Chapter 622: Admiration for the Fate-Shaper

The Dragon Queen's eyes twinkled, "Of course, we dragons remember favors. Saving me and aiding in ambushing Neltharion are distinct. The rewards are... separate!"

Alexstrasza emphasized each word, adding a certain charm to it.

Duke could barely contain his glee.

Having saved the queen already granted him eternal rewards. What riches awaited for slaying Deathwing, the great dragon traitor?

Were he not concerned about his image, Duke would be practically drooling.

Seeing Duke's eagerness, Alexstrasza feigned disdain, "Hmph! Just moments ago, you were reluctant to my affections. And now, you're eager? Denied!"

With a flick of her hand, Duke was sent soaring, crashing messily upon landing.

Clearly, the Queen had held back.

"Your Majesty, must you be so petty?" Duke remarked, looking rather pitiable.

"I do as I please. Challenge me if you dare!" The Queen stood tall, her right hand summoning a scorching fireball, ready for battle.

Duke, eyeing her impressive figure, shamelessly surrendered, hands raised in defeat.

Fine! You win with your assets!

"Hmph! Where's the courage you had when you punched Neltharion?" The Queen teased.

"You're not my enemy..."

If I truly struck you, I'd lose all my privileges.

"Hmph! Know your place. Once Malygos is done with Neltharion's head, we'll notify you." With that, the Queen transformed into a bolt of red lightning and departed.

Duke sighed, "Why are strong women so temperamental? That was exhausting..." After sending off the Red Dragon Queen, his slightly sober mind, affected by alcohol, began to haze once again.

Duke threw himself onto the bed, taking in the lingering scent of the Queen, as well as her intimidating dragon aura.

Suddenly, a roar echoed within his soul.

Startled, Duke sprang up from the bed.

From a distance, he heard the mischievous laughter of the dragon queen.

She had truly left this time.

"Darn it! Can I even get some rest?" The system indicated that Duke's bed was now a '24-hour Trap of Alexstrasza!'

Duke's heart raced.

Overwhelmed by drowsiness, he felt a soft caress on his body.

Familiar footsteps, a known scent. Though hazy, Duke felt a comforting presence, perhaps Vereesa?

It seemed she had covered him with a blanket.

Duke pulled her into his embrace.

Their familiarity calmed him, and Vereesa, perhaps being wife-like, ceased her struggle.

The warmth lulled Duke into a deep slumber.

In his dream, Duke lived a joyful life.

He was the child king.

Defeating foes in Undercity kindergarten, ruling Thunder Bluff preschool with an iron fist.

He was unmatched, even in the Dragonblight.

Then, chasing Alexstrasza, the dragon that once defied him, he emerged victorious.

But something felt off.

As he woke, he realized he was holding onto a woman.

Yet, it wasn't the golden-haired Alleria or silver-haired Vereesa. It was a cascade of long black hair.

Jandice!

Duke exclaimed in surprise.

"Mmm?" Her voice was soft, her face flushed. In the dim light, tears shimmered in her eyes.

Realizing his audacity, Duke hesitated, "Is this... appropriate?"

With determination, Jandice whispered, "It's not about power or status. It's a slave of fate admiring a master of destiny. You may not love me, but you can't stop me from admiring you."

With that, their lips met.

Duke wished his integrity, inherited from Medivh, would remain intact.

But alas, it had long been lost.