Forbidden Craving(80)

Curiosity got the better of him. "And what are those two things?"

"Release my men and leave the palace. Within the hour. If you refuse, we war."

Valerian laughed with genuine amusement. "Not war. Anything but war."

The nymphs laughed with him.

Smoke wafted from the dragon king's nostrils. "You have no idea what the Guardian of the Portal is required to do with the surface dwellers."

"You're wrong. I know. The guardian is to slay all humans."

"And yet you've allowed a human to sneak into Atlantis. He captured our Jewel of Dunamis."

Yes. Valerian knew the jewel had gone missing.

His friend Layel, king of the vampires, was out searching. Valerian had sent a handful of his troops to scour the land, as well. If the human was out there and did have the jewel, the two would be found. The one who possessed the jewel, legend claimed, possessed the ultimate power.

"I choose war," he announced.

"Do you know what happens when humans learn of Atlantis, Valerian? They tell others, and soon armies are marching through our land, destroying it-and us."

"Not if you keep those humans."

Darius pointed the sword in his direction. "How many other humans have you allowed to come through?"

"I wouldn't call them humans. I would call them mine."

The dragon king's eyes glinted with fury. "You are a fool." 

A chorus of hissing rose from the crowd of nymphs.

Darius's insult lacked any kind of sting. Being with Shaye was the smartest thing Valerian had ever done.

"One day in the future, when you look back and think about the life you led, you will realize this was the day you welcomed destruction," the dragon king said. "I will reclaim the palace, and I will take charge of the humans you hold."

Take charge...meaning slay?

He dares threaten my woman? "Try," Valerian said, his jaw clenched, "and I will kill you myself. The portal and everyone who has come through it belong to me. They are mine," he reiterated.

Smoke wafted from the entire dragon army.

Darius regarded him with a strange mix of curiosity and fury. "The rumors are true. You found your mate. A human from the surface."

"Since the dawn of time, nymphs have traveled from one kingdom to the other, living with one race or another, sleeping in their beds, eating their food." His voice rose with his ferocity. "We were good only for pleasure and war. Our women-all of our women-deserve a home of their own."

"As to that-" Darius's lips curled in an arrogant smile "-I have your women."

Crackles of fury ignited inside him. "What did you say?"

"Your nymphs were on their way to the palace, and we captured them."

"If you've hurt them..."

"No. They are safe."

"I...thank you," he allowed. What Valerian really wanted to do was beat the dragon king until his blood flowed, a river of pain. Those women were his responsibility.

"I know your men weaken without sex. The only reason I've allowed you to stay in my palace this week. Are you sure you want to challenge me this day?"

He flashed his teeth in a scowl. "Worry about yourselves. We are plenty strong. You'll soon see."

The dragon released another growl, no longer quite so smug. "Then I suggest a battle of sword skill-between you and me."

Another challenge. One that would save his men from battle. Very well. "Agreed."

"Shall we meet on the battlefield in the morning?"

"Why wait?" He didn't like the thought of Shaye locked away any longer than necessary. He wanted this over and done as quickly as possible. "We can settle this here and now."

"Agreed." Darius grinned, his sharp teeth gleaming. Unlike the others, he wore no armor. "Winner takes the palace and everything inside."

"Winner takes the palace, nothing more, nothing less."

"But my king," Broderick said, sidling up to him and speaking in a low, whispering tone. "You haven't-"

"Worry not, my friend. I will prevail." He always did.

Broderick remained unconvinced. "At least go to Shaye. Take your pleasure. She would hate for you to go down there while-"

"Silence." He held up his hand. He wouldn't have Shaye's first time be nothing more than a quick tumble meant to strengthen him.




 

 

No, their first time would be slow and tender. She would be crazed with desire for him, and he would show her the most pleasurable place on her body...then introduce her to his.

"I'll be down shortly, Darius," he called.

The dragon king nodded.

Valerian turned to Broderick and the other men even now circling him.

"This could be a trap." Joachim clutched his sword hilt. "Once you go down, they could close in on you and kill you. That's what I would do."