Page 72 of The Death King

My eyes immediately flicked away at his affection.

Love shouldn’t make you uncomfortable, Talon. But I feel your unease.

I stared at the rocks underneath the logs, stained with the juices from our dinner. “I don’t deserve your love, Khazmuda.”

You do.

“I don’t deserve anyone’s love.” The self-loathing gnawed at me every day, carved into my flesh then feasted on my heart and lungs. I could feel the bite of guilt—and it was always painful.

Khazmuda stared at me in silence, his pain palpable. I think you do.

I wouldn’t look at him because it was too hard. Too fucking hard.

Tell her your story, Talon.

“No.” I couldn’t say the words aloud. My body wouldn’t allow me.

Earn her loyalty.

“My sorrow is not her sorrow. There’s no reason for her to care—and she shouldn’t.”

You care about her sorrow.

My eyes dropped to the fire.

I can feel it.

The fire crackled between us. The smoke rose to the sky and soaked into my clothes. Our dinner smoldered above the flames but started to burn because it was forgotten. I wanted the moment to pass, for the subject to change, for the discomfort to abate.

Khazmuda continued his stare.

“General Titan has left his post. Gave no warning or explanation. Now, his whereabouts are unknown.”

The dragon raised his head slightly as he absorbed this information. You may not know where he is now, but you know where he’s going.

“Yes.” No distance would dull his obsession. No amount of time would make him forget what he’d lost. He considered himself her rightful owner—and he wouldn’t stop until he reclaimed his property.

Question is—will he sneak into the castle and kidnap her? Or will he openly oppose you?

My eyes moved to his. “He knows I can’t be defeated.”

He might try if he has enough men and the element of surprise.

“He would do that for one woman?” I asked incredulously.

For an exceptional one, perhaps. Remember, you took this land by force. Anyone who refused to surrender and serve your regime was slain. You disturbed their dead. A decade has passed, but resentment runs deep. If a suitable challenger enters the ring, they may rally behind him.

“He’s not a suitable challenger.”

You appointed him as your general for a reason.

My eyes moved back to him.

Arrogance leads to complacency. Remember that.

Khazmuda was more than a dragon. He was the most intelligent being I’d ever encountered. He was more than just a great hunter of the skies and the earth. “Have you always been a know-it-all?”

I’ve always been wise—if that’s what you’re asking.