Mate Of A Dragon Villain (Skeleton Key) by Skeleton Key, Mandy Rosko Read Free Book Online

was presented in its place.
    "Have a seat," Eldric said.
    Amanda did as she was told. "I guess this makes it seem fair to the others in the room. You can honor me by letting me sit next to you, without honoring me too much by letting me sit in Alger's chair?"
    “How do you know that’s not Udolf’s chair?”
    “Somehow, I get the feeling his is the one on your other side.” It was empty, so Amanda could see the cushioning wasn’t so fine. Udolf was on the dance floor, not dancing so much as he was shifting around as a child stood on his toes.
    Eldric nodded, something flashing in his eyes. "Perceptive." He then nodded to the two women. "Thank you, Jane. I'll call for you and Helena later."
    Amanda blinked, turning her head to stare at the two women, both of whom bowed low at the waist.
    "We'll be waiting," said the woman who Amanda was going to assume was Jane.
    "Jane? That's Jane?" Amanda asked when they were out of hearing range, which wasn't too far away considering the laughter and noise.
    Eldric raised a dark brow at the question. "Do you know each other?"
    Amanda tensed. Fuck.
    "Well, no, I just...I'd heard a rumor that King Eldric had married a woman named Jane."
    Eldric guffawed. "Is that the story in your land?" He swirled a glass of dark alcohol in his hand. "I'm curious as to how a rumor like that could have started."
    He sounded amused. That had to be a good thing. Amanda shrugged and smiled, as if she could hardly tell him how she'd heard such a thing either.
    She'd already mentioned the skeleton key she'd found, but he might've thought she was rambling and in shock. If she said she'd created him and all the people here, or at least thought she had created them, then he might think she was crazy and lock her up again.
    Eldric sighed. "Alger has asked that I be gentle with you, that I not be too harsh in my questioning. Since you saved his life, and he is dear to me, I will respect that request."
    Amanda nodded. “Great, and what about my request?"
    "Your request?"
    God, she hoped she was right about this. "I thought that when the king of Alzriandra owed such a high debt, the very least he could do was try to make good on one request."
    "I am. You're joining me for dinner in a fine gown and won't be sent back to the dungeons."
    Amanda swallowed hard. It was difficult with a dry throat. "That's Alger's request. Not mine."
    Eldric narrowed his eyes at her. Amanda tried to keep herself from looking away from him, but slowly, her eyes started to lower under the power of that intense stare.
    When Eldric boomed a laugh and slammed his fist onto the wooden table, making the cutlery and plates jump, Amanda jumped with them.
    "I like you. Your bravery is small, but you use it."
    "Uh, thanks?" It was better than having a sword raised at her and being shouted at that she was a witch, that was for sure.
    Eldric waved away the thanks. "All right. You have me. One request. And it damn well better be reasonable."
    "I haven't thought of it yet. Can I think about it?"
    Eldric shrugged, lifting his glass to his lips. "I suppose. You don't have an indefinite amount of time, however."
    Amanda nodded. "Right. Of course."
    "Good, now take your plate and pick some foods," he said, waving to the various centerpieces of cooked birds, roasts, vegetables, and fruits. "I will eat with you as a sign of goodwill, then take a plate to Alger."
    "You both usually eat together?" Amanda asked, looking to her left where the cushioned seat was. She always imagined it was Jane who would sit on one side of Eldric, with Alger on the other, of course, but there was no other seat for Jane. She just seemed to work here.
    "Of course we do," Eldric said, raising a brow and smirking at her. "I would have thought that would be obvious. Would you like to know if he comes to my bed as well?"
    Heat climbed Amanda's neck and settled into her face. She shook her head. "No, sorry. I guess that was a really personal question."
    Eldric waved his hand again.