A Pet for the Dragons

148.

IVRET

I needed more time to prepare, but when the guards arrived at our wing, I knew I had no choice. I tried to hide my anxiousness at seeing them and nodded in acknowledgement. They didn't greet me, but there was a cold command in their eyes, forcing me to obey the orders.

I went straight to Arika's room, knowing she was safe with the brothers. I'd been away from her for a while because being with her would only make me more anxious. I'd been working on my plans since yesterday, ensuring I prepared for any situation I might face at the Dinner. I wanted to keep Arika safe, which meant I might have to do some risky stuff that might or might not get me in huge trouble.

I shook my head, not trying to think about it. I needed to focus on the present and keep a calm mind to observe and act quickly. The guards followed me to Arika's room silently, their presence making me uncomfortable, but I didn't show it. I kept it hidden and instead led them like a Lord would've led his guards.

It was after such a long time since I'd worn these clothes. Putting them on now made me feel sick. It felt like I was wearing someone else's skin to pretend to be someone I'd been once. It reminded me of my past, and I didn't want to do anything with it. It reminded me of how hard I had to scheme to leave this all behind. Yet I was back here. I clenched my jaw.

I wouldn't let Mavie win this time. I'd do anything but submit to her. I would... I would kill if I needed to.

I opened the door to Arika's room and instantly found her with the brothers. However, my breath left my lungs when my eyes fell on her. My eyes widened as I drank in her appearance. She looked... she looked so beautiful in that blue dress. It matched the colour of her eyes and complimented her skin so beautifully.

Her hair was artfully done to showcase her beautiful long neck and the collar that signified that she was ours. No. She was mine, and mine only for tonight. Something dark stirred inside me at the thought, and it grew darker when Ariak's eyes fell on me and darkened equally.

I sensed her desire from across the room, awakening my dragon. As she stood and turned towards me, I took in the rest of her appearance. The dress she wore was almost transparent, subtly showcasing her beautiful round and heavy breasts. I nearly groaned at the sight of them. I needed to have her soon, or I would go mad.

"Ivret," She called out for me. I wanted to rush to her and hold her and kiss her breath away but clenched my fists, feeling the presence of the guards behind me.

All the thoughts of desire instantly vanished when Arika's eyes shifted beyond me, and fear flashed in them momentarily.

It was when I also noticed the brothers in the room. Radrox gave me a cold look, and something sinister flashed on Zorge's face as he studied the guards behind me. His eyes flickered to me, and he sneered. I could feel jealousy radiating from him, but I didn't care.

Arika was mine and only mine tonight.

"Hurry up," One of the guards groaned, and all of us snapped out of the tension and moved. Arika nervously walked to my side, her eyes searching the guards for any sign of danger before landing on me.

She gave me a wide-eyed look as if she couldn't believe what she saw. Her eyes darted all over me, taking in every single detail. I wondered if she liked me in this outfit. I felt hideous in these clothes because they tied me to my house.

A man solely known by the house of his origin was as useless as a basilisk's wings.

I placed my hand on the small of Ariak's waist, leading her out of the room as one of the Guards gave an impatient groan. We left our guest wing in no time and headed to the Grand Hall of the Cardinal Palace, where the Dinner was hosted.

My heart pounded in my chest almost painfully, and I could feel Arika's fingers growing cold in my touch. I gave her hand a quick squeeze in assurance, and she did the same. For some reason, it made me relax.

I focused on my breath as we got closer to the venue, bringing my focus back to the present to be more alert and aware of everything happening around me. I channelled some of my energy into Arika to ensure she was alright. Her heart was racing just like mine, but apart from that, she seemed alright.

"Brace yourself," I whispered as we took a final turn and stood in front of massive doors that led to the venue. The Guards stopped outside the door and turned to us. I stilled as they searched us. Arika sucked in a breath but let it go when they were done searching.

As soon as the doors opened, the Grand Hall's gold-ness almost blinded me, knocking the breath out of my lungs. As I blinked and looked around, I felt like my old self again— antsy yet filled with loathing for everyone and everything that was in the Hall. But this didn't matter.

My only goal tonight was to keep Arika safe at all costs. I glanced at her to find her eyes and mouth gaping as she took in the grandness of the place and the gold decorations. I couldn't care less about these things. I wanted to get away from here as soon as possible.

A lot of guests had already arrived, and the place looked packed. It seemed like we were the last ones to arrive. I grabbed Arika's arm and tugged her closer when I noticed one of the hosts heading our way.

He greeted me before leading us to our assigned place. I tugged Arika long, ensuring she remained as close as me. We got our table next to one of the Courtiers known to gossip the most. I ground my teeth as we took our seats. I sat on the table while Arika got the place by my feet. It was another of the reasons why I hated this place, but I didn't get to delve long into this hatred because the curtains from the Grand Balcony were pulled back, revealing Mavie and her two favourite sons.

The night has begun.

~

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