Page 28 of Dragon Eternal (Dragon Kings 4)
“The city has taken in residents from other villages that Stonemore attacked. With each conquest, the soldiers brought the survivors and integrated them into society.”
Shaw tightened his arms around her. “Except there wasna jobs for these people.”
She nodded slowly. “With every city we conquered, our army grew, and our streets swelled with people who had lost their homes and their ways of life. We didn’t help them find it again. Instead, the army looked to the next target and how to destroy it.”
“Were the other cities threatening Stonemore?”
She shrugged, wishing she had some answers. “I have no idea. It didn’t happen all at once. Over the last decade, the army has wiped out city after city.”
“When someone conquers others in such a way, it’s because they want to dominate everyone and everything. Is that what the Divine is doing?”
“I couldn’t begin to guess. I just know what I see.”
It felt odd to be looking out at the people as she was. She might walk the streets, but that was different than feeling as if she once more lived on the lower levels. She had left that world behind when they brought her to the citadel.
And she didn’t like being reminded that she could be forced back into such conditions again.
“Let’s go to my villa.”
He pressed his lips to the top of her head. “If that is your wish.”
“I could show you the upper levels so you can see the difference.”
“Does being down here make you uncomfortable?”
More than he could know. Each time she came, she still searched the sea of faces in case she spotted her mother. Nia turned in his arms to face him. “You found me down here, remember?”
“That isna what I asked.”
His eyes held hers, forcing her to acknowledge the question. “I don’t like to see anyone hungry.”
“Then do something about it.”
“I do. When I can.”
His black brows briefly drew together. “What does that mean?”
“It means that I can’t hand out coins at will.”
“Do you no’ live on the upper levels?”
She glanced away. “Yes.”
“Then explain to me what I’m missing.”
How could she, though? The only way she could, would be to tell him exactly who and what she was. And that wouldn’t exactly go over well. He would be furious—and have every right to be. But then she would lose her only shot at freedom.
So, she told the only truth she could.
“I live comfortably, but the money is held by another.”
Shaw face relaxed. “Ah. Until you reach a certain age, I gather?”
“Yes.” How she hated lying to him. Odd, since it had never bothered her before.
He lowered his head and gently kissed her. “I shouldna have pried. I’m sorry.”
Tears stung her eyes at his apology. She pulled out of his arms and walked to her clothes to hide her distress. “I’ve already forgotten about it.”
“You’ve no’ asked about my life,” he said as he went to his clothes.
Nia occupied herself with dressing. “We’ve been otherwise engaged.”
His deep chuckle filled the room. “Aye. How could I forget? The only reason we’re no’ still in that bed is that I’m giving your body time to rest.”
She laughed and met his gaze. It was so easy to be with him. To talk, listen. Enjoy. Why did he have to be a Dragon King? Why did he have to be the one the Divine wanted? It wasn’t as if she could go after the other King now. She had chosen Shaw, which meant she had to make do with the path she had selected.
“What’s going on in that head of yours?” he asked in a soft voice.
Nia realized she had been staring at him. She decided on the truth this time. “I’m thinking about you.”
“Good thoughts, I hope.”
“Only the best.”
He winked at her and sat on the bench before the bed to tug on his boots.
Nia fastened her skirt and slid her feet into her sandals. Then she quickly braided her hair and let it hang over one shoulder. When she looked up, she saw that Shaw was watching her again. “What are you thinking?”
“That I think it’s verra fortuitous that I saw you last night.”
“Verra,” she said, mimicking his accent.
He laughed and stood, lifting her into his arms as he did. She was at eye level with him when he kissed her before setting her back on her feet. “The accent sounds good on you.”
“I like it better on you. It’s sexy.”
