Page 36 of Cast By Flames (Dragon's Breath)
“I’ve already had twice as much food today as I normally consume,” Aidan grumbled.
She snorted. “Then it is no wonder you are looking frail. How you didn’t collapse on the way here from malnourishment is anyone’s guess. Perhaps your strong son helped keep you upright along the way.”
He was hardly that bad, or his mate would have said something. Bailey had been watching him closely and ensuring he cared for himself. It was far too easy to become consumed by his numerous responsibilities and forget his own needs. Never mind that Aidan had started out his pendragon role in poor shape after years of torturous duties under Nanoq, all while suffering from separation from his mate and son.
“Mother!” Donar gave her an admonishing look. “He is fine and healthy, and he’s the pendragon, for Zorya’s sake. You can’t speak to him like that.”
“He’s my nephew, and we’re in the privacy of our home. He falls under my rule here.”
Orion giggled.
“It’s fine,” Aidan said dismissively. During private family gatherings, I prefer everyone treats me normally. It’s the only time I can be myself.”
Esphyr smiled. “And this is why he is the perfect pendragon. He is humble and has not forsaken his loved ones since his rise to power. Too many lose their way—infected with dark magic or not.”
He could have done without the power, but since he had it, he would do the best he could with it. Glancing at his son—chewing on yet another slice of bacon—he didn’t regret any of his choices. Aidan would stop at nothing to hold what he’d gained and take care of his people.
Olin, Donar’s father, leaned back in his chair and rubbed his stomach. He was a large man, but despite his wife's excellent cooking, he didn’t have much excess fat. Like his son, they were just large-framed shifters who could consume hearty portions.
“You should visit more often, nephew,” the older shifter said, gazing at Aidan. “My mate keeps the meals lighter when there are no guests. Don’t let her fool you into thinking she cooks like this daily.”
He’d been coming to their home for more than two centuries and was well aware, but he didn’t point that out to him. While his aunt did enjoy cooking, she had other duties and couldn’t spend all her time in the kitchen. He suspected it was why she outdid herself when she had an excuse.
He took a drink of water. “It is much appreciated.”
“I like coming here.” Orion wiggled in his seat. “Aunt Esphyr feeds me whatever I want, and Uncle Olin lets me watch him work. He carved a stone for me with blue and purple fire that looks just like a dragon. Will I be able to do that?”
“We won’t know for many years yet,” he said, reaching over to rustle his son’s dark hair.
With Aidan and Bailey so busy, they’d been having different relatives take turns watching Orion. The young boy loved spending time with his other family members and didn’t seem to mind. At the end of the day, though, he was happy when they came to get him.
“Eat more,” Esphyr ordered, glaring at Aidan. “You have a long day ahead of you, and who knows when you’ll eat again. I’ve heard about you skipping meals more often than not. We do not need our pendragon to be weak and fall ill, especially at this time.”
He began to understand why Donar acted grumpy all the time. His mother was a taskmaster who controlled all within her domain with an iron fist. Telling her “no” was not an easy feat.
“I don’t miss eating more than once every few…” he began to say, but a knock sounded at their front door.
Donar was still finishing the eggs his mother had set out for him. He pretended not to hear anything. The male shifter hated it if his meal got interrupted and knew very well he was usually the one ordered to answer the door.
Olin pushed back his chair and stood. “I’ll get it.”
“What are you doing today, Apa?” Orion asked, finally done eating. He truly could consume a lot of food for such a small boy.
“Many things to help our people and keep us safe,” Aidan replied, smiling at him.
Olin reappeared in the room with a gate guard behind him. “They’re here for you, milord.”
Everyone stood. His family was swift to alter their manners once other witnesses were present. He never had to remind them to show respect or behave themselves when appropriate—aside from Orion who didn’t have to conform to those standards yet.
It only saddened him that they had to change for his sake now that he’d taken leadership of the toriq. Nothing would ever be the same since almost all pendragons retained their position until death. He’d never roam freely and do as he pleased again.
Aidan faced the visitors, shoulders stiff. “What is it?”
“The human refugees we’ve been waiting for are approaching the border just west of here,” the guard said.
They had impeccable timing, saving him from his aunt and more food. This was news he didn’t mind receiving. “Excellent. I will fly out to greet them directly.”
“Apa, Apa, can I go with you?” Orion jumped up and down. “Please?”
