“I love you, Rose.”
“I love you, too, Dragon Boy.” She pulled back and kissed his cheeks. “Now, let’s get this party started!”
The people filled in around them. The music pumped up to ear shattering levels. Caden could feel the bass through the ground into his boots and up his legs. His chest vibrated with the beat. He was dancing as much with Rose as all the people around him.
Wally and Landry were at his sides with Wally doing a strange butt waggle dance that actually caught on. Soon Wally was leading a conga line throughout the Below that Caden was fully a part of. It led him back to the Gash. That was when he saw Valerius.
The Black Dragon King had stopped and was kneeling down by a small roped off area where there were cut flowers and votive candles. They were for the people who had died that day he and Caden had met. Caden broke off from the conga line and joined him.
Valerius!
Caden reached for the Black Dragon King’s shoulder just as Valerius was reaching back for his hand. Their fingers linked as Valerius gently adjusted one of the votive candles so that it was straight and made sure the flowers were situated fully in their vases . Scholarships in the names of each of those lost had been created. A statue and plaque would commemorate them too. Valerius rose up and framed Caden’s face with his large hands.
“Seeing you here right away has stopped Razel from ripping Mephous’ wings off,” Valerius told him. “Even with all this dancing.”
Caden saw the Green Dragon King grinning over Valerius’ left shoulder. “He doesn’t look repentant. In fact, he’s making dancing motions.”
“Of course, he is!” Valerius tossed his head.
“Is being in a conga line considered dancing?” Caden asked, all innocence.
“Conga--”
“Kid, bring Grumpy Dragon and pick up the pace!” Wally called as he had doubled-back around, snaking towards them with the conga line.
“Grumpy--”
“Frowny-faced Valerius is back!” Landry called from her spot behind Wally, her hands on his shaking hips, and dozens of people after her.
“Frowny--”
“C’mon, my frowny, grumpy Dragon! We’re getting in a conga line!” Caden grinned.
“Oh, no, I--”
But Caden had no fear as he pulled Valerius after him like a kite. The conga line opened to allow them to join. Soon, every Dragon Shifter was in the line. Esme was especially enjoying herself, flirting with a young man who looked very keen on touching her backside. Mei simply narrowed her eyes just once at the man who tried to slip his hands from her waist and he nearly melted into a puddle. His hands did not move again however. Kaila was the very end of the conga line, calling herself the “wild tail” as she swept the line through the crowd, picking up more and more people while dumping others. The calls of “whee” echoed even over the music.
The conga line finally led them to a raised dais where the throne that Caden had thought would be there was. It was set out with something just as large covered beside it. Valerius frowned, but then smoothed his face into a neutral expression quickly.
Marban was sitting on the throne with a cigar in his hand. The crowd opened to allow Caden and Valerius to approach. The old Swarm Shifter had a small smile on his lips.
He is pushing it with this, Valerius sighed.
Just let him have his moment, Caden said. He’s been great with everything else.
He has. That’s why this is surprising, Valerius admitted.
They stepped up on the dais in front of Marban who was still smiling at them and wreathed in cigar smoke. The music abruptly cut off and everyone was silent. Caden blinked and looked around a little. He couldn’t read what was happening here from anyone’s expression.
What’s going on, Valerius? Caden asked.
I don’t know, Valerius admitted. There was a touch of hurt. Things seemed to be going so well between us.
I agree. Let’s not jump to conclusions then, Caden said, but he held onto Valerius’ nearest hand tighter.
The other Dragon Shifters appeared just behind them, below the dais. No one was saying anything. But Caden knew that they were ready to come to his and Valerius’ aid, even if the only danger was to their character. Rose, Wally and Landry were there too. He couldn’t read on their faces what they thought of this either. But they were prepared for anything.
“I used to say that there were two kings of Reach,” Marban said, his voice soft yet carrying. He stroked the arms of the throne that so mirrored Valerius’ above. “I meant, of course, Valerius and… myself.”
