“As such, we do not feel safe here.” Gerard paused. “There has already been an attack on the king and the queen consort here at the White Monastery.”

  “Since then we have doubled the number of warrior monks in the upper monastery,” the grand shield said.

  Gerard nodded. “And we appreciate that. Still, it is my responsibility to protect all Draconians here. At present, I am uncertain if it is wise for King Alaric and the queen consort to remain at the White Monastery if I cannot ensure their total safety. If they leave that could cause complications for the peace treaty.”

  Gerard paused, letting the words sink in. It was a low blow. Creating this peace treaty meant everything to the monks.

  After several moments, Gerard spoke, “How about we increase the numbers by half of what I suggested?”

  Her lips puckered.

  “We will not have them randomly roaming the White Monastery. As we agreed upon previously, they will just be in the upper monastery and just around or within the quarters from those from Draconia. The only thing that is new is that we will also have guards escorting and protecting certain individuals when they leave their quarters.”

  Honestly, Gerard would like his guards protecting every entrance and every passageway, and patrolling every corner of the White Monastery, the upper, middle, lower, and outer sections. But he knew better than to push that hard.

  After all, that would end up looking like a Draconian invasion. And considering the war had been started by such an event, he thought it best to avoid that. The other kingdoms would almost definitely take offence if Draconian guards started roaming every inch of the White Monastery, especially near their quarters.

  The grand shield’s hazel eyes narrowed. For several moments she didn’t speak. Finally she nodded. “All right.”

  “Thank you,” Gerard said.

  They discussed and debated for a few more minutes. But finally the meeting drew to an end with everyone somewhat satisfied and somewhat dissatisfied. The grand shield departed. Two warrior doves followed her out.

  “That was a dirty trick, suggesting the peace treaty might not be completed if she didn’t approve more Draconian guards,” Senta said.

  Gerard stood and stretched his neck. “I know. Especially because Father isn’t leaving this monastery without a completed peace treaty. But needs must.”

  Senta collected the papers on the table. “We need to head off soon if we’re going to fly and dine with the grand dragon warrior tonight.”

  Their aunt, the current grand dragon warrior, wanted to have a meeting with him and Senta, so she had requested that they come and dine with her in Draconia.

  Even though it was Gerard, with Senta’s assistance, who was in charge of security at the peace assembly, the grand dragon warrior wanted regular updates. At least they could report that they’d gotten the grand shield to agree to an increase in Draconian guards. They’d also need to discuss transporting them from Draconia to the White Monastery in the coming days.

  A knock sounded on the door.

  “Enter,” Senta called out.

  A servant in Draconian livery came forward. “A letter arrived for you, Your Highnesses.”

  “Thank you.” Senta took the letter.

  The servant bowed and left.

  She glanced at the scrawl on the front. “It’s from the grand dragon warrior.” She broke the seal and opened the letter. Her eyes scanned the writing. “Well, looks like we are not flying off to Draconia tonight.”

  “No?”

  Her brows furrowed. “Apparently something has come up that she needs to deal with urgently. She requests us to come tomorrow and to write if we cannot.”

  Gerard thought for a moment. “Tomorrow works for me.”

  “Me too. So we are free tonight.” She grinned. “I know what I’m going to do.” She strolled towards the door.

  His lip tugged into a smile. “What’s that?” he asked, although he could guess.

  “My wife.” She waggled her brows. “Did you know she can make vines grow? It can be very fun.”

  Gerard chuckled. “I will ask no more questions and just wish you an enjoyable evening.”

  She laughed. “You too! Enjoy your time with Elias.”

  “I will.”

  As long as Elias had finished with Colette. That morning, Elias had said he’d plan to spend the day educating Colette. But surely he would be done by now. How much was there for Elias to teach her about the ways of court?

  Although, honestly, Gerard wasn’t too sure exactly what that entailed.

  He strode down the corridor. He passed servants and warrior doves on duty.

  “Just fuck off and leave me be!” a female voice yelled, echoing down the corridor.

  Chapter

  Forty-Seven

  Gerard broke into a run. Warrior doves ahead of him did the same.

  “You’re a traitor and deserve to be executed!” a deep voice shouted.

  Three nobles stood together in the middle of the corridor. Straight away, he recognised Warden Jade Obsidian of the Grey Mountains.

  Her cheeks burned bright red. Her hands clenched into fists by her sides. She bared her teeth. “You don’t know a fucking thing!”

  “I know you were in on it with your father. I know you were plotting with him,” Lord Cedar from Botanial yelled at Warden Jade. Gerard had met the older man only briefly. He’d been very composed then. Now his face burned so red it looked like he might explode.

  “I saw how often you worked together. You were always doing his bidding!” Lord Cedar sneered. “You wanted to rule one day! Just admit it!”

  “That’s why you and your father wanted to murder the grand warden and Warden Onyx!” the other noble, Lord Cedar’s older son, yelled.

  “You are fools! You are all fucking fools!” Warden Jade’s shaky voice echoed down the corridors. And for a second, Gerard thought she might cry. She took a step towards them.

  But the warrior doves stepped in between the nobles.

  “That’s enough!” a warrior monk shouted.

  The two lords turned, led away by the warrior monks.

  Another warrior monk stood by Warden Jade. But she stayed where she stood, hands still balled into fists, body shaking.

  Gerard approached her. “Warden Jade.”

  She rounded on him.

  Gerard lifted his hands in a conciliatory motion. “I am not going to accuse you of anything. But come. Best to return to your quarters. I’ll escort you.”

  For several seconds she glared up at him. Then she gave a sharp nod. The warrior dove watched them depart.

  They walked in the direction of the Grey Mountain quarters. He was glad she did not object to him escorting her. After all, she did not need him to come with her.

  But this gave him an opportunity to study her. He’d never really spoken to her properly before. And she was someone he was having closely watched.

  “Are you all right?” Gerard asked.

  “I am fine.”

  Honestly, Gerard didn’t think she’d plotted with Warden Flint. But she had been the closest person to him. It would be negligent of Gerard to not keep an eye on her until he was completely certain she’d not been plotting with her father.

  Her hands clenched and unclenched as she walked. Her jaw ticked. The red flush stained her cheeks and throat.

  But what was her anger for? For being accused of something she’d not done? Or for her and Warden Flint’s plan having failed? As they walked, they passed other nobles and dignitaries. Many watched Warden Jade. Some whispered.

  Her shoulders tensed. But she kept her head high.

  Gerard’s lungs constricted. He knew what it was like to have whispers following you. To have people looking at you, judging you. To feel like you could never go anywhere without everyone dissecting you.

  Then he frowned. Because in the past few weeks, there’d been less whispers and looks coming his way.

  Why?

  Is it because of Elias?

  Every day Elias walked beside him, looking at him, touching him, kissing him, and holding his hand in public. He stood beside Gerard, not ashamed to be married to him. He even regularly showed how attracted he was to Gerard.

  And he acted like there was nothing disdainful about Gerard’s appearance. Did that influence how others regarded Gerard?

  They neared the quarters provided for the royal family of the Grey Mountains.

  Gerard stopped and faced Warden Jade. “Can I ask you something?”

  Warden Jade crossed her arms. “Depends on what you are asking.”

  “I know you did not work with your father,” Gerard said, which was mostly true. He didn’t think she’d plotted with Warden Flint. But he was still not willing to rule her out completely. “But can you think of anyone he might have been working with? Was there anyone in particular he was corresponding with?”

  She threw her hands into the air. “He corresponded with lots of people! He’d taken over running the kingdom!” Her voice rose swiftly. “Every day he’d receive a pile of correspondence! How was I meant to know who he was plotting with?”

  “I’m sorry, Warden Jade. I did not mean to offend.”

  “Why can’t everyone just leave me alone? Why can’t people stop accusing me?” Her voice broke. She glared down the corridor, back the way they’d come. “Everyone here just won’t leave me be. Everyone is always hounding me. Always accusing me of things I didn’t do!”

  Her eyes glistened. “I hate it. I hate them. I hate everyone here! I just want everyone to leave me alone.” Then she strode away.

  Gerard did not follow her.

  He pressed his lips together. He probably could have handled that better. It was clear she struggled with the current pressure and the scrutiny she faced. He didn’t blame her.

  Gerard turned and walked in the direction of his quarters.

  Shadow Prince Wraith strolled towards him down the corridor. His limbs moved fluidly. He wore a black headpiece with black metal shards that pointed outwards. Long black robes swished over the floor. His footsteps made no sound.

  What is he doing here?

  The necromancers’ quarters were not close by. And unlike individuals from the other kingdoms, those from Necros did not tend to leave their quarters often. In fact, he rarely saw anyone from Necros outside of the official events.

  Gerard stopped. He inclined his head. “Good evening, Shadow Prince Wraith.”

  But Shadow Prince Wraith just kept walking. He didn’t pause, slow down, look, or acknowledge Gerard in any way. He just kept floating down the corridor.

  Gerard stared after him, mouth ajar. Well that was fucking rude!

  Perhaps Shadow Prince Wraith was ignoring Gerard to prove some point. Maybe it was a dig at Konrad, since he’d been so against marrying the shadow prince. Or perhaps Shadow Prince Wraith thought himself too good to stop and speak for half a second to Gerard.

  Gerard had no idea. His lip curled. Whatever his reason, it was bloody offensive.

  He started to turn. He gasped and jumped.

  A hellhound, whose form appeared to be half-smoke, half-solid brushed past Gerard. The creature followed the shadow prince. It moved just as silently as its owner. The hellhound turned towards Gerard. Empty eyes gazed straight into him.

  Gerard shivered and stepped back.

  Once they’d turned a corner, Gerard let out a breath, his muscles unwinding.

  “I’m glad I married Elias instead of him,” Gerard muttered.

  Soon, Shadow Prince Wraith’s betrothal to Konrad would be announced, now that all the other seven weddings had been completed. Prince Beau and Albert’s nuptials had taken place a couple of days before, and they were the last couple before Konrad and Shadow Prince Wraith to be married.

  Letting out a breath, Gerard continued down the corridor. He took long strides, eager to be with Elias.

  Fire and fucking flames! His jaw clenched.

  Because the newly married couple, Prince Beau and Gerard’s cousin Albert, headed straight in his direction.

  Chapter

  Forty-Eight

  Gerard lengthened his strides, hoping he could pass Duke Albert and Prince Beau without having to stop and converse with them. He’d nod as he passed. Say good evening. And only slow his gait enough to not appear rude.

  After all, he did not want to act like Shadow Prince Wraith.

  Albert and Prince Beau leaned towards each other, whispering and smiling. It seemed they were getting along. Then Albert turned towards Gerard. His face lit up.

  Gerard’s eye narrowed. Why would he be pleased to see me?

  “Prince Gerard.” Albert stopped and bowed.

  Taking a deep breath, Gerard paused. “Good evening, Prince Beau. Good evening, Albert.”

  “Good evening, Prince Gerard,” Prince Beau said.

  Albert took a step towards Gerard. “I’ve actually been wanting to talk to you, Cousin. I wanted to apologise for any offence that I may have caused you recently.”

  Gerard inclined his head in acknowledgement but otherwise said nothing.

  “As I’m sure you can understand, it has been a stressful period as we negotiate this peace treaty.” Albert smiled at Prince Beau, taking his hand. “But it has worked out well for me. I now have a beautiful husband.”

  Then Albert looked at Gerard. “And it has worked out well for you too. You are married to Prince Elias, a renowned beauty.”

  Gerard didn’t respond. Albert was building to something. He could feel it in his blood.

  Then Albert’s brows furrowed. He placed a hand over his heart. “But, as your cousin, I feel it is my duty to tell you something …” He glanced at Prince Beau. “But perhaps I should not.” He pursed his lips.

  Gerard huffed. “If you have something to say, then say it or stay silent.” He might respect the grand dragon warrior enough to tolerate her son, Albert. But that tolerance only went so far.

  “Well,” Albert said, lowering his voice, “Beau informed me of some of the things Prince Elias has said about you. It seems he may not be so pleased with you as you are with him.”

  Gerard’s gaze fixed on Prince Beau.

  Elias said that his half-brother does not like him. He cannot be trusted.

  Gerard did not ask what things Elias said. He would not rise to the bait. He looked away and took a step forward.

  “He said your face was vile,” Prince Beau said, voice smooth like honey.

  But the words pierced Gerard like a spear to the gut.

  “And he said that your appearance was repulsive. Vile and repulsive, those were the words he used to describe you, Prince Gerard. He said he couldn’t stomach being married to someone with a face like yours. He called you the dragon wretch.”

  Gerard’s lungs constricted. No.

  Elias would not have said that. Not Elias, who looked at him without a shred of disgust. Not Elias, who touched him and made love to him like Gerard was someone to be desired.

  Elias would not say such cruel things about him. Others might. But never Elias.

  “I am sorry to have to report this to you, Prince Gerard.” Prince Beau’s face twisted into an expression of sympathy. “It gives me no pleasure whatsoever. But I have always believed that honesty above all else was an important virtue. I always strive to be honest. Even when it hurts to hear.” He reached out to touch Gerard’s arm.

  But Gerard stepped back. “And I have always believed it important to know when to hold one’s tongue,” he said.

  Prince Beau inhaled, drawing back slightly. “I apologise if I offended.” He looked Gerard up and down. “I can see that my brother’s words have struck a nerve. How could they not? Learning your husband is sickened by the sight of you must be hard to hear.”

  Gerard gritted his teeth.

  “But if my husband spoke of me in such a manner, I’d want to know.” Prince Beau shook his head. “Elias has always been two-faced. And as his brother, I feel responsible for him. My warning was kindly meant.”

  Gerard’s lip curled. “I’m sure.” Then he strode off. He did not wish to hear any more poison drip from Prince Beau’s lips.

  It isn’t true.

  That was all there was to it. Gerard didn’t believe it for a second. He’d heard what Elias had said about Empress Emmeline. She was a liar. No doubt her son was the same. And Gerard knew Elias did not get along with Prince Beau.

  It is just some ploy. Something cooked up by Prince Beau and Albert to get at me. And probably get at Elias too.

  He tried to unclench his jaw and release the tension that had wound tight in his neck.

  In a few moments, he’d see Elias and speak to him. He’d recount what Albert and Prince Beau had said. No accusation. He did not believe Elias would say such horrid things. He’d just simply recount what they’d told him.

  Elias would say something flippant and dismissive. He’d laugh. Then he’d touch Gerard, gaze into his eyes, and tell him that it was all lies. He’d kiss Gerard and hold him and make Gerard feel desirable. And Gerard would know that, even though the rest of the world might see him as vile and repulsive, Elias did not.

  Gerard exhaled, the tension draining from his neck.

  Elias would not lie.

  He stumbled. Because of course Elias had lied. He lied to everyone. He’d told Gerard that he lied constantly. It came easily to him. So easily that he struggled to be honest.

  Gerard shook his head. But that didn’t mean he lied to Gerard. Not about something like this. Elias had told Gerard that he wanted to be honest with him. He wanted to open up to him. He wanted them to have a proper relationship. Something true.

  He would not have called my face vile and repulsive. He would not have called me the dragon wretch.

  Not the man who lay naked beside him with his head resting on Gerard’s bared scarred chest, hand absently stroking his torso, not reacting to the uneven skin he touched. Not the man who kissed him and fucked him with so much passion that it undid Gerard.

  He just needed to talk to Elias and be with him. Then everything would be all right. Then everything would be fine.