Dragon Bride (SAMPLE)

Chapter Seven

Even though Maximillian was a King in his own right, he wasn’t in his own country. So, it surprised Kendria that he was able to ask for a private audience in another man’s castle. She didn’t know King Holger to be so... lenient with other kings. But then again, his daughter was engaged to his son. Maybe that’s why he’s awarded privileges such as this one.

Kendria was amazed to find the south wing completely barren of Rathkian knights. The hallways were littered with Hythe Guards. Gold and purple decorated the halls meant for red royalty.

The foreign King didn’t even allow Rathkian maids to clean up after them. He had his own people for everything. He took his own nation and planted his defenses in enemy territory.

So many unfamiliar faces. It would have been a little intimidating if she wasn’t the dragon she was now. But it made her wonder just how much influence King Maximillian was really capable of.

Her golden gaze remained sharp and narrow as the guards led her upon the balcony. He looked majestic, sitting around a circular table, littered with sweet breakfast treats. The moment he saw her, the gorgeous man stood to greet her, gathering her hands into his own and offering her a gentle air kiss against her cheek.

He was better at hiding deceit than the King of Rathke.

King Maximillian had a kind look about him when he finally met her gaze. Kendria was naturally suspicious of this meeting, but his eyes were so warm and steady like a hearth on a winter’s night.

It was off-putting and made her doubt the sharp edges she thought she would see in his intentions. For a fleeting moment, her suspicions wavered, tangled in the quiet kindness of his gaze.

“It's a pleasure to see you again, Lady Glacies. Beautiful dress.”

“Oh, thank you, your Majesty.”

“Please, call me, Max.”

Kendria arched her brows. “Really?”

“Of course. Like my daughter, I’d like us to be friends. Is that alright?”

Mention of the princess instantly soured her mood, but she tried not to let it show. “We’ll have to see about that.”

His smile widened. “Of course. Please, have a seat.”

The young woman obliged, slightly nauseated by the sweet aroma around the table.

“I hope you have a sweet tooth. I used to partake in a normal breakfast, but since my sweet princess came into my life, that became a thing of the past.”

“There’s usually a balanced meal around my family table.”

“You’re lucky. Princess Aveline is used to getting what she wants. Especially food.”

Even if she wanted to try and indulge, the sweet cakes would turn salty in her mouth. It seems like Princess Aveline truly was the apple of this man’s eye. She nearly slipped and rolled her eyes.

“I’ll manage. So, what would you like to discuss, your Majesty? Your knights hinted that it was important.”

The King’s gaze shifted for a second. “Yes, I’m a little confused by sing and I was hoping that you could clear things up for me.”

“Pertaining to?”

The King's once-softened gaze, a mosaic of golden warmth and quiet strength, sharpened into a piercing edge, cutting through the air like tempered steel as he prepared to finish his next statement. Many things didn’t frighten her, but the sudden shift caught her off guard. “Your relationship with Prince N’Jal.”