Page 89 of Killian
“There is no gentle way to tell you this,” Killian said, pulling away so their gazes locked. “The Council has decided that it has grown too dangerous for us to remain in Europe. Tonight, we begin the journey to negotiate moving across an ocean. I cannot return. The Reverent Knights forbid it. My duty forbids it. But my heart…well, that is a different story.”
Dravyn studied his face, and Killian did not know what the dragon found there, but he leaned forward and kissed him. It was soft and sweet and shattered Killian.
“Court D’Vaire believes peace can be provided here,” Dravyn replied.
“I know.”
“I hope they are right,” Dravyn said. “Can you still write? We could leave magical paper here. That way, if the dragons find them, we can rescue them, right?”
“We?”
“Killian, I lost you once. If I had been braver and not so afraid of magick, I might not have left your side in the first place. Now that you are truly the other half of my heart and soul, I cannot stomach being parted from you again. The D’Vaires need this place. I love it here. But I love you more. I can a grow a new garden, and my penmanship needs work.”
Killian yanked Dravyn close and grabbed his tunic in his fists as he cried into the undyed linen. “I was trying so hard to prepare myself to let you go. But it was the last thing I wanted. Are you sure? Are you sure you will leave your family behind?”
“Am I sure I want to be at your side? Yes. I need not think about it. The decision is easy. This is not us making our lives work by counting on your teleportation ability. If you go, that luxury disappears, and I will not lose you.”
Dragging Dravyn’s head down to rest their foreheads together, Killian breathed in the scent of freshly turned dirt and smiled as the melody around him lifted into one of pure joy and love. Dravyn could not disguise his feelings from his plants, and as he said, he was at peace. He wanted to be with Killian. It was everything Killian had not dared hope for in the last day as the world crumbled around him.
“Then I hope Drystan and Conley make good on their vow tonight and convince your King to join us on our journey. I would feel best if you were not forced to choose between two things you hold dear. We can use magick to take your plants with us. Otherwise, they must stay and be tended so your family does not starve.”
“I am unsure if anyone can convince them, but I welcome them to try,” Dravyn said. “Now, kiss me, Killer. You have givenyourself a horrible fright. Next time such dread seeps into your soul, speak to me instead of tending to your hurts alone. As your mate, I am at least owed the chance to soothe you.”
“My apologies, I will not hide again.”
“Good. Now, tell me you love me and help me tend to this plant; it is not faring well.”
Killian laughed. “Anything you wish, Dragon Boy. I love you with everything I am and all that the future makes me.”
“Oh, did I mention the Dwyer bands began growing on my arms while you left me sleeping alone last night?”
“Did they? That makes sense, you are as much a Dwyer as me. My equal. My mate.”
Dravyn cupped Killian’s cheek. “You have taught me all I know of trusting my heart and finding genuine joy.”
“Here in your garden, I found the man I was intended to be. A gardener lucky enough to soar in the sky on the back of a mighty dragon. I feared even a moment in my life without you.”
“Thank you for answering my letter,” Dravyn said, the twinkle in his deep green gaze delighting Killian. From the moment they met, it was as if everything had worked against them. But through it all, love endured. As Fate intended.
Killian sealed his mouth to Dravyn’s and held the man he cherished in his arms. Fate had offered them a gift, and Killian intended to keep Dravyn at his side—assured of his deep and abiding adoration—forever.
Chapter 35
King Aleksander D’Vaire stood in the room where his family took their meals and hated the fear and helplessness festering in his belly. It was far easier to deal with the anger cruel dragons had beaten into him for over a century and a half. But Aleksander had learned the hard way that life offered few choices.
Fate had made him a unique dragon. Although he loved the beast sharing his soul, Aleksander hated the way he stood out. Nothing could disguise the navy in his hair or the strange eyes he’d gained after his first shift. Why he’d been made a King was a greater mystery.
But his personal woes and the war raging through him daily weren’t what had him wishing he could escape to his bedchamber. A decision would have to be made. One Aleksander could not ignore.
“What are you saying, Dravyn?” Noirin demanded, wrapping her hand around the upper arm of her only brother.
“The Council is leaving Europe,” Dravyn repeated. “Their Arch Wizard, his son, and many others were killed in their own castle. They have grown too afraid to stay. I will leave my plantshere. If you tend them, you will have plenty to eat. Killian has already infused the ground with magick to aid you.”
“None of us know how to garden!” Noirin exclaimed. “Where is Killian?”
“Already left to join the other leaders at Kaedan’s castle.”
Aleksander had barely stepped foot outside his bedchamber the previous morning when Killian had arrived with the newest D’Vaire. Thus far, Mac seemed kind, but they’d had no time to learn anything about his personality. Mac was seated a few feet from Aleksander and watching everyone curiously as they stared at Dravyn with expressions of either disbelief or—like Noirin—outright fury.
