Page 11 of The Arrival of the Dragons

So you’re comparing yourself to a wall?Caden grinned.

Among other things,Valerius answered with a small smile.

I think Iolaire and I should take off if you’re settling everyone in for tonight,Caden told him reluctantly.

Chione was already urging Esme towards the doors. He was sure that Illarion would stay just where he was for all time if Iolaire was there. So the only option was for them to go.

Caden couldn’t quite hide the disappointment that their time together had come to an end. For today, at least. But now, anytime he saw Valerius he would have to be in his Dragon form and that wasn’t as fun. And it wouldn’t be just the two of them either. Iolaire hung their head.

Yes,Valerius sounded just as disappointed as he did.That would be wise. You should return to the pond and take the car back to Reach.

Caden nodded his head. Or rather Iolaire nodded.

Esme, who had been watching the exchanges between them, opened her eyes hugely wide. “Are you communicating telepathically with one another, Valerius?”

Valerius did not answer her. Instead, he put an arm around her shoulders. “We have much to discuss, Esme.”

“Oh, you’re going to be coy, aren’t you? I suppose that just means that I have to wrangle it out of you,” she laughed, seeming happy with it being a mystery.

Valerius smiled at her. He wasn’t going to give away anything. He then called to Caden,Fly well. I will be in contact with you as to when you need to appear next for this circus.

Caden felt a sudden sense of panic.But what about seeing you? Are we going to fly together? I can’t do this without you! He hadn’t meant to let that out, especially so plaintively.I mean, of course, I can. Just--

Caden, I know. We are in this together. As to whether we can meet alone…Valerius considered this. He bit his lower lip. It was clear he wanted to fly with Caden, but didn’t think it was safe to do so.I will be under surveillance constantly by the other Dragon Shifters. They will all want to discover your human identity. But I will find a way to get to you. Right now, I am very grateful that Iolaire is agreeable to remaining in your human form for as long as needed.

Right. Yeah.Caden still felt uneasy and at sea.I just… you know, we just… we just started this thing between us and--and the Dragon thing and--

Caden, all is well. I wish to be with you. More than anything. But we must be careful right now,Valerius’ tone was gentle.Please know that this stricture on seeing you is not something I wish to do. It is what I MUST do to keep you safe.

Okay, okay, I’m just panicking a little bit,Caden admitted, frisking happily at the clear desire on Valerius’ part to be together.And I miss you already.

Valerius’ expression softened even further.As do I. Be careful, Caden. Do not do anything foolish. Go directly to the pond.

What about the press?Iolaire lifted their head towards the helicopter--actuallyhelicopters--that were hovering all around High Reach, filming them.

Valerius frowned. But Chione was already on it.

“I have contacted the media, the helicopters will be moving away,” Chione called to them.

And within a few seconds, the helicopters were flying off in all directions, and soon the skies above Reach were empty but for clouds.

“Oh, how clever you are, dear,” Esme said. “After some naughtiness with the press in London, I’ve had to impose no fly rules while I am in residence.”

“While Valerius has offered to buzz them, I have assured him that aquid pro quowith the media is far more beneficial,” Chione told her.

Illarion let out a cold laugh. “Negotiating with those jackals?!” He shook his head. “Why? Take out a few of their helicopters and see how close they get after that.” Everyone just stared at him coldly. He crossed his arms and muttered, “My way is better.”

Valerius pinched the top of his nose again. He then reached over and caressed Iolaire’s big head. Iolaire cooed at him, which had Illarion jerking towards them. His brows furrowed as he stared at the evident affection between them. A scowl started to form on Illarion’s handsome yet hard face.

“Iolaire, I regret taking my leave of you,” Valerius said as he stroked Iolaire’s head. It felt so good and Iolaire rustled their wings in pleasure. “But we shall see each other soon.”

The Black Dragon King then stepped back. He urged his guests and Chione over to the doors so that Caden could easily lift off from the courtyard.

“The White Dragon is leaving?” Illarion gestured towards him. “But we are only here to see it! And it’s leaving?”

“You have seen Iolaire,” Valerius pointed out. “If that is all you were here for, you may leave now, too.”

“You know what I am here for, Valerius!” Illarion scowled at the Black Dragon King. “And I will not leave without it.”

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