“Thank you, Lord Titus. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated. Say, were you able to remedy your livestock issue with the crystals you claimed from the Enchanted Mines?”
“Yes. I read a report today that livestock production is back to normal—and then some—so no need to worry. There will be no hungry dragons ruining your stay here in the Kingdom of Flame,” I taunted.
He chuckled before doing something completely unexpected. He placed his gemstone-encrusted hand on my shoulder and offered me a warm smile.
“I know this search is a shot in the dark, but I had to try for peace of mind. I know I will not find her, and likely not find any documentation. So after my search concludes, I’d like to talk about a potential reinstatement of our alliance while I’m here, old friend.”
My eyes widened. For the first time, I felt like I may have done something right as High Lord. It felt like I had taken a step toward peace and safety for my kingdom. Hearing the High Lord of Land say those words was verbal proof that I was not my father—that I, as Delilah had said, was indeed the apple that fell far from the tree.
I fought the compiling emotion building within me to maintain my fierce High Lord persona, allowing only a fraction of it to come through in my words.
“That sounds real nice, old friend,” I said, returning the term of endearment with a warm grin and a firm handshake.
“Shall I expect you at dinner service tonight?” he asked. “Uh, no. I’m sorry. I have prior obligations,” I said regretfully.
“Ah, well, my arrival here at the castle was early, so no offense
taken. Enjoy your evening, Lord Titus,” he stated with a slight bow.
I returned the gesture and heard Draxxinar land outside the doors with a booming thud. It startled the High Lord of Land.
“Sounds like my ride is here,” I said with a smirk as I made my way outside and greeted my beast of a dragon.
In the sky, I flew to Dragon’s Maw, where I knew my mate and Calpurnia were practicing their flying skills with Aurelius. As Dragon’s Maw came into view, I heard a raspy, thunderous roar in the sky, but I wasn’t worried. I’d recognize that old beasts roar anywhere.
A large orange dropped from above beside Drax and me— Veyraxxies and Cercies. Together, we circled the training plateau that doubled as a nesting ground until we saw that freak of nature’s blue-green wings and tail below.
Both of our dragons landed in a dramatic show of power and force, sending all other dragons back to their dens. Zephyros held her ground but dipped her head to the giant red and large orange in respect. Draxxinar let out a beckoning growl as he swiveled his snake-like head, looking for something—or someone, but I could tell from the bond that he was looking forher.
Delilah was strapped into the double saddle on Zephyros with Aurelius pressed close to her back. Too close. It seemed the females were taking turns going on short rides with the Master of Dragons.
Aurelius gave me a smug look as he removed his hands from my mate’s waist. I popped my knuckles as I squeezed my fists, and my teeth began to grind. I loathed the sight of any male’s hands on her— especially his.
The females ran to us, and although I was annoyed, I couldn’t help but chuckle when Cercies pointed out that they greeted our dragons first. Draxxinar was very fond of my mate. I could tell he was physically more relaxed knowing she was no longer mounted on Zephyros and closer to him.
“Well, this is a pleasant surprise!” Calpurnia giggled.
“To what do we owe the occasion?” my mate asked playfully.
I took a moment to admire the training leathers I had custom-made for her from behind. They were every bit as detailed as a standard army-issued uniform but designed in a feminized cut with lighter fabric. I could already see the effect of the elixirs she’d been taking. Her frame was finally starting to pack on muscle—but it was her ass that would be the death of me.
I loved the way she looked in those leather pants. I couldn’t wait for them to be on my fucking floor.
Ever since I marked her, I craved her—day and night. She lived in my fucking head like a parasite. So, I needed this romantic gesture to work, because I needed her—her body, her affection, all of it. All of her.
“Delilah, are you okay? You have blood dripping down your arm!” Calpurnia shrieked.
I dismounted Drax and fast-traveled—just a quick magical sprint—to be beside her in an instant. Aurelius rushed to her other side.
“Oh, I’m fine. It’s nothing. My bandage must have flown off in the wind from flying and ripped open this… uh, cut,” she explained.
But I knew it wasn’t a cut she was talking about. It was my damn mate mark that wouldn’t heal.
Knowing a mate mark couldn’t be healed magically, I tore a strip of cloth from my undershirt and handed it to her to stop the bleeding. As long as she didn’t show anyone or say what it was, we could keep the marking a secret.
She turned for privacy, unzipping the high-neck leather tank top and pressing the fabric to the bleeding wound.
I noticed Aurelius’s white healing light beginning to gather at his hand.
