Page 37 of The Forbidden Dragon King (Shadow Kings #1)

Memories flash in my mind of a huge silver dragon swooping from the sky like death, and fire, and the end of my fucking world.

Ma and Da burned to ash.

The Winter Court, more ancient than any apart from the hidden, eleven court, melted like snow.

A terrified, weeping kid with a baby clasped in my arms, leading an army of other weeping, terrified kids, away through a secret tunnel, leaving behind my home…a home that would never exist again.

Tarquin was the fucking criminal, not me.

“Never,” I hiss.

Maximinus’ expression darkens. “I can always turn my attentions to the other pet…?”

My eyes widen.

Freya.

No way in hell.

I narrow my eyes, nodding. “Okay.”

Maximinus leans over the desk. “Come, tell me how eager you are to celebrate one of our greatest king’s achievements, fae.”

I grit my teeth.

I can do this for Freya.

I stroke over the glimmering snowflake bond mark, sensing her happiness.

I can’t destroy that. I’d do anything to keep my Omega safe and happy. She can’t know about my poisoning, the control Maximinus holds over me, or these missions.

Would she reject me? I’m meant to be her protector.

Would Aurelius find a way to convince her to kick me out of our newly formed pack, if he discovers that I’m an assassin?

Losing my sight?

Dying?

I take a deep breath.

“I’m overjoyed,” I deadpan.

“Good pet,” Maximinus croons. “Now, tell me how enthusiastic you are to put your newly acquired courtesan skills to use in public as the entertainment.”

I rear back in shock; my wings curl defensively around me. “That’s an Omega’s role. You’ve been humiliating me in private with this courtesan bollocks, but I didn’t believe that you’d truly make me perform?—”

“But you’re hardly an Alpha anymore, are you?

” Maximinus straightens the papers on his desk.

“Your magic is suppressed. I control your every move through the poison in your blood. Your wings are clipped. Also, sweet pet, you’ll look divine in silks and satins.

I’ve already had your costume designed for the dance.

You’ll captivate everyone with that singing voice of yours, which your instructor informs me is the best he’s heard. ”

I shutter my expression. I won’t let his words touch me .

Maximinus studies me with a sour expression like he was looking forward to my explosive reaction.

Fuck. You.

Dissatisfied, Maximinus frowns. “During your dance, you’re to seduce the Head of the Council, Quintus Sempronia.”

I furrow my brow, thinking hard.

Maximinus has made certain that my work duties have involved cleaning the councilors’ and courtiers’ rooms, learning their habits and names, as well as serving their meals in the Banquet Hall.

My memory is good, even if my sight is weakening.

“Silver Dragon,” I say, in mission mode.

“Independent on most issues. Stubborn and opinionated. A secret bastard to the servants, frequently beating his personal servant. I know because the lad can barely walk most days. A widower who uses that as an excuse to harass unbonded Omegas. The female servants avoid him. I guess that he gets away with it because of his position on the Council and his silver dragon patrician blood, aye? In his fifties, hooked nose, and eyes as hard as he is.”

Maximinus gives me an approving look.

“You’re good at this.” He lifts the silver bottle off the desk, and I lick my lips. “Come here, you’ve earned the antidote. You’ll need to look your best, after all.”

Eagerly, I start to stand.

Maximinus’ expression cools. “Crawl.”

I bite back the sassy response because he’s holding the antidote that’ll temporarily restore my vision and reduce the searing pain, which has plagued me from the first day that I was dragged into this court.

I drop back to my hands and knees and crawl around the desk. Maximinus spreads his knees, patting his lap.

I try not to roll my eyes.

Predictable.

I shuffle closer between his legs.

Maximinus unstoppers the bottle. I try not to vomit at the foul, metallic stench.

“Seduce Quintus,” Maximinus murmurs, “and kill him. You missed that his preference is for Omegas who look like you: athletic but slim with stunning eyes, curls, a challenge . He won’t be able to resist putting an Alpha who looks the same as that in their place.”

I gag, as Maximinus raises the stinking bottle to my lips.

Maximinus makes a hushing noise. “I know. It may be unpleasant but the best medicine always is.”

He pushes my chin back gently, before tilting up the bottle.

I struggle to swallow the thick, revolting liquid. It coats my throat like tar.

I choke.

“Once you’ve seduced Quintus,” Maximinus pats me on the back, until my coughing subsides, “you’ll kill him, of course.”

Of course.

Quintus is just my next mark. It’s only another mission.

So, why does this feel worse ?

Maximinus pulls away the bottle, wiping a stray tear of liquid from the edge of my lip.

“You are my best secret assassin. It’s an honor.

Out of all my spies and assassins throughout the Shadow Court, I’m entrusting this to you.

Follow through on this mission properly, and I’ll give you another dose of the antidote.

I won’t allow you to suffer for as long this time.

Then perhaps, your life will be extended for a few more months. ”

Months.

It’s little more than the beat of a butterfly’s wings.

It has to be enough.

I steel myself, looking up to meet Maximinus’ gaze through my curls. “One condition.”

“You don’t get to make conditions.”

“Strange, I am. I want my fae brothers and sisters to be given permanent housing and equal pay to the shifter soldiers.”

“But they’re only mercenaries.”

“It seems to me that this Quintus is an important dragon in the Shadow Court. This assassination must be worth what I’m asking.”

Maximinus laughs, patting my head like I’m a dog. “My pet, you’re becoming almost too good at this. Fine, I agree to your condition.”

I relaxe.

This will be worth it.

It’s worth it for the antidote alone. It’s the only way that I can remain by Freya’s side and serve her, as I swore that I would in my deal.

It’s the only way that I can take my kingdom back .

Except, this is the most high profile of the murders yet.

“Won’t it be suspicious?” I ask. “I lure the man in with my charms, then he’s discovered the next day with his throat slit? Are you setting me up to have my own throat sliced by the executioner’s ax?”

Maximinus slams the bottle back onto the table with a clink.

“Quintus is attempting to secretly form a faction in the Council against me. He intends to throw their support behind Aurelius. They don’t truly believe in my nephew as a ruler but they’re calculating that they can gain more power under him because he’s weak.

They’ll learn what happens when they scheme against me.

So will my nephew, if he was involved in this foolish attempt to sway the Council to back him.

Assassinate Quintus, and I’ll deal with the cover up.

Only, I intend that there to be whispers that I’m behind this.

They’re what will scare the faction into being loyal to me again.

Don’t worry, I won’t sacrifice you. Yet.

Except, you’re already a dead fae; you were the moment that I poisoned you.

Sweet pet, don’t you realize that I’ve already executed you? ”