Page 100 of No Ordinary Drakeling
“Of course, Your Majesty. My mate, Clara, has always been fond of Killian’s work and places it everywhere. I didn’t realize dragons took such interest in horticulture.”
“Duke Dravyn is an avid and talented gardener,” Chrysander said. “If you’ll excuse us, our time is very short, and there are quite a few people here.”
They walked away from the unpleasant ruler of the Circle of Druids with Damian stalking through the crowd ahead of them, his gaze traveling from one guest to another searching for danger. There were dukes all over the room and every so often Damian, Zane, or Costas would bark orders into the telecommunication devices Ellery wondered if they slept with.
“Why in the world Wesley would put her on a VIP list is beyond me,” Chrysander grumbled once they were well out of earshot.
“She seems very protective of her brother.”
“More like jealous. She’s probably the only person on the planet who rejoices that Killian never leaves his tree.”
“I thought the mantle of leadership was supposed to extend to both of them?”
“Technically, I believe it belongs to the eldest, but Killian stepped aside to give her the chance to reign. To my understanding he was a very popular ruler, and she’s always been envious that she hasn’t achieved the same approval.”
“I guess it is my turn to be horribly jealous because you have been emperor for six-hundred-plus years, and I started a few weeks ago.”
“I can abdicate and leave the whole thing in your trusty hands,” Chrysander taunted.
“And I can return to the Fen-Lynthi tribe.”
They shared a smile, and whatever either one of them would have said next was lost when people in the crowd began coming up and offering their congratulations. Many of them Ellery already knew, but he couldn’t say he remembered more than their faces. Gratefully, there were some friendly ones in the crowd.
“Your Majesty, I’m sure you’re still trying to keep track of names. I’m Alpha Artair Ursus Arctos,” an attractive man with a massive chest said.
“Leader of the brown bears. I remember you, Alpha,” Ellery responded. “Thank you for being here today. His Majesty and I appreciate it.”
“I must offer my condolences. While I know this is a day for celebration, I didn’t want to lose sight of the fact that you must now spend eternity with His Majesty,” Alpha Ursus Arctos teased.
“Just you wait, Alpha, until your mate happens along. I’m going to follow him around and tell him every horrible thing you’ve done,” Chrysander retorted.
“Your Majesty, as long as you don’t ruin my chances with my mate, I’ll help you dish on Alpha Artair,” another man promised as he strolled up to them. He stood an inch or two below Ellery’s six feet but like the brown bear leader, he had broad shoulders.
“Your Majesty, allow me to present Archon Timotheus Centaurus. Somehow Fate chose him to rule over the centaurs,” Chrysander said to Ellery.
“It’s an absolute pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty. I’m sorry I haven’t had the opportunity to do so before now,” Archon Centaurus offered.
Ellery liked the man’s warm smile, so he returned it. “The pleasure is mine, Archon.”
The Archon turned to Chrysander and lifted a brow. “Fate has been too kind to you, Your Majesty. But seriously, when are you going to feed us?”
“If you’re willing to shift and go trample a certain annoying sorcerer, I might be willing to find something for you to snack on, Archon,” Chrysander teased, referring to their chat with Aloisa.
“Distract the Reverent Knights, and I’ll see what I can do, Your Majesty.”
“I have never seen a centaur shift, Archon,” Ellery commented.
“Well, Your Majesty, I live about twenty minutes from the Main Assembly Hall. If you come and visit, I’ll get all of us together, and we’ll even flatten a dragon for you if he’s getting on your nerves.”
“And the mystery of why there are so few centaurs is solved,” Chrysander retorted. “I’ve had enough of the Archon. Let’s go get some dinner.”
The Archon simply chuckled. “I’ll do whatever it takes to get my belly full but seriously, congratulations. I wish both of you happiness, Your Majesties.”
“As do I, Your Majesties. It was a beautiful ceremony,” Alpha Ursus Arctos tacked on.
“Thank you both,” Ellery responded. Chrysander led him away from the entertaining gentlemen and without locating the persistent Wesley, stalked right out of the room. He wasn’t rude though, he took the time to accept congratulations and offer his thanks to each leader who was in attendance.
“Where’s dinner?” Chrysander asked once the doors shut behind them.
