“Well, he needs to ensure the bloodline continues.”

  “The fucking bloodline! You’d think he didn’t have an army of children already.”

  “When I am properly introduced to Lady Juniper, should I offer her my seed, do you think?” Gerard asked.

  She slapped his arm. “Don’t you dare!” She wiped tears from her eyes. “Fire and flames! I can’t believe Father.”

  Slowly their laughter died away.

  Gerard smiled at his sister. “I’m happy for you. I know you like her.”

  “Lady Juniper is charming. And beautiful. And smart. You’ll see when you meet her properly.” She sighed. “Apparently she was quite a threat to us during the war too.”

  “A dangerous, beautiful woman. Exactly your type.”

  Senta grinned. Then it dimmed. “And your marriage …” Her voice trailed off. “At least you find him attractive.”

  “Yes.” A silence followed, as if neither of them could find anything else positive to say about Prince Elias.

  “And Luther has come around regarding Onyx. They are getting along. Now they’re off on a trip to Draconia together.” She placed a hand on his arm and squeezed. “So perhaps you and Prince Elias could find a way to be happy too.”

  “Maybe.” But Gerard didn’t think that was a possibility. They had nothing in common. They were completely different in character, temperament, and level of attractiveness.

  What could they possibly bond over?

  Chapter

  Sixteen

  “Please come join me, Your Royal Highnesses.”

  Elias and Prince Gerard strode towards the front of the banquet hall where the grand monk stood.

  Elias watched Prince Gerard. However, Prince Gerard only glanced briefly at Elias, inclining his head respectfully, and then looked at Grand Monk Ferdinand.

  They stood side by side in front of the grand monk. Prince Gerard did not look at Elias again. He kept his head high, chin lifted, and neck turned, gaze forward on the grand monk.

  It’s fine. You knew he didn’t like you. You didn’t arrange this marriage because you thought you’d be happy together. You did it because you didn’t want Beau marrying him.

  And even if Prince Gerard despised him for the rest of their lives, he found he didn’t regret his interference. It wasn’t like Elias expected happiness or love in a marriage. He’d known this was a political arrangement. Like he’d said to Colette previously, he’d not expected to even get along with his spouse.

  But it would have been nice if Prince Gerard could tolerate Elias. Or like him, even. If he knew the true me, he might.

  Elias almost rolled his eyes at the ridiculous thoughts. Then what will you do? Tell him how you almost killed him! Reveal all your sacred secrets?

  However, perhaps Elias could charm Prince Gerard. Elias could be charming. If he acted more likeable and less silly and frivolous, maybe Prince Gerard would dislike him less. That would make the marriage more tolerable.

  The grand monk bowed his shaved head. “Your Highnesses. Please clasp hands with each other.”

  Elias held out his hand. Prince Gerard’s warm hand engulfed Elias’s, so much bigger than his own.

  How would his touch feel on Elias’s body?

  The wedding was a while away. Would Elias have to wait until the wedding night to have sex with Prince Gerard? Or would Prince Gerard be open to fooling around beforehand? Considering the fact that Prince Gerard kept his gaze on their joined hands and wouldn’t meet Elias’s, he doubted it.

  But maybe Elias could tempt him. Elias could be very tempting when he set his mind to it.

  “In approximately one month, these two individuals representing the Kingdom of Draconia and the combined Kingdoms of Zephyrias and Voltaria will marry,” the grand monk said to the crowded banquet hall. “They will marry here in the White Monastery, binding themselves in a sacred covenant.”

  Elias took a step forward, trying to catch Prince Gerard’s eye. But the man now stared at the grand monk again. Elias pursed his lips.

  Would he rather marry the grand monk than me?

  The grand monk smiled. “Their marriage will be one of the eight marriages that will seal the peace treaty, which will herald a time of happiness and prosperity amongst the six noble kingdoms. And of course we hope for a joyous union between these two honourable princes.”

  Not if my future husband won’t even fucking look at me!

  Elias stopped himself from pouting.

  Even if he doesn’t like me, it’s no big deal. He glanced back at the table where his family sat. His father beamed. He clasped the empress’s hand. The empress stared blankly at Elias.

  Elias turned back to the grand monk. It was better to be in a marriage where you couldn’t stand each other, than be in love with someone who manipulated you, hated your child, and made you into a fool.

  “We the Monks of the Way of the Dove are proud and honoured to assist in the continuation of peace. That is what we have vowed and dedicated our lives to.”

  Elias had heard variants of this same speech before. In fact, a couple of days ago, the grand monk had announced the betrothal between Beau and Duke Albert Drachen. Then yesterday he’d announced the betrothal between Princess Senta and Lady Juniper.

  Elias wasn’t sure why he hadn’t announced the betrothals all on the same day. Perhaps he did that to give them the appearance of being special, rather than a list of marriages that had to be completed to seal the peace treaty. He knew they were taking some efforts to space out the weddings. Perhaps it was for the same reason.

  “In the coming weeks, they will go through a courtship period, which will include balls, quests, tournaments, and banquets. They will allow the couple to get to know each other.” The grand monk’s grey eyes gleamed as he spoke.

  Despite how he’d given the same speeches over and over, the grand monk’s enthusiasm did not flag. But then, the grand monk did have the most powerful individuals from the six kingdoms listening to him. So perhaps that helped.

  Elias regularly gave money to the Monks of the Way of the Dove. If not for the Voltarian healer who’d been accompanying them, Elias would be dead. That healer had trained at the Dove Healing Academy at the White Monastery.

  And in general, the monks did good work. Not only training healers but also taking in refugees of war. And of course, they also tried very hard to achieve peace between any warring nations.

  The grand monk’s speech came to an end.

  Elias turned towards his future spouse, ready to try to charm him. But before he could get a word in, the grand monk spoke, “Congratulations to you both. May you have many happy years together, Prince Elias and Prince Gerard.”

  “Thank you, Grand Monk.” Prince Gerard inclined his head.

  “Yes. Thank you,” Elias said.

  “And thank you for all your endless work negotiating the details of this peace treaty,” Prince Gerard added.

  The grand monk chuckled. “There are many challenges involved. But I take it as a true honour, a true honour indeed, that I can help such noble kingdoms pursue peace.” Then, with a bow, the grand monk took a step back.

  Elias turned towards his future husband. “Prince Gerard, I⁠—”

  But before he could finish his sentence, a torrent of people descended on them.

  “Congratulations.”

  “May your marriage be blessed.”

  “We wish you both a future filled with joy.”

  Elias smiled and thanked the well-wishers, even as they pushed him and Prince Gerard apart.

  Then he got caught in a conversation with the queen of Botanial. He smiled and nodded but kept glancing at Prince Gerard. By the time he could get away, Prince Gerard was surrounded by a group from Draconia. Elias tried to get closer.

  But people kept coming towards him, kept speaking to him, kept congratulating him!

  Fuck!

  After what felt like forever, he finally managed to join the group from Draconia. Prince Gerard acknowledged him with a polite nod.

  Elias smiled in return, then half listened as Prince Konrad spoke about some meeting he’d attended that day.

  Elias nodded, even though he didn’t quite know what Prince Konrad was speaking about.

  “Anyway, we resume the meeting tomorrow,” the crown prince said.

  “Well, I hope it does not drag on. For your sake.” Princess Senta smiled at her eldest brother. “Now, if you’ll excuse me,” Princess Senta said to the group, “I’m going to retire for the night.”

  “So will I,” Prince Gerard added. “Goodnight.” He hesitated, then turned to Elias. He bowed. “Goodnight, Prince Elias. I hope you sleep well.”

  “Goodnight, Prince Gerard. You too.” Elias watched the man he would marry walk away. He exhaled. It seemed he wouldn’t get a chance to charm him tonight.

  At least he isn’t ignoring me completely.

  Chapter

  Seventeen

  Elias stared at Prince Gerard. Since their betrothal announcement a week ago, Elias had managed several conversations with him. Elias had asked what he thought were insightful questions. He’d turned on the charm. He’d not acted like a fool.

  In return, Prince Gerard had given him polite nods, civil answers, and dry and meaningless small talk. Prince Gerard had also asked Elias rather dull questions. He had not responded to Elias’s attempts to flirt at all. In fact, he didn’t even seem to notice.

  It was all very polite between them. Which was fine. But not what Elias wanted. However, tonight was their betrothal ball.

  Tonight we will dance. We’ll touch, and I will make him adore me!

  Elias had thought getting his future husband to at least tolerate him would be easy. But how could Elias show how charming and affable he could be if Prince Gerard kept up such a respectable facade and wouldn’t let down his walls even a little!

  Colette bounced on her feet beside Elias, craning her neck back and forward. She wore a rather puffy violet dress that matched her eyes.

  “Spotted your young dragon yet?”

  She giggled. “He’s not my young dragon.”

  But then her eyes lit up, and she smiled. She waved at the nineteen-year-old Lord Wolf. Based on the way he returned her wave and smile, he seemed to have as much interest in Colette as she did in him.

  “Just remember to not reveal too much of yourself,” Elias warned.

  Her mouth fell open. She blushed. “Elias! I would never behave so scandalously. I’m a lady!”

  Elias almost laughed. “I meant be careful what you say to him. Don’t share anything you shouldn’t.” He stared meaningfully at her.

  “Oh! Oh! Right. Of course! I would never.” She lifted her chin.

  “Good.” He squeezed her hand, and off she dashed.

  He watched the two of them. He’d not seen anything inappropriate or anything that worried him. So far, they seemed to just enjoy flirting, talking, and being in each other’s company. As long as Colette remembered to not share any vital secrets, they should be fine.

  Still, he watched them for several minutes.

  A trumpet blew. Everyone turned towards the centre of the ballroom where a herald stood. “I present King Alaric and Queen Consort Adelina of Draconia. I present Emperor Hugo Storm and Empress Emmeline Aella of the combined Kingdoms of Voltaria and Zephyrias.” The herald bowed and walked to the side of the marble dance floor.

  The king, queen consort, emperor, and empress glided to the centre of the ballroom.

  King Alaric stared out over the crowd. “Tonight, we are gathered to celebrate the upcoming wedding between Prince Elias Storm and my son, Prince Gerard Drachen.” His voice boomed.

  Emperor Hugo smiled. “Theirs will be one of the eight marriages that will seal the peace treaty.”

  Then the empress looked straight at Elias. She grinned. His skin crawled, and his muscles tensed.

  Why is she so pleased?

  “They will be dancing ‘The Flight of the Dragons,’” the herald announced.

  Elias blinked but otherwise did not move an inch.

  That is not the song we agreed upon!

  He glanced at his father, who still fucking smiled. Then Elias looked at the musicians, who sat holding their instruments poised. They did not appear shocked by the announcement of the song.

  Seems everyone knew about the song change but me.

  Exhaling, Elias strode forward as the king, queen consort, emperor, and empresses vacated the dance floor. Prince Gerard met him in the middle.

  “Prince Elias.” He nodded, briefly meeting Elias’s gaze before fixing it over his head. “I hope you are well this evening.”

  So polite. So proper. And so not what Elias wanted.

  “Thank you. I am.” Elias stepped in close. A little closer than necessary. Only half a breath separated them.

  Prince Gerard held out his hand. Elias took it and placed his other hand on the man’s shoulder. He squeezed.

  Prince Gerard startled and met his gaze.

  Elias smiled. That’s better!

  The string instruments started. They began to dance.

  They twirled around the dance floor. Elias gazed up into his betrothed’s face. Prince Gerard’s large hand rested on Elias’s waist. But Prince Gerard looked out over his head.

  A soprano’s voice rang out: “They flew through the air, masters of Draconia. Their wings beat as they approached the vile Voltarian city.”

  As they danced, Elias spotted the empress smirking.

  “Did you know about the song change?” Elias asked.

  “My family received the note this morning requesting this song instead, since it is your favourite.” Prince Gerard paused. “I was surprised.”

  Of course he fucking would be! “The Flight of the Dragons” was a song that had originated from Draconia after dragons attacked Tarbas, a Voltarian city. The soldiers and lightning sorcerers had been defeated and killed. The city had been reduced to ash. It was a tragic day in Voltarian history.

  Of course, the Draconians viewed that day very differently.

  “But it is a lovely melody,” Prince Gerard said, as if not wanting to offend Elias for his absurd song choice.

  “They flew above”—the soprano’s voice reached a crescendo—“delivering flames and death on the city below. Flames and death on the Voltarians below.”

  I fucking hate my stepmother. The empress stood, talking to the queen consort beside her. But all the while, she smiled straight at Elias.

  And did Elias’s father know what this song was about? Based on his tapping foot and his clapping hands, he clearly had no idea.

  “Victory! Victory! Victory!” the soprano sang. “Victory over Voltaria!”

  Did Prince Gerard think Elias had no idea what the song was about? Did he think Elias as empty-headed as Emperor Hugo?

  But Elias shouldn’t be thinking of the song now. He finally had Prince Gerard all to himself. He wanted to make the most of that. And at least this epic song went for ten minutes. So Prince Gerard was stuck with Elias.

  Elias let out a breath, relaxing his shoulder muscles. He smiled, ready to charm his betrothed.

  Chapter

  Eighteen

  “You are an excellent dancer,” Elias said.

  “Thank you, Prince Elias,” Prince Gerard said, voice stiff. “You are an excellent dancer yourself. I had heard that you studied dance. It clearly shows.”

  Prince Gerard was so fucking courteous. But Elias wanted more than courtesy.

  “Thank you. But please, we are betrothed.” He laughed, tilting his head. “Just call me Elias.” He dropped his eyelids halfway, gazing up through his eyelashes. He gave his most seductive smile.

  But Prince Gerard wasn’t even looking at his face! He kept his gaze on the ballroom around them. “Thank you, Elias. And of course, you can call me Gerard.” His voice was flat and strong, lacking any warmth or hint of flirtation.

  But Elias would not give up so easily.

  “Thank you. I will do that.” Elias slid his hand over Gerard’s muscular shoulder. He had so many muscles. Elias’s mouth watered at the thought of running his hands over all of them. “I’ve been looking forward to this dance. Since we are to be married, I want us to get to know each other better.” He moved closer.

  Gerard cleared his throat but kept his gaze up. “Yes. It is important that we get along. It is important that this marriage is successful to ensure the success of the peace treaty.” The comments sounded almost rehearsed.

  “Yes. I, too, wish for a successful marriage for the sake of the peace treaty,” Elias said.

  “I am glad to hear that.”

  He did not sound glad. But maybe this was how Gerard sounded when he was glad.

  Elias searched his mind for a new topic. Something that might spark some real emotion in the man and get him to open up.

  “I’ve heard a lot about dragon hoards. So I’m curious, what do you hoard?” In Elias’s experience, getting someone to talk about something they were passionate about was always an excellent way to bond.

  “Weapons.”

  “Weapons?” Elias lifted a brow.

  “Yes. Weapons.”

  Elias waited for him to expand. When he didn’t, Elias pressed, “Any particular type of weapons?”

  “Weapons used in important battles.”

  “Huh.” Elias squinted. “Do dragons have much use for weapons? My understanding was that they flew into battle, breathing fire.” At least that was what the soprano currently sang about.

  “Yes. That is correct. But Draconia also has non-dragon armies. They use weapons in battle.” Gerard did not continue speaking.

  Apparently, the dragon warrior did not enjoy talking about his hoard. Elias held in a sigh. Gerard was not the easiest person to charm and make conversation with.

  If Elias weren’t keeping secrets, he could tell Gerard how they’d both fought in the war and almost died. Then they might be able to talk about that. He stifled a smile at the thought. At least that would definitely elicit some emotion from the dragon warrior.

  They continued dancing whilst Elias tried to think of a new subject that would liven up his dance partner. Prince Luther and Warden Onyx stood together at the edge of the dance floor. Prince Luther had his arm wrapped around the warden’s waist.