Page 43 of Accounting for Drakes

Yorath stared at her for a moment, shook his head, and then focused on Abil. He didn’t look away.

They held hands, and the light caressed them, their contact blessed by the rays of the sun.

Nanitha caught the scent of the flowers as the morning air warmed up, and she smiled at the archway over the couple.

Yorath murmured pledges to Abil, and she repeated them back. Their beasts already liked each other, so this was just for optics.

The ceremony was a gentle exchange of pledges, and when they sealed it with a kiss, Nanitha and Orwon rose to their feet and helped the couple up before walking back to the entry point of the gardens and opening the doors for the army of servants to come and set up tables and the flowers and chairs and the wave was endless. The party was about to commence.

Nanitha and Orwon got together and watched the efficient servants of the palace dress the room for dignitaries from around the neighbouring systems.

He asked, “So, do you want a large ceremony?”

She smiled. “Are you an emperor?”

He chuckled. “Thankfully, no. I am simply the guardian of my worlds.”

“Good. Um, how many worlds?”

He shrugged. “A few thousand outside of my home system. I try and visit four or five per year, but I use portals.”

“Hm.”

“I would offer you traditional transport for a mate.”

“What is that?”

He grinned. “In my mouth.”

“Oh. I have heard of that. And then I walk down your tongue like a cargo ramp.”

He laughed. “Yes. I haven’t done it, personally, but I am assured I will not feel the need to swallow. We can even go flying with your full form if you like. I know empty systems where you can stretch out and enjoy yourself.”

She smiled. “There is the sweet talk I knew you were capable of.”

He grinned. “It isn’t a conventional courtship, but you have been through quite a bit, and this seems to be working.”

A maid walked up and said softly, “If it pleases, the emperor would like to meet with you in his study.”

Nanitha got to her feet, and Orwon joined her. “Could you lead the way?”

“Of course, Lady.”

They followed the woman through the palace and walked into Torath’s office, where Abil was sitting on the arm of his chair and smiling.

“Nanny, why didn’t you tell me?”

“How? I couldn’t speak, and when I had words, you were safe with Mbrak. This is the first time seeing you in twenty years, and I didn’t think about my appearance as the first topic of discussion.”

Abil sighed. “Fair.”

Yorath sighed. “Your species is rare.”

“I am aware.”

“Did your parents have this appearance?”

“Not that I can remember. Why?”

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