Chapter 198

Chapter 198
Augustus's POV

Even as I spoke, I could feel my resolve beginning to waver. My hands, which had been resting innocuously on her waist, began to drift with subtle, exploratory touches. My fingertips traced the elegant line of her collarbone, then skimmed down to brush against her shoulder, testing the boundaries of what she would allow.

The silk ties of her nightgown proved particularly fascinating to my restless fingers, and I found myself toying with them in a way that was deliberately provocative, my fingertips dancing along the delicate fabric with barely restrained hunger. Each time my touch ventured somewhere she deemed inappropriate, her hand would dart out to capture mine, guiding it back to safer territory with a mixture of exasperation and embarrassment.

"Your Majesty," she would murmur, her voice carrying that particular note of long-suffering patience that I'd grown to recognize. "You said you would..."

Her repeated interventions only served to inflame my desire further, the game of advance and retreat becoming a delicious torment that had my dragon blood singing with anticipation.

By the fifth time she'd intercepted my wandering hands, I couldn't contain my frustration any longer. "At this rate," I complained, allowing a note of theatrical petulance to creep into my voice, "I'll be reduced to embracing your ankles just to maintain some form of physical contact."

To emphasize my point, I deliberately shifted my grip lower, my hands sliding down toward her legs as if I truly intended to follow through on the ridiculous threat. The absurdity of it—the mighty Dragon King reduced to cuddling his beloved's feet—was apparently too much for her composure.

A genuine laugh escaped her lips, bright and musical in the quiet chamber, and I felt some of the tension leave her shoulders. "Your Majesty," she said, and there was something almost fond in her exasperation now.

She reached for my hands then, her touch gentle but firm as she guided them back to her waist. "Here," she whispered, her voice carrying a tenderness that made my chest tight with emotion. "Rest them here, but you must promise not to let them wander."

Her fingers lingered on the backs of my hands for a moment, then she gave them a light, affectionate pat—like she was soothing an unruly child who had finally agreed to behave. The gesture was so unexpectedly sweet that it sent warmth flooding through my veins.

The satisfaction in my golden eyes must have been unmistakable, because I felt my lips curve upward in a smile of pure triumph. She'd not only given me what I wanted but had done so with such gentle authority that I found myself completely charmed.

"As you command, my queen," I murmured against her ear, my voice rough with barely contained emotion and rich with the kind of indulgent affection I'd never expected to feel. The endearment rolled off my tongue like honey, sweet and natural.

Just as I was beginning to relax into our compromise, my treacherous hand decided to test the boundaries she'd established. Without conscious thought, my palm slid lower, skimming past her waist to explore forbidden territory with swift, sure movements.

Her response was immediate—a sharp cry of surprise that she quickly tried to muffle as her body jerked away. But I was ready, my free hand coming up to cover her mouth with gentle pressure.

"Shh," I whispered against her ear with amusement. "You'll wake the child with all that noise."

Before I could savor my victory, I felt sharp teeth against my palm. She'd bitten down on the flesh between my thumb and forefinger—not hard enough to break skin, but with enough force to make her displeasure clear.

A hiss escaped my lips as I jerked back, examining the neat crescent marks. Despite my body's urging for more, I forced myself to withdraw completely, allowing her to collapse back against the pillows.

"Liar," she accused, her voice breathless with embarrassment. "You promised you wouldn't..."

I couldn't help smirking as I examined my injured hand. "The path was slippery," I said with mock solemnity. "These things happen."

I adopted a grave expression. "Besides, biting the Dragon King is technically treason. The penalty is death by beheading."

Her cheeks flushed deeper pink, but she lifted her chin defiantly. "Then do it," she huffed, though there was no real heat in her voice. "Go ahead!"

"Tempting," I mused, enjoying her pout. "But given your delicate condition, I suppose I could show mercy. Looking at you carrying my child, I'll grant clemency this time."

She turned away with an adorable huff, pulling the covers over her shoulders like a petulant child. "I'm not speaking to you anymore," she muttered into the pillows.

"Sleep well, my treasure," I whispered, gently brushing a strand of golden hair from her face.