Page 56 of Killian
Killian swallowed thickly, and his admiration for Dravyn grew as the plants told their truth in their merry tune. It was not sorcery that had brought this garden to such glorious heights; it was love. The plants were adored so fiercely by this shy dragon that they sang for him though he could not hear it.
Closing his eyes, Killian sent a wave of his power across the land to allow the vegetables, fruits, and flowers the ability to amplify their tune. Dravyn gasped as Killian illuminated the entire garden to watch those dark green eyes go wide, then fill with tears.
“This is my garden?” Dravyn whispered, raising his hand to cover his mouth. “You are not creating this music with your magick?”
Killian shook his head. “My magick allows them a volume they lack on their own, but this song is theirs. They love you. They love you dearly because you love them.”
Crossing his arms and curling his fingers around his biceps, Dravyn hugged himself. “It is foolish, I know, to love something like a plant, but I do. I love them. All my life, the only constant has been my garden. They ask for so little and give so much in return.”
“Dray, I am a druid. I would be at odds with everything Fate made me if I thought it foolish to love a plant. You are right. They give of themselves freely, and with a little tending we can help them flourish.”
Killian’s heart soared as Dravyn offered him that little smile he was growing to crave. “I never thought I would meet someone who understood how I feel about my garden.”
“Maybe Fate paired you with a druid for a reason.”
Dravyn’s head bowed. “Perhaps several reasons.” Then he cleared his throat. “I wish I knew how to thank them for creating their beautiful song.”
“You just did,” Killian replied, lifting Dravyn’s chin so their eyes met. Something wonderful passed between them as the song around them shifted into something Killian could only describe as romantic. So lost in his mate, Killian was unprepared for the loud bang of a door and the booming voice of a dragon in human form roaring.
“What are you two doing out here?” shouted a tall man with soft brown curls. “Why is the garden lit up so every dragon on the continent can find it?”
Killian stumbled back and, in his haste, crushed a plant beneath his foot. Pulling his magick inward, he winced at the scream of the poor stalk he’d hurt.
“Damn you,” Dravyn snapped, dropping to his knees. Killian scrambled to remove his foot from the innocent plant he’d damaged, but he was unprepared for Dravyn to slap at his leg. Gone was the shy dragon, and in his place was a pissed-off Duke. “Do not come into my garden if you cannot keep from harming anything in it, Killer.”
His mouth tightening at the insult, Killian bent across from Dravyn and shoved at the dragon’s hands, which had curled protectively around the plant.
“I can fix it,” Killian assured Dravyn as he quickly allowed a surge of magick to flow into the abused leaves. They plumped into their previous state, and the cracked stem of the white mustard plant mended fully. Gone was the fear and hurt as he whispered an apology, and the melody resumed in Killian’s ears. He ended the rest of his spells, and the garden plunged into darkness and silence for everyone but him.
“I am sorry, I did not mean to cause you fright,” the man in the doorway said.
“No need to yell at my mate,” Dravyn replied, the ire gone from his voice. “I apologize for yelling at you, Killian.”
“It was well-deserved,” Killian answered as Dravyn stood and held out a hand to him. Delighted to take it, Killian rose. He narrowed his eyes. “Did you call meKiller?”
“It seemed apt in the moment.”
“I like you roaring to the defense of your plants.”
“My name is Brogan if anyone cares,” called out the dragon who’d created the crisis.
“A pleasure to meet you, Your Grace,” Killian replied without breaking eye contact with Dravyn.
“There is no need for royal titles here at D’Vaire, but perhaps you could explain the proper way to use your title?” Brogan asked. “I have no wish to offend.”
“Like you, I am not a fan of pretense,” Killian said, boldly reaching out to lace his fingers with Dravyn’s. To Dravyn’s family, Killian wanted to show a united front. From the start, he needed to assure the D’Vaires that he was serious about his growing affection for Dravyn and his deep, unabating belief in Fate and matebonds. “But since you asked, druids are simple people. The correct way to address me is as Killian. We add the Dwyer part for formal ceremonies only and nowadays to please the other races in The Council.”
“I find simple people to be the finest,” Brogan replied. “Please come inside, I am sure Dravyn is eager to introduce to you everyone.”
“Thank you for your hospitality, I am most eager to greet Dravyn’s family,” Killian answered. They were important to Dravyn, so Killian was ready to open his heart to them. With Dravyn’s warm presence at his side and the steady feel of his skin on Killian’s palm, they headed toward the door. Killian hoped they were taking one step closer to the future he was beginning to crave with Dravyn.
Chapter 22
It didn’t take long for Killian to be introduced to the entire Draconis Court of D’Vaire—there were a mere eight of them, including Dravyn. They were a handsome lot, and there was a great resemblance between Dravyn, his sister, and their cousin. Each dragon was gracious, and Killian liked the unpretentiousness of their cozy home. The furnishings were sparse but well-made. It reminded him of the tree he’d encouraged to grow in a shape that allowed him to use the trunk and branches as a living space.
“Please have a seat,” Duchess Noirin insisted, her smile bright and her violet gaze welcoming.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Killian replied.
