I chuckled and brushed my lips over his. “That's my mate.”
Aras glanced at our family, then up at our dread. “So, we won? You're still King?”
“Yes. Thanks to the arrival of our allies.” I nodded toward Ellas.
“Then we had better get back so we can celebrate.”
“I will carry you home, Mate,” I said.
“That sounds wonderful.” He looked to the docks and added, “But I'd best see my crew out of the bay before we go. Those villagers may have sent someone to fetch their king.”
I snorted a laugh. “Yes, we'd better go then. The last thing I need is another war with a dread of dragons.”
Chapter Forty
“I admit that I didn't expect you to call in my debt so quickly,” King Vaxarion said later that evening at the royal dining table.
The celebration feast was in full swing around us, people dancing and feasting. There were so many attendants that buffet tables had been put up in the castle gardens and drink tables in the hallways. Not only was my dread there—my loyal dread full of new, working nobles—but I had also invited the soldiers who had fought beside us. They deserved to celebrate this win with us. They deserved that and more. I intended to reward every one of them with a monetary bonus for staying when they'd been given the option to leave. Gratitude and food were nice, but money showed appreciation like nothing else.
Word had been sent to the evacuees and they would return to their homes soon. But for the time being, the city was mostly empty. The streets were lit, but most of the homes were dark. And the only occupants were at the royal castle. It was strange but also wonderful. The city gates were shut and locked so everyone could enjoy the feast, but the walls had been left unguarded. The war was over. Only a fool would attack Renris now, when it was full of two types of Dragons and soldiers.
“Oh, you think this makes us even?” I teased the Sea King. “This was just your duty as my ally.”
Vaxarion blinked.
I chuckled. “But you've proven to be such a great ally that I'll dismiss the debt in the hopes that we can be friends as well.”
The Sea King snorted. “Mating has lightened your heart.”
“Yes.” I nodded and took my mate's hand. “That and getting rid of all the fucking traitors.”
The whole table laughed at that, including my parents, Ellas, and Duke Zixin. I heard that after we left, King Vaxarion had deposited his mate on the city wall and bid him to remain there while he hunted the fleeing traitors. And Zixin had obeyed! If only Aras would obey me like that.
I looked at my mate and reconsidered. If Aras obeyed me like that I'd be deeply unhappy, unsatisfied, and unalive—all terrible “un” things. I lifted his hand and kissed the furred back. “You saved my life today. Twice.”
“I thought that was me,” King Vaxarion said.
“Shh,” Duke Zixin hushed him. “This is romantic. Pay attention.”
My lips twitched at their banter, but my focus was on Aras. He smirked at me, the expression perfect on his primal face. Because it wasn't sardonic. Beneath that smug grin was love. It shone so brightly from his eyes that I didn't need our bond to see it. All the way back to Renris, I had checked on him, gently searching him for any sign of pain. Aras had killed his father for me. I believed it was the right decision, but it had been a rapid one. I knew my mate might regret it later. Or at least mourn.
But Aras hadn't known Risarren. All they shared had been magic, blood, and a pair of haunting eyes. My mate felt no regret over the kill and no sorrow for the loss of his father. I hoped that would continue, but if it didn't, I'd be there to help him through it.
“It's good that you can admit that,” Aras said. “Now you can apologize for trying to send me away.”
“Not happening,” I said. “I was merely trying to do my duty as your mate.”
Aras smirked wider. “But now, I'm stronger than you, Ly. So, I'll be the one looking after you.”
I softened my stare to say, “I think I can live with that.”
“You'd better,” he huffed. “I didn't save your life twice just for you to die of embarrassment because your mate is a powerful sorcerer.”
I burst out laughing. “As if I could ever be embarrassed by you.” I leaned over and kissed him before adding, “Now I can relax.”
“I'm only looking after you, not your kingdom. And you have a lot to do, Your Majesty.”
“I do?”
