Page 8 of The Arrival of the Dragons

“But, I would say let us put this in the past. I am willing to forgive, if you are,” Illarion said to Iolaire.

What the Hell? He’s willing to forgive?! He’s the one in the wrong!Caden cried, clearly furious over Illarion’s behavior.Not to mention he needs to apologize to YOU! Not me!

Iolaire turned its head away from Illarion and pointedly looked at Valerius. Illarion grimaced, that darkness returning to his expression, but again, he made an effort to be apologetic. He spread his arms wide and lowered his head.

“I see that I am to ask foryourforgiveness, Valerius.” Illarion waited for him to say something in return. Valerius was silent for long moments, which caused the Green Dragon Shifter to glance up. “I could not resist flying around your beautiful city.”

He bit you!Caden grumbled.That had nothing to do with sightseeing!

I know, Caden. His lies are transparent and pathetic,Valerius answered.

Green Dragon pathetic,Raziel growled. His Spirit was watchful. It wanted to make sure that Illarion made no move towards Iolaire. Raziel was feeling just as protective as he was.We should crush him.

For once, Valerius wasn’t quick to disagree. These actions were tantamount to spitting in his face. He thought, too, of the abuses that the President of the United States and Prime Minister of Canada had brought to his attention. Illarion was flaunting all the rules. If he didnothingit might be worse than acting.

“I wonder, Illarion, what your reaction would have been if Valerius had come to Moscow and buzzed those minarets of yours without your permission?” Esme asked almost sweetly.

Illarion’s jaw worked, but then he shrugged. “I think it would give my people quite the show! They normally only get to see other Dragons on television or the net.”

“I am surprised that they know there are other Dragons out there. After all, you do limit your people’s access to the internet and every television station is state run,” Chione said in the same tone as Esme.

Instead of taking offense, Illarion acted like the two women were simplysillyas he said, “I think information is overrated. Most people cannot understand their own limited existences let alone a whole world of them. I make things simpler for my people in this time of information overload. They don’t need tounpluganddisconnect, because their lives are much more in the moment.”

“Very little information comes out of your territory as well, Illarion,” Chione pointed out. “It seems like you do not want anyone to know what you are doing there.”

Illarion’s smile was hard. “Both I and my people want our privacy. Not all of us want our actions splashed over the news! That first battle between you and Iolaire was quite the sensation, Valerius! Those poor citizens of yours that got in the way. They made such a fuss about peasants dying. That is all what the free press is good for!”

Valerius gritted his jaw. “Every one of my people is precious to me.”

“Then it must have pained you greatly to have crushed so many of them.” Illarion grinned.

Valerius did not answer. His temper was starting to fray dangerously again.

Don’t listen to him!Caden sounded disgusted.He’s not worth the time! He hasn’t even noticed that you didn’t accept his apology!

He will,Valerius said. He had a plan. He would put it in place.

“I do not understand why you will not shift,” Illarion was saying to Iolaire. “Are you vain? Worried that your human form is not as pretty?”

Oh, please! This guy is a jackass!Caden groused.

“The White Dragon Shifter--like you and your people, Illarion--values their privacy. None of you will be meeting them in their human form,” Valerius remarked dryly.

Iolaire’s tail swished happily at his words. He felt Caden’s relief at them as well. Illarion looked like he was sucking on a lemon.

“But this is nonsense! How are we to court them if they are unable to speak?” Illarion cried. He then thrust a finger in Valerius’ face. “How do we know this isn’t your doing? That you haven’t threatened Iolaire to remain in Dragon form so that you have the advantage over us?”

The urge to simplybitethat finger off was huge in Valerius’ mind, but he stayed quite still, not even blinking. “I assure you that this is Iolaire’s decision. And I amsurprisedthat you worry about Iolaire speaking to you. Considering you just like making pronouncements about it being your mate without a word from it.”

Illarion put his hands on his hips and grinned. “One needs to be aggressive. Stand back and someone might take your place.”

Or you just come off as some creepy, controlling asshat,Caden remarked.

Valerius smiled. Again, it wasn’t a nice smile. “I assure you, Illarion, that based upon what I know of Iolaire, you could crow every moment of every day and it wouldn’t make much of a difference.”

That should be my line, but thanks, since I can’t say it!Caden told him.

“We shall see.” Illarion appeared completely unrepentant.

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