Page 101 of No Ordinary Drakeling
“Main banquet hall, one floor down,” Damian responded.
“Why weren’t any of the D’Vaires or their extended family at the VIP thing?” Tiri asked once they were in the elevator.
“Because I foolishly believed I didn’t need to consult the guest list. I assumed Wesley understood what VIP meant and would include the people Ellery and I like, though I was glad to see Artair and Timotheus,” Chrysander stated.
“You sure as heck wouldn’t have put Aloisa on a VIP list,” Zane remarked.
“No, and I can’t believe she tried to take me to task over our wreaths.”
“I think they are beautiful. Saura told me Killian made them indestructible. I am so glad, they are a wonderful keepsake,” Ellery responded.
“I’ll see if Madeline can either make or find someone to design cases for them,” Costas offered as he tapped on his phone screen.
“Glass ones so we can see them,” Chrysander instructed as they stepped out of the elevator. Damian led them down yet another hallway and into a room with hundreds of round tables.
“It’s very black,” Tiri said. “It looks like our condo.”
“Wesley’s design apparently,” Damian commented.
“I swear if there aren’t elven meals for you and Tiri, I’m going to wring Wesley’s neck,” Chrysander told Ellery.
Not willing to have any part of his day ruined, Ellery shrugged. “I will just make do with stealing any uncooked vegetables from your plate.”
“You kidding? I’ll give you the vegetables. I can’t stand the things.”
Ellery almost jumped when Wesley appeared from seemingly nowhere. “I had to race down here, no one told me you left the party upstairs,” he scolded. “Come on, you guys need to eat so you can mingle with the guests as soon as possible.”
“I thought this was their party,” Damian retorted. “They can do what they darn well please.”
“I don’t need to tell you, Your Grace, that nobility has certain expectations. He is—I mean they are the Emperors. There are certain expectations.”
“We’re starving, lead us to our table,” Chrysander ordered.
“I couldn’t put you together. There are too many people vying for your attention. I put Damian, Costas, and Zane with Tiri at the tables surrounding you guys.”
“Absolutely not. You know the rules. The Emperors need security,” Damian demanded.
“Damian, there are dukes everywhere. You’re being overzealous—”
“Wesley, I want to spend dinner with my mate and my entire family. You have exactly two minutes to fix this,” Chrysander stated. Wesley didn’t argue; the shifter scurried away so fast, it was a wonder his heels didn’t catch fire. “Clearly, we need to have some discussions about employees, duties, and making sure we oversee their work.”
“That’s a good idea, or I might have to kill someone,” Damian snarked.
Costas laughed evilly. “First Chrys has to survive his mating night.”
“You may fuck right off,” Chrysander shot back. Ellery just hoped their dinner would go quickly, so he could finally get Chrysander alone with no interruptions. His whole life had led to this one night and despite the hectic day, Ellery had no complaints about the man next to him or their crazy obligations.
“You owe Tiri a dollar,” Ellery informed his mate.
