Page 90 of D'Vaire or Nothing
An orange dragon named Larissa handed him a cloak made of dragonskin embroidered with flowers. The garment was breathtaking, and Ashby carefully aided him as Seltivare put it on. Then Ashby pulled on a matching one. It was at that moment that Seltivare’s brain ground into gear.
“Everyone is dressed in elven clothing,” Seltivare murmured.
“We wanted to honor your heritage; I hope that’s okay,” Ashby said.
Overwhelmed by his kindness, Seltivare smiled. “It was a thoughtful gesture, and if my parents weren’t already excited about adding you to our family, this would’ve done the trick.”
“I like your parents. And Mavi.”
“Wait until you’re stuck with me and Mavi forever,” Seltivare grumbled.
Ashby chuckled. “Are you ready to go outside and bind your life to mine for eternity?”
Sucking in a deep breath, Seltivare stared into Ashby’s brown eyes with their hint of green and nodded. Although thefuture was scary, Fate had brought Seltivare what he wanted. “Yes. Are you?”
“I am.”
The hybrid pulled the backdoor open, and Seltivare gasped. Past the deck and the swarms of people finding their seats was a garden that stretched out forever. The sunlight was fading, making it impossible for Seltivare to make out specific plants, which was a shame. He wanted to explore. To ask questions of its gardeners.
“Do you see the tree standing alone past the enormous greenhouse?” Ashby asked softly.
“Yes.”
“That’s my tree. It’s ours now. Below it is my garden. There is plenty of space out here for you to share it with me or start one of your own.”
Seltivare’s heart swelled with affection for the man he hardly knew because he’d peeked into his heart and found his fondest wish. If Seltivare could do anything with his life, it would be to focus on plants alone. But he had a job too, so it’d be necessary to squeeze in his plant growing around his hours at the dragon resort.
“I would love to share a garden with you if you are willing,” Seltivare said. “But please keep in mind, I’m an elf who has only ever tended a small desert garden by myself. Everything I’ve learned is from books or videos online.”
“I’ve learned that the most important component of any garden is love. As long as we care for everything we grow, we can’t go wrong. We can take a walk through the plants later if you’d like. The sorcerers can light it up a bit so we can admire every wonderful thing Dravyn and Killian have grown out here.”
“I’d want to start with your garden first, but yes. I want to see it all.”
“Should we get this ceremony over first?”
Seltivare smiled. “Yes.”
Ashby held out his hand, and the sweet, spicy scent of azaleas warmed him as he slipped his palm into the hybrid’s. It was the first time they’d touched, and Seltivare swore little tingles zinged up his arm. But perhaps he was being fanciful.
They made a short walk up to where High Kings Aleksander and Rafe were awaiting them in front of an enormous fountain decorated with black-and-blue flowers.
“Let us know when you’re ready,” Aleksander said.
Seltivare glanced at Ashby, and they grinned at each other.
“We’re ready,” Ashby replied.
Aleksander turned to his mate, and the soft magical light provided by blue-black spheres danced off his fancy crown. “Great, Rafe?”
The other High King scowled at Aleksander but made no comment to his other half. Instead, Rafe addressed the crowd.
“Ladies and gentlemen of our beloved family, thank you for joining us tonight as we celebrate the binding of two incredible people, Bard Ashby D’Vaire and Bard-mate Seltivare Tristis-D’Vaire. Like so many of us out here in this magnificent garden, Ashby didn’t find his family until he arrived on this land. Although his childhood and teenage years were plagued by neglect and unreasonable demands by leaders who should’ve known better, Ashby’s determination never waned. He immediately threw himself into completing school, working diligently for Dérive as an executive, and nurturing plants that still flourish decades later. To us, he offered his kindness, compassion, and his love.”
“Nothing brings Rafe and I greater pleasure than the honor of helping D’Vaires tie their souls together,” Aleksander said. “But since I’ve just met Selti, I needed to learn a few things from him. Tonight, he joins our family. So does his twin,Mavizare. Mavi informed me that his twin is shy, wonderful, and hard-working, and he couldn’t imagine a better brother. From his parents, I learned Selti is also a wonderful gardener, a devoted member of their family, and that their fondest wish is for their son to find love in his matebond. Selti was raised to honor every elven custom and holds Fate in high regard. So does Ashy. Which makes me believe firmly that Selti’s parents will get what they want—an unmatched partnership between Ashby and Selti.”
“That was so nice,” Seltivare murmured.
Ashby winked at him. “I agree.”
