Gerard hadn’t known that. Had Elias? If he didn’t before, he knew now.

  Did Prince Elias wish he was betrothed to Duke Albert instead of him? Surely he must.

  Of course, Elias, who dressed in elaborate finery, sparkling jewels, and perfect make-up, wouldn’t want someone who looked like Gerard. Right now, the lightning prince wore white and pastel-purple robes with gold embroidery and a gold belt that cinched it together. His lips shone, and his eyelids shimmered. Gold sparkled in his ears. Around his throat amethysts and more gold glittered.

  This man was revolted by dull, scratchy robes. Surely Gerard must revolt him too. Naturally he would prefer Albert over Gerard. Even if Albert was a pathetic prat.

  Still, Gerard kept his gaze forward. He’d not engage. He’d teach Albert a lesson on the battlefield.

  The herald blew her trumpet. “We now have the final battle between Prince Gerard and Duke Albert. The winner will be the champion of the Tournament of Dragons.”

  Cries and cheers filled the air.

  “Prepare yourselves,” the herald yelled.

  Gerard took off his eye patch and robe, handing them to Elias without meeting his gaze. But he could see Elias looking over his body. Now Elias could see all Gerard’s scars up close. His skin felt flayed bare.

  Breathing heavily, Gerard stalked away.

  “Wait!” Elias called out when he’d taken a few steps.

  Gerard paused. He hesitated and then glanced back. Elias strode towards him. Gerard frowned.

  What’s he doing?

  The crowd quietened. All watched Elias, seeming just as curious as Gerard. As far as Gerard knew, none of the other partners had walked out onto the battlefield today.

  Elias paused by his side, forcing Gerard to turn and face him. As if Elias wanted everyone to see them in clear profile.

  Then Elias reached out. He took Gerard’s hands in his. “My dear dragon warrior,” he said, voice loud enough to carry to those by the field and perhaps even reach the first couple of rows in the grandstand.

  “You have fought valiantly today. I am proud to be your betrothed.” He squeezed Gerard’s hands.

  Gerard blinked. Elias’s proclamation clearly had been meant for the crowd. But was it also meant for him? Because it felt like Elias was trying to prove to both the onlookers and to him that he wanted to be Gerard’s husband.

  But he couldn’t want that! Could he?

  “But now I must ask you for a favour, as your future husband.” Elias took a long pause, as if knowing everyone was listening and wanted to hear what he would say next. “Win the Tournament of Dragons. Do it for me.”

  Elias smiled up at Gerard. No shame or sneer shadowed his expression. No disgust at being associated with him in public appeared on his face. Then Elias leaned up on his toes. He brushed his lips against Gerard’s. Right in front of everyone.

  Thunderous applause erupted from the crowds. He heard shouts of “Dragon Warrior” as he’d heard earlier in the day when he’d won. But then a new chant began, mixed with his own title, “Lightning Prince. Dragon Warrior. Lightning Prince.”

  Elias whispered in his ear, “Make him bleed. Make him hurt. Beat that fucker into the earth.” Then he pulled back and smiled, a sweet smile that contrasted with the bloodthirsty request. “Win for me.” His violet eyes twinkled.

  Gerard nodded, still unable to collect himself enough to speak.

  Elias’s smile widened. He turned and walked back, hips swinging. Albert, who’d been standing motionless, glowered, gaze darting between the two of them. Then he stomped forward.

  Elias veered towards him. Gerard frowned. He passed right next to Albert, and as Elias did so, he flicked his long white hair, hitting Albert right in the face. Otherwise, Elias didn’t acknowledge him at all.

  Albert’s face twisted in fury. “Hey!” he shouted after Elias.

  But Elias just kept walking.

  A surprised laugh burst from Gerard’s throat.

  That had been so petty. And Gerard loved it.

  Perhaps there really is more to Elias than I thought.

  Because that had been Elias defending Gerard. That had been him getting back at Albert for what he had said. Gerard had planned to defend himself in battle. But he appreciated and admired Elias’s method, perhaps even more than his own.

  Elias stopped beside Senta and turned to face Gerard. Senta beamed down at Elias.

  Chuckling, Gerard moved to the centre of the field, ready to fight and win. For Elias. And for himself. He wanted to teach Albert to shut his fucking mouth.

  “Ready?” the herald yelled when Gerard and Albert faced each other.

  “I am,” Gerard said.

  Albert scowled but nodded.

  “When I blow my trumpet, shift and fight.” She lifted the trumpet. She blew.

  Gerard shifted and launched himself into the air.

  Chapter

  Twenty-Three

  Gerard flapped his wings, angling towards his enemy.

  In dragon form, he knew his scars still clearly showed. But for some reason, he did not mind knowing that so many people gazed upon him, his scars and his unseeing white eye.

  After all, he was a dragon. A deadly, fire-breathing dragon. No one could look down on him. No one could pity him. They could only marvel and cower at his ferocity. He roared, and the air trembled.

  Gerard and Albert flew, circling the field, eyeing each other.

  Gerard knew Albert liked to play dirty. He was a clever and decent fighter. But he liked to win more than anything. If he needed to, he’d use little tricks to do so, like forcing the other out of bounds, like he’d done with Senta.

  A snivelling coward’s tactic.

  But Gerard would not fall for that.

  Meanwhile, Gerard was known for fighting with brute strength, meeting the other head-on without fucking around. That was how Gerard preferred to fight. But of course, he knew how to adapt.

  So now he took his time, flying in circles but never letting Albert out of sight of his eye for a second. Albert kept glancing at him, as if expecting Gerard to charge.

  But Gerard exhaled, wings flapping. They continued to circle each other.

  Suddenly Albert swung around. He charged as if unable to wait for Gerard any longer. But instead of meeting the attack straight on, Gerard dove beneath him.

  At the same time, he tucked in his wings and spun. He extended his legs and stretched out his claws. The sharp blades dragged along Albert’s under-belly, scales tearing. Red dripped from the wound. Then Gerard pulled back, swooped, and flew away.

  Elias’s words echoed in his head.

  “Make him bleed.”

  Albert turned towards him, snarling and bearing his fangs.

  Gerard didn’t hesitate for a single second. He flew straight at Albert. The dragon raised his claws, spreading his wings wide. He opened his jaws, preparing for the attack. But Gerard veered to the side, aiming straight at his wing. His claws latched on and tore the membrane. Albert bellowed.

  “Make him hurt.”

  Gerard didn’t give him a moment to recover. He pivoted and flew at Albert. Albert only had time to just turn towards him before Gerard smashed into him.

  Wings tangled. Gerard’s fangs sank into Albert’s neck. At the same time, his claws bit into scales. He felt Albert’s claws scratching at his torso, but Gerard ignored it as his own fangs and claws sank deeper.

  They plummeted towards the earth. Gerard released his claws and fangs and kicked back, shoving away from Albert and his grip. He flapped his wings as he rose.

  Albert swerved, just managing to pull up before hitting the ground.

  But Gerard wasn’t done. Angling his wings, he dove once again. He smashed into Albert, claws digging into his back.

  “Beat that fucker into the earth.”

  He drove the dragon down, and he hit the ground with a mighty thud. Gerard lifted his head and let out a victorious roar. Then he released Albert and took to the sky.

  He spun through the air. He breathed fire as the crowd cheered. He flew round and round above the onlookers, their energy at witnessing his triumph washing over him.

  On the field, Duke Albert, now in human form, walked away escorted by several healer doves. In the stands, people cheered. And there was Elias, clapping and gazing up at him, a smile on his face.

  “Win for me.”

  Gerard dove and landed in the middle of the field. He tucked in his wings. He shifted. Now a human, he crouched on the ground. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, settling into this form once again. He stood and rose to his full height.

  Elias sprinted towards him.

  “My champion,” Elias said when he got close enough.

  At present, no one else saw Elias’s face or could hear him speak. In the middle of the field, they were too far from the crowds. So that meant the words, Elias’s smile, and the pride glinting in his eyes, they were all for Gerard.

  Gerard’s throat clenched.

  Elias held Gerard’s belongings in his hands. But that didn’t stop him from wrapping his arms around Gerard’s neck and pulling himself up to kiss Gerard. But this time it was not a quick brushing of lips.

  Elias’s mouth opened and moved against his own. Gerard gripped Elias’s slender waist and returned the kiss. The arms around his neck tightened.

  All around, he heard the chants “Dragon Warrior” and “Lightning Prince.”

  And with Elias in his arms, kissing him after his victory, Gerard felt like he was still soaring in the sky, a dragon, mighty and revered. He’d not felt like that in his human form since he’d faced that archmage two years ago.

  When the kiss broke, Gerard noticed grime on Elias’s robes. “Shit. I’m sorry.” He wiped at the bloodstains. But it just smeared it into the fabric.

  Gerard tried to step away. Dirt, sweat, smoke, and blood covered his naked body.

  But Elias’s grip around his neck remained firm. He raised a single elegant brow. “I don’t mind you getting me a little dirty.”

  And once again, Elias had robbed Gerard of speech.

  Then Elias kissed him once more. So what need had Gerard for talking?

  “Excellent work, brother!” Konrad called out as he, Luther, Senta, Onyx, and Juniper approached.

  Elias broke the kiss and handed Gerard his robes. Gerard tugged them on. Then he put on his eye patch.

  Elias had seen him completely naked. Everything had been on display. He’d not seemed horrified by Gerard’s appearance. Not even a little displeased.

  Hopefully his siblings did not notice Gerard’s cock had started to perk up. But Elias had been kissing him and plastered against him a moment before. He couldn’t be blamed for his reaction to the lightning prince.

  “You beat Albert! Hopefully that will teach him to shut the fuck up.” Senta laughed.

  Juniper smiled. “You did very well.”

  Gerard inclined his head. “Thank you.”

  The king and queen consort strode towards them, surrounded by Draconian guards.

  “Well done. You have brought glory to the family and Draconia, Gerard,” King Alaric said.

  “Thank you, Father.” Gerard inclined his head.

  More and more nobles, dignitaries, and monks from the grandstand, as well as the other contestants, came onto the field.

  Senta leaned towards Gerard when they had a moment by themselves. “I’ve come to a conclusion.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Your future husband might be a bit of a fool and a fop. But there are worse traits to have.” She glanced at Elias, who stood speaking with Juniper. “All in all, I don’t think he is as bad as I originally thought.”

  Gerard smiled. “I agree.” And for the first time, Gerard found himself wanting to spend some more time with his husband-to-be.

  But that would have to wait. Because the other royal leaders of the differing kingdoms approached and congratulated him.

  “An excellent battle, Prince Gerard,” Queen Azalea Rosewood said.

  “I have never seen a dragon battle before.” Emperor Hugo clapped. “I could barely breathe. It was so exciting!” Then he lowered his voice. “I was cheering for you the most!”

  “Congratulations, Prince Gerard,” Empress Emmeline said.

  He bowed and thanked them all. And finally, when they departed, he looked around.

  He frowned. He couldn’t see Elias anywhere.

  Where did he go?

  Chapter

  Twenty-Four

  Gerard adjusted his eye patch. He walked back to his tent, but as he did, he kept glancing around, looking for Elias.

  Why had he left? Why had he not spoken to Gerard before he had? He’d thought … well, he’d thought that after such a public display, Elias would wait around for him.

  But perhaps that performance had just been for the crowds?

  Gerard grimaced. He’d known it had been for the benefit of the onlookers. But Gerard had thought some of that display had been for Gerard too.

  Guess I was wrong.

  Luther and Onyx walked to Luther’s tent, disappearing inside. Lord Morton and Prince Ash held hands as they entered Lord Morton’s tent.

  Meanwhile Gerard walked alone.

  The guards on duty outside Gerard’s tent chatted softly as he approached. One of them chuckled. Then they saw him. Their faces smoothed, and they stood ramrod straight.

  Gerard nodded to them as he entered. He collapsed into a wooden chair. He reached for the carafe of wine on a small side table.

  He froze.

  Two goblets sat on the table beside him. One for him. One for a guest. But Gerard had not drunk a drop of wine before his battles. Nor had he hosted any guests in his tent.

  But one goblet clearly had wine in it, and it had been half drunk.

  His gaze skittered around. He spotted bare feet behind the wooden dressing screen.

  He lunged for his dagger in the scabbard that lay propped against the chair. The feet moved beneath the screen. Gerard unsheathed his dagger and jumped to his feet.

  The person came out from behind the screen. And smiled.

  “Elias!”

  “As you see.” Elias’s gaze darted towards the dagger. He raised a thin white brow.

  Collapsing back into the chair, Gerard replaced the dagger and put the scabbard back.

  “Did I startle you, Dragon Warrior?” Elias asked, voice soft and lyrical.

  He still wore the same robes as before. But he’d removed the gold belt that cinched it and held the robes closed. That meant the robe hung open slightly, revealing his lithe chest.

  He’d removed his necklace too. Gerard’s gaze settled on the pale neck and collarbone.

  “What are you doing here?” Gerard asked, voice husky.

  Elias tilted his head. “In Voltaria, in days gone by, when we had tournaments between the greatest lightning sorcerers, the winner would be granted a prize.”

  Elias walked until he stood in front of Gerard, so close Gerard could reach out and touch him. Elias slid a hand down the inside of his white-and-purple robes, tugging them slightly, revealing more of that glorious skin.

  Gerard’s throat dried. His cock began to fill beneath the robe he wore. He cleared his throat. “What prize?”

  “It was common for a prince or princess to offer the champion their favours for an afternoon, an evening, or even a whole night if the champion was particularly impressive.”

  “A prince or princess would do that?” Draconia had similar customs. But it would never be a prince or princess who granted such favours! That would be considered beyond scandalous.

  Elias shrugged. The movement caused the robe to fall off one shoulder. Gerard’s gaze followed the movement as more of Elias was revealed.

  “Well, we Voltarian royalty can be a bit slutty when presented with those who demonstrate immense power and strength,” Elias said.

  Surprised laughter burst from Gerard’s lips.

  Elias smiled, a wicked, playful thing. “In fact, I believe many princes and princesses argued over who would get to service the champion. Luckily for me I don’t have to fight anyone for you.”

  Gerard opened his mouth, about to say that no one would fight Elias for him. But then Elias slid a hand down the centre of his hairless chest, and Gerard decided he did not need to speak.

  “Now do you want your prize, Dragon Warrior?”

  Gerard nodded.

  Elias opened his robe completely but didn’t remove it. He wore nothing underneath. His half-hard cock hung between his thighs. Not a single hair remained on his body. He was all smooth skin.

  Except he wasn’t.

  Gerard frowned. Because Elias’s entire left leg was scarred. From his foot to his thigh. The skin was raised and varied in colour. It appeared very different from Gerard’s own scars. But it clearly had been a hell of an injury.

  “What? Do you think you’re the only one with scars, Dragon Warrior?” Elias asked as if completely unbothered by them.

  “How did it happen?”

  Elias puffed up his chest and lifted his chin. “It was in a mighty battle during the war with a terrifying dragon. I almost died!”

  Gerard’s mouth fell open. Confused, he flicked his gaze from the leg to Elias’s face.

  Then Elias laughed again, shaking his head, causing his hair to move around his shoulders. “It was a carriage accident. Quite bad actually. But it doesn’t hurt or bother me anymore. Not since it healed.”

  He slid his hand down over the scars, not at all bothered that Gerard seemed curious. “But the healers knew their work. The skin can still feel a little tight. I moisturise and do certain exercises.”

  “Yes.” Gerard had not been particularly good initially when he’d been told to moisturise and exercise to stretch the skin. The healer had had words with him. But he was better at it now. Still, he never liked touching his scars. Or looking at them.

  But Elias clearly didn’t have that problem.

  “Now, where were we.” Elias dropped to his knees before Gerard. He reached for the sash and tugged. He lifted his hands to Gerard’s robe and began to push it open. Gerard tensed as the scars on his torso were revealed.