Chapter 70

Isadora's POV.

Golem responded in a sarcastic tone, saying, "Ask me to kill somebody? Yes. Ask me to burn down a city to ashes? Perfect. I would even enjoy doing it. But ask me not to do something stupid around my mate? That's one thing I can't promise, Isadora."

"Please, it would only be for a little while; you have to understand that I had a life before you showed up," I begged.

Golem responded, "Alright, fine. But you have until after the funeral; you tell him your mate found you and is ready to claim you and put an end to whatever child's play you have going on with him. Is that a deal?" Golem questioned.

"Yes, fine, whatever."

Matamoros finally closed the gap with the men as they gave the surroundings a scrutinizing look. Matamoros kissed my cheeks and said, "Good morning, my love. I didn't see you when I woke up. By the way, what happened in here? It looks like this place was literally attacked by a dragon."

I swallowed my saliva, exchanging a quick look with Golem, who wore a confident grin on his face.

I had to think fast and come up with a good lie. "I was trying to pray for the Queen's soul this morning for guidance as we step into a new era. One of the candles fell without my knowledge, and I lost control over the fire."

Matamoros shook his head, "Thankfully, nothing bad happened to you, my lady. We really need the queen's guardians in these trying times."

I forced a laugh, "I agree, dear. Thankfully, this stranger was just at the right place and at the right time to help me put it off."

"And who is he if I may ask? I'm not familiar with his face," Matamoros questioned, tilting his head in Golem's direction, giving him a scrutinizing look.

I quickly gave Golem a pleading look, urging him to play along. He responded, "Let's just say I'm a distant relative of the late Queen. I came around to pay my last respects."

Matamoros replied, "I see. Okay, well thank you for helping out." He turned his head back to me as a few men walked past us to the Queen's corpse. He added, "Everything is ready for the funeral; the only thing missing is the late Queen's body."

I responded, saying, "Perfect."

With that, we all walked down to the cemetery where the Queen's grave was dug. I walked in front with Matamoros, and Golem followed behind slowly.

The funeral service began with a candlelight procession, led by a few knights of the palace. I stood beside Matamoros and a few elders, the weight of the occasion heavy on my shoulders.

Throughout the procession, Golem and I exchanged glances, his eyes revealing a hint of jealousy every time he saw me in the arms of another man. Despite the somber atmosphere, his intense gaze sent shivers down my spine.

As the service continued, the seats were arranged in a circular formation. I sat beside Matamoros, and Golem occupied a spot opposite us at the other end of the crowd. An elder stepped forward to read the biography of the Queen.

While the elder spoke, I paid no attention. My mind was distracted, carried away by the piercing gaze of Golem. I couldn't tear my eyes away from him, captivated by the fire within those red eyeballs.

Suddenly, Golem stood on his feet and approached my direction slowly. My heart raced, each step he took sending my pulse into overdrive. Matamoros noticed my tension and asked in a soft tone, "My love, are you okay?"

I responded, attempting to act natural, "Of course, baby. I just think I need a little water, that's all."

"Okay, let me get you one," Matamoros replied. With that, he got up and walked away.

Golem took the seat Matamoros left vacant right next to me, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He whispered, "I couldn't resist having you so close, but in the arms of another, my dragon can't bear the burn. I just want to roast that guy alive."

I shot him a playful glare, replying, "Keep it down. We're at a funeral, not a tavern. Just be patient with me; that guy has been more than a friend to me, and I'm only trying to respect him because he deserves it. I'm sure he'll understand me when I tell him about you at the right time. For now, please just be patient. By the way, when do you plan on revealing yourself to the people as the queen's lost son and heir to the throne?"

Golem chuckled in response, saying, "Not now, not ever. That boy is dead to everyone, and it's better to keep it that way."

I was just about to respond when Golem spotted Matamoros returning with a glass of water in the distance. He playfully rubbed his hands on my thighs, jokingly saying, "I guess we'll talk later. Your sweetheart is coming." With that, he stood up and walked back to his seat.

I rolled my eyes at him, fixing my dress just as Matamoros handed me the glass of water. I said thank you, just as I drank from the cup I took a quick sneak peek at Golem as he returned to his seat, relieved that Matamoros didn't notice anything.

It seemed Golem might have been allergic to something around us. As he returned to his seat, he suddenly sneezed out a huge flame of fire from his nostrils right in the middle of the funeral. The crowd wailed in surprise; some didn't believe what they saw the first time, until Golem sneezed again, shooting another flame of fire through his nostrils. The crowd was overwhelmed by shock.

Matamoros pointed at him. "Isn't that the Queen's supposed distant relative?"

I nervously nodded in confirmation. Just then, the elder who was presiding over the funeral took careful steps towards Golem and stared into his eyes in thorough examination. Suddenly, he exclaimed in a loud voice, overwhelmed with surprise, "He's the one! I don't believe it—the lost prince! All hail the king of the South!" He went down on his knees and bowed before Golem.