Red King by Charlene Hartnady

The dragons on Mistveil Island are not your run-of-the-mill kind. They’re something else entirely…

Change is coming to our island, and I’m not completely convinced it’s for the better. At least, not where I am concerned.
Twenty human Tributes will arrive soon. All female, all young, all healthy.
We’re hoping that they will settle in and, moreover, that they will be willing to entertain the idea of mating with our eligible shifter males. That, given time, they will want to stay and make a home here.
It is our only hope of for the continuation of our species.
I am one of the chosen males and I’m not exactly thrilled about it.
As the king, I am obligated to produce an heir. The Council has been quite clear on that particular front, reminding me at every turn.
The pressure is mounting. I need to take a mate – the sooner, the better.
It’s been years since my female died in my arms…
But it may as well have been yesterday.
I’m not ready.
I’ll never be ready.
I have no choice.
I have to do what is expected of me. I am the Red King. I must stand as an example to my people. I still think it’s a mistake. Especially when the threat to my life is still very real. Especially with all the uncertainty surrounding the two islands.
My own brother is at the heart of everything. I know it!
I need answers and yet, I’m expected to take a wife, to start a family.
It couldn’t have come at a worse time.
As royals we are bound by duty, and this is no exception.
I will pick someone, but my heart will never beat for another again.