Page 128 of No Ordinary Drakeling
“If the Warrior Sprites attack, will the Sentinel Brotherhood help defend the Sprite Grove?” Tiri asked. He didn’t like Chesvarin any longer, but the rest of his people were innocent and only following orders.
“I’m sorry, Tiri, but we cannot. They don’t belong to the Council, so it would be perceived as an act of aggression by the humans. We cannot risk a war with them. The Council does not want that. Our races far outmatch humans, but that doesn’t mean we want to slaughter millions of them.”
“I understand. The Council wants peace. That’s honorable. I can only hope Fate protects the innocent.”
“I’ll keep you both posted on the situation. Let’s just hope they’re preparing for an eventuality that won’t materialize.”
“Like Chrys asking your mate to resurrect his very much alive elven dragon?” Zane teased.
“For a man who loves necromancy, Chand was thrilled not to have to use his magic. Our newest emperor has an impressive beast. Do you have any questions for me, Tiri?”
“No, thank you for telling me this and keeping your eye on them.”
Alaric stood. “They haven’t stolen anything else either. Let’s hope that trend continues.”
The Lich Sentinel exited, and Zane got Tiri’s attention. “Are you worried?”
“I tell myself they’re no longer my people, but I’m still concerned for them. Most of the sprites are simple like me and just want to sew or grow crops. It’s Chesvarin who runs everything. I hope he doesn’t plan on provoking the Warrior Sprites with all his weapons. Or even worse—use them on the Sprite Grove.”
“Whenever you want to talk about it, I’m here for you, okay? Even if it’s just to curse Chesvarin’s name.”
“I don’t curse.”
“I know. It’s annoying but also adorable in a weird way. Tell me, are you still upset that you missed Ellery’s dragon?”
“No, because he’s going to shift tomorrow and let me see him.”
“You know I didn’t mean to leave you out of things, but it was pretty shocking to see a white dragon sitting in Aleksander’s backyard. Even Chrys was standing there slack-jawed.”
“You do owe me an apology, though. One I’ve been waiting on for almost a week.”
Zane’s brow furrowed. “I don’t remember doing anything else awful. Did I hurt your feelings in some way? I can tell you I certainly didn’t mean to.”
Tiri grinned and kissed Zane’s frowning mouth. “I know you. You’re very kind to me. I believe you wouldn’t hurt me on purpose.”
“No way would I do that.”
“But you still need to apologize.”
“For what?”
“You didn’t believe me when I told you Ellery was going to survive.”
Zane tugged on Tiri until he was lying against his chest. “You’re absolutely right. I humbly apologize. I was terribly wrong, and you were right to have such unconditional faith in our emperor. He’s stronger than any of us realizes, including himself.”
While the hands rubbing his back were nice, Tiri wanted to see Zane’s dark eyes, so he managed to pull himself slightly away. “That was a lovely apology.”
“So, am I forgiven?”
“Yes, of course.”
“That’s too bad.”
“You don’t want to be forgiven?”
Zane brushed his lips over Tiri’s. “I had a great idea on how to grovel.”
“I wouldn’t wish for you to grovel.”
“I don’t know, Tiri. I can do some pretty interesting things on my knees.”
The light finally went on in Tiri’s head, and he stood up. Straightening his tunic, he glanced at Zane. “Come along, then. I’ve had second thoughts about my forgiveness. I offered it much too quickly, and I have reconsidered.”
“You just want me to suck your brain out through your dick.”
“Yes, please.”
Tiri’s hand was grabbed by Zane, and together they raced up to their room. He could only laugh with happiness as he thought about the amazing day his dragon showed up in his poor village. His life was so much greater than he could’ve believed, and each morning was brighter with Zane in it.
