offered, which caused his face to turn mottled with anger. “But what’s a girl to do when she finds herself the pet of a king?”
“I imagine a girl would be scared,” Zyion said, peering across the table with a mischievous smile aimed at me.
“Terrified,” I lied, dragging my thinning eyes to Aden, who rattled weakly.
The chuckle that burst from Aden’s lips was harsh. “It is high time the princess learns the truth about her dragon king. Unless, of course, she willingly took his dragon cock?” My ears burned as he handed out another insult. “You said it yourself. Aria is young and inexperienced, she requires guidance on responding to her peers appropriately, Griffon.” My hand holding the knife tightened, imagining running Aden through, before stabbing him through the eyeball. “We might have misunderstood the situation? King Karnavious could have taken advantage of her as she entered the Nine Realms. Either way, she needs to understand her loyalty is to us and not the dragon swine. I won’t have my bride out seeking anything willing to bed her merely to protect her.”
“I didn’t fuck Knox Karnavious to protect myself, if that is what you’re implying, Aden.” The anger building inside me was boiling over. My fists tightened on the table before I slid my entire focus toward him. I was acutely aware of every person in the room, wholly focused on this conversation.
“So, you willingly slept with our mortal enemy? Do you even know the history between the bloodlines?” he spat out, as if he found the words foul. “Or that his grandmother murdered yours?”
“Did Knox rape me? No. No, he didn’t have to do that, Aden. His cock and my vagina met before I ever entered the Nine Realms. In fact,” I slammed my elbows on the table, glaring withering at him. “Knox was the first and only man I’ve been with. If you’re taking notes, you will want to write it down. I fucked willingly, and I liked it in case you need to know that answer as well.” I offered him a smile that was all teeth.
“As for the history? I only know what Hecate wrote down, and there’s nothing about any wars before she showed up. So why don’t you keep the dragon dick out of your mouth? Lord knows I tried, but willingly failed on that aspect. And he’s saved me countless times, without fail. But, in case you’re wondering? I don’t want to court you, or marry you. I didn’t come here to align my vagina with your cock so you could get a crown as the second runner-up. And talk all the shit you want about that man, but he’s out there fighting while you sit in here and worry about chairs and where your balls might bounce. Let me clarify it for you. I’d rather peg you in the ass than fuck you, Aden. I came here to meet my father. To learn about the prophecy, then head back to fight because, unlike you, I’m not afraid to fight.”
“Damn,” Zyion said, choking on his drink as the entire room remained silent with what I’d stated.
“See, Griffon? She’s uncouth, like the womb she crawled out of.” Aden’s face was smug.
“Actually, she’s more like Scylla. She’d have knocked your teeth down your throat, then reached in to get them out,” Zyion argued, forking a piece of meat to pop in his mouth.
Griffon cleared his throat as if something had gotten stuck in it. My gaze flickered to Zyion, who had a genuine smile on his lips. The look shimmering in his eyes was fascination—or something close to it.
After picking up the mug of ale, I downed the contents and, once again, accepted a fresh napkin from Zyion and dabbed the corners of my lips. I realized too late that it was actually his from the traces of bergamot and lemongrass clinging to the fabric. Aden’s glare burned into the side of my face, but I refused to entertain any more of his slanderous comments toward me.
“I’m exhausted,” Esme announced, which caused my eyes to flick to hers, seeing the laughter burning in them.
“I’m exhausted as well. It’s been a daunting task to reach the kingdom, father,” I admitted, which seemed to soften the tension building in the surrounding air. “I’m sure it’s why I’m so forward and cranky.”
“I’ve been a horrible host, Aria. I should’ve sent a meal up to your chambers. The path here does leave you relatively weak by the time it spits you out at the entrance of the cave. Forgive me, but it’s been a long time since we’ve had guests in the kingdom.” Griffon’s tone held worry, which made me shrink.
“I’m certain after we’ve slept, we’ll be better company,” I offered in excuse. “Isn’t that right, Esme?”
Violet eyes narrowed on my face before drifting to give Aden a withering look. “I fear I’m beyond tolerable tonight.”
“It’s settled then,” Griffon announced loudly as he clapped his palms together. Everyone save for Esme and I stood, so she and I hastened to stand as well. I noted Esme swaying on her feet, so I hooked my elbow through hers and awaited direction. “Eva, show the ladies to their chamber.”
“I’m heading in that direction to retire for the evening, Your Majesty. It would be an honor to show the princess and her companion to their chambers,” Zyion offered politely. Grabbing a new mug of ale from a tray, he polished it off before standing and pushing his chair in. “By your leave,” he said with a flourished bow to Griffon.