Page 74 of Eminently Elf
“I won’t argue that. Thank you for allowing us to have guest rooms here. It means a lot to our family. When we go and resume our lives, don’t think we won’t be hanging around here whenever we get the opportunity.”
“Yeah, I didn’t think I would be rid of you that easily.”
“You kidding? I’m still worried I’m going to have to drag Ell out kicking and screaming.”
“On a serious note, it means the world to us that you’re here. We hope we’ve made this process of helping Elf as comfortable as this situation would allow.”
Chrysander gave him a friendly slap on the shoulder. “You’ve all been remarkable. You honestly have our undying gratitude.”
“You can keep the gratitude. We just want your family healthy and happy.”
“On that note, let’s go grab a beer.”
“I thought you’d never ask,” Aleksander replied. Chrysander followed him into the kitchen area of the great home and turned to keep an eye on Ellery. He’d been mated long enough to understand that if he abandoned him at such a time, there would be hell to pay. His lovely elf had an expression on his face that begged for help, but Chrysander noted that they’d already worked several braids in.
It wouldn’t be long until they were finished, and those hints of gold only drew more attention to the flecks in his skin and the fractured gilt of his eyes. They needed to have new pictures taken of him before he returned to the Council, Chrysander decided. If they were lucky, the press and public would have gotten over their amazement by the time Ellery returned as Emperor. Otherwise his other half was going to hate having all that extra attention.
* * *
Ellery could sleep in a bed now, and he was already in the one Larissa D’Vairedraconis designed for him and Chrysander. It was a beautiful mix of their colors, and he treasured every part of it. He was grateful that she’d taken the same care with the redecoration of their condo, and it was going to be wonderful when he was able to live in such luxurious surroundings.
“I love your hair,” Chrysander said when he joined him under the covers. He swept a hand over the new braids. It pleased him that his dragon approved, but he could’ve bypassed the whole putting them in part. Not that he’d ever complain; the other elves were so enthusiastic, and he wouldn’t hurt their feelings by objecting.
“I have never had braids before.”
“They suit you. It makes you appear more elven. The press will love it.”
“Will you invite Teverild to come and take pictures?” Ellery asked. Teverild was the elf photographer who was chosen to take pictures when Ellery shifted for the first time. The man had no tribe and eschewed most elven traditions in his manner of dress, but that didn’t bother Ellery. Teverild was kind and his photos were wonderful.
“I will. We need to do family ones to put up at home and the office.”
“I am torn between being happy here at D’Vaire and desperately wishing to go home.”
Chrysander brushed their lips together. “And here I thought you were ready to take the D’Vaire name.”
“If not for you I would. No question.”
“I understand, it suits you. A home for outcasts.”
“We need to discuss Aleksander.”
Flopping down onto his back, Chrysander rolled his eyes. “The man is stubborn. I’m beginning to think everyone in my life is. I tried talking him into attending the next dragon festival. I expected him to at least promise to think about it, then politely decline at some point, but he refused right to my face. I told him I was going to ask you to badger him.”
“I do not know that I am comfortable badgering anyone, but I will make the attempt to discuss it with him.”
“Good luck.”
“I think we have overlooked him.”
“Idid, Ell. You didn’t even know he existed until a year ago.”
“No, I mean now.”
“I’m not following.”
“He is not an ordinary king. That gold is in his eyes for a reason.”
“Well, he’s got all these Council leaders under his roof.”
