“Alone?”
“All the rest of the cohort drifted to the dining room.” Helen’s Avatar winced. “They are arguing about position, rank and general political power now. And even those who have disavowed connection to their family lines are joining in. I really do think you’ll appreciate Lord Emmerian’s company at the moment.” She winced again.
Bellusdeo was not dressed for company from the Imperial Dragon Court. Clothing, however, did not make the Dragon—which was more or less literally true, as adopting draconic form generally destroyed their clothing. She did, however, take a seat in the parlor, and invited Emmerian to do the same. This was technically Kaylin’s job.
“I apologize for arriving without notice—or permission,” Emmerian said. He set his worn case gently on the nearest flat surface. “The Arkon asked me to visit. He will, of course, leave his library on the evening the Consort arrives for dinner, but—”
“He doesn’t like to be far from his hoard.”
“No. Emergencies notwithstanding, he is at home there. He would be at peace were it not for the presence of the various librarians, but he has managed to fully train those. It is visitors—”
“Like me?”
Lord Emmerian’s smile managed to be apologetic. “I will not apologize for the Arkon. Nor will I speak for him; he is more than capable of speaking for himself.”
Bellusdeo snorted. There was smoke. “So you are now running the Arkon’s errands.”
“Yes.” His smile deepened. “I am fond of the Arkon. He was a charismatic figure in my youth.”
Kaylin couldn’t imagine that.
“Charisma is not about simple appearance,” Helen said as she entered the room carrying a large tray.
“No, I know. But...he’s fussy, he hates people and every other word that leaves his mouth is a lecture.”
“That is an exaggeration,” Bellusdeo told her.
“It isn’t much of an exaggeration,” Emmerian replied. “The Arkon is fond ofyou. He is testier in his interactions with others;weare frequently wasting his time.”
The gold Dragon’s smile deepened, and the last of the orange drained from her eyes. “Did he send you with some protection for me?”
Emmerian nodded. His eyes retained a trace of orange, but this was normal. “I suggested that this was unnecessary, as Helen has befriended you.”
“And his response?”
“I hesitate to repeat it in public.”
At that, Bellusdeo laughed. It was a low, full laugh. Kaylin wished, in that moment, that the Arkon wasn’t ancient. If Bellusdeo had to have children withsomeone, the Arkon seemed to be the Dragon she felt the most affection for.
“Did he mention this to the Emperor?”
“No. He felt that mentioning it to the Emperor would waste both his own and the Emperor’s time. And also,” Emmerian added softly, “that it would add conflict to his request. He serves—and admires—the Emperor. But he holds you in great affection, and it grieves him to see conflict between you.” Before she could speak—and she did open her mouth—he continued. “He understands the root of the conflict, on both sides. But he has hope that, in future, it will pass.”
“Am I free to refuse whatever protection he offers?”
“Of course. The Arkon understands that you are not, technically, a Lord of the Court. You are not subject to his commands. He will not stoop to drama; he asks that you consider it, for his sake, not your own. May I?”
Bellusdeo nodded, and Lord Emmerian opened the case.
Kaylin’s allergy to magic manifested itself instantly; all of the hair on her arms stood on end. To make matters more interesting, the marks on those arms, hidden by the usual layer of cloth, began to glow brightly enough their outlines could be seen through said cloth.
Bellusdeo noticed, but did not consider the glowing marks to be a sign of imminent danger. She rose, moving to stand beside Emmerian, who remained in his seat.
“He understands that this might seem proprietary,” Lord Emmerian said. “And again, only begs you to consider it.”
“What were his exact words?”
“Many of his exact words involved instructions to me, and I assure you that the Arkon is not nearly as warmly affectionate when speaking to, or of, me. I had a small accident in his library once and he was only barely persuaded to allow me to extend my existence.” This was said with a wry smile.
