Page 14 of Worthy Promises
“I’m wanting little brother here tested,” Worth insisted. “No way he’s that short naturally. I’ve a big dragon. The biggest I’ve ever seen. I think that may play into it.”
“Aleksander’s dragon dwarfs this giant-ass house of his,” Drystan remarked.
“And he’s bicolor. I’m looking forward to seeing it,” Lex threw in.
“Conley’s dragon is probably the only one that can match him for beauty and uniqueness,” Chrysander said. “But then, we don’t know much about yours, Worth. Would you mind telling us the color at least? I’ve never seen Fate allow a dragon shifter to keep their human eye color and only give them the scales.”
“I don’t like to discuss it, but seeing as how you’re my Emperor, I’ll offer to shift and show you,” Worth replied while his beast protested any complaint about his pinkness. He was working on accepting his uniqueness thanks to this new lease on life, but the process of adjusting to the fresh outlook was slow. “It’s easier that way. I can barely get the word of the color past my lips. But I’d like to meet all the people staring at me first.”
“If we’re going to move to introductions, I’m going to pull rank and beg to go first,” Chrysander remarked.
“I thought you said you visited here before. Didn’t you meet everyone then?” Lex asked in confusion. They’d learned that the Emperor was a close friend of the D’Vaires and ventured to Aleksander’s home in Arizona routinely.
“Yes, but they’ve added two new additions since the last time I was here,” Chrysander replied. “And I didn’t think I’deverhave the opportunity to meet them. It’s an incredible honor to even be in the same room.”
“Emperor Chrysander Draconis, Imperial Duke Draconis, and Duke Zane Draconis, please allow me to present my parents. Former Grand Warlock T’Eirick Leolinnia and former Grand Summoner Saura Leolinnia,” Dra’Kaedan said. Worth wasn’t sure how many more surprises were awaiting him. The founders of the Council had died in the late 1300s, and yet they were standing feet away from him.
“I thought your parents were dead,” Somerly blurted.
“We are, dear, but the Arch Lich has resurrected us for a short visit,” Saura replied. She and her mate rushed over to hug Somerly, and Worth nearly had to brush away a tear.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty,” Saura told Emperor Chrysander. “Between you and Chander, it’s hard to believe our little Council’s so big and wonderful.”
Arch Lich Chander Daray, the ruler of the necromancers, had led the Council for six centuries before handing his duties to Emperor Chrysander and uniting magickind with shifters.
“Call me Chrys, and the pleasure’s mine. I’m in awe of what you created, and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to lead it.”
“This is the best damn day of my life,” Worth declared, happiness bubbling through him. “I’ve met another brother nearly as handsome as me after getting to meet the Emperor. Now, I’ve the joy of meeting the former Grand Warlock and Grand Summoner. This thing you’ve built, I’ve waited to join itsince I learned of its existence. Matebonds first and races united for the greater good. It’s as it should be.”
“I’m so glad you think so,” Saura replied. “Our goal was to enrich lives, and look what our successors have done with it. I’d love to sit in the Main Assembly Hall and witness a session. I can’t wrap my head around all the races that have joined.”
Chrysander and Saura spoke about politics as Worth watched Somerly gather his bravery and scuttle close to his other half, Dre’Kariston.
“Can I talk to you?” Somerly asked.
“No,” Dre’Kariston stated unequivocally.
“Please. I’ve so much to explain. Ineedto talk to you,” Somerly pleaded.
“After all the lies you’ve told me, I can’t believe a damn word that comes out of your mouth,” Dre’Kariston retorted with a glare.
“And he’s spent all his life being manipulated by a monster, so factor that into your feelings there, Grand Summoner,” Worth said, immediately coming to his brother’s defense. “He’s only just now realizing Boian’s a scheming prick. Give him a chance to explain where he’s coming from.”
“Dre’Kariston, he’s your mate,” Saura added gently.
“I’ll talk to you, but it’ll have to wait until tomorrow,” Dre’Kariston insisted, the anger on his face undiminished. “You’ve just met your brother, and you need time to get settled.”
“Okay, thank you.”
“He’ll understand once you’ve had the chance to chat,” Worth told Somerly, trying to bolster his spirits. “His parents created the Council. They couldn’t have produced a shit.”
“I can hear you, you know,” Dre’Kariston remarked.
“That’s the point,” Worth retorted. Man and dragon had just found their brothers, and Worth would be damned if anyonehurt them. Like his beast, Worth was protective of his siblings and yearned to have tight bonds with them.
“Shit, this is awesome. It’s like having another Aleksander—only this one has a personality,” Dra’Kaedan said with a grin.
“I have a personality, Squirt,” Aleksander replied. There was no heat in the words, and he was smiling. Worth hoped Aleksander was as kind as he appeared.
