Page 38 of The Death King
“I’ve heard tales about you raising the dead to fight for you.” I’d heard of the way he’d claimed this very kingdom, the bedchambers I slept in every night, with both his mighty dragon and his ability to wield the dead.
“They’re different kinds of magic.”
He didn’t deny it, so I assumed it was true. “How did you become a necromancer?” I asked the question even though I didn’t expect an answer, but I hoped for one.
His eyes drifted for several seconds before he reached for the wineglass and took a drink. “I said I would tell you about the gift. My abilities aren’t pertinent to this conversation.”
I was desperate to know more, but it would be pointless to pursue it.
He grabbed the glass and took another drink, finishing it off before wiping his lips with the back of his forearm.
“If being part dragon is rare, that means we’re related.”
“Not necessarily. That’s like saying you’re related to all humans because you’re human. But it does mean we come from powerful and influential ancestors. I know my roots, but I don’t know yours.”
I wanted to avoid his gaze to stop the silent interrogation, but the aversion would be a dead giveaway, so I held his stare.
“However, I think you do.”
My father had told me stories about his father and his father’s father, but nothing beyond that. A lot of our old texts had faded or been destroyed in floods and fires throughout the years. Little was known about our origins, if we were born in these lands or came from other places.
“Tell me who you are.”
I continued to hold his stare with an unflinching gaze—but I wanted to crack.
“Why won’t you tell me?”
“Because I don’t know who I am. My parents were regular people. My father was a farmer, and my mother was a seamstress?—”
“I asked you this before, and I’ll ask again. Do I look like a fool to you?”
No. Not in the least.
“Then keep your secrets, but don’t you dare lie to me.”
I did my best not to let my breathing increase, but I was nervous…fucking nervous.
“What I don’t understand is why you wouldn’t want me to know who you are. That’s the great mystery.” His dark eyes showed his mind working furiously, trying to solve a puzzle when all the pieces were missing.
I sidestepped his interrogation. “You wanted me because I have the gift. But for what purpose? Khazmuda is the only dragon in these lands. Without a dragon, I’m useless to you.”
He lounged in the chair, his body tight with strength even though he was visibly relaxed. But his eyes were still scorching, still so intense they seemed unforgiving. “I’ve shared what I’m willing to share for the night.” He pushed his chair back and rose to his feet, tall, muscular, and strong, his powerful muscles an armor under his skin. “We’ll continue this conversation tomorrow evening. Hope you’ll be more receptive then…because I’m an impatient man.”
9
TALON
I was sitting in the armchair and staring at the flames when the door opened and closed behind me. Footsteps were light on the rug, and then a pair of soft hands moved to my bare shoulders and massaged the tense muscles.
Natalie dug her thumbs hard into the skin and traced the separation of the muscles before her hands slid down my arms to squeeze my biceps. As she dipped down, her lips found my neck, and she pressed a few kisses there.
The massage felt good, but not her affection. “Not tonight.” I thrust my shoulders back to push her touch off me. My eyes stayed on the fire, picturing her pissed-off expression.
She righted herself behind the armchair and turned quiet. “You haven’t called for me in a week.”
“And I didn’t call for you tonight.”
Angry with my dismissal, she came around the armchair and sat on the footstool in front of me, blocking my gaze from the flames. “Have I done something, Your Highness?”