My mind was still foggy, but I decided to ignore the remark about telling my grandkids.

  Maximilian had never been known for modesty, always assuming that all women should fall at the feet of his majestic persona. However, the part about removing the remnants of his dragon magic made me seriously consider his words.

  Now I understood why Camilla suffered so much. If Skye regularly did the same thing to her, I was amazed she hadn’t completely lost her mind from the longing.

  “How long will the magic take to fade on its own?” I asked, wanting clarity before responding to such an indecent proposal.

  “A few days, maybe more than a week,” he replied sharply, clearly disappointed that I was hesitating over what he clearly thought was a generous offer from a noble heir.

  “Fine, then. Let’s get it over with,” I sighed, glancing at the dark forest behind Maximilian. “I don’t want to walk around feeling like I’ve been drugged with a love potion.”

  This wasn’t how I imagined my first kiss, but I didn’t exactly have a choice.

  The dragon huffed in annoyance and made me meet his gray eyes.

  “Don’t regret letting me steal your very first kiss, Aurora. Unlike some of the practicals, I won’t slobber all over you. Trust me, this will probably be the best kiss of your life — certainly better than anything those boys from the practicals department could manage,” he said, leaning closer.

  Heat rippled over my skin again as his presence grew more intense.

  “Don’t be afraid, my Frosty,” Maximilian murmured against my lips before brushing them with the lightest, most delicate kiss.

  I felt his magic leaving my body, and for the first time, my mind cleared.

  “I want you thinking straight,” he whispered, his voice softer now.

  His hand slid down my back, then cupped the nape of my neck, his fingers threading into my hair.

  Even though the dragon’s magic was gone, I didn’t pull away, letting him kiss my face with gentle, burning touches.

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  Unexpectedly, I leaned into him, and without his magic, his warm touch still ignited my senses in a way that left me breathless.

  As I ran my hand over his broad shoulders, my eyes flew open when I felt him pull back slightly. Maximilian’s gray eyes studied me carefully, then he guided my hand, moving it to rest against his neck.

  “Aurora,” he breathed, pulling me closer before pressing his lips to mine, this time with more confidence.

  He ran his tongue along my lower lip, drawing a ragged gasp from me as an unfamiliar but pleasant sensation spread through my body, settling low in my stomach and creating a delightful tension.

  Taking advantage of the moment, the dragon slipped into my mouth, deepening the kiss. I felt lost in the strange yet enjoyable sensations.

  “Just follow my lead,” Maximilian whispered before gently pressing his lips against mine again, waiting for me to mimic his movements and respond.

  Time seemed to blur as I gave in, savoring the dragon’s kisses. This moment would stay with me for a long time. I doubted the timid, sloppy kisses other girls often described could ever feel like this.

  Maximilian was commanding yet gentle. He dominated, but with patience, allowing me to respond at my own pace. Yet, judging by the way his hands gripped my waist and the tension radiating from his body, it wasn’t easy for him to hold back.

  A low, guttural growl escaped his chest, and his hands tightened around my waist, snapping me back to reality. I suddenly remembered that I wasn’t kissing just any young man — I was kissing a dragon.

  “Max,” I breathed, pressing a hand against his chest, signaling that he needed to stop.

  “Forgive me, my sweet Frosty. I didn’t mean to scare you,” he murmured in a deep voice, loosening his grip. “But I think that’s enough for a first kiss.”

  Resting his forehead against my shoulder, he exhaled heavily.

  “Give me a moment, Aurora. The beast is clawing its way out,” Maximilian said sharply. Then, in one swift motion, he pulled away, shed his jacket, and leapt from the balcony.

  Moments later, a massive black dragon soared above the treetops, heading toward the mountains.

  I had seen dragons before at the Academy—Max included—but I’d never felt as captivated by the creature as I did now.

  Not long ago, a handsome young man had kissed me, and now, in his dragon form, he flew over the forest, the sheer force of his wings bending the trees below.

  After about fifteen minutes, Maximilian climbed back onto the balcony, breathing heavily.

  “All good now, Frosty. Let’s go—I’ll introduce you to my father,” he said, shaking off his jacket.

  I glanced at his snow-dampened suit and wrinkled jacket before quietly muttering a few spells to fix them. His grateful smile and the light kiss on my temple were enough to warm me.

  With an arm draped around my shoulders, Maximilian gave me a self-satisfied smile and confidently led me back into the hall.

  It felt like we’d been on the balcony for ages, but inside, the music was still playing, and the couples were still dancing. Avoiding the central dance floor, Maximilian guided me toward the area reserved for guests and faculty, near the ice sculpture of Terragon.