Page 49 of Killian
“She loves most things,” Dravyn replied. The D’Vaires were a family, but Dravyn spent most of his time alone. Either he was in his garden or in bed reading a tome. He was ashamed to admit he didn’t know his sister’s favorites. Embarrassed by his inability to create tight bonds with the people in his court, Dravyn bowed his head and promised himself he would do better in the future.
“Are you well?” Killian asked.
“Yes,” Dravyn lied.
Baxter huffed out a breath, and Killian’s mouth tightened briefly.
“Should we head to the dance?” Killian asked.
“I am ready,” Dravyn replied.
“There will be many people there, and I do not wish you to grow overwhelmed,” Killian said. “Stick close to my side.”
Happy to do as Killian requested, Dravyn nodded. “I will.”
“Good, now close your eyes so you do not grow dizzy when we teleport.”
Dravyn let his lashes fall, and his dragon growled with complaint at the way the earth disappeared beneath his feet. Thankfully, it was a temporary sensation. Rhythmic drumming reached his ears; they had arrived at the dance.
“I’m going to find Ben,” Baxter said, stomping off without a farewell.
“Did I upset him?” Dravyn asked.
Killian’s brow creased, and Dravyn ignored his uneasiness at the sizeable crowd on the edges of his vision.
“I do not wish to insult you or add to your discomfort as we grow to know each other, but I also feel the truth is important. Bax is irritated. Not at you specifically, but that you…well, you told an untruth. Sentinels can detect lies.”
Dumbstruck, Dravyn stood there and tried to process the thought of always knowing if a person was telling the truth. Was it a gift or a curse?
“Oh,” Dravyn responded, desperately searching his mind for what he had said and why he’d chosen to stray from the truth. “Oh, I see. He knew I was not fully well.”
“Yes, and frankly, so did I. In the past few weeks, I have paid attention, and your voice lifts slightly whenever you are shying away from something on your mind. I have not been offended; we are still learning of each other, and you are free to keep your secrets.”
Frustrated with himself and his inability to communicate effectively, Dravyn decided he would do better. Killian deserved to know him. They were mates. He had to be brave. Dragons were courageous, and Dravyn had been made a Duke. Royalty did not bow their heads and lie about their feelings. He didn’t need to fear he’d be a tyrant, but he decided he must not be a coward either.
“I was embarrassed,” Dravyn confessed. “I do not know my sister’s favorites. She has not offered, and I dare not press myfamily with questions. My plan was to bring her whatever you wanted to give me and ask her in the morning what I could find for her in the future.”
Killian lifted Dravyn’s chin with a finger and smiled at him. “Thank you for trusting me with that. We will send you home with as much as we can fit in a sack. Next time you attend a dance, I will grow every favorite you learn about in the morning.”
“Thank you.”
Before Killian could reply, a man in a flowing cloak rushed up to them. Half of his face was painted in navy and gilt, and his golden eyes had irises shaped like dragons. On top of his blond ringlets was a thin coronet, gleaming with blue stones. Close behind him was a man with a remarkable resemblance to him, but his crown was barely visible, and his curls were shorter. The markings on his skin were also less ornate.
“Kaedan!” the second man yelled.
The Grand Warlock skidded to a halt in front of Killian and Dravyn. Lowering his head to the platter in Dravyn’s hands, he sniffed loudly. With a quick tug, he took the entire plate and whipped off the cloth Noirin had tucked around it. A wicked grin flashed, then Kaedan snagged the first pastry and stuffed it into his mouth.
“Disgusting,” the shorter second man remarked with a grimace.
“Duke Dravyn, allow me to present Grand Warlock Kaedan of Leolinnia and his familiar, Grand Warlock Familiar Renny of Leolinnia,” Killian said. Dravyn shook hands with Renny, but Kaedan was far too busy devouring Noirin’s treats to do more than grunt at them. The last time Dravyn had stood in Kaedan’s presence, the warlock had been a teenager and not yet the ruler of his people.
“I apologize on behalf of the leader of The Council,” Renny stated with another disapproving glare at Kaedan. “The man is a pig.”
“Have fun at the dance,” Kaedan said, his mouth still full. He turned on his heel, cradling the platter against his cloak, and walked away.
“If he were not so fine a leader, we would have him dethroned due to his disgraceful table manners,” Killian teased.
“I echo his sentiment though,” Renny commented to Dravyn with a smile. “I hope you enjoy the dance and that we will see you again next month. If you will both excuse me, I need to find Saura so she can remind Kaedan he was raised better than stealing pastries and choosing to forget he must behave with some decorum.”
