Page 42 of Killian
“I hope I do not offend when I say that day seems a lifetime ago.”
Killian nodded. “I understand. Over a hundred and fifty years have passed, and I suspect none of yours were easy.”
“My life is pleasant now, and you face the threat of death daily thanks to my own people.”
Needing to see him fully, Killian reached out and lifted Dravyn’s chin and met his dark mysterious gaze. There were more freckles dotting Dravyn’s skin than he recalled from 1369, and they suited him. “It need not be a competition. Life is hard. That is unquestionable. I hope being here together today means we have some brightness awaiting in our futures.”
“I cannot stay long; I did not tell anyone I was leaving.”
“You have kept our matebond a secret?”
“I remain uncertain if you wish to continue as my mate.”
“Dravyn, I would not be here today if I was convinced it is better for us to be forever parted. I trust your tale and know you did not feign your ankle injury.”
“Thank you again for healing me. Many questions have been asked by my family about why my hobble has improved, but there is no satisfactory answer I can give them yet. Although I consider each of them my kin, I do not know their thoughts on magickind.”
“If you wish to keep our meetings a secret, I understand. Will you meet me again soon?”
“Perhaps at night so I can disappear easier?”
Releasing his hold on Dravyn’s chin, Killian smiled. “As you wish. Shall we meet seven days hence again?”
“Yes.”
“Until then, be well.”
“You too, Killian.”
Killian teleported away. He was unsatisfied with the short meeting and the fact that he’d learned nothing of import about Dravyn. Whether Dravyn liked it or not, he’d bring seeds for him. Maybe some kindness and their growing familiarity in each other’s presence would allow Dravyn to feel comfortable with him. Killian yearned to stare into his green eyes as they spoke, and he hated the hesitancy in Dravyn. Or more accurately, Killian detested the things Dravyn had endured that had made him such a tentative person.
???
Since Dravyn had not told his family about Killian, he had to carefully sneak out each week. Unfortunately, Dravyn was so overwhelmed by Killian that he did not stay long in his presence.They barely spoke about matters beyond the weather and the new seeds Dravyn had planted. Killian had gifted him an entire bag full of seeds but refused to tell him what they were.
Dravyn was fine with surprise once Killian assured him they were infused with magick and could not fail no matter where he planted them. The amount of sunlight didn’t matter, nor did the proximity to a neighboring plant. All Dravyn had to do was ensure the ground stayed moist and they would flourish. Although Dravyn had no clue how he’d explain the plants to his family, he was eager to discover what Killian had offered him.
As Dravyn attended to the seeds by watering them and discussing whatever was on his mind with the freshly soaked ground, he wondered what to do about his life. His dragon had long feared magick, but the rich flush of it flowing through Dravyn and healing his every ache, scar, and bruise had changed his beast. Even without the fear of Killian separating man from dragon, Dravyn still had obstacles to overcome.
How would he explain to his family about the druid? If he and Killian grew to like one another, how would they combine their lives? Dravyn was devoted to providing food to the D’Vaires, and Killian had an entire race to rule. While Dravyn was officially a titled Duke, he had no concept of royalty or how to fathom the magnitude of Killian’s duties.
How had Fate decided Dravyn was to be the mate of the leader of the druids? As far as Dravyn could tell, they had a single thing in common, and they could only discuss gardening for so long. But Dravyn was fooling himself. He was drawn to Killian. Was it just his handsome face?
With a heavy sigh at his confused heart and unclear future, Dravyn silently crept into the house as darkness settled over the land. The D’Vaires would soon retire to their separate rooms in the house they’d built by hand. It was a simple home made of the wood and stone found on the estate, and it suitedtheir needs perfectly. All the furniture was serviceable and kept clean by Noirin. No one had expected her to run the household, but she had insisted.
In her role as steward of the house, the Duchess flourished, and Aleksander thanked her profusely at every meal. It was the lone time Dravyn saw his cousin. Their King was a man of few words, much of it praise and gratitude. Dravyn was in awe of the man’s gentleness after what he’d endured, and he hated the shadows Imperial Duke Bernal and his ilk had carved into Aleksander’s soul.
“Dravyn, how fares your garden?” Zane asked, spotting Dravyn as he walked into the kitchen to add some lemons he’d picked for Noirin.
Unable to contain his excitement about Killian’s gift, Dravyn smiled. “I have some new seeds.”
“Did you find them on your ventures out at night these past few weeks?” Brogan asked.
Lifting his head, Dravyn glanced at the navy-eyed Duke, and his face flushed with color. “Ventures at night?”
“Surely you know I hear you leaving? It is my duty to keep us safe. Although you are a Duke, I am still concerned about you. Where are you going?”
Dravyn froze. He did not want to lie to his family; they had survived so much and had banded together for a chance to flourish. But what would they make of his tale? Would they try to stop him from meeting a druid? His dragon roared in protest, but Dravyn admonished his own foolish thoughts. The D’Vaires were incredible people and would not consider coming between any pairing made by Fate.
