Downs, Jana - Ravyn's Destiny [Ravyn Warriors 3] (Siren Publishing Allure ManLove) by Jana Downs Page B

studiously anywhere but him. So they’d told him about the Dragonii law. Dammit!
    Salvatore’s wings burst from his back and flapped angrily, kicking up a wind. “Is this dragon enough for you?” He growled.
    “What do you want? An apology? I said I was sorry!” Destin yelled a little desperately. He wanted to go lock himself in his bedroom.
    “I want you to take responsibility and come to my bed.” Salvatore delivered the words like an executioner delivered an axe swing. The whole world went silent, holding its breath. Destin couldn’t even breathe. He just stared at Salvatore like he’d lost his mind. It wasn’t an unheard of request, but demanding it of the King of Underhill was ridiculous . Salvatore continued after a moment. “Furthermore, I petition to be your Consort until such time as we both mutually sever the relationship.”
    Destin released his breath in a gust of air. He was so upset, but his body didn’t mind the idea in the slightest. It was happy at being finagled into Salvatore’s bed. “Let me consult with my advisors a moment, and then I’ll give you your verdict.” Did he sound breathless? He absolutely sounded breathless.
    He waved a hand, creating a bubble where no sound could either penetrate or escape. He glared at Mar and Quis.
    “What have you done?” he demanded. Fury felt etched into every line of his face. “I told you how I felt about the subject.”
    “Your fear keeps you from him, but he would be an excellent Consort for the Court. He has a generous heart, understands our ways, is as strong as you, and will be able to shoulder the responsibilities that will be demanded of him as your only lover,” Mar offered logically.
    “I don’t give a damn about how good he is for the Court!” Destin seethed. “What about how good he is for my heart? I can’t survive losing another lover like I lost Terren.” He brought his hand up to his temple and pressed his fingers there. The Fae King fought back tears with every cell of his being.
    “A dragon’s love is forever, my lord,” Quis reminded gently. “He will make you a fine and happy mate.”
    “I don’t know anything about him,” Destin protested. “I mean, I know some stuff, like what his favorite color is, but nothing big. I don’t even know what he was. I don’t know anything about his home life. I know next to nothing important.”
    “None of that is important. Just details,” Mar stated. “Besides, you haven’t even given him your name yet. He is taking a leap of faith with you just as much as you are taking one with him.”
    “I will not be manipulated into this,” Destin said darkly. He looked at his advisors. “I will not be controlled by two do-good advisors and one horny dragon. I am King here.”
    He waved a hand to break his silence spell. He addressed the kneeling Salvatore. “I will grant you your boon of coming to my bed. It will happen tonight after last meal, and you will stay until the following evening in my bedchambers. I stole something precious from you, and I will accept the need to repay that misstep. However, a crush and a mistake do not equal an eternity of being bonded with someone. I deny you as my Consort. We will come together for one night and one night only. Afterward, you may court and be courted by anyone who would choose to pursue you.”
    “But the law—” Quis began.
    “ I am the law! ” Destin thundered. His power struck out at the man beside him, throwing him from the dais and onto the floor below. If he’d been mortal, it might have seriously hurt him, but as a fae he merely got up and limped away from the throne. The Court let out a frightened murmur, and the throne groaned. Their King was normally not so hot tempered, nor was he so cruel.
    Destin stood, feeling instant regret. “I…” he began. He shook his head and turned away from the crowd. “Court is adjourned for now. I will continue on the morrow, but for now I have to go prepare.”
    He disappeared from