Page 58 of Dewpoint
More importantly? It worked. The high priest was out. Tossed out and disgraced out. People were disgusted to learn he’d slept with Elira and was allowing that to influence how he treated me.
Especiallyafter my lover cheated with her. Someone caught the high priest ranting that it was my fault Kole seducedhis Eliraand she was whisked off to Applerest away from him.
Yeah, it was like that. Honestly, when that was reported I agreed with Myriam that we needed popcorn. The audio was even better and I asked for wine and snacks. It was glorious given everything else that had been going on and I was truly indebted to Joris.
He was just happy I wasn’t upset and glad I believed him that he really just wanted to help. He was serious that he wanted to make it clear to the rest of the candidates that this was where the bar was set for anyone who wanted to be my mate.
And from the annoyance I was sensing from Ayao… That message had been received. Across the board probably.
This is going to finally be amusing instead of distressing.
Both my dragons snorted. We were never that lucky but… Fine, some moments of amusement.
“I see it as a win for Thovudin and what’s best for the temples,” I said when he didn’t say more and obviously wanted a response out of me.
Ayao was less than thrilled with the one he got.
Oh no, I gave several fucks about that.
He ran his tongue over his teeth and it drew my attention to his lips. Ihatedthat I was attracted to him, but honestly any woman with a pulse would be. He was a spirit dragon, which meant he had attractive pear green streaks in his hair, but his eyes basically matched, which was a stunning combination.
Stunning.
And he knew it. He played it up, gelling his hair so the streaks stood out more and—he knew it. He was a larger, built dragon and he would have no problem getting attention.
“Of course,” he said with a fake smile. “The situation with the former police chief is also to the benefit of Thovudin. It’s been beneficial to you as well—the new friendship with Jade Creek.”
I raised an eyebrow at that. “Your uncle too given the hot water he was in after being busted for lying about what happened. His sexism and more.”
“Yes, of course but—”
“Don’t start this way,” I sighed, trying to curb my annoyance, but I enjoyed when shock filled his eyes.
He was good and curbed it fast, but I saw it. “I don’t know what you mean, Your Majesty.”
“You do, Ayao. You know exactly what you’re doing and I’m—we were raised to play these games. I get it since our families aren’t friends, but I’m annoyed you think so little of me that you assume you’dwin. That’s—this is to see if we’re compatible to be mates. Joris and I just talked and about what put us in the same room. That neither ofusput us in that room.”
I called that correctly because he flinched.
He let out a slow breath and reached for the potatoes, checking if I wanted any before serving himself.
“At least he has that level of basic manners,”Iris drawled in my mind and it was hard not to snort.
Yeah, that basic.
“You’re right that I don’t want to be here and it’s not because of you,” he said finally. He took a large bite and chewed before shaking his head. “Actually, no, I do want to be here. You’re my best option.” He snorted. “Way better than the people I’m being pushed to be mated off to like a fucking stud horse.”
“I’m sorry. That’s horrible. Speaking as the broodmare they talked about like a whore and the child I’d bear being all that matters—I’m sorry.”
He relaxed more and gave me a pitying look. “Mother laid into Uncle. So did his mate. They—the females of the family were up in arms when the reports came out. Especially after he doubled down. They might not say it publicly because of the flak they’ll get, but know that Uncle is still sleeping in a guest room. Probably. I know he was.”
That actually did make me feel better. I’d felt so alone and unsupported. I decided to give him an inch. “Thank them for me.” I nodded when he seemed surprised. “Truly. I don’t blame them for not saying it publicly. Even other women have been so vicious but—thank them.”
“I will.” He waited until we took a few more bites of food. “I’d like us to mate but in name only. The alliance with Jade Creek would benefit you and I would stay out of your way. Send me on errands wherever like your dad sent Fraser to help and that way I’d have my freedom.”
I almost dropped my fork when his meaning sank in.
It still made my brain short circuit, and I simply blinked at him for much longer than was polite.
