Page 92 of Honorable Convictions
“At least I never have to do that again.”
After ringing the bell, they were greeted by the Grand Duke, who handled security, then led out to the backyard, which was decorated in gray and black to celebrate their matebond. It was lovely, and they’d even set up potted plants and hung up swags of fabric and beads.
“Congratulations,” High King Aleksander D’Vairedraconis stated. “Pierson, allow me to formally present my mate, High King Rafe D’Vairedraconis, along with our wolf sentinels, Nox and Mortis.”
The wolves were friendly, and it was a good thing because they were large, especially Nox, who had to be close to four feet at the top of his head.
“Thank you. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. We’re extremely grateful to be invited here today,” Pierson said.
“It’s absolutely our pleasure. The two of you have impacted our family in so many wonderful and necessary ways. We wanted an opportunity to give a little back and to offer you something special on a day you’ll never forget,” Aleksander responded.
“Oh good, you’re here,” Conley remarked, walking out onto the deck with Drystan on his heels. “I wondered if you’d get distracted and join us a little later.”
“We do have some restraint, Reverent Knight,” Mitchell joked.
“It’s the weekend, and you’re not working. Why have any of that?” Conley demanded.
“That’s my Con, always presenting a great example for the Order of the Fallen Knights.”
“Yet another reason why fallen knights are not the equal of the sentinels,” Lich Sentinel Alaric Daray drawled, strolling over with the Arch Lich at his side.
“You have to be nice to fallen knights today,” Pyxlevir Valzadari stated, his expression admonishing, which forced Pierson to hold in a smile. The tiny eight-year-old was a sweet kid Pierson had to escort to a failed meeting with his grandparents. They’d only wanted to get close enough to him to not so subtly question him on his father’s actions, which had irritated Pierson, and he was glad the judge barred any future visits after the grandparents had missed the second such appointment.
After staring down the Lich Sentinel, who gave Pyxlevir a wink, the little elf walked to stand in front of Pierson. “Hi, congratulations on your matebond.”
“Thanks, Pyxlevir,” Pierson responded. “Have you met my mate, Mitchell?”
The elf grinned at Mitchell. “Hi, congratulations. Pierson was very nice to me when I had to go meet my grandparents. He even carried in my friends.”
Mitchell’s brows furrowed as Pyxlevir took off toward his father, Chieftain Kalthekor Valzadari, who was sitting with his other half, Chieftain-mate Aristos Centaurus-Valzadari. “Why did you have to carry in his friends?”
“They’re stuffed, Mitch.”
“Fate’s sake, I had a mental image of you with an armful of dangling elves.”
Pierson shook his head at the crazy idea and smiled as Pyxlevir ran back to them with a stuffed dragon in his arms. “This is Raf. I didn’t have him last time. He’s made from Rafe’s dragonskin. He’s tied for my favorite dragon with Alek.”
“He’s beautiful.”
“Thank you. Did you meet Renny’s new mate yet?”
“I don’t think I’ve heard of him,” Pierson responded.
“Rather impossible to miss it with the way the press carried on,” Drystan muttered from behind him.
“Their relationship was a dream come true,” Rafe said. Pyxlevir laughed, and the High King joined in, though Pierson didn’t understand their amusement. A glance at Mitchell told him he was just as clueless, so Pierson shrugged. Apparently neither one of them had paid enough attention to details, but Pierson wasn’t given the opportunity to ask any questions. Conley was curious about their mating marks and both Reverent Knights were happy with the new titles displayed on them. The next couple of hours flew by, and Pierson never left Mitchell’s side as they ate, drank, and enjoyed their afternoon with the enigmatic and wonderful High Court of D’Vaire.
Chapter 42
For Mitchell, it was an enlightening and incredible day. The mating ceremony had surprised him in a way he hadn’t imagined. His soul had intertwined with Pierson’s more powerfully than he’d anticipated, and part of him was washed away—a piece he hadn’t fully understood until it was gone. There was a burning inside him, one that both wanted Pierson but had railed against the pain of being alone. In the back of his mind, he’d let it sit as he’d laughed and been entertained by the D’Vaires.
As a person who needed to fit things together, it was too innate for him not to explain everything. Mitchell’s conclusion was that they’d taken that yearning to be together and allowed it to stretch far beyond Fate’s intention. They’d both fed it regularly with rivalry, anger, and pain, and it’d become a force that had repelled them as the decades passed. As much as they wanted to be together, they’d also let a wealth of emotion grow that had proved dangerous. For Mitchell, it explained why he’d done despicable things—teasing, taunting, and flirting when he wanted to hold Pierson. It excused nothing but helped him sort out his stupidity.
There was no need to vow not to let it happen again. Those jagged edges were gone, and his entire being was filled with resolve. It wasn’t his duty to care for Pierson; it was his privilege, and he intended to be worthy of Fate’s gift. For the first time since their relationship started, they were free to hold hands and show affection outside of their home. They’d received encouragement from their bosses, and for Mitchell it was intoxicating. Enthused about being Pierson’s partner, he wanted the world to know how lucky he was.
As the hours had gone on, though, it had morphed into something more primal. Pierson’s blond hair appeared glossier than ever in the bright sunshine, and the green of his eyes was purer. His mouth was soft from smiling, and Mitchell wanted to keep their lips locked together forever. Those thoughts had led him into an uncomfortable hardness that needed attention, so the moment he was able to extricate them from the festivities, Mitchell teleported home.
Pierson was only seconds behind him, but it was still too long. “Where were you?” he demanded, crushing Pierson into his arms.
