Page 84 of No Ordinary Drakeling
“I have not seen Chrysander’s space, and we have not discussed it.”
“He’s probably waiting until after your ceremony,” Evlithar suggested.
The corner of Ellery’s mouth lifted in a half smile. “I was told he cannot handle having me anywhere near his bed.”
“I can understand that. When we meet our mates, it’s like a switch gets flipped and all we want to do is get freaky,” Talfryn remarked.
“Poor Ellery’s had to wait a month already, and he still has two more weeks,” Tiri said. “I’m getting my dragon bite tomorrow night, but I can’t think about it because my penis gets hard.”
The room filled with knowing smiles and chuckles except for Ellery, who wore that placid expression he got when his mind overflowed with thought or emotion. Tiri had learned a great deal about the hybrid since their meeting, and he couldn’t wait until Chrysander fixed their relationship. It was difficult for Tiri not to feel guilty over the closeness he was building with Zane while his friend was stuck.
“It has not escaped my attention that perhaps the dragons do not want me to get too involved with things in the house since they have grave doubts about my ability to succeed when I shift for the first time,” Ellery remarked when the room grew quiet.
Dra’Kaedan grinned, and his navy eyes were bright with merriment. “I hope you spend the next thousand years telling them ‘I told you so’ after you go from drakeling to dragon.”
“Well, we certainly aren’t going to let you fail,” Saura responded. “Plus I’ve seen the determination in your eyes. I have zero doubt you’ll be a magnificent dragon.”
“Your support and belief mean a great deal to me. At this point, I wish I could get it over with. I am sick of being in limbo and wondering what the future holds. Being Emperor needs to take all my concentration. I have such a steep mountain to climb to get anywhere close to Chrysander’s expertise.”
“Just a couple of weeks more to endure. Are you going to shift right after your ceremony?” Saura asked.
“I definitely do not want to wait long. Perhaps a week or so after. I know Chrysander plans on taking some time off from our duties. When we return to the Council, I want to already be a dragon.”
“I can’t wait to see what color you’re going to be,” Tiri enthused.
“If Fate’s listening, I hope we get to add you to the short list of one-of-a-kind dragons. I don’t want you to just make history by becoming the first hybrid to survive. I want you to blow everyone’s fucking minds while you’re at it,” Dra’Kaedan said.
Tiri sighed because he couldn’t hold it back. “That’s a naughty word.”
“Please, you should hear my mom’s dirty mouth.”
Saura smacked her son’s arm. “I can use whatever words I want.”
* * *
Zane grinned as Tiri walked toward the memorial garden on the expansive land owned by the D’Vaires. He was dressed identically to Zane, with a long cloak of silk and dragonskin done in both their colors—except as a dragon, Zane didn’t have a hood. It was their mating day, and Zane shifted a little as he tried not to think about the night ahead. Since almost the first moment he saw Tiri, his hands had itched to touch every inch of him. Knowing it was only a matter of hours until he could do so wasn’t helping, so he shook off his erotic thoughts and focused on the task at hand.
“Are you ready to begin?” Aleksander asked.
“Absolutely,” Tiri responded.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m incredibly honored to be standing in front of you today with Duke Zane Draconis and Duke-mate Tiridythas D’Vaire on the occasion of their mating ceremony. At the age of seven, Duke Zane found his family. Since then, he has dedicated himself to serving the dragon world as one of the most well-respected and noble men in our realm. Even now, he holds the sacred honor of protecting our Emperors, and he handles his duties with praiseworthy commitment.
“Duke-mate Tiridythas is new to our council, but it hasn’t taken him long to become accustomed to our world. To his new family, he’s brought enthusiasm, a zest for life, and they’re incredibly grateful that they were brought to his former village. He’s also a talented artist who creates remarkable creations. We wish him the best of luck in his new endeavor as owner of Tiri’s Textiles.
“Though the pair have not known each other long, the affection they have for each other is impossible to miss. I know with time it will only grow, and they’ll build a strong bond as Fate intended.”
Zane winked at his smiling sprite as two elves walked toward them.
“In the tradition of elven mating, Chieftain-mate Talfryn Acwellan-D’Vaire and Chieftain-mate Evlithar Cwylld-D’Vaire will offer floral wreaths designed by Duke Dravyn D’Vairedraconis,” Aleksander said. Zane bowed his head to allow Talfryn to place the circlet of black and teal roses on his head. When he was finished, Talfryn stepped back just as Evlithar did. He thanked both men without taking his eyes off the gorgeous man in front of him.
“Gentlemen, please raise your left hands,” Aleksander requested. Chrysander and Ellery took turns opening a small cut across each of their palms. Before they could heal, Zane and Tiri pressed their hands together for the second uniting of their blood.
“Sprite Grove to Draconis. Duke to Duke-mate. Their souls are now tied and their lives now linked. May their hearts always stay united, so they will never want another. Dragons claim their mates with a bite that leaves no mark. Centuries ago, a draconic tradition began of exchanging rings,” Aleksander stated. “Zane and Tiri will exchange bands to allow the world to bear witness to their joining.”
Damian handed Zane one of two matching bands. They were wide and somehow Madeline D’Vairedraconis managed to match the patchwork of mixed patterns in metal between thin stripes of gold. He slid it onto Tiri’s finger as he said, “Chosen by Fate and accepted by my heart as true, I accept you as my mate.”
At Tiri’s request, it was Kalthekor who passed him the second ring. The sprite was grateful to have his wholesale beads and spent the entire morning fawning over his young son. “Oh, this is so beautiful,” he exclaimed, then pushed it on. “Chosen by Fate and accepted by my heart as true, I accept you as my mate.”
