They come. Enjoy, Raziel said.
And Valerius’ hearing quickly identified footsteps approaching. He tilted his head, expecting to hear two sets of feet but there were more. There were four. He lifted an eyebrow at Raziel who allowed black smoke to curl around its jaws. A pleasant rap, rap was followed by a request to come in.
“Chione?” Valerius found himself leaping to his feet. If she saw how unprepared he was to go out, he’d actually feel badly!
“Of course! And Illarion, Anwar and Marban!” Chione came in wreathed in cigar smoke and a black sheath dress with one shoulder strap, cut at an angle on her legs and high heels. Kohl rimmed her large eyes and black lipstick with hints of red covered her mouth.
“You look…”
“Far more dressed than you! I knew he wouldn’t be ready. Mourning your meat over the fire already?” She laughed as she drew in on the cigar and let a perfect smoke circle that drifted up to the ceiling. That was the end of her cigar. She tossed the tip into the fire. “Keep him engaged, boys, I’ll find the right outfit for this evening!”
Chione’s calves flexed before she jumped up to his and Caden’s closet on a high platform. Illarion strode over, also with a rather sweet-smelling cigar, clenched between his white teeth. He sat down opposite where Valerius had been, stretching out his legs that were clad in tailored black pants, which rode up to show snakeskin boots covering his feet that he crossed at the ankle. His black, slim-fit shirt had a green mandarin collar. He’d rolled his shirt sleeves up to reveal his forearms.
“You are dressed to impress, Illarion,” Valerius admitted.
“I’m on the prowl. There is no better time to find an appropriate mate than at a wedding,” Illarion said. “Love is in the air!”
“We’re not at the wedding yet. That’s tomorrow.” Anwar came around Illarion and opened a very fancy wooden box that revealed several cigars, a cigar cutter and wooden matches.
Valerius grabbed one. He very rarely indulged in cigars. He used to smoke them endlessly. It was another way that he felt closer to Raziel. But smoking had gone out of fashion and he hadn’t really liked to taste an ashtray in his mouth. But he indulged in one now.
Your smoke was always so small compared to mine, Raziel chuckled.
Yes, yes, your smoke is far better, Valerius petted his Spirit.
Valerius cut the end and Anwar made to use one of the long matches to light it.
“No need, Anwar.” Valerius smiled. He blew on the end. A stream of fire left his lips and lit the cigar.
“Show off,” Illarion chuckled.
“But, of course.” He took two large puffs and nodded in satisfaction as the smoke coursed out of his nose and mouth. “Very nice, Anwar.”
“Only the best,” Anwar smiled.
“And you also look quite stunning though I think you are only dressing for Fadel,” Valerius said, taking in Anwar’s outfit.
The Silver Dragon King smiled. His pants were a striking blue-green, a slim-fitting cool blue shirt with a pop-collar and a tailored black jacket. His dark hair was slicked back and shone.
“I dress for the world, Valerius, and so should you. But you just want your black leather and your skin showing,” Anwar chuckled.
“It’s easiest,” Valerius admitted. “More comfortable.”
Anwar just shook his head and sat down beside Valerius.
“How is Fadel?” Valerius asked.
“So well. He will be attending at least part of the wedding tomorrow,” Anwar said, brightening like the sun. “His strength is increasing, but even if it wasn’t, he loves weddings.”
“I’m so glad,” Valerius said. “Whatever he needs to be made comfortable, let me know and it will happen.”
“Thank you, Valerius.” Anwar tipped his head.
“You need a drink with that cigar. Something to whet the appetite.” Marban poured him a Remy Martin XO cognac into a balloon snifter.
Even Marban was dressed up. He had on a pair of flowing black pants and black tunic with hints of red and gold. His goatee was neatly trimmed and his hair was in a bun.
Valerius took the snifter and breathed in the rich, alcoholic scent of the cognac. His eyelids fluttered shut as did Raziel’s.
