Page 99 of No Ordinary Drakeling
Chapter 32
“My face hurts from smiling,” Chrysander whispered close to Ellery. His breath swept over the new hoop at the top of Ellery’s ear and he shivered.
“How much longer do we have to do this?”
“Your Majesties,” the snippy photographer shouted as he stalked toward them. “You really must stay focused. These pictures will be with you for an eternity. We must get them right. There are no re-dos when it comes to mating ceremonies.”
“I think I hate him,” Chrysander said once the man started snapping his enormous camera again.
Ellery managed to contain his laughter, but it was a near thing. They’d spent more than an hour since their brief but thorough kiss standing outside on a small terrace while Wesley and the photographer demanded they get into some truly ridiculous poses. Their guests were at a reception eating, drinking, and celebrating while they were being immortalized for the world. It was enough to make Ellery lose his mind. He wanted to spend his day with Chrysander, but not with them both pretending to be statues.
“If we’re going to keep this schedule on track, Their Majesties have to be at a VIP gathering in about five minutes,” Damian drawled. As usual, Damian had everything about Chrysander’s day memorized. It was something Zane also did for Ellery, and he appreciated their dedication as well as that of Costas, who served them both equally.
“I just need a few more shots of their rings,” the photographer insisted.
“Please make it quick,” Chrysander stated. The man nodded, and they placed their hands as requested so he could get the last of the items on his list. Wesley shooed him out afterward and Ellery found himself once again in the circle of Chrysander’s arms. He liked this side of the dragon; it was a welcome contrast to the man who had held himself aloof for so many weeks.
“I feel like a week has passed since ten this morning,” Costas muttered.
“You’re not the one with sore facial muscles,” Chrysander countered.
“If it makes you feel any better, I did secure the services of Teverild for Ellery’s first shift,” Costas replied.
“What’s Teverild’s last name?” Damian asked as he tapped on the screen of his phone. Ellery was content to stand there and do nothing but enjoy the warmth of Chrysander’s hands moving over his back while the dragons conferred.
“He has no tribe, so he doesn’t have one,” Costas commented. “His former tribe doesn’t belong to the Council and when he was ostracized from them, they stripped him of the privilege. When he joined by himself, no chieftain was willing to lend him one to use.”
Ellery’s head popped up from Chrysander’s chest. “I thought he had to have one for his identification card.”
“Me too,” Costas returned. “He claims he got permission from the Order of the Fallen Knights to go by a single name. I thought I’d mention it to Drystan or Conley when I got a minute.”
“What’s so wrong with having a single name? I was just Tiridythas for twenty years.”
“Nothing, baby. It is our understanding that our system requires it. I didn’t know anyone could go by a single name, or I wouldn’t have made you tack one on,” Zane told him.
“Well, I’m glad to be a D’Vaire now.”
“Your Majesty, we need to get to the cocktail party,” Wesley announced as he sailed toward their group.
“Wesley, seriously. You can see they’re both standing there. I think you meant to sayYour Majesties,” Zane corrected.
Wesley’s eyes narrowed for a moment, and then his face became serene. “Of course, it’s just difficult to break a habit that’s centuries old. No offense, Ellery.”
“None taken, Wesley,” Ellery responded as he pulled away from Chrysander so they could walk. The dragon entwined their fingers, and they traipsed down a long hallway to a large meeting room where brilliantly dressed men and women were milling. They quieted when they spotted Ellery and Chrysander but a moment later, they broke out in polite applause.
Aloisa the Dwyer was closest to them and offered her congratulations. “Your Majesties, it was a beautiful ceremony, but I had no idea my brother would be supplying the elven wreaths. I don’t recall being asked to consult with him.”
“Aloisa, it was not my original intention to have Killian the Dwyer create them. I asked Duke Dravyn D’Vairedraconis to put something together for myself and His Majesty,” Chrysander explained. “He’s crafted similar ones for the elves in his family, but it was his suggestion that we ask Killian the Dwyer. The Lichpriestess contacted him directly, and he was amenable to the request, though he was unable to attend.”
“I don’t believe I’m familiar with Duke Dravyn D’Vairedraconis, Your Majesty.”
“Like his king, he prefers to devote his time to his family and rarely ventures to public venues,” Chrysander responded.
“Your Majesty, my brother’s a hermit. That’s not news nor is it ever likely to change. I don’t see how he could’ve crossed paths with Duke D’Vairedraconis, so isn’t it strange that he would recommend Killian to craft something so important as the wreaths you wore?”
Ellery found he didn’t like her attitude and wondered why she was one of the people they needed to spend extra time with before the main dinner and reception.
“I understand Duke Dravyn and Killian the Dwyer were both present at the gala to celebrate the creation of the Darkfallen Court. Perhaps they were introduced then, or maybe His Grace has simply stepped foot in any public druid garden and seen his contributions. I was not privy to his thoughts, Aloisa,” Chrysander stated. There was a bite in his tone only a fool wouldn’t recognize, and Aloisa’s irritated expression smoothed into a friendly one.
