Page 64 of Killian
With another laugh, Killian squeezed Dravyn’s hand, kissed his cheek, and led his blushing Duke toward the kitchens. “I wish their assumptions were correct and I was discovering for myself what it feels like to touch—and lick—every inch of a dragon shifter.”
“Killer, behave yourself.”
“That is a horrible pet name for me.”
“Too bad.”
“You will be sorry if I find one as unsavory for you.”
“It will be impossible since you are using every aspect of your mind to dwell on what you wish to…”
“Finish your sentence, Dray.”
Dravyn glared, and Killian’s heart soared at the way the shifter stomped forward with none of his usual grace. “I cannot. I am a gentleman.”
“But you are definitely interested in my wishes.”
Dravyn harrumphed. “Of course I am. Just not now.”
“I cannot wait to show you my tree.”
“Somehow I no longer believe you are speaking innocently of proudly bringing me to your home, but instead referring to your…”
“You are having a great deal of trouble with your sentences today.”
“And you are trying to trick me into another round of your salacious speech. Keep your tree to yourself, and do not speak of it again until we are not standing in a castle likely full of people. Some of which may be hearing us now.”
“I was speaking of my home. You are the one calling my rod a tree.”
Dravyn halted and, to Killian’s shock, dropped his hand. He cupped Killian’s face in his palms and laid a firm kiss on his mouth.
“Hush now,” Dravyn insisted. “Put your mind to the people you will feed today, and we will speak of trees later.”
“I am so glad you came to visit me today and that we have so many hours yet to be together.”
“My dragon and I are happy to be with you too.”
Those words were everything Killian wanted to hear. He laced his fingers with Dravyn’s and refocused on the tasks he had to complete before he could devote his heart and mind to his mate.
Chapter 25
After a quick teleportation spell, Killian stood in the new village of Renata with the Arch Lich and his two dedicated sentinels, the Grand Warlock, the Grand Summoner, Kaedan’s familiar, and the handsome dragon who was winning his heart. Killian smiled at the well-built cottages housing a mixture of races, including druids. Several weeks ago, the building of Renata had been started subsequent to several other small towns being razed by nefarious dragons preying upon magickind.
“As usual, I stand here both grateful there are smiles on the faces of our people and horrified that those same individuals have left behind everything they knew and lost loved ones,” Kariston stated with a frown.
“They are hosting a gathering tonight to ensure everyone has met and knows they can count on one another,” Renny said, concern in his navy eyes. “I love the resilience of our people, but like you, I hate how they have suffered.”
“It is good to see their cooperation,” Kaedan remarked. “We must do all we can to provide what they need and aid them in having a wonderful gathering.”
“Grand Warlock,” a woman called out, rushing toward their group so quickly she stumbled. Her long gown was such a vibrant orange that it could’ve only been created magically, and the gray eyes that marked her a necromancer were panicked as she tried to get her footing. “Oh, dear!”
“Careful,” Chander said, grabbing her arm to keep her from tumbling face-first into the dirt. “No need to run, are you well?”
“Oh my,” she exclaimed, trying to right the bonnet tied loosely over her black hair. “Arch Lich, my thanks, and my apologies. I am making such a cake of myself.”
“Did you hurt yourself?” Chander asked.
Her grin was vivid, and Killian liked the humor dancing in her gaze. “I am quite well, Arch Lich. Except for my pride. Here I am, a newly elected mayor, and I’m embarrassing the entire town on our first visit from so much royalty. My apologies, I am Kantarellen. Thank you so much for coming to Renata.”
