Page 59 of Killian
“Fate appears to have bestowed a gift upon my unworthy self,” Aleksander confided quietly. “It saved my life countless times. Not to mention my dignity. I can shield myself and forcibly push against anything I do not want near me. No offenseto your Grand Warlock, but I was in no position to explain missives, and I did not want to give the dragons excuses to torment me.”
Killian was stunned by Aleksander’s gift but also grateful that it had helped the King survive until now. It reminded him of Masse’s rocks and their ability to thwart magick and throw a shield around the bearer. Killian never left home without the protection of one. Aleksander was a lucky man to have such a wonderful innate talent.
“Tell your Grand Warlock that when King D’Vaire wishes to speak to him, he will message him, not the other way around,” Brogan stated emphatically.
“Be nice, Brogan,” Noirin insisted.
“I will pass your words along to Kaedan,” Killian replied, though it was a lie. The fiery warlock would eagerly insist Killian tell the Duke what he could do with his “helpful”advice. An image of the tiny warlock sizing up the tall dragon and expertly putting him in his place rushed into his mind, and he had to lift a hand to hide his smile.
Dravyn caught his eye and grinned. “Are you thinking as I am about what a delight it will be to introduce them?”
“Someday, I definitely hope we have the opportunity,” Killian agreed with a wink.
“What does that mean?” Brogan barked.
“Pay no attention to it,” Zane said. “It is obvious Killian has already surmised how often you stick your foot in your mouth. A man who rules an entire council is not likely to take kindly to a dragon—even if his King has made him a Duke—telling him what to do.”
“Hmph,” Brogan replied.
“Thank you so much for including me in your meal this eve,” Killian commented. “I hope it is not too brazen of me to say I welcome a future invitation to dine with you again someday.”
“You are most welcome at our table,” Aleksander said. “We are humbled by your willingness to visit us.”
“Can we go listen to Dravyn’s garden now?” Noirin asked.
“I would be delighted to use my magick for such a noble purpose,” Killian assured her. He was already looking forward to getting to know Dravyn and his family better.
Chapter 23
In the past few weeks, Dravyn had grown accustomed to Killian attending the occasional meal with his family. With duties and loved ones, Killian did not venture to D’Vaire land daily and mostly ate at another table. Sometimes after supper, Killian would venture to Dravyn’s garden to visit him.
Dravyn missed him on the days they were not together. As sheltered as Dravyn’s life had been, his melancholy was his first clue that his feelings for Killian were growing stronger. Gone was fear about the sorcerer, and in its place were the first stirrings of affection for the handsome man dedicated to the things Dravyn understood most.
Killian loved plants, and his passion was gardening. The man even claimed to sleep in a tree. If Killian was not coaxing sprouts to flourish, he was with his loved ones. According to Killian, his Council was a family.
Besides rest, Killian did nothing else in his own home or tree. His meals were taken at Castle Leolinnia, along with many other leaders. Dravyn dined with his family too, but he preferred to listen to their conversations rather than engage in discussion.
It kept Dravyn from growing closer to those he cared for, but he did not know how to venture beyond his innate shyness.
Or is it what I’ve learned from spending so much time alone?he wondered.
“You are frowning,” Killian remarked from the chair opposite Dravyn. They were relaxing near the fireplace, where a thriving blaze kept the night chill away in Dravyn’s private chamber. It made Dravyn antsy to be so close to the handsome man with the wicked mouth when his bed was nearby, but he was ignoring the desires of his bullocks and keeping his clothes on.
“Am I?” Dravyn asked dumbly, trying to recall his thoughts as he stared into the most magnificent set of earthy brown-green eyes, which were glowing gently thanks to the scattered gold flecks in their depths.
Killian’s mouth curved, and Dravyn’s mind eagerly supplied erotic images from their past kisses. Curling his fingers into fists, Dravyn dug his nails into his palms to keep from throwing himself at the druid.
“Yes, you were, but you appear to have moved past your upset.”
“Have I?”
With a chuckle, Killian nodded. “Your face hides none of your emotions. Right now, your gaze keeps falling to my lips and your cheeks are pink. Are you thinking of our kisses?”
So much color rushed to Dravyn’s face that he assumed actual heat was radiating from his skin. “I enjoy our kisses.”
“As do I. Before I leave you, we will share more. But I confess, as eager as I am to taste your mouth again, I am equally curious about knowing you.”
“I am a simple man, Killian.”
