Page 46 of Killian
“That is an excellent idea,” Baxter agreed. “Will you allow one of us to accompany you each night?”
“Killian, it is for the best,” Chander stated.
“Or you can take a fallen knight,” Drystan added. “But your days of traveling alone must end. I insist.”
“No one wants to intrude on your matebond, but we cannot ignore the threats we face,” Kaedan said.
While everyone in the room was family to Killian, Kaedan was also their leader. His words could not be ignored.
“I believe the fairest way to handle it is to have both sentinels and fallen knights accompany me,” Killian finally relented, though he was not pleased. “The last thing I wish is to force anyone to give up every evening so I can spend time withDravyn. But you must stay far enough away that I can enjoy Dravyn’s company without worrying that someone is listening to our words.”
“I believe that is fair,” Kaedan replied.
“Tonight, I can go,” Baxter volunteered.
“I will introduce you to him,” Killian said. “I want no more secrets between us, and he deserves to know that there is someone nearby observing him.”
Baxter grinned. “I am eager to meet him.”
“Has he grown comfortable with magick?” Saura asked.
Killian nodded. “There is little fear of me in his eyes. But I still barely know the man. We do not converse long before he insists on returning home. I fear he has spent so much of his life in servitude that he has little faith in his abilities to communicate.”
“Our next dance is soon,” Egidius remarked. “Perhaps you should invite him. Allow him to see Killian the Dwyer pushing his magick as far as he can. In the meantime, we must spread word that your mate is a dragon and remind those that already know. We want no one to think Dravyn is a threat.”
Visions of Dravyn enjoying himself with dance, drink, and joy fluttered through Killian’s mind, and he smiled. Thanks to the layers of magick The Council laid above their heads on the night of the dance each month, everyone enjoyed a night without terror. They all set aside their fears and reveled without inhibitions. It had grown into one of Killian’s most beloved activities.
“An excellent idea. I will propose it to him. If he is not brave enough to attend this one, I will keep trying in the future until he gets to witness magickind reveling and working together for our futures.”
“Good, I will focus on spreading the word about Dravyn to everyone. In the meantime, shall we finish our meals?” Kaedan asked.
“You are only interested in the sweets we will have at the end,” Renny told his warlock.
“That is news to no one, my dear familiar,” Kaedan retorted with a grin.
With a shake of his head at their silliness, Killian returned to the cooling food on the trencher nearest to him and helped himself to more deliciously spiced meat.
Chapter 18
“When do we get to meet your mate?” Noirin asked in the quiet of the dining room as the entire D’Vaire family ate their evening meal.
Dravyn swallowed heavily and lifted his head to meet his sister’s gaze.
“Meet my mate?” he echoed stupidly.
“Yes,” Noirin insisted. “You have gone to the forest every evening for the past three nights. Surely you are growing closer and wish him to know your family.”
“Leave him be,” Aleksander said. “It may be best to keep him far from here.”
Unsure whether to be offended or not, Dravyn was still gathering his thoughts as his sister pinned a harsh stare on Aleksander.
“What do you mean, cousin?” Noirin asked. “This is the other half of Dravyn’s soul. We are his family. Why would we not wish to support him and know his mate?”
“We honor Fate, Aleksander,” Brogan added. “Are you bothered that Dravyn’s other half is a man?”
Everyone stopped eating and glanced at their King.
Aleksander scowled. “Do not be ridiculous. I already told Dravyn to tell his magickind we honor Fate. Why would I have an issue with two men together?”
