Thank you for not fighting me on this. I promise to be careful;I sent through our bond.
A knock on the door sounded moments later, and Roarke jumped up to answer. The room was silent, but for the sound of our eating breakfast.
"Mornin'," the triplets said in unison. Roarke's dad and father followed them. Roarke quickly made introductions, introducing Krispin only as Ben's beloved.
"This food looks good," Angus said, taking a bite, moaning in appreciation. "Tastes even better."
The others quickly heaped their plates. I grinned at their enthusiasm.
"Colin made it," I mentioned as everyone tucked in.
“I think you need to keep him permanently, especially if he can cook like this. Marry me, Colin,” Angus teased, with his mouth full. Colin blushed at the compliment before standing to make more pancakes.
When we were mostly finished, Roarke addressed the elephant in the room.
"Father, why is Lord Finnley so keen on this match, and why do you fear him?" Roarke's question went down like a lead balloon. His father tensed.
"Who says I'm afraid of him?" Alister blustered.
“Father, you are not only lord of this circle, but you are the leader of the Red caste, warrior dragons. Yet, Lord Finnley thought nothing of throwing out the threat. A hundred years ago, hell, ten years ago, you would have ripped his head off where he stood. Yet, you did nothing."
As Roarke spoke, his father's face grew red, and he fidgeted in his chair. Roarke had hit the nail on the head. His father opened his mouth to respond, then stopped. He stared at Roarke, looked at me, then sighed.
"Times have changed, son," he began softly. "Lord Finnley has many friends on the council and friends even in my circle and caste."
He sighed again and explained, "Two weeks ago, Braxton, my second in command, approached me. He gave me the ultimatum: facilitate the mating between you and Finnley, or not only face war with Finnley's circle, but Braxton would also challenge me. In Braxton's position as my second, he has gained a lot of support from the younger Reds. It would lead to a giant civil war within the caste."
He turned toward Roarke. "I never wanted to force you into this mating; I love you, son. I want you happy. I know I'm overbearing and set in my ways, but that is how I grew up andhow I am. I'm sorry; I should have told Braxton to shove it up his ass." He paused.
"Truth is…" He swallowed. "I was scared. Not of Braxton but of Finnley's friends on the council and what could happen to not only my circle but my caste."
Alister turned to me. "It was that fear that drove me to act the way I did. I'm sorry about the reception I gave you, Devin." I nodded my acceptance of his apology.
I knew how hard it was to admit you were afraid, especially when you were a strong alpha type who never wanted to show weakness. Roarke stood up and went to his father, hugging him tightly. I felt the forgiveness and love he had for his father through our bond.
“I love you, Father,” Roarke said softly.
Breaking the hug, Roarke’s face was determined. “Finnley and Braxton won't get away with this," he said firmly.
“When you called your inner circle last night, what did you tell Braxton?" I asked.
"I told him what I told you—that I was going to the council. He said if I went to the council, expect a challenge and to lose everything," Alister said through clenched teeth.
Krispin, who was seated quietly at the other end of the table, spoke up.
"You will not be going without allies, Lord MacNair," Krispin said formally, turning to Roarke's brothers and focusing in on Angus.
“I'm going to the council meeting. Ben and Callum are remaining behind. I'd like a dragon to stay with them. Are you willing, Angus?"
Angus looked at Krispin for a moment, then nodded.
"I'll stay with them."
"No offense, but what can you do? You're just one dragon, a strong dragon, but strong enough to face the council? I don't know," Alister said, shaking his head.
Krispin smirked and stood, walking over to Roarke's brothers.
"Rise, Angus of the Blue caste, Addison of the Purple caste, and Aaran of the Red caste," Krispin commanded.
