Page 92 of Worthy Promises
“I am. Do you think you could hold Asteria after you help with the Fae gift?”
Orion beamed at him. “Could I?”
“Yes, I think she’d like that very much.”
“Okay!” Orion exclaimed and ran to the door. He was out of the room like a shot, and Oliver chuckled at his enthusiasm. At least with Asteria in his arms, Orion would hopefully be too distracted to worry about whatever was ailing his best friend.
As for Oliver, he followed at a more sedate pace and thought about the conversation he’d shared with Orion. On the one hand, he was incredibly moved to hear his brother’s words of love. But he was also concerned about the weirdness plaguing Zarasha. Did it mean anything? Was something going on with her spell? With minimal knowledge of sorcery, Oliver was clueless.
Oliver strode through the quiet house and stepped out the backdoor. Everyone in the extended D’Vaire family was dressed in their finery, but his gaze immediately went to the DukeArgent. Even surrounded by the gorgeous swags of white-and-pink fabric and the plethora of unique flowers, nothing matched Worthington’s beauty.
But once Oliver was at his side, Worthington frowned. “What’s wrong?”
Needing a moment with Worthington, Oliver took advantage of the low hum of their guests’ chatter and hugged him. Since Asteria was on Worthington’s shoulder, she rested her head against Oliver’s, surrounding him in comfort. Worth had convinced Asteria to don a pink-and-white bow for the occasion, and Oliver hoped it wasn’t being crushed as they cuddled.
“Orion told me he loved me. He wants to change his name,” Oliver whispered close to his ear. “I told him he could hold Asteria during our ceremony.”
Worthington’s palms swept down Oliver’s back. “That’s not what has you worried.”
“It’s a minor thing, I hope, but it’s something we must discuss privately. I swore to Orion I’d discuss it with you alone.”
After taking Oliver’s face in his hands, Worthington kissed him. It was a soft, close-mouthed caress, but he took his time. Oliver appreciated the tenderness of his lips and the feeling of peace filling him and his owl. It was everything he needed.
“I told you Worth was going to screw this up,” Dra’Kaedan complained.
“Squirt, it’s their matebond ceremony, they can do whatever they want,” Aleksander argued as the guests around them quieted in anticipation of the start of the ceremony.
To Oliver’s regret, Worthington lifted his head and narrowed his eyes at Dra’Kaedan. “Owliver, did I remember to mention that not everyone appreciates the solemnity of the traditional matebond ceremony?”
“Orion, what do we say to that?” Rafe asked.
Orion’s brows furrowed in confusion, but Zarasha tugged on his arm, and he leaned toward her so she could whisper in his ear. His expression swiftly changed to a grin. “We’re D’Vaires! I’m changing my name too!”
Worthington grinned, and his gaze turned misty as he winked at Oliver. “I think we should have a moment worthy of such an important milestone in Orion’s life.”
“Dra’Kaedan, could you create a small sword to honor our newest D’Vaire?” Rafe asked as Skeleton Lord-mate Teverild Daray happily snapped photos.
With a flourish and a smile, Dra’Kaedan produced a magical sword that, if Oliver wasn’t mistaken, was a small replica of the two-handed weapon Rafe used in the lessons he provided for many D’Vaires, including Worthington. As Dra’Kaedan handed it to Rafe, Worthington whispered something in Orion’s ear.
“Thank you,” Rafe replied. “Orion, would you kneel for me, please?”
Orion looked a little unsure, but he got to his knees, and Rafe turned to face him. “Do you promise to always be yourself, no matter what?”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Orion stated proudly, and Worthington grinned at him.
“Well done, Orion,” Worthington said.
Rafe lifted the small sword and tapped it on both of Orion’s shoulders as he spoke. “From this day forward, you are Orion D’Vaire. As D’Vaires, each person will love you forever. Thank you for being part of our family, Orion. It wasn’t complete until you and Oliver moved in. You may stand up now.”
“Can I have a moment to cry a little, or do I have to start the matebond ceremony now?” Aleksander asked after huggingOrion. The little boy was squeezed by Rafe, then he took his place between Daravius and Zarasha again.
“Get it started, Your Highness,” Worthington drawled. “Fate already took too long to bring me Owliver, and he never showed up at the door.”
Aleksander’s mouth twisted, and Oliver wondered how badly he had to bite his tongue to keep from saying something smart back to his brother. Since he was a man of dignity, Aleksander gave his attention to the crowd instead.
“Ladies and gentlemen of this distinguished and wonderful family, today Rafe and I have been given the incomparable honor of helping Duke Argent Worthington and Duke Argent-mate Oliver to bind their souls. A mere two decades ago, my brother arrived here. At first, we were all struck by his appearance—none of us even knew a pink dragon existed. But it was Worth’s bottomless heart, savvy mind, and his willingness to aid everyone however he could that changed our family for the better. With Asteria on his shoulder, Worth is sharing his delightful wit and his love for everyone every day. For Somerly and I, we could not ask for anything finer in a sibling.”
“Despite the number of times Worth asked for something with owls on it, I don’t think any of us truly thought we’d be adding two to the family,” Rafe said. “But while it’s exciting to see a snowy owl soar through the sky, it’s Oliver’s kind presence we’ve quickly grown to depend on in our family. In our combined office, he’s stalwart, helpful, and his business acumen is impossible to miss—as is his appreciation of fine art. These days, it’s common to find Asteria on his shoulder rather than Worth’s, and I can think of no better illustration of how fond we all are of our newest addition to D’Vaire nobility.”
