Page 7 of Purple Protector

“You’re two minutes late,” Tito said.

Birch rolled his eyes. “Is Killian ready?”

“He is.” Tito turned his attention to Aaron. “I’m Tito, the king’s personal assistant. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Aaron rushed forward, tripping over his own feet. He shook Tito’s hand, as eager as a puppy. Birch didn’t miss the way Tito smiled. He’d been softening since he’d fallen in love, and it was good to see, even though he could still be a terror when he wanted to.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Aaron quickly said, still shaking Tito’s hand. “I don’t know how to thank you for this opportunity.”

“You’ll have to thank Killian and Hedley. They’re the ones who decided this was necessary.”

Aaron blinked and dropped Tito’s hand. “Oh, of course. I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine, and I apologize if I came across as rude. Things are changing, and sometimes, it’s not easy to accept it.”

That brought a small smile to Aaron’s lips. “I understand. Right now, I’m nothing more than an invader to you.”

Tito laughed. “I suppose that technically, you are, but that’s not how I see you, and I’m not the only one. Whenever you’re ready, Killian’s waiting for you.”

That seemed to startle Aaron as if he’d forgotten why he was here. He blinked and turned toward the closed door to Killian’s office.

Birch didn’t give him time to start freaking out. He grabbed Aaron’s elbow and guided him toward the door, quickly knocking and opening it before Aaron could slip away. He noticed the way Tito was watching him, but he didn’t care.

“I’m surprised Tito isn’t yelling at you to wait until I tell you to come in to open the door,” Killian said when Birch guided Aaron inside the office.

“He said you were ready for Aaron, so I don’t see why I should’ve waited.”

“Maybe because it’s the polite thing to do?”

“When have you known me to be polite?”

Marlin snorted from where he was sitting in one of the armchairs by the window. Aaron jumped a bit, quickly glancing in Marlin’s direction before turning his focus back on Killian.

Killian got to his feet and reached across his desk to offer Aaron his hand. “I’m Killian. Welcome to the Eiloren clan.”

Aaron didn’t move, so Birch gently pushed him toward the desk. He heard Marlin snicker, but he ignored him as he decided to follow Aaron to the desk instead of taking his place by the door. It wasn’t protocol, but Tito wasn’t here to chastise him for breaking it. For some reason, he wanted to be close to Aaron so he could support him. Poor Aaron looked like he needed it, and there wasn’t anyone else available.

Birch would have to sacrifice himself, and he’d do it gladly.

THERE WAS SOMETHING about Killian that helped Aaron instantly relax. Even though he was a king, he was joking around with his guards as if they were friends. Maybe they were. Aaron would have to ask the king about it.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, your Majesty,” Aaron quickly said when he realized he was supposed to say something.

Killian’s smile was kind as he shook Aaron’s hand. “Please, call me Killian.”

“I couldn’t.” Killian wasn’t just a dragon. He was a king, and there was no way that Aaron could be casual with him.

“I insist. I might be king of my clan, but outside of these walls, I’m just another dragon.”

The dragon sitting by the window snorted a second time. Aaron was pretty sure he’d seen him before, and he looked like the dragon who’d been with Birch yesterday when Aaron had arrived. Aaron couldn’t say for sure because he’d been focused on Birch, but since both Birch and the dragon were here, there was a good chance he was right.

“Did I ask for your opinion?” Killian asked as he turned toward the dragon.

“Just keep telling yourself that you’re not important outside of these walls. I’m sure Tito and Hedley will enjoy it when I tell them you said that.”

Killian narrowed his eyes. “You’ll keep your mouth shut.”

“Of course, your Majesty.”

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