Chapter 23

GABRIEL

With a grunt, I push deeper into her. Her moans only fuel my desire, making me harder. I quicken my pace, feeling her tighten around me. I’m on the brink of release.

I reach for her breasts, pinching her pink nipples as she shudders, climaxing. I follow suit, releasing my pent-up desire.

Pulling out of her, I’m still rock hard. I need more, need to quench this insatiable thirst. I’ve been with this woman for the past three hours.

She’s one of my concubines, a stunning beauty from the east. Her tanned skin glistens with a mix of my sweat and seed. I watch her chest rise and fall, her allure tempting me to touch myself.

“Damn,” I mutter.

“Again?” she pants.

Without a word, I pull her closer to the edge of the bed by her legs. I watch, entranced, as her body drips with my essence.

If I keep this up, she’ll surely get pregnant. I already have four sons: three tamers and one who’s a disappointment. I had a daughter once, but I sacrificed her for a necessary trade.

Do I regret it? No, I can always have more children.

“Wait, my king,” she whispers.

“I can’t,” I reply, groaning as I enter her again.

After our afternoon tryst, I drift off to sleep, waking up late. I straighten my robe and wash my face. It’s nearly midnight, and I’ve neglected my duties.

Ignoring the woman’s groans of discomfort as she stirs in bed, I leave the room.

I walk down the familiar dark hallways towards the throne room. The guards at the entrance open the double doors for me. The men inside rise and bow at my presence.

“Relax,” I command, sounding bored.

“We thought you were resting, King Gabriel,” one of my councilmen says.

“I was,” I reply curtly. “Where are my sons?” I ask aloud.

“One of the princes has retired for the night. Prince Seth is in the dungeons,” they inform me.

I nod, asking a servant to bring me some wine. As I drink and converse, the night slips away.

When I wake, it’s morning. I hear a knock and invite the person in. My servants are ready to help me prepare for the day.

“Where is Seth?” I ask my head servant, who’s helping me with my cape.

“Your Majesty, Prince Seth is on the training grounds. He woke up at dawn to train with the men,” he informs me.

I order them to follow me to the training grounds. I need to speak with Seth. Two days ago, I heard that Seth sent men to the dragon horde.

Apparently, he wanted to retrieve the dragon hearts. But it seems the dragon king found out and killed them all. I need to know more about what happened.

Seth disobeyed my orders not to trespass on the dragon king’s territory. His defiance has me seething. His foolishness sometimes makes me question his potential as a dragon tamer.

From the platform, I watch Seth, shirtless and engrossed in his training. His blond hair sticks to his forehead as he swings his sword.

He’s visibly angry as he fights two men at once. The clashing of swords and the grunts of men create a symphony of sorts.

After knocking the men down, Seth pulls back his sword and kicks them in the stomach.

“Pathetic,” Seth sneers.

“Enough, Seth,” I command, catching his attention. I beckon him over and take a seat.

Seth ascends the stairs, his sweaty body shimmering.

“You called, Father?” Seth asks as he wipes his face.

“Sit,” I command. Seth frowns but complies without question. “Would you care to explain your actions two days ago?”

“What did I do?” Seth asks, pretending to be clueless.

“Do you think I’m a fool?” I snap, irritated.

Seth laughs, takes a sip of water, and ruffles his hair.

“Yes, I sent some men,” Seth admits, grinning. “Is there a problem with that, Father?”

“Is there?” I retort. “Do you realize the consequences of your recklessness? I have plans, Seth.”

“Oh, please, Father. I just wanted to see if they could reach the palace. It was a simple reconnaissance,” Seth dismisses with a wave of his hand.

“A reconnaissance!” I exclaim, slamming my hand on the table. “Defy me again, and you will face punishment. Is that clear?” I say, my voice seething with anger.

Seth glares back, his anger matching mine.

“Answer me, Seth!” I demand.

“Yes, my king,” Seth replies through gritted teeth.

He stands to leave, but I stop him.

“Don’t make me confine you like your brother Zar,” I warn, “now go!”

Seth leaves the platform with a groan. I take a deep breath and call my head servant.

“Fetch my general. I need to speak with him,” I order. He nods and leaves. I turn my attention back to the training men and scoff, “Fool.”

***

“My king,” the general greets with a bow.

“Sit,” I command.

As I sit across the long table from him, I take a sip from my goblet of wine. The general waits patiently for me to speak.

“General, I need two spies in the dragon’s horde,” I say without looking at him. “As soon as possible.”

“Two?” the general asks, intrigued. “May I ask what information they will be gathering for you?”

“Keep tabs on the king's daily routine. We need to find a weak spot. And don’t forget about the dragon hearts,” I say, a smirk playing on my lips. “I’m determined to reclaim them, no matter what.”

“Understood, Your Majesty. Your orders will be carried out,” the general replies, his teeth sinking into a crisp apple. “Anything else?”

“Yes, release Zar. But keep a close watch on him. Have a woman tail him if possible. I don’t want him to suspect we’re spying. Report any unusual activity,” I command.

“Very well,” the general responds, rising to his feet and bowing. “If you’ll excuse me.”

I nod, continuing to eat and drink. My focus is on finding any information that could help me recover those dragon hearts.

If it weren’t for Zar, I wouldn’t be in this predicament. But I also need to figure out how to eliminate Zar. I need to find something that will land him in hot water. But this time, it has to be fatal.