Page 37 of Sapphire Seas

Pressure? Ugh, is it hot in here or was it just me?

Knowing a major battle awaits us, this terrifies me to no end.

“I don’t know whether to feel honored or terrified,” Kes said.

“Sorry, mates,” Mattias turned and kissed us both. “It wasn’t meant to do that, it was meant to share how important you are. Not only to the Denarius family, but to me. I love you both, more than I ever thought possible.”

A declaration of love in a sacred space. No one could question the depth of Mattias’ admission. Especially not Kes nor I.

Emotions were high, both Kes and I had teary eyes and Mattias’ drew us into his arms. “I love you both,” Mattias said again.

“I love you both too,” I admitted. Poor Kes couldn’t even look at us, just kept his head buried against Mattias’ chest. We felt his love through the bond, there was no doubt it was there. In time, he’d say the words. Or maybe showing was more his style. But we knew he cared, given the fact he’d foregone the eye patch when it was just the three of us. That was a huge step for him.

“Thank you for trusting us enough to share this,” Kes managed.

“Of course, you’re my mates. Come, let us pay our seaside family a visit.”

I loved, beyond words, how welcomed not only the brothers had made my herd but the residents in Dragon City had too. No long, drawn out conversations about where to put everyone or what they’d do with this many newcomers. Just a short, let’s build them a village one and so it shall be. It wasn’t beneath our beloved sea, but it was along the coast where they could easily come and go. Though they chose to stay close to the shoreline where it was safest. For now.

As we passed each of them they greeted us with kind words or a quick wave for those who were hard at work. The younglings surrounded us, Mattias picked them up swinging each around one after the other. Their giggles floated through the air, and I longed to see him do the same with our own children.

“I wondered how long it would be before you paid me a visit,” Kaika said as she emerged from her home and embraced me. “Sweet boy,” her tiny hand cupped my cheek. “You’ve finally got your wish.”

My dragon preened.

“Wish?” Mattias replied. “I hope it’s a good wish.”

“The best!” I squealed.

“Step inside and let me examine you.”

“Wait,” Mattias held a hand out to stop me. “What’s going on here? Sorry, Kaika, but Caspian isn’t going anywhere.”

“Mate, trust me.”

Your dragon is far too excited for me not to.

Kaika held the door open and the three of us crammed inside her home. She was tiny, compared to us. Especially next to Mattias, but we managed to squeeze inside.

“Lay here, Caspian,” she pointed to couch. “Ah, right on time.”

“Raven?” Mattias’ hackles went up. “What on Earth is happening?”

“Down, Mattias,” Raven said as she stepped around him. “Watch and listen.”

Whoa, she told him, but how did she know we were here.

Raven knows everything, Mattias said. But why are we here is what I’d like to know.

I wasn’t ruining the surprise so his over protective butt would just have to wait a few more minutes.

“Thank you for coming, Raven,” Kaika said. “I’m not sure Mattias would calm down with only me doing the examination.”

Mattias growled. “Examination for what?”

“To see how many dragonets your mates are carrying,” Raven replied, rather sternly. “Now, hush up.”

“Wait, mates as in plural?” Kes paled, much like he had during breakfast.