Chapter 29

Killian had put off his discussion about the D'Vaires with The Council until the next morning. The last thing he'd wanted was to take away from the recent addition of the vampyrs, and they had much to discuss—where Vampyress Irina's people would live and other such details. But Killian could not wait any longer. So, he'd ventured early to Dravyn's tree to kiss him thoroughly and to snuggle under the thin covers. They had chatted about the beautiful, mundane parts of their lives—their plans for the day and their gardening projects.

A quick teleport had returned Killian to Castle Leolinnia, and he'd broken his fast with all of the Council leaders, including their newest one. Drystan and the sentinels were reserved and watched more than they spoke, but that did not keep the atmosphere from being a friendly one. As usual, the moment the remnants of their meal were taken away, the group of men and women settled in to review whatever topics they needed to discuss.

"Killian, I wished to thank you," Irina said, taking the seat next to him. "Your sister, Aloisa, and her mate, Clara, have been so helpful to us. They have already teleported our vampyrs to the place where our new castle will be constructed and returned them to our current humble home. I hope I am not inconveniencing the druids by relying so heavily upon the pair, but they are full of wonderful ideas for our future dwellings."

Killian smiled. "Aloisa and Clara delight in aiding others, and you will need a beautiful garden surrounding your home. No one is a finer designer of such things than our dear Clara. You are in expert hands. Aloisa will ensure neither she nor her mate overextend themselves."

"She seems a wise woman. They both do."

"That they are. It makes a brother very proud to call the pair family."

"I understand, my consort and son amaze me constantly. Fate must favor me to bring such delightful people into my heart."

"I cannot help but interrupt," Conley said. "You are speaking of people in your lives with no match. Clearly, I am most favored by Fate, for I have Drys."

"Talfryn is a mate with no equal," Lorcan argued.

"So is Kalthekor," Aristos chimed in.

"T'Eirick, please tell these young people that you are the finest partner in the land," Saura told her other half.

"I care not how many years you have spent together. Masse is the reason I rise each morning and carry such glorious love in my soul," Kolsten argued.

"Yet none of your pairings hold a candle to the gorgeous dragon Fate found for me," Killian insisted, a smile gracing his lips for the second time since they'd started their meeting. Only this grin was far grander as Killian was thinking about Dravyn. The sweet dragon with exceptional gardening skills was humble and shy and made any conversation better. Killian could imagine no one else at his side.

"Have pity for those of us still unmatched by Fate and save this conversation for another day," Kaedan drawled. "Or perhaps forget it ever started. The last thing I want is a fight between the devoted leaders of The Council over who was most blessed by our benevolent goddess. You are all lucky and have been given your perfect match. Save your love talk for when you can be alone with your partner so I do not have to hear it."

"You sound rather bitter," Kariston mused, a dark brow raised at his twin brother.

"Agreed," Renny added.

"Personally, I find the idea of having a mate tedious," Chander remarked. "I prefer to worry about myself alone."

"Forgive me, Kaedan, I spoke too early of you sounding bitter. Our Chand is the one with the greatest issues with love and matebonds," Kariston said.

"I wonder if we could find a better use of our time and show our newest Council member that we have more to do with our day than argue like children about a topic with no clear winner," Magus Superus Egann commented, his mouth pinched with annoyance.

"While I agree that we have much to discuss, I would prefer it if we did not resort to name-calling in this room," Kaedan stated, his gaze narrowing at the ruler of the mages.

Killian wanted to keep the peace, and it took little for Egann to get a rise from Kaedan. The conceited mage was excellent at prodding Kaedan's temper. Thankfully, those instances were rare enough to keep The Council from spiraling into madness, but no one liked the mornings when Egann riled everyone up.

"Since we are interested in moving on to Council business, I have a topic I wish to discuss," Killian said. "Yesterday, we had the pleasure of adding the Vampyr Clutch to our government. Today, I want us to consider another alliance. Dravyn's family. They are hiding from their kind. Their home fits their every need, but we could offer them the protection of our people. King Aleksander and his fellow seven dragons also have a wish to aid others. They hope other odd dragons will find their way to their land. But they do not exist on any dragon map, so they lack a way to reach other dragons without endangering themselves. If we added Court D'Vaire to The Council, we could protect them and further their dream."

"Do you think anyone would find an argument with adding your mate and his family to our Council?" Egidius asked. "Have you spoken with King Aleksander about the idea?"

"Not yet," Killian confessed. "I would not offer or discuss an invitation from The Council without the permission of my fellow members."

"How will we separate Court D'Vaire from the dragons pursuing us?" Egann asked. "If they had the ability to walk among our villages, they may cause terror."

"Court D'Vaire has, what…eight dragons you said, Killian?" Conley inquired. "Drys and I have met King Aleksander, and despite the brief conference, I can assure you he is the noblest of men. They can be introduced to everyone at a dance. It is easy to recall the names and faces of eight dragons. However, it is imperative that we not use the name D'Vaire if we wish to protect them. They are hunted. Let us not give the rest of dragonkind any way to find them."

"Agreed, and yes, there are eight of them," Killian said. "The kindest and humblest people with no interest other than ensuring they survive and can aid other outcasts like themselves."

"I could write to the few dragons I have corresponded with," Kaedan suggested. "Perhaps those Kings know of outcast dragons needing a better situation, or they could keep the D'Vaires in mind should a future dragon needing a home arrive. It might be better for me to meet with these outcast dragons first, before we endanger the D'Vaires. They have endured much since the deaths of Drystan and Conley. We do not want to invite danger upon their doorstep, whether it be here in The Council or on their current plot of land."

"A fine idea, Kaedan. I will suggest it to King Aleksander," Killian said, hoping Aleksander and the others would be receptive to the idea of joining The Council. It would give them protection and allow Killian and Dravyn to progress in the meshing of their lives. But Killian had discussed none of these ideas with Aleksander, and he did not know how receptive the D'Vaires would be to the invitation.

"Go to King Aleksander and ask how he wishes for The Council to aid them," Saura suggested. "I think we would all rest better at night knowing your mate and his family were nearby. Maybe even in your castle or ours."

"I will not ask for objections," Kaedan stated. "If you have an issue with one mate interested in including his other half's family in this Council, I suggest you keep such a disagreeable sentiment to yourself. Our Council honors Fate. I will not listen to any opinion opposed to that. Killian will speak with the D'Vaires and report back to us. What other topics do we have to discuss this morning? Renny, what is on the list?"

Renny referred to the book he kept of issues needing their attention, and Killian let his mind wander to the evening ahead. He would have to allow plenty of time to speak in detail with Aleksander and the rest of Dravyn's family. Thankfully, he'd have a sturdy dragon at his side with a shy smile, adorable freckles, and a heart so full of love he'd taught his garden to sing.

◆◆◆

Dravyn sat pensively at the long table where the D'Vaires took their meals as he waited for his family members to react to Killian's proposal that they join The Council. As much as Dravyn wanted Aleksander to rejoice and request that they pack up the house, he could not imagine it happening. The world had offered the D'Vaires nothing but turmoil for far too long, so they would surely be reluctant to walk away from the peaceful plot of land they'd used as a refuge for the past few years.

"Speak up," Aleksander said, his dark gaze landing on each of the D'Vaires. "Nothing in this house is decided without conversation."

"You are our King," Zane replied. "If you issue an order, we will obey."

"Despite whatever reservations we might have," Brogan added.

"A family convenes to express their views on topics," Aleksander corrected. "While Fate made me a King, I will never make decisions without hearing from everyone. We must agree about things—especially when it is a proposal to move from our house and join a new government."

Noirin reached out and patted Dravyn's hand. "Well, I understand why this would benefit Dravyn. If we were to join The Council, it would allow Dravyn an easier path to combining his life fully with his mate's. There is that to consider."

"Killian and I do not need to share the same government to have a relationship," Dravyn said, glancing at Killian. The druid's expression was neutral, but in his gold-flecked gaze was a wealth of concern. "Matebonds are important, but I cannot ignore that I have duties. Perhaps I should not phrase it like that. It is an honor to provide food for our family. With Killian's ability to teleport, distance is not a large issue."

"I want to know further about the Grand Warlock's proposal to contact other dragon Kings," Brogan remarked. "No offense, Killian, but your leader does not know us. It is rather arrogant of him to assume that we would welcome his interference in our plan to open our family to outcasts."

"It is a kindness for the Grand Warlock to keep our location and name private except from those who could benefit from joining us," Aleksander commented.

"Agreed, it would be foolish for us to contact other dragon Kings," Noirin replied. "The Grand Warlock has some experience corresponding with them. He has learned who to offer some trust to. Who is to say that if we sent out letters, we would not find more evil dragons believing us cursed? None of us want to welcome danger to our doorstep."

"I am sorry, but I cannot say I have any wish to join The Council," Marcus replied. "Our King has finally found a place where he can rest easy. No one is judging him, and we are safe. Word would spread if there were suddenly friendly dragons amongst The Council. Dravyn's presence is easily explained because he is the mate of Killian."

"Think of yourselves, not of me," Aleksander pleaded.

"Nonsense," Madeline retorted. "You are one of us, and your needs are as important as those of anyone sitting here. After all you endured, you have healing to do. You need peace. We have that. It has taken a great deal of hard work to rebuild our lives."

"Agreed, I am not against joining The Council someday, but I do not feel the time is right now," Noirin said. "I have waited my entire life not to be a servant. In the past few years, I have grown confident in myself. With the addition of Killian, it is just the nine of us I must worry about. That is not entirely true. Although I have not met your sister and her mate, Killian, I think of them too. I would not wish for you to lose anyone you love. If we join The Council, we gain allies but also a host of other problems and stress."

"The last thing I want is to be wary of dragons," Larissa added. "We have not been discovered here. Evil beasts prey upon The Council constantly. We open ourselves to that fear. We are healing. That would hinder it."

"Dravyn, please tell me what is on your mind," Aleksander insisted, his brow furrowed. "I will not think less of you if you believe it is in your best interest to leave Court D'Vaire. Your matebond is the most important aspect of your life."

Toying with Killian's fingers beneath the table, Dravyn gathered his thoughts. He would not speak untruths. Lies did not appeal to him, and he prided himself on his honesty. Dravyn met Killian's eyes and knew by the disappointment in the druid's gaze that he already understood Dravyn's feelings.

"I do not believe I risk my matebond by staying a D'Vaire. Being part of this family is integral to my happiness. So is my mate, but thankfully, I have a considerate one. It was a kind invitation given by the Grand Warlock and The Council, but I agree. Now is not the time. In a perfect world, I would happily embrace any opportunity that would guarantee Killian and I could combine our lives with ease. But we do not live in such a place. Dragons are divided. Too many of them seek to harm others for no other reason than embracing evil. They do not know we are here. That is the only thing keeping us from experiencing the same fate as the Council villages that have been burned to the ground. I do not wish to be chained in a garden again. The last thing I want is for Aleksander to be confined in a dungeon and tortured. The Council cannot offer us the safety we need."

Killian tucked a lock of Dravyn's hair behind his ear. "I understand, and our matebond is definitely not in any peril. We cannot promise that you won't be hurt despite the devoted fallen knights, Eldrvalkyria, and Chand's sentinels. It is not until a village is burned that we find out we have a new dragon foe. The Council has grown used to the fear we live with daily. I understand why you do not wish to embrace that."

"I do like the idea of allowing the Grand Warlock to aid us if he is willing," Zane said.

"I say we are fine on our own and do not need the help of this warlock," Brogan muttered.

"Killian, please convey our apology to your Grand Warlock. We cannot accept the invitation to join The Council, but we hope we can consider it again in the future," Aleksander stated. "Despite Brogan's protests, I welcome the Grand Warlock's proposal to aid outcast dragons. We cannot help them otherwise. Court D'Vaire lacks allies. If we were willing to risk our safety to gain any, our first choice would be to join The Council—not to write to random dragon Kings."

"It is my honor to speak on behalf of you and your family," Killian told Aleksander. Then he kissed Dravyn's cheek. "But I hope you understand that such news will have to wait until morning. Tonight, I intend to be at my mate's side."

Noirin laughed. "No one can argue with that."

Shifting in his chair to face Killian more fully, Dravyn brushed their lips together. A night together was exactly what Dravyn and his beast desired.