Chapter 40 Chapter 40
Nathaniel’s POV
“Let’s head back. I have a lot of work to do, and shouldn’t you be at the lab with Lucien?” I said matter-of-factly.
Bailey’s face drained of color.
“Shoot! I totally forgot! I’m late!”
She bolted past me without another glance. I rolled my eyes. As if Lucien would do anything worse than bury her in extra chores.
I took my time walking back toward my office, each step dragging against the exhaustion that clung to me. Escaping my mother’s trap had drained more than my magic — it had taken every ounce of focus I had left. She’d poured an immense amount of energy into keeping me imprisoned while she attempted to twist Bailey’s mind against me. Not that I cared, of course. But if Bailey was trying this hard to hide what my mother told her, it had to be something of value.
Whatever it was, I’d find out. I always did.
Before returning to work, I decided to pay Idris another visit.
The path to the dragon’s lair was silent, hidden behind the thick stone walls at the back of the castle. The guards stationed there bowed quickly when I arrived, stepping aside as I motioned for them to leave.
Inside, the air was warm and heavy with smoke. Idris lay coiled against the far wall, his massive crimson scales glinting faintly in the dim torchlight. Even asleep, he radiated raw power — his breaths slow and deep, the ground faintly trembling beneath him.
I approached quietly, studying the enchanted chain that looped around his neck and connected to the wall. The faint glow pulsed back and forth, a current of my own magic flowing through it. That chain wasn’t just to restrain him — it was the key to my castle’s protective barrier. Dragon magic was potent, volatile, and perfect for amplifying my shield. That’s why the fortress had remained impenetrable… until recently.
The gargoyle attack still lingered in my mind. Somehow, they’d managed to infiltrate my wards. I suspected it had something to do with the marriage bond — ever since the ceremony, the spell’s stability had begun to waver. The connection between Bailey and me was far stronger than I’d anticipated. It pressed against the edges of my control, consuming every thought, every breath, until I could barely tell where her energy ended and mine began.
A low snarl broke my thoughts.
Idris’s great amber eyes snapped open, narrowing in unmistakable hostility.
“Two visits in one day, dark one. That’s a first. To what do I owe such attention?” His voice rumbled through the cavern, thick with disdain.
I smirked, though unease pricked at the back of my neck. “Just making sure everything is in order. I hear you’ve lashed out twice this month. Feeling inspired, are we?”
“Oh, I’m always inspired when it comes to you,” he said with a sneer. “I’ve devised precisely three hundred and fifty-two ways to kill you once I’m free.”
“I don’t doubt it for a second, my dear friend.”
The dragon’s jaw tightened, smoke curling from his nostrils. “You and I stopped being friends the moment you allowed that abomination you call power to consume you.”
I tilted my head. “I’m sorry you feel that way, but you left me no choice when you attacked. You interfered with my plans — and I couldn’t have that.”
Idris exhaled sharply, a sound like thunder rolling through the chamber. “Why are you here, Nathaniel? As you can see, I’m still chained, still feeding your precious shield while it drains the life from me.”
I stepped closer, lowering my voice. “I’m here to make sure you remember the consequences of defiance.”
His massive head lowered until his eyes met mine. “I may be bound, but I am not afraid of your threats.”
“You should be.” My smirk widened, cruel and deliberate. “You underestimate what I’m willing to do to protect what’s mine.”
“The girl?” Idris asked.
I froze.
“How do you know about her?” My tone was sharp, deadly.
“Your subjects gossip when they think I’m asleep,” he replied coolly. “And I’ve nothing better to do than listen.”
Damn it. Word was spreading faster than I expected. I’d have to announce Bailey’s title sooner than planned — perhaps even before the annual ball.
I forced the topic away. “She’s of no concern to you. What concerns me is your habit of roasting my guards alive.”
Idris growled, a cloud of black smoke billowing from his nostrils. “Maybe you should tell your men to stop whipping and electrocuting me for no reason, and I’ll stop burning them.”
“Well,” I countered, “if you’d stop resisting every other day, they might not have to.”
“Go to hell, Nate! Once I’m free, I’ll tear you apart piece by piece!” he roared, yanking hard against the chain. The metal groaned but held.
I only smiled. “It’s been a while since you called me that. I’ll be looking forward to it.”
With that, I turned and walked out. I’d had enough of his temper for one day. Perhaps I’d tell the guards to ease up on the punishment — if only to keep him from breaking the chain entirely. My powers were still recovering; another surge like that could weaken the bindings, and that was a risk I couldn’t afford.
Outside, I instructed the guards not to provoke Idris further, then made my way back to the office.
The sight that greeted me was enough to sour my mood all over again — piles upon piles of paperwork still waiting for my signature. I groaned, dragging a hand through my hair as I began sorting through the documents.
That’s when a particular letter caught my attention — sealed with a familiar sigil. My uncle’s. The Warden of the neighboring kingdom. My mother’s older brother.
“How the hell did I miss this?” I muttered. Then I remembered — the paperwork had ended up on the floor after… certain distractions with Kara. The letter must’ve gotten buried in the chaos.
I broke the seal and skimmed the contents.
Well, shit. Dear uncle was coming to visit in a few days.
A slow smile crept across my face. If I played this right, I might finally get him on my side.
And my new wife… might just be the perfect pawn to help make that happen.