Page 83 of No Ordinary Drakeling
Chapter 27
“Your home is so wonderful,” Tiri enthused.
“Not as wonderful as your outfit. Ellery says you make your own things?” Evlithar asked.
Tiri nodded. “I’ve been sewing for as long as I can remember. I enjoy it very much.”
“Have you thought about putting together your own company?” Talfryn asked.
“That is a wonderful idea. Tiri, you could earn your own money, so Zane would not have to pay for everything. I am sure you would have plenty of customers,” Ellery said.
“Your clothing’s so distinctive, I believe Ellery’s correct. The Valzadari Beading Company would be willing to sell you our beads at cost if you’re interested,” Chieftain Kalthekor Valzadari offered.
“I’ve never worked with beads on clothing before, but I would be very interested in learning. Thank you so much. I hope it won’t hurt your company to do that for me.”
“We’ll be happy to teach you how to bead,” Chieftain Lorcan Acwellan-D’Vaire told him.
“I can help you get set up on the Internet so you can sell whatever you want through there,” Evlithar added.
“What are you going to call your company?” Evlithar’s mate, Chieftain Cadlyr Cwylld-D’Vaire inquired.
“I’m not sure. I never thought of having one before.”
“How about Tiri’s Textiles?” Ellery suggested.
Tiri clapped his hands. “I love it.”
“I am so glad. I would love for you to design some things for me, but I will not allow you to give me any discounts,” Ellery responded.
“But we’re family.”
“Yes we are, but this is business.”
The emperor’s eyes were determined, and Tiri wasn’t going to win this battle, so he gave in gracefully. “If you insist.”
“I do.”
“Knock-knock,” Dra’Kaedan said from the doorway. “Are we interrupting?”
“Not at all, come on in,” Evlithar invited. Dra’Kaedan and his mother sauntered into the lounge where they were gathered.
“So tomorrow is a big day for you and Zane. We’re very excited you guys are having your ceremony here,” Saura enthused.
“And I get to have teal cake,” Dra’Kaedan announced. “That’s a first for me.”
“Ignore him. His sweet tooth is enormous,” his mother countered.
“I’m so touched Zane wanted to have a big celebration,” Tiri remarked. He just wished his best friend, Ellery, was going to be mated as well. It was impossible not to feel bad for him since he still had two weeks to wait.
“Plus, it gave us a great excuse to get away from our responsibilities and visit you guys,” Ellery added.
“It’s such a pleasure to have you here. We’re so happy that we’re getting the opportunity to know you better, and of course now we have Tiri to befriend as well,” Saura replied. Her smile was warm, and Tiri liked the people in this enormous house. He wished his own new residence radiated the comfort and friendliness of Court D’Vaire. It was just as delightful as Ellery described.
“I’m hoping everyone is willing to help me as I work to redecorate the rooms Zane and I share,” Tiri said.
“No worries there—we love projects,” Dra’Kaedan responded. “You’re probably going to get more assistance than you even want.”
“Ellery, are you and Chrys working on redesigning your space as well?” Saura asked.
