Chapter 16

Killian had long ago coaxed a tree into growing a room of sorts, which was where he slept every night. Seven days after his meeting with Dravyn, Killian stood in the tree and snatched his cloak from its hook. Behind him stood the grand castle his parents had built. Like the people who'd given Killian life, the outside was grandiose and ugly.

Thankfully, Aloisa and Clara had turned the interior into a lovely home, and the garden Clara had designed for them sprawled behind it. Like the plants of other powerful druids, Killian's plants sang, and their tune was harmonious thanks to Clara's thoughtfulness. Aloisa's mate had a talent for arranging plants agreeably, and many sought her advice when planning their gardens.

Both Killian and Aloisa encouraged the shy woman, and Clara had bloomed in the years since she'd joined their family. It helped that, like Killian, his sister and her other half were at Castle Leolinnia more than anywhere else. T'Eirick and Saura infused their home with love, and Killian found some solace whenever he arrived. If his life had been like this before Killian met Dravyn, his heart would've been full, but now his soul yearned for a grander abundance of joyous feelings.

Thinking of Dravyn created a mixture of emotions inside Killian. Their meeting a week ago had enlightened Killian to much, and he remained angered at what Dravyn had endured. The damage to Dravyn's ankle had been intense, and the scarring told a horrible story about the past century and a half. The layers of damaged tissue had put truth behind Dravyn's words about his life chained in a garden.

Killian's mouth tightened, and his fingers curled into fists. How many dragons had festering hate bubbling inside them? Why did so many of them wish for nothing but pain and suffering? Refusing to miss out on the opportunity to be with Dravyn again, Killian wiggled his shoulders and forced himself to set aside his fury.

When he was alone again, he could ponder the evil of dragonkind. Since Killian didn't want an audience, he had told no one about his trip. Conley, of course, had asked for details, and now that word had spread that Killian had met with Dravyn, he was asked repeatedly about his plans. Killian ignored them. He was aware of his responsibility as leader of the druids and would stay out of harm's way. But trying to discover if he and Dravyn had a path forward as mates was a private matter.

Allowing his magic to unfurl, Killian teleported himself to the spot where he'd been reunited with Dravyn. A few feet away, Dravyn stood with his head bowed. Like before, his black hair was tangled and obscuring his dark green eyes. Dravyn stood hunched as if trying to make his massive frame smaller, and despite his title, his serviceable clothing marked him more peasant than Duke.

"Dravyn, are you well? How does your ankle fare?" Killian asked. Although he was confident in his healing abilities, Killian wanted to ensure Dravyn had not suffered any mishaps since they'd last met.

"I am well," Dravyn said without lifting his chin. "How are you?"

"Well, Dravyn. I am well. How is your garden?"

A tiny smile appeared, and Killian unconsciously mirrored it.

"Last week, I bartered for some new seeds. It is the first time I have encountered white mustard seeds. My sister is eager to experiment with it in her recipes."

Each month, Killian cultivated dozens of seeds and aided with distributing them to Council members via their monthly dance gathering. To his surprise, a vision appeared in his mind of Dravyn being at his side as he stretched his magick and happily communed with everyone present. If Killian remembered correctly, he'd been asked to create rows of three different mustard seeds, and a white variety was among them.

As Killian thought about the other herbs, fruits, and vegetables he encouraged to grow, he wondered which of them Dravyn had tasted or grown.

"Perhaps I could bring you some seeds when we meet next," Killian offered.

"All the goods we sell are made with dragonskin. Despite how cruel some of our people are, it is a durable and beautiful hide that is oft requested. The rumor is spread that the dragonskins are taken from dead beasts. It is a lie. We die in human form. I doubt you wish to own any given how many of your people have undoubtedly died at the hands of dragons. I have nothing to offer you in exchange. We give the coin to Aleksander, and he ensures we have everything we need."

"It would be a gift, Dravyn, with nothing expected in return. But I would not have you think I would reject anything made in your dragonskin. Though I have not seen your beast, your eyes are the color I favor most."

Dravyn's cheeks turned rosy. "I could not accept any gifts. I have done nothing to deserve your kindness."

"Now that I know a bit of your tale, you also deserve none of my ire. I will bring you seeds."

"You are not a man accustomed to hearing no."

Cocking his head to the side, Killian considered the statement. "I suppose you are right, but that does not mean I lack the ability to compromise. Our Council could not flourish if I always expected to have my ideas applauded with no respect for others. But the other leaders often share my opinions. I believe it is because we are focused on the same goal. We want the best for our people and will stop at nothing to have them prosper despite the significant obstacles we face daily."

"Your Council sounds impressive. I envy you the company of the Reverent Knights. Although Imperial Duke Bernal tried to destroy their legacy, I remember well the tales of how well they ruled as Emperors."

"None of us regret the day we stole their bodies. I love them as family and am grateful we heeded your advice. I cannot imagine them apart."

"I hope I do not offend when I say that day seems a lifetime ago."

Killian nodded. "I understand. Over a hundred and fifty years have passed, and I suspect none of yours were easy."

"My life is pleasant now, and you face the threat of death daily thanks to my own people."

Needing to see him fully, Killian reached out and lifted Dravyn's chin and met his dark mysterious gaze. There were more freckles dotting Dravyn's skin than he recalled from 1369, and they suited him. "It need not be a competition. Life is hard. That is unquestionable. I hope being here together today means we have some brightness awaiting in our futures."

"I cannot stay long; I did not tell anyone I was leaving."

"You have kept our matebond a secret?"

"I remain uncertain if you wish to continue as my mate."

"Dravyn, I would not be here today if I was convinced it is better for us to be forever parted. I trust your tale and know you did not feign your ankle injury."

"Thank you again for healing me. Many questions have been asked by my family about why my hobble has improved, but there is no satisfactory answer I can give them yet. Although I consider each of them my kin, I do not know their thoughts on magickind."

"If you wish to keep our meetings a secret, I understand. Will you meet me again soon?"

"Perhaps at night so I can disappear easier?"

Releasing his hold on Dravyn's chin, Killian smiled. "As you wish. Shall we meet seven days hence again?"

"Yes."

"Until then, be well."

"You too, Killian."

Killian teleported away. He was unsatisfied with the short meeting and the fact that he'd learned nothing of import about Dravyn. Whether Dravyn liked it or not, he'd bring seeds for him. Maybe some kindness and their growing familiarity in each other's presence would allow Dravyn to feel comfortable with him. Killian yearned to stare into his green eyes as they spoke, and he hated the hesitancy in Dravyn. Or more accurately, Killian detested the things Dravyn had endured that had made him such a tentative person.

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Since Dravyn had not told his family about Killian, he had to carefully sneak out each week. Unfortunately, Dravyn was so overwhelmed by Killian that he did not stay long in his presence. They barely spoke about matters beyond the weather and the new seeds Dravyn had planted. Killian had gifted him an entire bag full of seeds but refused to tell him what they were.

Dravyn was fine with surprise once Killian assured him they were infused with magick and could not fail no matter where he planted them. The amount of sunlight didn't matter, nor did the proximity to a neighboring plant. All Dravyn had to do was ensure the ground stayed moist and they would flourish. Although Dravyn had no clue how he'd explain the plants to his family, he was eager to discover what Killian had offered him.

As Dravyn attended to the seeds by watering them and discussing whatever was on his mind with the freshly soaked ground, he wondered what to do about his life. His dragon had long feared magick, but the rich flush of it flowing through Dravyn and healing his every ache, scar, and bruise had changed his beast. Even without the fear of Killian separating man from dragon, Dravyn still had obstacles to overcome.

How would he explain to his family about the druid? If he and Killian grew to like one another, how would they combine their lives? Dravyn was devoted to providing food to the D'Vaires, and Killian had an entire race to rule. While Dravyn was officially a titled Duke, he had no concept of royalty or how to fathom the magnitude of Killian's duties.

How had Fate decided Dravyn was to be the mate of the leader of the druids? As far as Dravyn could tell, they had a single thing in common, and they could only discuss gardening for so long. But Dravyn was fooling himself. He was drawn to Killian. Was it just his handsome face?

With a heavy sigh at his confused heart and unclear future, Dravyn silently crept into the house as darkness settled over the land. The D'Vaires would soon retire to their separate rooms in the house they'd built by hand. It was a simple home made of the wood and stone found on the estate, and it suited their needs perfectly. All the furniture was serviceable and kept clean by Noirin. No one had expected her to run the household, but she had insisted.

In her role as steward of the house, the Duchess flourished, and Aleksander thanked her profusely at every meal. It was the lone time Dravyn saw his cousin. Their King was a man of few words, much of it praise and gratitude. Dravyn was in awe of the man's gentleness after what he'd endured, and he hated the shadows Imperial Duke Bernal and his ilk had carved into Aleksander's soul.

"Dravyn, how fares your garden?" Zane asked, spotting Dravyn as he walked into the kitchen to add some lemons he'd picked for Noirin.

Unable to contain his excitement about Killian's gift, Dravyn smiled. "I have some new seeds."

"Did you find them on your ventures out at night these past few weeks?" Brogan asked.

Lifting his head, Dravyn glanced at the navy-eyed Duke, and his face flushed with color. "Ventures at night?"

"Surely you know I hear you leaving? It is my duty to keep us safe. Although you are a Duke, I am still concerned about you. Where are you going?"

Dravyn froze. He did not want to lie to his family; they had survived so much and had banded together for a chance to flourish. But what would they make of his tale? Would they try to stop him from meeting a druid? His dragon roared in protest, but Dravyn admonished his own foolish thoughts. The D'Vaires were incredible people and would not consider coming between any pairing made by Fate.

"I do not know where to begin," Dravyn murmured. Although he had not planned to enlighten his family yet, a sense of relief flowed through him at being caught. He did not want secrets, and he could use the advice of others. Dravyn was a simple man and lacked the life experience necessary to figure out how best to navigate the road ahead.

"Have a seat," Zane said, leading Dravyn to the room where they took their meals. The only furniture in the space was a long table and tall wooden chairs.

Marcus was sitting in his usual spot and reading a tome by the light of the fireplace behind him. The teal-eyed Duke lifted his head and frowned. "What is going on?"

"Dravyn has a tale for us," Brogan said, pulling out a chair for Dravyn.

"Shall I gather the others?" Marcus asked, already rising.

"I do not want to bother them," Dravyn insisted, but Zane nodded at Marcus.

"Gather the entire family," Zane ordered.

"Surely we can leave Aleksander to his peace?" Dravyn asked weakly.

Within a minute, the entire D'Vaire family was scraping chairs back and plopping into them as if a meal were imminent. Noirin took her seat next to him and patted his hand where he'd rested it on his thigh.

"You are ready to tell us why you are sneaking out and insisting on going to town alone?" Noirin asked.

"Is everyone aware of my travels?" Dravyn asked.

"With a family this small, did you think you could hide anything?" Madeline asked.

"I am sorry your evening was disrupted," Dravyn said, wondering how long they would keep him. His usual meeting with Killian was supposed to happen soon.

"Are you in trouble?" Aleksander asked. Although the shine had returned to his black-and-blue tresses, Dravyn still recalled the bedraggled way they'd found his cousin in the dungeon at Castle Draconis. Dravyn would never forgive his own kind for their treatment of Aleksander and the rest of the D'Vaires.

"No," Dravyn said. "I must apologize, for I have kept a secret. The truth is…I have a mate."

Noirin's violet gaze went wide. "You have a mate? How long ago did you find her? Where did you meet her? Is she kind? When will you invite her here to dine with us?"

Swallowing heavily, Dravyn studied the wooden table and refused to look up. "It is a man. I met him in 1369 at Castle Draconis," Dravyn said quietly. He did not mention that he'd watched Killian and the others steal the bodies of the Emperors. That surprise could wait. "I have recently written to him, and we have been meeting to find out if we have anything in common. He…he is not a dragon."

"A human with a dragon?" Zane asked. "I did not think such a thing was possible."

"Wait. Did you say you met him in 1369?" Noirin asked. "Dravyn, that was so long ago. I am so sorry. How he must have suffered at your silence while you were chained at Castle Draconis. Has he been understanding? Surely, he must realize you could not reach out until Imperial Duke Bernal's death?"

"He is no human either. Magickind. He has magick. Much of it. His name is Killian. Killian the Dwyer. He is the ruler of the druids. They use their magick to grow things. He has healing abilities too. He fixed my leg. The new seeds I have were a gift from him."

No one said anything as they took in what Dravyn was telling them, and he grew more fearful of their reaction as the silence stretched.

"I am grateful he healed you," Aleksander eventually said. Then he smiled, though it did not reach his eyes. Happiness never did. "A man with a love of seeds would suit you well. It must be quite wondrous to have magick."

"You have a bit of it yourself," Madeline insisted. "Your gift is a magick, don't you think?"

"I think of it as such," Aleksander replied. "It saved me from wallowing in filth and gave me some control in a hopeless situation. That is a magick without compare. Killian the Dwyer is welcome here. I should like to see his magick, though I doubt anyone has your skill with gardening, Dravyn."

The tears slipped down Dravyn's cheeks before he even realized he was weeping. Relief and pride rushed through him. "I would be proud to have Killian meet my family someday," Dravyn managed. He would allow the druid to step foot on D'Vaire land once he'd ensured the man was trustworthy and no threat to his family. But it helped immensely to know Aleksander was not against his matebond. Perhaps Dravyn need not run home so quickly tonight or at their future meetings.

"Where are you meeting him?" Brogan asked. "You must be safe. Can you not arrange for it on our land where I can watch out for you with my own eyes?"

"We meet just outside of town," Dravyn said. "It suits us for now."

"Leave him be, Brogan," Aleksander commented. "Matebonds are a private matter, and Dravyn is no stranger to harm. He will do nothing to put himself in danger."

"Go on then," Noirin said, scooting back her chair. "It is full dark out. Is he already waiting for you?"

"Likely, yes," Dravyn acknowledged.

"Tell him the D'Vaires honor Fate," Aleksander said. "Enjoy your time with him."

Aleksander rose and left. The rest of the D'Vaires followed in his wake. Brogan glanced behind him with concern in his eyes, but the Duke was overprotective. Dravyn was not ready yet to bring Killian to D'Vaire land, but he hoped he could someday. In the meantime, he had to rush or he would miss his weekly chance to see Killian.