The Dragon king's Second Mate

Welcome to Wyndora!

~Aspen's pov~

Malek allowed me to put on a robe first before he started talking. I placed Xavier in the pen built for him. The mini nest was comfortable. And although I haven't been able to sleep well, or for more than a few minutes, he's been sleeping better than ever. The pacifier moves in his mouth as he suckles it for comfort.

I followed the King of Emberhelm away from the pen so that he could tell me what he had to say.

"Tomorrow, I'm taking you to my brother, as you know. You don't look as gross as you did the first time we met. Though you're not my type or someone I would even consider f*****g, you're apparently Rylan's type." He pinches the bridge of his nose. His skin isn't as dark as Rylan and Zane. He's a little bit lighter, but still equally handsome.

His attitude is just repulsive. But he's a dragon, I shouldn't expect anything less. I've seen them flying around and I'm still struggling to accept that I'm in the one place I've been warned to stay away from since I was a kid.

The stories don't lie.

"Rylan has never had good taste, so I don't know why I'm shocked that he shifted from backstabber to filth. What's next? Literal trash?"

My heart stumbled, and an ache swelled in my chest. I should be used to the insults, isn't that all I've ever heard my whole life? I'm not even a real person.

My name was given because my parents had to name me. I have no last name. I am nothing.

But Xavier will be different. He'll grow up better than I did. I will take all the insults, but I will not let them insult my child. I draw the line there.

"I'm only here to warn you. I didn't get my claws on that b***h when she was exposed, Rylan and Zane beat me to it. But you…. My older brother might be capable of handling everything, but I will still protect him. I will not let anyone, anyone…" The venom in his tone sent shivers crawling up my spine. Dear god. "... Hurt him. So listen to my words carefully. You will do whatever he says. You will be the perfect concubine. You won't argue, not even for one day. Not for one second. You'll say nothing to contradict his commands. If he wants to f**k you in front of everyone, you will let him f**k you in front of everyone. I do not care if you're shy. Rylan better be happier than ever, even if it's from your s*x alone. You will practice, learn, your life in Wyndora will be to serve my brother and no one else. Got?"

He didn't even grab me, but his words, the crippling golden eyes white with an icy blue color in the middle of them. They sent chills rushing up my spine.

Never have I been this scared.

"Do you understand?"

"Yes. Yes I understand."

"Good. Your brain works. Now go take care of that thing. I'll see you tomorrow."

He left the room, and I dropped to the floor.

Clutching my knees. The stories of the dragon float into my mind. The barbarians who take whatever they want. For the next two years I have to push my own feelings out of the way.

I have to endure whatever s*x Rylan makes me do.

I shudder from the thought.

Caesar wanted me from behind. Where he couldn't see my face. He was done in five minutes, and it was the worst feeling I'd ever had.

I have to get through that with Rylan, who I'm sure is much bigger than Caesar in that department.

I clutched my chest, forcing my breathing to come back to a regular pace. It's like the room had turned into an ice pit the second Malek started threatening me.

It feels like I'm suffering for what Rylan's first mate did. But it's not like he and I mated so why are they so worried?

Don't they know about the deal- no of course not.

That would make things worse. Malek would obliterate me.

I dreaded the next day's arrival. I stayed up all night, watching Xavier. He's my only form of happiness. I can smile, I can breathe when he's next to me.

The next day came, unfortunately, and I was forced to shower in an ice cold bath because the maids said it would make me look better.

I'm not sure how true those words were but I allowed them to force me into a cold bath tub.

I rinsed in warm water. Again, I don't understand their methods. But the women cleaning me up looked like concubines themselves but they bowed to Starlavia, letting me know that they're truly maids.

While they did my make up, and fixed my hair, I watched April dress my son up. Xavier was a shy kid. I could see that. Even as a baby, he kept shooting me glances and smiling whenever he saw me. He would look back at April, reach the point of wanting to cry before looking back at me.

He's precious. So f*****g prescious.

Starlavia explained the reason why everyone here was hot. Malek has a rule. Perfection only. Emberhelm is judged by beauty.

If you're considered ugly or scarred, you're immediately demoted to commoner.

In Draconia the ranks go from kings, to queens, elders/elder council, Nobles, high ranking officials, warriors/knights, and finally the commoners.

So if you're demoted to the bottom of the ranks, and your family is from a higher rank, it must be painful.

I wouldn't want to live in Emberhelm. Despite its icy beauty. The maids are all high ranking officials.

Starlavia says they make more than the knights. The royal maids make more than the knights. The maids for the people who aren't Malek, are commoners.

He sounds like the most outlandish king I've ever heard of.

I smiled throughout everything. They had my makeup done, even though Starlavia was against it.

They were following Malek's orders to make me beautiful.

The maids word expensive silk, I could feel their judgment as they dressed me. They saw the rogue mark although they don't know what it means.

My lips shined bright with cherry red lipstick, and my lashes were full. My skin was waxed before any of this so I'm just smooth.

The wax didn't hurt, shockingly. They know what they're doing.

I stepped in front of the mirror at the end. Dressed in a red strapless gown that covered my pencil heels. The shoes were a bit higher than I was used to. Both shoes and gown were bedazzled in jewels. My ears had diamond earrings, and I wore a ring that was brought from Wyndora.

The bracelets, even the clips on my curled hair were made of some expensive cut of a precious white diamond.

I've never looked this rich in my whole life.

The dress fit perfectly, its tight bodice over my newly filled out body made me look attractive. My cleavage showed through the open space created by the lack of straps.

And when April brought my son, I almost cried.

Xavier was dressed in red as well. His little shoes, his tiny clothes are just too cute for me.

I held him up, and nuzzled his cheek.

"You look beautiful, Aspen. Come. The kings are waiting."

I remembered Malek's words. Everything I've gathered this week.

I need to implement them.

I came closer and closer to the doors that kept the kings. What would Rylan think?

He saw me as a disgusting, unhealthy woman just a week ago.

Would he be able to find me attractive?

That's the only way I can be his consort.

The doors were opened by the guards, and I walked in alone. April and Starlavia had stayed behind.

I hope I get to see them again.

As soon as the doors locked, the kings turned around.

They were in a conversation, a heated one. And Rylan looked pissed.

I kept my eyes on Rylan before anyone else.

"Aww, the kid is cute!" Zane said first drawing his brothers attention. "I'm having baby fever. I should have a baby next." He got a slap for that. "My apologies. I understand that I am not capable of raising a child due to the condition where I happen to still think like one."

I nearly laughed. The way his tone turned robotic was somewhat refreshing. He noticed, and winked.

My heart stuttered.

Rylan growled at his brother. "You keep your twitching eye away from my woman."

Malek glared at me, but he hummed a nod as Rylan kept his anger towards Zane.

His woman? Right. As a consort, I suppose I shouldn't take that to heart. But the damn organ in my chest wanted to burst.

"You don't look repulsive." Malek said.

"Thank you?"

Rylan stopped yelling at Zane to assess me. I trembled under his eyes. He moved closer. And closer.

And closer.

Breathe, come heart fuckin work.

Xavier may not be as shy as I thought because the moment Rylan got close enough, he started babbling and making grabby hands at him.

"Control your vermin."

I frowned immediately, but Rylan beat me to it.

"Malek, let this be the last time to disrespect Xavier, and Aspen. Especially in front of me. If I talk bad to your women, and tell you how shallow and how you might truly be a disastrous partner but they suck it up because they're afraid of you, you'll get fussy and call me names. So don't do this s**t to me."

Malek's face emptied out. He just dropped his entire emotion.

"I will not respect a woman you pick, especially not after the last time. You're the only one who suffered from it. So take this thing, and her vermin, and get out of my kingdom."

He turned his back, and stormed out of our sight.

Zane went after him while Rylan clenched his fist. The brothers seem to have a tense, but very close relationship. They'd die for each other, no doubt, but that doesn't mean they're always going to want to be around each other.

What could Rylan's first mate have done that was so bad?

Rylan reached for Xavier once he was calmer. My son immediately went for his hair. Rylan didn't smile but there was no disgust in his eyes as he stared at Xavier.

When that stare returned to me, I took a step back.

"You look incredible. I knew you were beautiful before but this is incredible. The makeup is a bit of a throw off, I've always been a fan of the natural style but it's still you. I like it."

I didn't know I was holding my breath until he said that.

My tongue was tied, so I only smiled as my cheeks heated.

Okay, let me be honest, Rylan is actually sexy. I didn't know I could be attracted to someone who looks like he could kill and f**k me in the same setting.

"Come now, let's go to Wyndora."

I took his hand. He wouldn't give Xavier back to me and my son was happy to just be in his arms.

The carriage ride to Wyndora was intense for me because I felt something in my stomach.

Be it dread or arousal? I'm not willing to find out.

The carriage stopped, and Rylan got out first. With one strong arm holding Xavier, he stretched the other out for me.

I maneuvered my dress to make it easier for me to get out.

His hands were warm. The tail of the dragon hoisted us up once I was out of the carriage, and it dropped us on the clean rock floors.

My mouth opened.

Wyndora-

"Welcome to my kingdom."

Emberhelm was beautiful but cold. I've never seen Soleria but I'm sure it's nothing compared to Wyndora.

This is perfection.

"Is it always this beautiful?"

A man I hadn't seen before, answered.

"Let me describe the beautiful kingdom to you. If I may be permitted?"

"Yes of course." I quickly said. Not liking the sight of someone bowing to me.

"In the heart of the mystical realm of Wyndora, nestled amidst towering mountains and cascading waterfalls, lies a breathtaking kingdom ruled by the majestic Dragon King. As you enter this enchanted land, prepare to be mesmerized by an awe-inspiring sight that transcends imagination.

The kingdom of Wyndora is a utopia for us dragon shifters, a realm where natural beauty knows no bounds. Lush meadows carpeted in emerald green stretch as far as the eye can see, adorned with an array of vibrant, exotic flowers that bloom in a kaleidoscope of colors. Their intoxicating fragrance fills the air, infusing it with a delicate sweetness that lingers on the gentle breeze.

As you venture deeper into Wyndora, ancient trees with sprawling branches beckon you to wander beneath their leafy canopy. The sunlight filters through the verdant foliage, casting a golden glow upon the forest floor. Sunbeams dance among the ferns and wildflowers, creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow.

Following the melodious symphony of cascading water, you arrive at a crystal-clear river that winds its way through the kingdom. Its waters glisten like liquid sapphire, reflecting the azure sky above. Graceful dragonflies flit across the surface, leaving ripples that distort the reflection of the surrounding landscape.

High above, snow-capped peaks scrape the heavens, their majestic heights seeming to touch the very clouds. Jagged cliffs and rugged rock formations guard the kingdom's borders, a testament to the ancient power that resides within. From these lofty vantage points, one can witness breathtaking vistas that inspire envy in even the most jaded of souls.

As day turns to dusk, Wyndora undergoes a magical transformation. The sky becomes a tapestry of fiery hues, painted by the setting sun. The kingdom's inhabitants, dragon shifters with iridescent scales, take to the skies, their wings creating a mesmerizing display of colors that rival the most exquisite gemstones.

In this realm of wonder, envy is an emotion that lingers in the hearts of those who gaze upon Wyndora. King Rylan's kingdom is a haven where natural splendor and fantastical beauty intertwine, leaving all who witness its magnificence spellbound and yearning to be part of its breathtaking embrace."

I believe every single word.

"And…" Rylan adds. "This is your home."

My home?

I whipped around. The large mansion surrounded by the mountains, and a massive dragon's face staring from the middle and peering down at the valleys and waterfall, is mine??

"This-"

"Is yours. I don't take consorts in, and since you'll be the only one I'll keep for more than a day, then I think it's best that you have a place of your own."

He's giving me privacy. Away from his palace. Surrounded by peace, and guards to keep me and Xavier safe.

Who is this man?

I thought dragons were beastly but this….. for two years if my son can live here, heck even after I stop being his consort, if this is mine, then I think I can endure everything else.

"Come in, let me give you a tour. And we can discuss the rules."

Rules….

I sucked in a breath, and exhaled.

This is getting realer by the minute. Pretty soon. I'll be in his bed.

I gulped, eyes locked on this powerful man as he led me towards the house.

This is where it begins for me.