The Dragon King’s Baby

However, he was very popular with the ladies; numerous gossip sites talked about his playboy life. He was dangerously sexy and had been with so many women, according to the stories. But when he’d become king four years ago, he’d left that life behind him. More reputable sites discussed his policies and how he ruled Wyvern rather than his love life, and these stories were more plentiful now that he was older.

Seathan took her hand and squeezed, pulling her out of her thoughts. She looked in his direction but not into his eyes and smiled. On the outside, she appeared calm and happy, but on the inside she was in turmoil. Only a few more minutes and they’d be heading upstairs. She thought she might vomit.

*****

Seathan had noticed that since the reception had begun, Addie had not once made eye contact with him. She’d barely spoken, really only speaking when someone spoke to her. Her smiles were fake, not reaching her eyes, no matter who she was smiling at. Their conversation had been limited to questions from him and short responses from her. She was unhappy, he knew, but he hoped that she’d eventually be able to find her happiness with him.

He leaned over to her and whispered, “Are you ready to go upstairs? You look tired.”

She turned her head in his direction but looked at his ear. She nodded her head, though her face looked stricken and she seemed pale. He rose from his chair, which signaled to the assembled group to quiet.

“Friends and family, it is growing late and my bride and I have had a long day. Thank you for attending. The party may not be over for you, but we are ready to go upstairs.”

This speech was met with whoops and catcalls from the audience, which had not been Seathan’s intent. Good-naturedly, he waved as he and Addie walked through the crowd towards the elevator that would take them to their honeymoon suite, a set of rooms that had been decorated specifically for the two of them on this night.

Addie kept her face down, embarrassed because everyone knew what they were going upstairs to do. The yells from the crowd had made that perfectly clear. She hurried, practically dragging Seathan behind her, which caused more cheers.

“She’s in a hurry to get you upstairs!”

“Y’all have fun! Don’t break the bed!”

“Calm down, Addie! You have him to yourself for the rest of your life!”

The ribald comments grew louder and louder as they hurried into the elevator. Seathan hit the button for the correct floor, then the button to close the doors more quickly. Addie was grateful for the silence that entered the elevator as the doors swished closed. She leaned against the back wall with a heavy sigh.

Seathan leaned back next to her as the elevator descended. He looked at her. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, thank you,” she responded. She pulled at her dress, obviously uncomfortable.

“Is your dress uncomfortable?”

“Yes.” Addie was irritated by the dress. So beautiful, she’d chosen it just because it looked like every dream wedding gown she’d ever seen in her mind. However, after wearing it for five hours, she discovered it was the most uncomfortable thing she’d ever put on her body. She would almost rather have worn her sweats and tee shirt.

“You’ll be able to take it off soon,” Seathan told her. The look on her face, the fear, bothered him. “I didn’t mean anything by that, Addie. I’m not going to ravage you the moment we get into the suite.”

Addie shook her head at herself. “I’m sorry, Seathan. I don’t mean to make you feel bad. I’m just nervous.”

“Why are you nervous?” Seathan asked as the elevator bell dinged loudly. He stepped out and took her hand to guide her down the three steps that led into an incredible scene. She didn’t answer his question, but he didn’t notice.

The suite was lit up with special lights hanging from the ceiling. Seathan dimmed them and grinned at her. “I feel like I just walked into the noon sunlight.” She laughed and nodded. “Do you know if there is a way to lock the elevator?”

“Yes, I’ll do it. You probably should come look in case you need to go out,” Addie told him as she moved to a panel on the wall next to the elevator. He watched as she pushed some buttons. “The elevator cannot stop on this floor unless we allow it.”

Seathan nodded and they resumed their inspection of the suite. The suite’s hardwood floors and ceiling had been polished to gleaming. The king-sized bed was covered with pillows of all sizes, and the bedding was a pristine white. Hanging from the ceiling, white gossamer curtains flowed over the bed with ties so they could release them and have some privacy. To the right was a small seating area with a white leather couch and love seat as well as a large black ottoman. To the left was a door which led to the bathroom, which had a bathtub the size of a small pool and a shower that could hold five or six adults comfortably.

Seathan shook his head as they stood there admiring the beautiful room. “I hate that we’re only staying here for one night. This room is outstanding!”

“We could stay longer, if you wish,” Addie prompted, hoping he’d say yes.

“I wish we could, but we have to get to Wyvern quickly. You must be sworn in as my queen. The sooner the better,” Seathan said. She looked so disappointed, he moved to her and put his arm around her. “Don’t worry, Addie, we’ll come back.”

Addie didn’t tell him about her oath never to return to Lomena. She looked sideways at him. “Just so you know, I’ll be expecting a real honeymoon.”

He started a little in surprise, but her eyes told him she was joking. He squeezed her shoulder as he threw his head back and laughed loudly. He kissed her cheek and said, “Your wish is my command, my queen.”

Addie rolled her eyes. “That sounds so weird.”

“Queen Adelaide. It has a nice ring to it,” Seathan said. She wrinkled her nose at him. “Come on, let’s get you out of that dress.” She stiffened next to him. He released her and turned her to face him. “Why are you nervous? You didn’t answer me before.”

Addie looked anywhere but at Seathan, her embarrassment clear. “Um, well,” she paused, “you see, I’m a virgin.”

Seathan’s eyes widened and he chuckled a little. She jerked her eyes up to his, and he sobered. “You’re not kidding?”

“Uh, no,” she said with considerable attitude.

“But you’re so old,” he fumbled. “I mean, you’re so old to be a virgin. I never thought you would be.”

Addie rolled her eyes, so uncomfortable with the conversation. “I’ve never met a man worth my time. I’ve only been on a handful of dates.”

“I don’t understand,” Seathan said, genuinely confused by her confession. He looked her up and down. “You’re so beautiful, so sexy. I’m just shocked men haven’t lined up for you.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m the king’s daughter. Most men are afraid to come anywhere near me,” Addie explained.

Seathan nodded. “I can see why that would be daunting.” He winked at her. “Listen, let’s change into robes, have a snack, and ease our way into this. If you just can’t do it, we’ll wait until we’re home.”

Home. Addie stared at him. This was her home. She looked down and thought, Not anymore. He was being so nice to her, patient and kind. She looked back up at him and smiled. “I’d like that, Seathan. I requested some wine, fruit, and cheese to be in the fridge for us.”

“Perfect.”

*****

An hour later, after three glasses of wine, Addie felt much more relaxed.