Page 56 of Dragon Mine (Dragon Kings 2)
Chapter Twenty-One
Ulrik stood in the Dragonwood with his arms crossed and his feet braced wide. Some might consider it a battle stance.
He would agree.
“This isn’t a good idea,” Eilish said from beside him. “No one interfered with us. We shouldn’t be interfering in someone’s life.”
He cut his eyes to her. “Every one of them meddled in our relationship. Even before it was one.”
“This just feels wrong, babe,” she said with a shake of her head.
“I might have been away from Dreagan for too many millennia to count, but some things doona change. Vaughn was always one of the steady ones. He was never quick to anger or to choose a side. He weighs everything carefully. It’s what makes him such a good attorney.”
Eilish clicked her finger rings together, something she did when she had a lot on her mind. “This isn’t about some legal matter. This is about his heart.”
“Which is worse,” Ulrik stated.
His mate blew out a breath. “I’m not trying to make light of the situation. I’m merely pointing out that you wouldn’t want anyone intruding in our relationship.”
He turned his gaze to her, meeting her green-gold eyes. “You’ve always been wise beyond your years. I value your opinion more than anyone else’s, but you doona realize what’s coming.”
“Con survived those years without Rhi.”
“Because that was Con. He did it because he felt he had no choice, that he had to lead the Kings.”
Eilish shrugged. “Vaughn is invaluable. Can’t we make him think the same?”
Ulrik dropped his arms and faced her. “Sweetheart, it isna that easy. Con survived without Rhi because he’s stubborn and shoved all his emotions away. He was a shell of a man. The simple truth is that a dragon can no’ survive without its mate.”
“What if Vaughn got it wrong?”
“You saw them together. What do you think?”
Eilish started to speak, then changed her mind. She blew out a breath. “I’ve never seen Vaughn look at anyone the way he does her.”
“See?”
“Yet I rarely see any Kings with just any woman. Usually, if they bring someone to Dreagan, it’s because there is already something between them that ends up being love.”
Ulrik frowned, confused. “Exactly.”
“You’re missing the point, babe. I’m saying that I don’t see Kings just dating. I don’t know how they interact with someone who isn’t a mate.”
“Oh.” She had a point.
Eilish touched his arm, her hand lingering on him. “Maybe Vaughn wants this so badly that he doesn’t realize the love isn’t there.”
“He’s looked for her for so long.”
“Precisely my point. He’s been so intent on finding out who she is, that his emotions have gotten all tangled.”
Ulrik slowly released a breath. “I know what you’re saying, and anything is possible. But I doona believe that is what’s going on with him.”
“What’s your plan, then? Do you really think you can stop Eurwen from leaving Dreagan? You do realize she can make another doorway and leave anytime she wants.”
“I was hoping to talk to her.”
Eilish wrinkled her nose. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“Then you talk to her.”
“What?” she asked in shock.
Ulrik grinned, the idea suddenly clear in his mind. “Aye. You talk to her. Female to female.”
“I don’t know her.”
“Neither do I.”
Eilish gave him a flat look. “You’re a Dragon King. You have more in common with her than I do.”
“She’s held a grudge against us for quite some time. Who do you think she’d readily listen to? Me, who she doesna trust nor care for? Or you, a female who came to Dreagan just as she has?”
Eilish rolled her eyes. “I hate when you’re right.”
Ulrik smiled and reached for her, pulling her against him so he could give her a quick kiss. “You love me.”
“I do. Don’t let it go to your head,” she teased.
