A Destiny of Dragons (Tales From Verania #2)(66)

“I think it’s time for you to take a step back,” the King said. “Regardless of what your beliefs are, regardless of who you are and are not related to here, surely you can agree that I am still your King. And as your King, I am ordering you to shut your mouth.”

“That might have given me an erection,” Gary said to Tiggy.

“Power kink,” Tiggy said.

“Like you wouldn’t even believe,” Gary agreed.

I expected Vadoma to defy even the King, but she didn’t. I didn’t think it mattered. The damage had already been done. It probably didn’t help that I had to choke back my magic as best I could, because I wanted to launch it at her, wanted to call upon the earth to wrap her in stone, call upon the skies to rain lightning down upon her. Something, anything to get rid of that look on Ryan’s face.

“Is that true?” Ryan asked quietly.

“I don’t know,” I admitted. “I’m learning that there’s a lot I haven’t been told.”

“Oooh, someone’s in trouble,” Gary whispered.

“Is it me?” Tiggy asked. “I in trouble?”

“No, kitten. It’s not you. You’re too wonderful and could never do anything wrong and everyone loves you.”

“Tiggy smash?”

“Possibly. I’ll have to get back to you on that.”

Tiggy glared at just about everyone after that, as if they were all capable of needing a smashing.

“Maybe Morgan or Randall can fill in the blanks,” I said. “Since they’re obviously so knowledgeable on the subject.”

Randall and Morgan didn’t react. They were good. They were very good.

But right before I was about to be better (and undoubtedly make them break and wail in pain at the power of my appropriately demoralizing comments), Dad said, “Huh. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Pete run that fast unless there was gravy involved.”

Which didn’t really make much sense in the current conversation.

We all turned, and sure enough, you would have thought we were all made of gravy with how fast Pete was hauling ass toward us. It was a sight to see, those thick tree trunk legs hefting up and down, his sloping gut falling side to side.

“Well, that can’t possibly be good,” I said.

“He’s going to give himself a heart attack,” Justin said, crossing his arms. “Shouldn’t he just retire already?”

“In his own time,” the King said to his son. “He’s just worried about getting bored.”

“What is it?” Ryan asked me.

“I don’t know,” I said. “But there’s got to be a reason.”

It didn’t take long for him to reach us. His face was bright red and slick with sweat. He took in great gasping breaths as he bent over, hands on his knees.

“There, there.” Tiggy patted him roughly on the back. “There’s no gravy here, tiny Pete.”

“I don’t… only run… for gravy,” Pete gasped out.

“Mostly,” the King said. “It’s one of the things I love about you.”

Pete glared at him, but it only lasted a second. His gaze darted around until it settled on me, as I feared it would. Whatever had caused him to rush out here had to do with me. As if today couldn’t get any worse.

“Whatever it is, I didn’t do it,” I said, trying to be as preemptive as possible.

At least five people snorted at that. Which was okay, because that meant there were five fewer people I had to buy birthday presents for. Those assholes.

“There’s… a gathering,” Pete said. “In front of the castle gates.”

“A gathering,” the King repeated. “And what type of gathering had you running like you were on fire?”

Pete winced. “A protest.”

Justin frowned. “A protest? What in the name of the gods could they be protesting? No new legislation has been announced, and the Crown’s latest poll numbers have been higher than they have in years.”

“Yes, um. See? About that.” Pete swallowed. “They’re not protesting the Crown.”

“Out with it,” Morgan said. “We don’t have time for—”

“Sam,” Pete blurted. “They’re protesting Sam.”

Everyone turned slowly to stare at me.

“Uh,” I said. “What?”

“Oh snap,” Gary said. “Does this latest twist signal the end of our adorable yet whiny hero? Will we finally get to the point of this prophecy? Will Vadoma finally tell me where she gets her hair done, because girl, I want to avoid that place like the plague? And will the most handsome unicorn in all the land get laid?”

“Yes,” Kevin said. “Yes, he will.”

“Find out coming up next on… Castle Lockes. Annnnd… we’re clear. Hold up. Who are these bitches that think they can protest my babycakes? I will bring the pain down upon some motherfuckers, don’t think I won’t! Kevin! Hold me back. Hold me back!”

Kevin reached down and did just that.

“Godsdammit,” I muttered.




I HAD done many stupid things in my life.

That was an indisputable fact.

(Even if I could say most times that I was coerced by my companions.)