Page 61 of No Ordinary Drakeling
Chapter 21
Tiri’s first date with Zane went well, but he didn’t know what to make of Zane’s revelation about the Sprite Grove. Had his people really stolen things from others? It was difficult to believe, but he couldn’t fathom why Zane would lie to him. On the other hand, it was dishonorable to take food and other items from people without compensating them. Still, Tiri had to admit, he didn’t know his chieftain well. He and his many guards scared Tiri, and he certainly wasn’t privy to their decisions. What was important to him was that he now felt safe from the Warrior Sprites.
Zane and the other dragons didn’t take security lightly. Beyond his home, the men who made up the Sentinel Brotherhood and the Order of the Fallen Knights were terrifying. He couldn’t imagine that the Warrior Sprites would follow him up to the enormous condo he now lived in to harm him. While he would never forget where he grew up, his life had taken a new path. Tiri was bound to Zane, and he was given a last name. He belonged to the D’Vaires, a dragon court that boasted a sanctuary. He thought they must be good people but since he had yet to meet them, he couldn’t say for sure.
One thing was clear—he could no longer worry about what the Sprite Grove was up to. If they were treating others unfairly, Fate would see them punished. Tiri was glad he wouldn’t be a part of the tribe when justice was meted out. He’d never taken a thing from another, and he tried his best to follow the rules he was taught since birth. Leaving Zane on the couch, staring at his phone, Tiri pushed aside his troubled thoughts about the sprites and wandered down the stairs of his home, finding Ellery in the living room. He was fond of the elf-drakeling and liked him nearly as much as he did Zane.
“Hello,” he greeted Ellery with a smile.
Ellery patted the sofa cushion next to him. “Have a seat. I am glad to see you. How was your date?”
With a quick glance to make sure the duke in question was nowhere near, Tiri’s grin grew broader. “Zane’s very handsome, and he picked a wonderful restaurant. There were so many flowers at the Circle of Druids’ garden. Have you seen it yet?”
“I have not but I hope to.”
“Has Chrysander taken you on many dates?”
Ellery’s frown flashed for a moment; then his face became impassive. “No, as emperor he has many duties.”
“None so sacred as a mate.”
“I agree, but responsibility is not so easily set aside.”
Tiri nodded. He was only beginning to understand how many things were expected of the men in his new family. “Do you like Chrysander? I’m fond of Zane.”
“I do. Like you, I find Fate’s match for me very handsome. I hope to get to know him better as we grow closer to our ceremony.”
“I’m sorry you must wait so long to tie your life to his.”
“Me too. I keep asking myself why dragons choose to wait so long. Elven traditions are so finely ingrained in my mind.”
“What’s it like to have a beast inside you?” Tiri asked as he got settled more firmly against the cushion at his back. He dug through his bag and pulled out a tunic he was crafting and got to work as he waited for his friend to answer.
“I believe everyone thinks I am afraid, but I have no fear of my dragon. I yearn to meet him, and I know it will relieve a burden on the Draconis men in our household when my shift is over. I like my trainer. He is kind to me.”
“His name is Jeremiah?”
“Yes. I will introduce you to him the next time we chat on my computer. I believe you will like him too. Like you, he is crafty. I understand he plays musical instruments and likes to paint.”
“Does he have faith in you?”
Ellery nodded regally. “He is determined to help me make history. His eyes hold no deceit that I can see. I feel comfortable that he is on my side.”
“I’m not scared for you. I trust your word. I am impatient to see your dragon.”
“Thank you, Tiri. That means a great deal to me.”
“Are you upset that Chrysander is afraid?”
“No. As my mate, he has almost as much to lose as me. It makes sense that you would wish for your other half to be safe. I think it shows he is growing to care for me,” he said, then laughed. “Or perhaps that is only a fond wish.”
“He watches you.”
“Does he?”
“Oh, yes. Whenever you’re in the room, his eyes are on you.”
“I find myself hoping he is not displeased that I am no ordinary drakeling.”
