Page 59 of No Ordinary Drakeling
“When we moved to Las Vegas, Chrys tasked Wesley with finding a builder and furnishing the condo. We had too many other things then to worry about. Wesley decided the first floor should be for entertaining. The only part of the house I had a say in was our rooms, which I’d like you to redecorate.”
Tiri’s brilliant teal eyes widened in shock. “You want me to redecorate? I’ve never done anything like that before.”
“I understand, but you know how to work with fabrics, and I’ll get you in touch with Larissa D’Vairedraconis. She decorated not only the D’Vaire mansion but the Darays’ condo too. I know she’d be more than happy to help you.”
“I don’t know anything about dragon styles.”
Zane shrugged. “I don’t care about things like that. Decorate it the way you want and no bitching about how much it costs. I have plenty of money.”
Tiri’s lips pursed. “You owe me a dollar.”
“I’m sorry. We need to get you a notebook to carry in your bag, so you can keep up with who owes you money. I’ll buy you one tomorrow.”
After a pretty smile from Tiri, they strolled through the garden while Zane’s mate oohed and aahed over nearly everything. Eventually they made it to the restaurant which was filled with a multitude of exotic plants. They were led to a quiet table far away from the other patrons, and it was just the kind of privacy Zane wanted.
“This is so lovely,” Tiri said once they were seated. A friendly waitress came over and they ordered drinks.
Zane perused the menu and found it to be an eclectic mix of foods. There was more than one option that interested him, but he decided on a steak. Set on his choice, Zane put it down and gave his attention to Tiri, who was frowning.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know these words. What’s a guava?”
“It’s a fruit. It tastes kind of sweet.”
“Okay, I think I’ll try the elven option with the guava in it.”
“If you don’t like it, we can order something else.”
When their drinks arrived, they gave the waitress their dinner choices; then she disappeared.
“Tell me about your family,” Zane requested. “Do you miss them? We can try to speak with Chesvarin and see if he’ll let you visit or write them.”
“I don’t know them very well.”
“You don’t know your family?”
“My parents died when I was a baby. The Warrior Sprites took them in the night. A woman called Ranthoniel took me in to watch over me during the day. She and her mate had two children of their own, but they’re several years older than me. My brothers worked in a different hut than me, so I didn’t spend much time with them. Their parents are dead now too, more victims of the Warrior Sprites. I could try to write them letters.”
“You should write them if you want to. Why do the Warrior Sprites kill your people?” Zane asked, though he doubted if the other tribe existed. He already knew Chesvarin was responsible for at least some of the murders.
“Many centuries ago, there were two brothers who didn’t get along well. One of them was named Chesvarin, and he was chosen by Fate to rule over the Sprite Grove. I have heard his eyes are marked in a crisscross pattern, though I’ve never seen him without his hood. His brother Sarthoril didn’t like that he wasn’t the legitimate ruler of our people. Chesvarin knew there were differences between him and Sarthoril. Unlike Chieftain Chesvarin, Sarthoril had black hair instead of white. Eventually he learned they weren’t truly brothers—Sarthoril was a separate race entirely.
“Chieftain Chesvarin has a giving heart, and he allowed Sarthoril and the others of his race with the black hair to stay among the sprites. The bickering however, grew worse and one day there was a huge fight. Sarthoril decided he was better than Chieftain Chesvarin and no longer wanted to honor Fate. He gathered the rest of his people and left. They call themselves the Warrior Sprites and seek to kill the rest of us legitimate sprites so someday our chieftain has no people. He believes it is only then that Sarthoril will torture and murder him. It is why we need so many guards.”
Zane wasn’t sure what to make of Tiri’s story. He didn’t seem to realize that if the guards were supposed to be protecting them, they were doing a piss-poor job. The sprites were still dying, but it was likely Chesvarin himself who ordered the deaths. Had he made up the story to keep his people in line, or was there really a splinter group of sprites somewhere?
“Is that why you all wear cloaks?”
“Yes, we try not to draw attention to ourselves. The tribe used to move often, but the Warrior Sprites always found us, so Chieftain Chesvarin decided to stop running and have his guards focus on warfare. I’m glad to be around dragons now. I know I’ll be safe.”
“Damn right you will. Any crazy Warrior Sprites get near you and I’ll be happy to kill them,” Zane said. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to curse, but the thought of someone harming you makes me very mad.”
“I would be very angry if someone hurt you too.”
The waitress appeared with their meals before Zane could reply but as soon as she scuttled off, he grabbed his fork and smiled at Tiri. “I’m glad Fate brought us together.”
“Me too,” Tiri replied. They were silent for several minutes as they ate their dinner. “Zane?”
