Page 92 of Mystique of the Fallen
Although many couples hyphenated their names, Grant and Roman had opted to keep their own—mostly to avoid the confusion of having two Venerable Knights with the same surname.
“In 1369, Arch Lich Chander Daray created the Order of the Fallen Knights to defend and protect our beloved Council,” Rafe continued. “One of the first men resurrected was Roman. Since that day, he has been dedicated to justice and has enriched all our lives with his kindness and caring.”
“This year, Chander added new recruits to the fallen knights,” Aleksander said. “Among them was the second man to earn the vaunted title of Venerable Knight. At his desk next to his mate, Grant has already made his mark among his people and our entire Council. In a few weeks, we’ll have the pleasure of attending a grand parade with a robust security detail designed by Grant. According to his committee, he has approached the project with zeal and unmatched professionalism.”
“All of us aren’t going to the parade,” Rafe muttered.
“I’m going, and we can revisit this argument later,” Aleksander whispered.
“No reason to cut short your conversation,” Grant insisted. “I’m happy to send Dra’Kaedan into the house for some popcorn if you guys want to give us some fireworks.”
Dra’Kaedan hopped to his feet, but he only made it about two steps. His mother, Lichpriestess Saura D’Vaire, teleported behind him and grabbed a handful of her eldest son’s cloak.
“Sit down, Dra’Kaedan,” Saura demanded.
His shoulders slumped, and he trudged to his chair. “Gonna have to ask someone else to get the snacks, Grant.”
“This is the best matebond ceremony I’ve ever been to,” Roman said through his chuckles.
“It should be the best for you anyway, it’s yours,” Arvandus commented. “Hey, Alaric, do you think you can add a romance class to the sentinel complex? These two dearly need it. Maybe our High Kings should sign up too.”
“Relax,” Chrysander stated. “No reason to fight about the parade. Elle and I have arranged for our High Kings to watch the entire thing on a secure balcony high above the street with an excellent vantage point, and Brogan can add whatever security he wants.”
“Brilliant idea, but let’s get back to this romance idea,” Baxter remarked. “I don’t think it’s a sentinel problem. We’re exceptional at it. Maybe some other race should plan it though. Chrys and Elf, should the dragons pay for it? Or you could coordinate it with the fallen knights?”
“What do you know about romance?” Benton asked as Roman laughed harder.
“Should I whistle again, Your Highnesses, or can you get this thing back on track?” Worth asked. Worth’s pet, Asteria, sat on Oliver’s shoulder and surveyed the audience as if helping Worth decide if another whistle was necessary.
“I’d apologize for the chaos, but you’re clearly enjoying this,” Rafe said to Roman and Grant. “Ladies and gentlemen, Roman and Grant have asked to include every tradition of this incredible and often-wacky family. The oldest of those dates to many thousands of years ago when the Fae created the custom of giving thev’airsell niollsa gift. Translated from Fae’is,v’airsell niollmeans eternal soul. It encompasses exactly what two mates are—a pair of souls bound forever. Today, Noble Protector Drekkoril and Valiant Defender Daravius will present Roman and Grant a gift created by pure sorcery.”
Dressed in a mixture of Faedrekanskin, velvet, and fine linen, the rulers of the Fae walked toward Roman and Grant with a gorgeous statue that depicted two crossed swords adorned with the special shield used solely by Venerable Knights. One sword had a lime-green gem encrusted in the hilt, and the other had a blue glittery stone.
“On behalf of the Fae, we offer you joy and happiness,” Drekkoril said with a smile.
“Thank you, this is incredible,” Roman replied.
“It’s going right in the living room where everyone can see it,” Grant enthused.
“We will be happy to hold on to it until after your ceremony,” Daravius offered.
“Great job, guys, you picked the perfect thing to symbolize us,” Roman remarked as the couple walked away.
“Wow,” Grant mouthed to Roman.
“In elven culture, their matebond ceremonies begin by placing wreaths atop the heads of the lucky couple honoring Fate. Roman and Grant have asked the two men who created unique blooms for them, Killian the Dwyer and Drindyr Duke Dravyn D’Vairedraconis, to present the flowers to them today,” Aleksander stated.
Resplendent in forest green velvet, Killian settled a ring of flowers on Roman’s head while Dravyn did the same for Grant.
“Thanks for your hard work in creating these for us,” Grant enthused. “We love them.”
“Our pleasure,” Killian replied. “Although Dragon Boy and I nearly came to blows over whether they were ready when you asked us to have them for your big date night.”
“It wasn’t just a date night, Killer,” Dravyn argued. “Roman asked Grant to be his mate. The last thing I wanted to do was have him ask such an important question with flowers that weren’t the right colors.”
“What is in the air today?” Worth asked. “Everyone is so sassy.”
“You’re always sassy,” Dra’Kaedan replied. “Maybe they learned it from you.”
