Kidnapped by the Dragon King

I Promise

Corrine POV

It had been six months since my birthday, and the hunt for a husband had been disappointing. Several suitors came to visit the kingdom, but they were all egotistical and dull. I don't think I could hear another man tell me how wonderful he is again. They didn't want me, they didn't want a Queen, they wanted my kingdom. I wanted to scream and run to my father to tell him that I would be with Brayden and wouldn't settle for anyone else, but I knew that would not go over well.

Every day, Brayden and I would share looks as we passed in the halls, and every night, we would share our hopes, our dreams, and our bodies. He would come to my room after dark, climb the trellis outside my window, and leave just before the sun rose in the East. I loved falling asleep wrapped up in his arms and waking up staring into his beautiful blue eyes. We often talked about running away to be together, but we knew that would never work. We would always be looking over our shoulder, trying to avoid my father's army. I shuddered to think about what would happen to Brayden if we were caught.

I worried that my father would figure out what we were doing. I knew I would look a little too long at Brayden when we were in the same room, and I had caught him staring at me on more than one occasion. We were not very good at being secretive. Eventually, someone would figure out we were more than friends. I wasn't worried about my mother; she would keep it to herself if she were the one to put the pieces together. I think she may have some idea already due to the sly smiles she has given me on more than one occasion. She has never agreed with my father's edict that I must marry into royalty, and I could guarantee that she would be on my side.

I was sitting in my room tonight, waiting for Brayden to sneak in through my window. It was exciting knowing that we were doing something forbidden. I heard scrapping outside, and suddenly, Brayden's head appeared. I squealed softly and ran to him, pulling him into my room. He took me in his arms and kissed me softly, running his fingers through my hair. Putting his forehead against mine, he looked into my eyes and asked, "How was your day?"

I stared back and replied, "Awful, but it's better now. You?"

He stood up and walked to my bed. Slipping off his shoes, he sat down, scooted up against my headboard, and patted the bed between his legs. I climbed up on the bed and snuggled up to him. I loved being with him; his touch was so calming.

Groaning, Brayden began, "My day was challenging. We had training this morning, then I had guard duty. The final straw was Dad wanting to talk about you and me, emphasizing how this," he waved his hand between us, " will never work out. I couldn't care less about what would happen tomorrow. I am just grateful to have you today." He pulled me in tighter, and we sat silently for a few minutes. "Why was your day awful?" he asked me.

I debated about how much to tell Brayden. I didn't want to ruin our time together. I finally decided to just come out with it. "My father received a letter from the Dragon King in Antioch. He will not take no for an answer! He offered my father $1,000,000 in gold to marry me."

Setting me to the side, Brayden jumped off the bed. "Absolutely not! You are going nowhere near that man!" Brayden growled. He was furious! I had never seen this side of him before.

"I didn't say he accepted. I was telling you what the letter said." I stood up, crossing the room to the distressed man wearing a rut on my floor. "Dad wrote back to him and refused the offer. He told Arias he could come here and court me, though."

I could tell he was having difficulty keeping his anger under control. I didn't know what to say, so I let him try to walk it off.

"I have heard stories about this man, the Dragon King. Over the last two decades, he and his father have used dragons to attack and destroy numerous kingdoms. No one knows what they want, at least no one living. Why would your father agree to let him court you?" Brayden was breathing hard, his hands squeezed into fists.

I walked to Brayden's side, grabbing his hands. I tangled our fingers together while pressing my body against his. I needed his touch and hoped that being near me might help him to relax. "I don't think he wants me to marry Arias. I think he wants to try and keep peace with him."

Brayden had fire in his eyes. "No! He will not court you!" Why was he so angry with someone he had never met?

"If he wants to come here, why not? I don't have to choose him, and I won't. I'll be safe here; my father's men will protect me. You will protect me." I batted my eyelashes at him, to which he snickered. " I have heard stories from Antioch also. Didn't Arias have an older sister? I thought I heard a tale years ago about a daughter who ran away and was never found," I said as I looked at him questioningly.

Brayden looked lost in thought, "I think I heard that also. I was still young and overheard some older children speaking of it in town. I asked my mother what they were talking about, but she said we shouldn't spread gossip and made me walk away."

"No matter; I have no reason to care what may or may not be going on in Antioch," I nudged Brayden back toward the bed. "I only care about Martinsdale, you, and my parents. No matter what, I promise I will never accept Arias as my intended."

His knees buckled when he hit the mattress. I climbed up on his lap and snuggled into him. "I love you," I whispered into his ear. I could feel the stress and anger subside, and I smiled. Wrapped up in my embrace, Brayden stroked my hair. We sat this way until both of us were calm and collected. I yawned, signaling that I was exhausted, hoping Brayden would soon be ready for sleep.

"Tired, little one?" Brayden picked me up and moved us further onto the bed as I nodded. I curled up into his side, finally warm and content, and soon I was sound asleep.

Arias POV

"Ahhhh," I roared, wadding up the latest rejection letter and throwing it in the trash. King Marcus could go to h**l! I had offered an obscene amount of money, and he rejected it again! Obviously, money wasn't going to get me anywhere. I was going to have to take what I wanted.

I needed to relax and knew who could assist me with that. "Zayda!" I yelled, knowing she was somewhere on my floor, lurking about. Within a few moments, she popped her head in the door. "Yes, Your Highness, how can I help you?" she inquired, batting her eyes and licking her lips. I hoped that was not what she thought sexy was supposed to look like.

I motioned her over with my finger and scooted my chair back from my desk. I pointed between my legs, and she knew exactly what I wanted. Kneeling in front of me, she unbuttoned and unzipped my pants. She pulled out my enlarged member, leaning over to kiss the tip directly. Using her tongue skillfully, she ran it around the head, then licked up and down the underside of my d**k, teasing me. I didn't want to be teased; I just wanted to get off. Her mouth opened, and I pushed her head down over my c**k, throat f*****g her until she began choking. Grabbing her hair, I bobbed her head up and down until she took the hint and started sucking my d**k like a champ. She took my entire c**k and swallowed, causing a deep, guttural groan to escape my lips.

It only took about five minutes for me to explode deeply in her throat. She swallowed every drop and rose, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. She began removing her clothing, but I was not interested in looking at her body today. I put up my hand, which immediately stopped her. "But Arias," she pleaded, "I have needs too."

"Look, I am not interested in your needs. I needed to relax. I called for you, and you came willingly. If you are not interested in assisting me, then say so. Otherwise, suck my c**k and get out!" I roared. The color drained from Zayda's face as she fled the room. I did feel slightly wrong about that, but I didn't want her. I wanted my mate, and I kept being denied at every turn. I would only need Zayda until I could retrieve Corrine. That day couldn't get her soon enough.