Page 81 of Killian
“Very well, we will send word after Killian has spoken to the court in question,” Kaedan replied. “Send my thanks to King Mardas for allowing you to meet with us today. We have rarely exchanged letters, so I could easily understand him dismissing my query.”
Duke Costas shook his head. “My King is far too wise to dismiss anyone, Grand Warlock. You are no ordinary man. None of you appear to be. You honor us with your presence.”
“Thank you, Killian, I am most eager to hear what path my future will take,” Duke Macardle commented with a courtly bow.
“It was a pleasure to meet all of you,” Duke Costas said. “Arch Lich, my dragon is growling within me for thinking how fine your wings are and how convenient it must be to have the ability to use them without the need to shift into a giant beast.”
The corner of Chander’s mouth lifted, and he finally pulled his hands away from the daggers concealed beneath the folds of his cloak. “They do come in handy, Your Grace.”
With a small nod, Kaedan teleported their group back to Castle Leolinnia.
“He seemed a fine man,” Killian remarked. “Of course, we were only in his presence for a few minutes. I will speak with the D’Vaires tonight.”
“Dine with them this eve instead of us,” Kaedan insisted. “We can arrange future meetings with the Duke. I am sure they have questions they would like us to ask.”
Happy to rush to Dravyn’s side, Killian hugged Kaedan. “If you insist, I will go find Dravyn.”
“Do not spend the whole of the night kissing him. Talk first,” Chander ordered.
“Yes, Arch Lich,” Killian replied, embracing the now-wingless Chander. Killian was willing to discuss Duke Macardle, but he could not do so without tasting Dravyn’s mouth for a time first. However, Killian mused that he did not need to share that detail with his dear friends.
Chapter 32
His mouth still tingling from Killian’s sweet and fervent kisses, Dravyn sat at the table where the D’Vaires had helped Noirin place platters of mouthwatering food. Killian joined them for the occasional meal, but he also enjoyed being with his own family, and Dravyn could not blame him for the sentiment. The leaders of The Council and their families aided each other by dealing with the shared weight of their responsibilities and the many tragedies they endured.
“Killian, while I know your heart belongs to Dravyn, we are surprised to find you suddenly dining with us tonight,” Aleksander remarked. “Of course, I have no objection. On the contrary. You are always welcome. But I wondered if something specific had brought you to supper.”
With a grin, Killian used the cloth on his lap to wipe his mouth. Dravyn forced himself not to get distracted by those perfect lips. Later that night, he could share his growing desire with the druid.
“Yes, you are correct. It is a delight to be here, but I did not arrive without warning with the simple intent of joining you for what is truly remarkable food,” Killian replied. “Our Grand Warlock sent out letters on your behalf—”
“I do not recall consenting to that,” Brogan stated firmly, his brows furrowing. “We have not met your Grand Warlock. Why would we want him as our representative?”
“Be kind, Brogan,” Aleksander instructed with no bite in his tone. “He is doing us a favor.”
“One we did not ask him for,” Brogan argued.
“Allow Killian to speak,” Dravyn said. Neither man nor dragon appreciated his mate being interrupted. Brogan was concerned about the safety of the D’Vaires, and as a Duke himself, Dravyn respected the sentiment, but the Grand Warlock had offered them a kindness.
“Brogan, I assure you, Kaedan believes strongly in Fate. He would do nothing to bring harm to the doorstep of Dravyn or anyone else in this house,” Killian promised a still-scowling Brogan.
“Fine, have your say,” Brogan muttered.
“As I mentioned, the Grand Warlock wrote to the few dragon Kings he has shared correspondence with in recent years. To his surprise, he received a reply almost immediately from King Mardas. Are you familiar with the name?” Killian asked.
Zane nodded. “King Mardas was one of the dragons opposed to my father’s rule. King Mardas was known to be searching for allies who thought a new dragon leader should be elected by Kings chosen by Fate and not dictated to by the Imperial Duke. As you can imagine, this made him an enemy of Bernal.”
“So, we can deduce that King Mardas is a wise man,” Noirin said. “He was unsuccessful in convincing enough Kings to unseat Bernal, but he did not quietly allow the evil man to have his way.”
“Not at all,” Zane replied. “Mardas and a few others refused to speak with Bernal after my father stated he wasnow the rightful ruler of the dragons. They lived by their own rules and, as far as I know, were not among the dragon courts plaguing magickind.”
“Trust me, Kaedan has no tolerance for any dragon who has terrified or murdered our people,” Killian assured them. “While he would not call King Mardas an ally, they are on friendly enough terms to know they mean each other no harm.”
“What did King Mardas have to say to the Grand Warlock?” Aleksander asked, apparently appeased that Court Mardas was no enemy of The Council.
“Well, a dragon has recently found his way to Court Mardas,” Killian replied. “A black dragon by the name of Duke Macardle. He grew up in Court Stenet, is anyone familiar with that name?”
“Stenet is no ally of any noble dragon,” Zane commented. “I have met King Stenet. He was loyal to the Imperial Duke and made the trip to Court Draconis several times a year. There, he made allies with other nefarious Kings like Ethelin. Although I did not hear any such words myself, it would not surprise me to learn that he was one of those willing to spread rumors of the supposed cursed D’Vaires.”
