Page 2 of The White Dragon's Dilemma

This is how you envisioned us flying before, Raziel,Valerius stated as they flew as if one.

Yes, Iolaire is meant to be with us and we with them, Raziel answered simply.

They swung past the find curve of the city and were at the Gash once more.People were thick on the ground.He could hear crying, gasps, and shouts as people stretched their hands up into the sky towards the Black and White Dragons.

Where should we land?Caden asked nervously as he took in the thick crowd below them.

Hover.They will clear a path.I am going to shift into my human form, but you should stay in your Dragon one once we land,Valerius instructed.

He felt Caden’s hesitation before the young man asked,Are you sure?Hiding my identity any longer feels really unimportant.

I know.But the things I said before about preparing your family stand,Valerius reminded him.And Iolaire’s presence helps calm people.

Yeah, likely more than mine does,Caden admitted.

Yours will when people learn to see you and Iolaire as one,Valerius assured him.But right now you are too new to them. That will change.I promise.

The two of them lowered slowly towards the ground.Their twin sets of wings caused more wind than Lana’s had by a long shot.But as he had told Caden, people moved out of their way quickly, but not in a panicked manner. Finally, there was more than enough room for both of them to land.They lightly dropped to the ground and drew their wings against their bodies.

Raziel and Iolaire immediately went to one another and pressed their foreheads together.A jet of flame left Raziel’s mouth while one of ice issued out of Iolaire’s.People cried out with joy and awe to see two Dragons interacting together.It was a rare sight indeed, and to show affection like this was unheard of, as the press who rushed out of the Below, made sure to point out.

“Roger, are you getting this?”One reporter asked the cameraman hot on her heels.

“I so am,” he assured her.

She stepped into the shot, fussing with her wind blown blonde hair.“Folks, we’ve heard the Green Dragon King Illarion call the White Dragon his mate!But…” She gestured at Raziel and Iolaire in their communing moment.“As we can see here, it looks like the Black Dragon King Valerius has something to say about that!”

Oh, you’ve got to be kidding!Caden groaned.Illarion has NO chance!He never had a chance!

Valerius chuckled.I thought you were going to say something quite different.

What?!Illarion is so not my type and--

No, that you would be embarrassed that Iolaire and Raziel are so affectionate in public,Valerius admitted.

Oh… no, not at all.Do you find it embarrassing?Caden was suddenly all uncertain.

Immediately, Valerius realized his mistake and quickly amended his words,On the contrary, I am quite pleased.

You are?I mean you are!Caden laughed.I just worried you wouldn’t want--

People to know about us? Caden… I want everyone to know.I want to write it across the sky and have it burn so bright that everyone sees it,Valerius found himself saying.

R-really?Caden sounded almost dazed at the idea.You’re that happy with me?

I have never… never been happier,Valerius answered.

Even with everything going on?Caden asked, still a little tentative.

There is always something going on.There is no perfect moment where the world is still and there are no problems.Valerius didn’t know if he was assuring Caden of this orwarninghim.

The reporter’s chirpy voice interrupted them, “Are they… I do believe that they arepurring! Dragonspurr, people! That is something you do not learn everyday!”

Are we… yep, we’re purring,Caden confirmed with a laugh.

Indeed.I would say that it takes away some of our dignity, but cats purr and no one thinks they aren’t dignified,Valerius murmured.

No one could say that Raziel isn’t dignified,Caden assured him.

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