Page 97 of No Ordinary Drakeling
Chapter 31
They arrived at the swanky hotel booked for their mating ceremony, and Damian ushered them inside. Chrysander took Ellery’s hand as they walked toward a small meeting room. Ellery wasn’t surprised to find Wesley already waiting for them.
“Your Majesty,” Wesley said to Chrysander. He never addressed Ellery unless he had to and perhaps after his shift, Wesley would finally understand that he wasn’t going anywhere. “You’re right on time. We need to get started on the photos.”
“Quick question,” Damian interjected. “Why are we doing a bunch of photographs before the ceremony? Their Majesties are going to have scrollwork designs down one cheek and an earring afterward, making anything we do now useless. We should be doing photos tomorrow when they have their second hoop.”
Wesley pursed his lips. “Because the photographers from every major paper and magazine want images from before and after, so they can compare the differences that you just pointed out.”
“I did not realize we had a photo shoot scheduled for tomorrow after we get our second hoop,” Ellery said.
“We don’t,” Chrysander responded. “Those photos will be taken after we return from our vacation.”
“I’d still like the record to show I vehemently disagree. We should allow access for the press tomorrow. We don’t know what the next two weeks are going to bring. It’s my understanding that Ellery’s going to shift. We need to discuss the logistics of that. Perhaps we can do photo ops before he…well, you know.”
“I am certainly not going to die, if that is what you mean,” Ellery stated and barely refrained from rolling his eyes.
“His first shift will be private,” Chrysander said. “No photo shoots. No press. Nothing.”
“Chrysander, that’s absurd,” Wesley argued. “This is a historical moment. We must have it documented.”
“I’ve done some research. There’s a well-known photographer who is an elf, though he has no tribe affiliation. I think we should contact him and have him take them,” Costas supplied.
“I would agree to an elf photographer,” Ellery responded.
Costas winked. “I’ll call him.”
“Great, let’s not keep the press waiting,” Chrysander commented.
Wesley led them into a room so full of cameras, it was difficult to see the people behind them. As they walked toward where two chairs were strategically placed, there were flashing lights and the whirr of machines as their every move was documented. Ellery pushed away his emotions and set a smile on his face, allowing no one to view who he truly was. Chrysander demanded his entire family be present behind their chairs, and Ellery was grateful for their company.
Questions were shouted out which Chrysander answered readily, supplying them with no true insight into their relationship. Ellery didn’t want to be dissected, so he allowed Chrysander to command the room as he so often did. After what had to be an eternity, Wesley hustled them out.
“We have a few photographers who want individual shots. Ellery, you’re going to go next door, and Chrysander, you’ll wait in here.”
“Is this necessary, Wesley? I prefer Their Majesties not be separated. There are about a million strangers in here,” Damian complained.
“I’m sure Zane can handle Ellery’s security.”
Ellery refused to allow any disagreements on the day of his ceremony, so he caught Zane’s eye and made for the door. He slid his arm through Tiri’s and turned back to Chrysander without slowing his steps. “I will see you soon.”
“I should hope so,” Chrysander groused, clearly unhappy with this little twist to their schedule, which warmed Ellery’s heart.
“He’s so rude,” Tiri said of Wesley once they were in the hall.
“He’s going to throw a fit when you guys change everything around,” Zane predicted. “But he’ll adjust. Wesley’s been a great asset to us—he just needs to learn that he can’t always have his way.”
Ellery didn’t bother to comment since Zane had opened the door to the room with the photographers in it. He dutifully sat and allowed them to take a few photos. Zane steered them out before they could bark out any questions. The duke grabbed two more chairs for his mate and himself, then took a seat once Tiri was gracefully perched on the one next to Ellery.
“What do we do now?” Tiri asked.
Zane shrugged. “Not sure, I guess we wait until they’re done with Chrysander.”
“Are you excited about your ceremony?” Tiri inquired.
“I am. I do not enjoy the photos or any of that stuff, but Chrysander and I have waited a long time for this day.”
“Are you upset with him for delaying it?” Zane asked.
