“No, no, no,” Anwar said. “These are to remain a secret from the press. They won’t be seen until the wedding day.”
Caden sighed, but nodded. “The helicopters have been buzzing High Reach all day.”
“I am going to have Chione put a stop to that. They have enough footage,” Valerius remarked as pulled on the black coat to finish his outfit.
Caden’s mouth fell open. Valerius looked… Well, Valerius looked like the Black Dragon King. Anwar brought over the crown and Valerius easily placed it upon his own head. Caden blinked. He was stunningly handsome. Strong. Virile. Everything. Caden definitely needed some alone time with him.
Illarion, who had managed to keep his crown on the entire time he undressed and dressed, chuckled as he caught sight of Caden’s expression. He did not seem surprised at how well Valerius looked. Valerius looked amazing all the time, but this outfit just… Caden couldn’t put it into words.
“I think I’m getting excited for this wedding,” Caden said a little breathlessly.
“I think you are looking forward to what happens after the wedding,” Illarion laughed.
“We’re not waiting that long,” Caden told the Green Dragon King.
That just had Illarion laughing harder.
Valerius stepped over to one of the floor to ceiling mirrors and regarded himself seriously within it. He lightly touched the crown and then smiled and nodded. It was as if he were approving himself.
“My crown fits now as well,” Valerius said softly.
“It always did!” Illarion scoffed.
“It was very heavy before, but now, I hardly feel it,” Valerius said.
Illarion opened his mouth to make a joke, but instead, he simply nodded.
Valerius turned to look at Caden in the mirror. His eyes blazed with admiration for Caden. Caden found himself blushing and unsure of where to put his hands. Anwar really had outdone himself.
“Now it's your turn to try on your crown,” Valerius said.
“Oh, I… I guess so!” Caden laughed awkwardly. He’d been so eager to have other people wear theirs, but now he had that momentary doubt again that he was worthy of one. But a single look in Valerius’ eyes and Caden nodded. “Yes, I agree. Let’s put it on.”
Anwar had brought it over to him. Caden took the crown from the Silver Dragon King’s hands. The metal was cool to the touch. He turned it so that the crusted diamond top was in the front. And then he set it upon his head.
“How weird!” Caden gasped. “I don’t feel it’s weight at all.”
Anwar placed his hands together in front of his face, almost as if in prayer. Illarion let out a whistle and nodded as he looked at Caden. Finally, Caden turned towards Valerius.
“What do you think?” Caden asked him.
“What do you think?” Valerius took Caden’s hand and had him stand in front of the mirror.
Caden hardly believed it when he stared at his reflection. There stood the White Dragon King. There was no doubt who it was that looked back at him with his glittering icy crown. He was meant to be here, to wear this mark, to be this person.
“Wow,” Caden breathed.
“Wow, indeed,” Valerius said and kissed his temple.
Iolaire opened a tired eyelid just a crack and hooted its love and admiration. Caden grinned.
Fadel
“Now, we will need you to do a grid search of the Spirit Realm,” Illarion was saying to all of the Dragon Spirits in the throne room’s mirror.
Mephous wasn’t really listening as this was old news for it. The Green Dragon Spirit instead cleaned its wings and, occasionally glanced over at Iolaire, who twittered sweetly back. In contrast, Evren was practically at attention as the plan was laid out. This was for Fadel! The man that Anwar loved. It would do whatever was necessary.
Xipil sharpened its claws against a rock, but seemed to be nodding along with the plan. Lana kept trying to get Xipil’s attention--to engage in some mock wrestling--but the Red Dragon Spirit merely narrowed its eyes at the other Dragon Spirit as if it was not interested whatsoever.
