“Vozyth is totally not going to choose a buxom blonde with no thoughts in her head, Illarion,” Tilly sighed as she came over looking gorgeous in an airy concoction of white and silver. And she wasn’t alone. Vanya and Viski were following at her sides, one with a black bow and one with a white one around their necks. She patted their heads and they looked at her adoringly.
“You are a little girl!” Illarion scowled at her.
“And?” Tilly challenged with one eyebrow lifted.
“You know nothing about these things!” Illarion insisted.
Tilly poked the center of his chest. “I know that fate has something else in store for you.”
“Like what?” Illarion regarded her with suspicion and slight alarm.
“Oh, that’s for me to know and you to find out.” Tilly gave him an arch smile and went over to Caden to get a hug.
“Wait, wait, if you know something you must tell me! I cannot be left in the dark like this, Tilly!” Illarion insisted. “You must tell me! You cannot tease me like this! You--”
Chione stepped in front of the cameras, blocking their view of Illarion chasing Tilly around Caden and Valerius as he demanded to know what his fate would be. Tilly laughed and ran off with the dogs and Illarion at her heels.
“I think you should go get set up in the throne room for the ceremony, don’t you?” Chione asked. “Yes, yes, I think so.”
Caden grinned as he watched his sister tease Illarion relentlessly. It was far better than him asking for supermodels to email him their details just in case Vozyth took a liking to any of them.
“Does Tilly really know something, do you think?” Fadel asked.
“I think my sister knows that the last thing Illarion needs in his life is someone without a thought in their head,” Caden admitted. “He needs someone to be strong where he is weak.”
“So he needs the strongest person in existence?” Mei asked.
Tez snorted. “Such a person doesn’t exist. Unless they are some Russian grandmother who could hit him over the head with her purse!”
“Or a young male scholar whose very vocabulary would leave Illarion blinking,” Esme suggested.
“Guys, guys, you have to admit that Illarion has really turned things around,” Caden defended the Green Dragon Shifter.
“He has,” Valerius agreed and kissed Caden’s temple.
You are a great reason behind that, Caden, he sent.
I’m hardly alone. Your regard and the desire to keep in your good graces keep Illarion on the straight and narrow these days, Caden said.
Anwar gazed upon Fadel. “I owe him my life. But that does mean I want what’s best for him. I hope whoever Vozyth chooses will have those qualities to lead him always towards the goodness within him.”
“He has come far,” Jahara agreed. “Positive reinforcement is a very good tool with him.”
“That’s why Vozyth will never choose a supermodel,” Mei muttered. “Whoever it is must surprise him and keep him on his toes.”
“What about your mate, Mei? What do you hope they’ll be like?” Caden asked.
“Oh, someone… who can make me laugh,” Mei said with a slow smile. “Someone who can remind me of the good in the world.” She cupped Caden’s face. “Someone like you, I think. But we shall see if I am so lucky.”
“I’m sure you’ll get someone much better than me,” Caden said, but blushed all the same as Red Dragon Queen did not say these things so lightly.
“Everyone, it is time!” Anwar clapped his hands above his head to get everyone’s attention.
Caden’s heart raced. He looked up into Valerius’ face. It was foolish to be nervous or scared. Getting married to Valerius was absolutely what he wanted to do. They were already bonded fully. Today was just for the big party. Valerius rubbed his thumb over the back of their joined hands. Caden rested his cheek against Valerius’ shoulder. Even with the crown on, it was still comfortable to do. In fact, the crown seemed to weigh nothing at all, even less than when he’d first put it on.
“Everyone, line up!” Anwar said with a snap of his fingers.
The Dragon Shifters finished their last sips of champagne and wine before they formed a line. Kaila was first, followed by Tez, then Anwar, Jahara, Mei, Esme and Illarion. Valerius would walk up the aisle after Illarion. The Dragon Shifters would array themselves evenly on either side of Caden and Valerius’ “sides” of the throne room. His parents and Tilly hurried over.
