Chapter 168: Suspicious behavior.
After dinner, Lord Alekin’s chancellor pointed at the King’s arm. The man, Rebedina’s uncle, was a hunched nobleman, chubby enough to look round, sharp-eyed, and slow-moving. Among the sea of polished courtiers, he was the only one respected despite his unsightly features. Why? Because he was more serpent than man. He knew everything, every crime, every buried secret of the nobles. The only soul he’d never dared to pry into was the King himself. Not that he didn’t want to, but he dared not. Imagine seeing a dragon for the first time as its meal.
"Your Grace, have you been hurt?"
The question was unnecessary; the injury was visible. But concern wasn’t what lurked beneath those words or shining eyes. And being blessed with Sunkiath’s power, he could smell a great waft of pleasure in the air.
He bleeds, and they feast.
The King chuckled inwardly. Aside from Kai, everyone in the hall was younger than him. The humans who’d once been his age had long since become meals for the worms in dark damp graves. And even without the bond to his dragon, he could scent it, their quiet thrill, their hushed anticipation. The first thought they would grow in their minds undoubtedly could be: The next King!
Was the King finally going to die?
House Kalia would love nothing more. They had long dreamed of seeing one of their own seated on the throne.
Dankin! The boy had a good skill in fencing but a terrible brain for ruling.
"Chancellor Oka," the King said, his voice laced with sugary mockery, "I’ve just returned from battling vampires, the same creatures your nephew thinks can be roasted with a torch!"
He cast a pointed look at Filoy Darsein, the so-called knight who had dared to challenge Kai. The King could let out a belly laugh at that stupidity.
"Oh, Your Majesty! Please forgive these foolish youngsters. They speak before their thoughts are fully born," Chancellor Oka replied with a bow, his tone oily.