Dragonkin 2: My Persistent Mate

Part 15 Family Pressure

"Well, well, if it isn't the couple of the day!" An elder announces as we enter the dining hall while another elder remarks, "I heard rumours that with Guinevere at your side, the business negotiations and meetings are going smoother than before". The bald statements make me blush and feel uncomfortable.

Putting his hand over mine on his arm, Karalian affirms the comments, "Yes, Guinevere is indeed a remarkable aide. She is important to me in more ways than one. Whatever will I do without her?" and looks at me lovingly. His double entendre is not missed by anyone at the table. The Emperor and Empress beam at us in pleasure while gesturing for us to take our place at the table. Loud and boisterous laughter erupts from around the table, and loud remarks of "Guinevere, take pity on the poor lad and make him yours already!" making me fidget in discomfort.

As we pass the elders, an elder claps a hand on Karalian's back, remarking within my earshot, "What did I tell you boy, you would be more settled once you have a capable mate by your side. Hurry and complete the mating ritual!"

To which Karalian cheekily reply, "Yes, Elder Varon, I agree whole-heartedly. She settles me like no other, but the lady still have reservations about me," with mock anguish. "I've tried all means, and have run out of options".

The elder turns to smile at me in amusement, remarking, "I can vouch for his character seeing as how I've watched over him since he was a boy. What do you think of him?"

Feigning a smile and pretending to misunderstand his meaning, "Karalian's great as Crown Prince. I'm sure he's this capable because of the elders' grooming," then I quickly bow, excusing us and pull Karalian with me in a hurry, urgent to get out of answering more awkward questions.

Karalian refuses to cooperate. Instead of matching his strides to my hurried steps, he walks slower. From the corner of my eye, I spot his hunched shoulders shuddering, as if smothering his laughter. You indelicate oaf! You did that on purpose to make me squirm! Taking my petty revenge, I subtly pinch him hard on his forearm where my hand is resting on.

His shoulders straighten, Karalian flinches imperceptibly and shoots me a quick wary peek before whispering, "What I said is the truth. You are very important to me. I've been trying my best to woo you but you don't seem to be relenting. Look how happy everyone is at seeing us together. Why don't you just give in and take me as mate?" as he escorts me to my seat.

If I wanted to mark you as mate, I would have done so that night. Stop getting others to pressure me, I mutter under my breath. Glaring daggers at him, I give him a warning look not to pursue that line of speech. Wisely changing the subject, he re-directs the topic of discussion among the elders and persuades the room to move on to other matters.

Throughout the dinner, he kept sending me hot looks while maintaining the flow of conversation around the table, deftly steering the topics.

Sitting next to me, his hand holds mine under the table. The covert touch both excites and calms me. I can only hope the furious blush on my face wouldn't appear obvious to everyone in the hall. His thumb gently caressing my fingers, it sends goosebumps spreading across my body as my pulse races and I find my breath hitching.

"Stop looking at me like a choice piece of meat!" I whisper in annoyance at Karalian. "Father's observing the both of us closely".

Unfortunately my warning falls on deaf ears. Karalian winks playfully and flashes a diabolical grin at me. Releasing my hand in his grasp, his hand splays wide on my exposed thigh uncovered by my skirt. Fingers lightly trace circles on my sensitive skin, making me shiver. Sensual heat from his fingers scorches me and I gasp inaudibly.