Page 14 of Distinctly Daray
Keegan nodded.
Silence fell over them. Phillip wracked his brain for something to discuss. He’d learned little of the world since his resurrection. Most of his time was spent asleep or aiding sorcerers in strengthening the potions he required to find any peace. Thankfully, everyone Phillip had met thus far had aided him however they could. So, not only was Phillip not in his battle alone, but he was kept abreast of how training was going for the fallen knights.
“Sam tells me you have the highest scores in both the mental and physical categories,” Phillip offered.
“Sam?”
“VK Samson,” Phillip explained. “He insists I call him Sam. Although I am hardly worthy of the honor, he considers me family.”
“That makes sense. You are both Osdraconises.”
“Yes, but unlike other dragons, we have no court. Our last name is related to our undead dragons, not necessarily a familial connection.”
The corner of Keegan’s tempting mouth lifted. “But you told me VK Samson considers you family.”
“He is perhaps too kind to me because he understands my struggles.”
“I’m sorry you’ve been struggling so much.”
It was Phillip’s turn to offer a small grin. “Did we not already discuss that you are not at fault for my dragon’s overzealousness?”
“Yeah. Yeah, we did. Sorry.”
“Keegan. You are doing it again.”
Keegan winced. “Geez, I’m sorry.” Before Phillip could correct him, Keegan slapped a hand over his mouth and his gaze widened. “Shit, I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” he exclaimed through his hand.
Phillip couldn’t help it. He laughed.
Thankfully, Keegan didn’t take any offense. “You have a great laugh.”
“Thank you, I wish to compliment you too, but I do not want to make you uncomfortable.”
“Does that mean you’re feeling as awkward as I am?”
“I keep telling myself you are my mate, so I should relax, but most of my conversations thus far have centered on my beast. I do not have vast experience with how to connect with people, let alone a gift from Fate.”
“From what I’ve learned, a lot of couples feel strange at the start. It’s because they haven’t learned much about each other yet.”
“Yes, I can see the logic in that.”
Once again, the room grew quiet. Phillip didn’t know what to say. He wanted to admire the handsome planes of Keegan’s face, but it would be rude to stare at the fallen knight, and he wanted to prevent any more errant erections.
Keegan cleared his throat loudly. “Maybe if you want me to come to visit you again, I could bring a deck of cards or agame. It would give us something to do while we learn about each other.”
“You need only come to visit if it is what you wish.”
“Of course I want to hang out with you, Phillip.”
Insecurity rose from out of nowhere. “Is it because you feel you must as my mate?”
“Hey, we’re friends too. I know we aren’t close yet, but we will be. As for being your mate, I’m excited. Nervous too. I don’t know anything about being a mate or much about life in general, but I honor Fate. Hopefully, with enough time, we can figure out for ourselves if this is a good match or not.”
Phillip smiled. “I feel much the same as you. Since we met, I have read the sections about mates in the Council books they have provided me. There is a great deal about honoring one another and how our lives should be intertwined, but nothing I’ve read speaks of the awkwardness or the appropriate steps to gaining more information about each other.”
“I agree. I get that we’re supposed to want to be together. My brain is definitely on board. But what I need is a syllabus like in my classes, which goes over the important things to focus on.”
“I don’t even have any classes yet. All I have learned since my resurrection is how long I have before I must demand a stasis spell.”
