Page 21 of No Ordinary Drakeling
“My father was murdered when the other dukes in the castle realized he was trying to shove the blame for the deaths of Emperors Drystan and Conley onto their shoulders. If he hadn’t died that way, he would’ve paid with his life for being a traitor,” Zane said, his voice vibrating with fury.
Ever since he learned of the once Imperial Duke Bernal Draconis when he was a child, Zane grew enraged whenever the subject of his parent came up. Chrysander doubted Zane would ever forgive Bernal for his deeds, and he had to admit he’d yet to do so himself either, though he’d made it clear to his brother that he took zero responsibility for his father’s actions.
“Zane was badly hurt, and we’re lucky he’s alive,” Damian added.
“Your predecessors were murdered?” Ellery asked.
“Yes, which is why security is such an important aspect of your life now,” Damian stated. “I won’t have either of you dying on my watch.”
Chrysander barely bit back the impulse to roll his eyes. “Dame, it was their Imperial Duke who orchestrated the plot that led to their murders. Unless you decide to shove a sword into my heart, I think I’m safe.”
“Danger can come from any corner,” Damian argued.
“Not with you and Zane around,” Chrysander retorted.
“Do you see your parents and their mate often?” Ellery asked, bravely wading into the fray of the twins’ ongoing argument.
“No, we haven’t seen them since the Council left Europe and started over in North America. They stayed there but aren’t affiliated with a court—something that’s not normally allowed—but I’m afraid they’re very strong-willed and refuse to listen to reason,” Chrysander explained.
“What they refuse to do is follow the dictates of Fate,” Damian snarled. “You might be their son, but you’re also the fucking emperor. They shouldn’t be breaking rules, and you’re too damn nice to them. I’d cut off their money until they packed up their shit and flew to a court in North America. It costs a fortune to get the humans there to convert our electronic funds to paper currency so they can eat—which they are only too happy to do since they charge us exorbitant fees.”
“They’re stubborn enough to hold their ground. I can’t have them starve,” Chrysander returned.
“If they’re stupid enough to refuse to move, then I personally don’t care if they starve. They’re awful,” Damian snapped.
“Costas and I were always grateful they refused to allow us anywhere near the premises on their rare visits,” Zane said.
“Costas?” Ellery asked.
“Yes, he’s a part of our little family too. His room is upstairs, but he’s spent the last decade tending to his elderly parents,” Damian responded, the good humor back in his voice as hopefully the subject of Gelon and Andriana was over.
“It’s awful because I wish he was here with us, but for him to come home it would mean his parents had crossed the veil,” Zane offered. “I mean, talk about mixed feelings.”
“Hopefully he’ll be able to make it to our mating ceremony so you can meet him,” Chrysander told Ellery.
“You have a date and venue yet?” Zane asked.
Chrysander’s mouth flattened into a line of irritation. It was already a bone of contention for him that he had to bypass all his wants to do what his title demanded. “Not yet.”
Ellery stood and before he could grab his plate, Zane pilfered it. He stacked it under his own as the hybrid frowned. “I believe I will retire to my room.”
Without waiting for a reply, Ellery left the kitchen where they’d sat down to eat. Chrysander finished his meal, then headed up to get changed for his evening engagement. His priorities for the following day were to get his mating ceremony scheduled and announce to the world that Fate finally gave him his other half. He promised himself he wouldn’t think about how long he’d have to enjoy Ellery’s company but would simply take it day-by-day while hoping to hell he wasn’t ripped away from his life during his first shift.
He’d set aside his frustration that being an emperor meant he couldn’t indulge in spending more time with Ellery. It might take longer for them to get to know one another than a traditional couple, but Chrysander wanted to build a deep, abiding love that would sustain them.
