Page 129 of No Ordinary Drakeling
Chapter 41
It was their first day back at work, and Chrysander had mixed feelings about it. On one hand, he was anxious to get everything restructured, but he would miss having Ellery to himself. Barely more than a week had passed since Ellery made history, yet he already held his head higher and spoke with more confidence. He might still fear being an emperor, but it wouldn’t be long before he was able to shake those nerves off.
As for the public’s view of the newest Draconis, Ellery was a giant hit. Elves were ecstatic with the “before” photos showcasing Ellery in a fancy Elven D’Vaire creation, and of course his dragon had their distinctive ears, making them feel just a bit closer to the shifters. Dragons also held Ellery in esteem; he’d accomplished the impossible, and Jeremiah’s phone reportedly hadn’t stopped ringing.
Everyone wanted to know how he and Ellery managed to create the right circumstances to save his life, and there was great optimism that the future would bring more hybrids shifting without dying. Madeline D’Vairedraconis worked nonstop for days to recreate crowns for them decorated in plenty of gold but showcasing their bold mix of black and white. Chrysander wanted that combination everywhere, as he now understood dragons were simply not so easy to assign roles to based on color.
Kings were going to have to pay attention to the character of a person before making them a duke or deciding they didn’t have what it took to defend their leader. They needed to move forward with a new mindset, and Chrysander would make sure no one forgot that.
“You are quiet,” Ellery observed as they made the long hike up toward their alcove in the Main Assembly Hall.
“I was just lamenting that I have to share you with the world again.”
“We will make sure there is still plenty of time left over for us to be alone.”
“And that our day is spent together. After lunch today, we’re going to sit down and start from the ground up, realigning everything.”
“We also need our privacy at the condo.”
“Not to mention redecorating.”
“I do not want Wesley in charge of it,” Ellery said as they arrived at the correct door. Chrysander waited while Damian unlocked and made sure it was empty, then ushered them inside.
“No, I think we can handle it with the help of the D’Vaires.”
“We can do a really nice job,” Tiri predicted from behind them.
“If it comes out half as nice as your suite, I will be happy,” Ellery told him over his shoulder.
“Our suite will need an overhaul too,” Chrysander said.
“And a giant padlock put on the front door,” Ellery griped.
“No one in this family is going anywhere near that door,” Damian countered.
“Are we just talking redecorating our place or are we considering layout? We have a lot of useless rooms,” Costas pointed out.
“All or nothing. Let’s do it right and decide what we think would function better for us. We can improve things, so we enjoy going home. We’re going to spend more time there. Events will only be attended if they are essential. There’s no need for us to be out five to seven nights a week,” Chrysander stated.
“If you don’t want the condo as public, you’re going to need a new throne room somewhere else,” Damian said.
“We own the two floors below us. One is storage. The other, we can turn into an enormous throne room which would allow us to include more people when we have special events,” Chrysander responded.
“The throne room will need to be a priority. I have an event I would like to host in it,” Ellery replied.
“You do?” Chrysander asked.
“Yes, I have thought a lot about titles. Imperial Duke, for example,” Ellery answered.
“Nope, I’m not taking it,” Zane shot out.
“Me neither,” Costas stated. “Not happening.”
“I understand your desire not to take Damian’s title. It is a tradition for there to be only one Imperial Duke, and yet you two serve with the same responsibilities and level of honor,” Ellery argued.
“No, we don’t. We answer to Damian,” Zane argued.
“I won’t accept his title,” Costas tacked on.
