He blew out a breath in irritation. “We’re not arguing semantics, Liera. Uyan Taesil needs a king to lead this army. You need a king,” he said with tenderness, reaching out to cup my cheek. “You don’t think that I can’t see how hard this is on you? You are meant for… gentler things, Liera. Not for warfare, politics, and armies.
“Let me help you,” he stroked my hair back from my face. “We could do this together, Liera.”
I sighed. “Oh, Leongrad. If there was anyone else I would do it with, it would be you.”
He dropped his hand and swallowed, a muscle in his jaw working. “But you love this dragon.”
“Yes.”
“Why the subterfuge?” he was puzzled. “A dragon as king… It is a first, certainly. But with a dragon king, our neighbours would think twice about taking advantage of our distraction, and our troops would rally...”
“He has always been upfront with me that he seeks a brethren wife to make a home and family with,” I replied heavily. “I am not what he wants or needs.”