Kovax climbed onto the massive bed, his weight causing the mattress to dip as he knelt beside Ryaz. The Fae prince's skin glistened with sweat, his copper hair darkened with dampness against his temples.

"I'm sorry," Kovax whispered, his throat tight with emotion. "I'll try to hold back, but I can't—I can't control my reactions to you right now." His hand hovered above Ryaz's cheek, trembling with the effort of restraint. "When I touch you, when I'm near you like this, when I smell your scent... it's like I'm being torn apart and put back together. And knowing there's another waiting in your bed—" His voice broke. "It shouldn't matter to me, but it does."

Ryaz's eyes fluttered open, fever-bright but lucid. "Touch me," he murmured. "Please."

Kovax lowered his hand to Ryaz's cheek. The contact sent lightning through his palm, up his arm, straight to his core. Ryaz gasped beneath him, arching slightly into the touch as if experiencing the same jolt.

"Your clothes," Kovax managed, fingers already working at the intricate fastenings of Ryaz's formal robes. "I need to—"

"Yes," Ryaz breathed, lifting weakly to help.

The silk garments fell away under Kovax's urgent hands, revealing alabaster skin that glowed with that ethereal luminescence. Every inch exposed sent a fresh wave of heat through Kovax's body, his scales darkening along his arms and chest as primal instincts surged to the surface.

Ryaz's hands fumbled with Kovax's shirt, his movements growing weaker by the second. "I can't—" he whispered, frustration and fear mingling in his voice. "I'm fading, Kovax. I can feel it."

Kovax tore his own clothes away, not caring as buttons scattered across the floor. His skin burned where it met Ryaz's, the sensation both painful and exquisite. He covered the Fae prince's body with his own, careful to keep his weight on his forearms.

"I've got you," he murmured, pressing his lips to Ryaz's temple. "I won't let you fade."

Ryaz's hands clutched at Kovax's shoulders, his touch like electric stars trailing across dragon-warmed skin. His eyes widened as he felt Kovax's arousal pressing against his thigh, his own body responding despite his weakened state.

"Kovax," he whispered, voice breaking with need. "Please... save us."

Those words—save us, not save me—struck Kovax with unexpected force. Us. Ryaz and the child. Their child. Something possessive and protective unfurled in his chest, driving away the last of his hesitation.

He captured Ryaz's mouth in a kiss that started gentle but quickly blazed into something fierce and consuming. His tongue traced the seam of Ryaz's lips, seeking entrance that was immediately granted. Ryaz tasted of summer wine and magic, sweet and intoxicating.

Kovax trailed kisses down Ryaz's neck, across his collarbone, lingering at the hollow of his throat where his pulse fluttered like a captive bird. Each press of his lips drew a soft sound from Ryaz that sent heat pooling in Kovax's groin.

His hands explored Ryaz's body with reverent hunger, learning the dips and curves that had been hidden by fear and drugs during their first encounter. The slight swell of Ryaz's abdomen where their child grew. The elegant arch of his ribs. The sensitive spots that made him gasp and clutch at Kovax's shoulders.

When his fingers found Ryaz's entrance, already slick with the natural lubrication of his fertility cycle, Kovax groaned against the smooth skin of his chest. The scent of arousal was overwhelming now, clouding his mind with need so intense it bordered on pain.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice barely recognizable through the smoke that curled from his lips.

Ryaz nodded, eyes half-lidded but fixed on Kovax's face. "Yes."

Kovax positioned himself between Ryaz's thighs, the head of his length pressing against that slick heat. He entered slowly, watching Ryaz's face for any sign of discomfort or fear.

There was none. Only relief and mounting pleasure as Kovax filled him inch by inch. When he was fully seated, they both gasped—the connection between them transcending the physical, something ancient and primal clicking into place like a lock finding its key.

"Move," Ryaz urged, his legs wrapping around Kovax's waist. "Please."

Kovax obeyed, each movement sending waves of pleasure crashing through him. He decorated Ryaz's skin with soft kisses—his forehead, his eyelids, the corners of his mouth, the sensitive spot behind his ear that made him shiver. Each kiss a wordless apology for their first time, each touch a promise that this was different.

His pace increased as instinct took over, the dragon in him responding to the need to claim, to mark, to bond. Ryaz matched him movement for movement, his earlier weakness forgotten as their bodies found a rhythm as natural as breathing.

"Kovax," Ryaz gasped, his fingers digging into Kovax's shoulders. "Something's happening—"

Kovax felt it too—the base of his loins swelling, preparing to lock them together. His knot. The primal part of him that would ensure his deposits remained where it needed to be. He slowed his pace, giving Ryaz time to adjust as the knot pressed against his entrance.

"It's alright," he murmured against Ryaz's ear. "Trust me."

Ryaz's eyes met his, fever-bright but clear with understanding. He nodded once, then threw his head back with a cry as Kovax pushed forward, the knot breaching him and locking them together.

The sensation was overwhelming—tight heat gripping him like a vise, Ryaz's body trembling beneath him, the bond between them pulsing with energy that seemed to illuminate the very air around them. Kovax felt his release building, unstoppable as an avalanche.

When it hit, he roared, scales erupting across his back and shoulders as his essence flooded into Ryaz's womb. The Fae prince cried out beneath him, his own orgasm ripping through him.

The effect was immediate and dramatic. The fever-flush receded from Ryaz's skin, the unnatural heat cooling to something more normal. His breathing eased, his eyes clearing as if emerging from a fog. The pain that had etched lines around his mouth vanished, replaced by wonder as he stared up at Kovax.

"I can feel it," he whispered, one hand moving to his abdomen. "The magic. It's... it's like liquid sunlight flowing through me."

Kovax could feel it too—the transfer of draconic energy to the tiny ball of life they'd created. But more than that, he felt the bond between them strengthening, solidifying into something more. The pain in his chest had vanished completely, replaced by a warmth that spread through his entire being.

They lay locked together, breathing in tandem as their heartbeats synchronized. Ryaz's hand found Kovax's, fingers intertwining against the crimson sheets. Neither spoke—there were no words adequate for what had just happened between them.

The knot would keep them joined for a few hours, ensuring the transfer of magic was complete. Kovax shifted carefully, arranging them on their sides to make Ryaz more comfortable. The movement caused his knot to tug slightly, sending aftershocks of pleasure through them both.

Ryaz gasped, his eyes widened in surprise at his body's response.

"I didn't know it could feel like this," he admitted, voice hushed with wonder. "Last time was... nothing like this."

"Last time wasn't real," Kovax murmured, brushing copper hair from Ryaz's forehead. "We were both victims then. This..." He struggled to find the words. "This is what it's supposed to be."

Ryaz's expression turned thoughtful, his fingers tracing patterns along Kovax's scales. "The mate bond," he said softly. "I've read about them in ancient texts, but they're so rare... I never thought..."

"Neither did I," Kovax admitted. He hesitated, then asked the question that had been burning in his mind. "Can you feel it too? The bond?"

Ryaz's brow furrowed, his eyes searching Kovax's face. "What is it supposed to feel like?"

Kovax shifted slightly, careful not to disturb their connection. His scales rippled with heat as he tried to find the right words.

"It's like... I can't stop thinking about you," he admitted, his voice rough with emotion. "Where you are, what you're doing, how you're feeling. When our eyes meet, it's like electricity running through my veins." He traced a finger along Ryaz's jawline, mesmerized by the softness of his skin. "In the banquet hall, I couldn't smell the food. Only your scent filled my senses. I couldn't see the other people in the room—only your eyes. It's as if the world narrows to just you."

Ryaz's expression grew thoughtful, his lilac eyes reflecting the dim light of the bedroom. "I'm not sure I feel what you're describing," he said softly. "I feel... something, but it's different."

"Different how?" Kovax asked, trying to keep the disappointment from his voice.

"When we're touching, like now, I feel a connection," Ryaz explained, his fingers tracing the pattern of scales along Kovax's forearm. "It's warm, comforting even. But when we're apart..." He hesitated. "I don't feel you at all. The only constant presence I feel is the child."

Kovax's heart sank, though he kept his expression neutral. The texts were clear—a mate bond required reciprocation to fully form. Without it, the dragon would suffer increasingly until madness or death claimed them. But he couldn't burden Ryaz with that knowledge, not now when he was still recovering.

"Perhaps it's different for Fae," Kovax suggested, forcing lightness into his tone. "Or maybe it's a watered-down version because you're not dragon." He traced circles on Ryaz's hip, savoring the contact while it lasted. "It could also just be after-effects from the child draining you and the... intensity of what we just shared."

Ryaz nodded, seemingly satisfied with this explanation. "That makes sense," he murmured, eyelids growing heavy. "I've never heard of a Fae experiencing a dragon mate bond before."

They lapsed into silence, but it wasn't the awkward tension that had plagued their previous encounters. This silence felt comfortable, almost peaceful. Kovax continued his gentle caresses, watching as Ryaz's breathing slowed and deepened.

Eventually, Ryaz drifted off to sleep. Kovax remained awake, memorizing every detail of his face, the curve of his shoulder, the slight rise of his abdomen where their child grew.

After what seemed like hours, Kovax felt his knot begin to disengage. He moved with careful precision, easing himself free of Ryaz's body without waking him. The Fae prince stirred slightly but didn't wake, exhaustion claiming him completely.

Kovax padded to the adjoining bathroom, returning with a warm, damp cloth. He cleaned Ryaz with gentle thoroughness, then covered him with a silk blanket that shimmered in the low light. For a moment, he stood beside the bed, watching the rise and fall of Ryaz's chest, fighting the urge to climb back in beside him.

Instead, he dressed quickly, smoothing his rumpled formal wear as best he could. His reflection in the mirror showed scales still darkened with arousal, eyes glowing with an intensity that betrayed the turmoil within. He took several deep breaths, trying to compose himself before facing the others.

When he finally felt in control, Kovax opened the bedroom door and stepped into the lounge area. Four pairs of eyes turned to him immediately—his father's burning with questions, Emperor Ru'unan's ancient and unreadable, Lady Fyretouch's knowing, and Lord Ashscale's clinical.

"He's sleeping," Kovax said, his voice steadier than he expected. "The fever has broken, and his colour is better."

Lady Fyretouch approached, her copper scales glinting in the lamplight as she placed a hand on his arm. "And the bond?" she asked quietly.

Kovax met her gaze, willing his expression to reveal nothing of the fear that gripped his heart. "It's complicated," he said simply.

Emperor Ru'unan stepped forward, his silver robes rustling with the movement. "My son?" he asked, concern evident in his ancient eyes.

"Will recover," Kovax assured him. "The transfer of magic was successful. The child is no longer draining him for now."

Relief softened the Emperor's features momentarily before his diplomatic mask returned. "We need to discuss what happens next," he said, gesturing to the seating area where documents were already spread across a low table.

Kovax nodded, following the Emperor toward the couches. His father fell into step beside him, a heavy hand landing on his shoulder.

"Are you alright?" Thaleus asked, his voice low enough that only Kovax could hear.

"I'm fine," Kovax lied, the words bitter on his tongue.

His father's amber eyes narrowed slightly, seeing more than Kovax wanted to reveal, but he didn't press the issue. Instead, he guided Kovax to a seat directly across from Emperor Ru'unan.

"We've drafted the initial terms for the marriage contract," Ru'unan began without preamble, sliding a document across the table. "In light of recent... developments, certain provisions have been added regarding the mate bond and the child's care."

Kovax accepted the parchment, the words swimming before his eyes as his mind remained fixed on Ryaz, sleeping just beyond the door. The mate bond thrummed within him, already pulling him back toward the Fae prince with an intensity that frightened him.

If Ryaz truly couldn't feel the bond, if it remained one-sided... Kovax pushed the thought away. He would face that possibility later. For now, there were contracts to review, arrangements to make. Political necessities that couldn't wait, even as his heart ached with a longing he'd never experienced before.

He forced himself to focus on the document before him, aware that his future—and possibly his survival—depended on the words written there.