Page 46 of Blood Singer

My chest tightened with something warm and aching. Of course he did this. Of course he walked through his village and quietly supported his people in ways that probably seemed insignificant to him but meant everything to them.

"You're a good king," I said softly.

He looked uncomfortable with the praise, his shoulders shifting. "I'm trying to be."

We were standing near the fountain at the center of the square, watching the water cascade down tiers of carved stone, when Kavan tensed beside me.

I followed his gaze and saw a tall Drakhoni male I recognized as Lord Verrater approaching. He wore formal clothing that marked him as nobility, long white hair and golden eyes that swept over me cold and assessing.

"Your Majesty," Verrater said, his voice carrying a chill that made the warm market day feel suddenly cooler. "I didn't expect to see you here today."

"Lord Verrater," Kavan said, and I could hear the careful neutrality in his voice. "I'm showing our Alliance guest the village. Lady Leila Hunter, this is Lord Verrater, one of my council members."

Verrater's eyes fixed on me, and I felt the weight of his disapproval like something physically pressed against my sternum. "The human diplomat. Yes, we've never formally met. How interesting that you're spending your time touring markets rather than attending to diplomatic matters."

The insult was subtle but unmistakable. My spine straightened. I'd dealt with plenty of difficult parents who thought they could intimidate me. A disapproving dragon lord was just another version of the same asshole.

"Actually, Lord Verrater," I said, keeping my voice pleasant and professional, "understanding the culture and daily life of the Drakhoni people is essential to my diplomatic mission. King Kavan was kind enough to show me how his people live, which will help me better represent Drakhone's interests to the Alliance." I smiled. The same smile I used when dealing with particularly obstinate five-year-olds. "I'm sure you understand the importance of thorough research."

Verrater's eyes narrowed slightly, but he couldn't argue with the logic. "Of course. How diligent of you."

"The Alliance takes its responsibilities seriously," I continued. "As does King Kavan. He's been an excellent host and guide."

Kavan's hand moved to my back again, a subtle gesture of support that sent warmth through me despite the tension crackling between us and Verrater.

"I'm sure he has," Verrater said, and there was something in his tone that made it clear he didn't approve. "I hope you're finding our planet... suitable for your purposes."

"More than suitable," I said. "It's beautiful. The people are welcoming. I can see why the Drakhoni are so proud of their home."

Verrater studied me for a long moment, and I held his gaze steadily. Finally, he inclined his head. "Enjoy the rest of your tour, Lady Hunter. Your Majesty."

He walked away, and I felt the tension drain from Kavan's body.

"That was well done," Kavan said quietly, his hand still resting against the small of my back as we watched Verrater disappear into the crowd.

"I've dealt with worse," I said, though my pulse was still racing. "Though I'm guessing he's not a fan of humans."

Kavan was quiet for a moment. I felt the shift in him. The slight tightening of his jaw, the way his hand pressed a fraction more firmly against my back. "He's not a fan of change," he said carefully. "Though it's more than that. Verrater represents the older noble houses—the traditionalists who believe humans are fundamentally inferior. They think our mate shortage should be solved by seeking other species rather than by opening our doors to humans. There's a faction pushing to outlaw human-Drakhoni bonds entirely." His voice carried an edge of frustration. "Verrater leads that charge, though he does it carefully. Politely. He challenges my authority without ever openly defying it, which makes it harder to address directly."

I thought back to his remarks at dinner. The way he'd questioned whether humans were truly equals, the suggestion that we were primitives requiring protection. "His comments about other species being more suitable mates," I said slowly. "That wasn't just conversation. That was a warning."

"It was," Kavan admitted. "A reminder that not everyone agrees with my decisions. He's testing boundaries, seeing how far he can push. It's political maneuvering, not a direct threat—not yet, anyway."

I wasn't entirely convinced, but I let it go. For now.

"He thinks I should be focused on expanding our mate search to other species rather than..." He trailed off, choosing his words carefully. "Rather than getting distracted."

"Is that what I am?" I asked, trying to keep my voice light even though something had tightened in my chest. "A distraction?"

Kavan turned to face me fully, his golden eyes intent. "You're the opposite of a distraction, Leila. You're the first thing I've been able to focus on in seven hundred and fifty years."

The words settled between us, weighted with meaning, and my breath caught.

"We should probably head back," I said, though what I really wanted was to stay in that moment indefinitely, with him looking at me like that.

"Probably," he agreed, but neither of us moved.

Finally, he offered me his arm again, and we started the walk back to the castle. The path through the ironwood forest felt different now. More intimate, charged with possibility. We walked in comfortable silence for a while, and I was hyperaware of every point of contact between us.