Chapter 1
Emperor Chrysander Draconis lifted his head toward the sky as his heart settled down to a normal beat. Above him a unique dragon with gold-dusted white scales soared for the first time in his life. It was something Chrysander wanted for the shifter but at the same time, he had a few moments of nerves. After all, that beautiful beast was his mate. A month ago Emperor Ellery Draconis made history when he became the only hybrid to ever survive his change from elf to animal.
Ellery wasn’t an ordinary man either; he was half elf and even when he flew, his ears were charmingly pointed. Weeks before, he’d captured the hearts of many around the entire Council of Sorcery and Shifters. The press swarmed them wherever they went—that wasn’t completely abnormal as the pair did rule over everyone, but instead of questions about their reign, everything was about Ellery. How had he done it? What did he have that the other drakelings who were part something else lacked?
It hadn’t been anything magical. Ellery had believed in himself, and with the help of his trainer, Jeremiah, he’d casually written himself into a legend. Ellery was new to the Council, and this was doing wonders for his confidence, which elated Chrysander. He wanted them to have an equal partnership and though he was still focused on learning and observing, Chrysander believed it wouldn’t be long before Ellery made his presence known in the Main Assembly Hall where the leaders of the Council gathered each workday morning.
“You may not get him back in elven form,” King Aleksander D’Vairedraconis said from Chrysander’s side. Aleksander ruled over the safest spot of land on the planet, thanks to the brilliant sorcerers who kept it guarded, and that was where Ellery had done all his shifting thus far. Chrysander and Ellery also happened to be fond of the entire quirky D’Vaire brood.
“He’s always wanted to fly, so you may be right,” Chrysander replied with a grin. He had Ellery’s heart—sooner or later his other half would return to his arms where he belonged.
“He does seem to like you. He might miss you eventually.”
“And people wonder why you were ostracized for over six centuries,” Chrysander teased.
Aleksander rolled his exotic blue-black eyes that had rings of both silver and gold around the pupils. He wasn’t an emperor like Ellery or Chrysander, so why the gilt was there remained a mystery to everyone. “Do I look like I care?”
“Please, why should you? You’ve got this enormous house, and some of the most incredible people on this planet now use the name Fate gave you. I know you don’t have any complaints.”
“Nope, not a one.”
Out of the corner of Chrysander’s vision, he witnessed Grand Warlock Dra’Kaedan D’Vaire getting tackled to the ground by his familiar, who was yelling about how it was never okay to use his magic to put boils on someone’s ass. Dra’Kaedan was laughing too hard to respond.
“One thing is for sure,” Chrysander said as he turned back to face the handsome King D’Vaire. “You probably don’t get bored very often.”
“No, that’s not a problem. We’re basically all crazy.”
“Ell loves it here. I think he’d abdicate his throne and move in if he got the opportunity.”
Aleksander’s smile was wry. “The only way that would happen is if he could bring you with him.”
“Isn’t he gorgeous?” Jeremiah called out as he jogged past the wrestling warlock and his familiar to join Chrysander and Aleksander where they stood just beyond the large deck.
“Yes, he is. You’ve done an incredible job getting him ready for this day. I want to thank you again. We had a resurrection plan in place for Ell if he didn’t survive, but with your guidance it wasn’t necessary. I appreciate you sparing him the pain of death, and I intend to make sure your calendar stays very full,” Chrysander told the young drakeling.
“I don’t know how much of it I actually did, but I’m so happy for you and Ellery. I just had a feeling when we first spoke that he could do this, you know? He was incredibly sure of himself and his relationship with his beast. All he felt was peace, and I think that lack of fear is what saved his life. I also think the approach of waiting to fly for a few weeks is a good one for new dragons.”
“We need to make sure that becomes a part of all shifting ceremonies. I don’t want another drakeling to die.”
“The only sad part is that my job’s now done. I’m going to miss talking to Ellery all the time.”
“Somehow I doubt you’re going to lose your friendship. Ell’s fond of you, and I figure the phone calls will remain regular.”
Jeremiah’s smile was brilliant. “I’d certainly like to stay friends. I’m also going to miss D’Vaire. It’s been awesome coming here so Ellery can shift.”
“You’re always welcome, and your job around here isn’t done yet. You’re still working with Carter and since he’s got about eighty years until he’s ready, you’ve got a free pass to visit whenever you want,” Aleksander responded.
The small, one-of-a-kind dragon soared gracefully down to the ground and disappeared behind the changing room Aleksander built at the back of his house. D’Vaire served as the only multi-race sanctuary, and everyone’s sensibilities were taken into consideration, including the intensely modest elves. Minutes later, a lanky elf with eyes the color of green jade sauntered toward them with a triumphant smile on his handsome face. Chrysander held out his arms and Ellery accepted his invitation, walking straight into his embrace.
“I don’t have to ask if you enjoyed that,” Chrysander said.
“I loved every second. Next time you need to come with me.”
Chrysander brushed his lips over Ellery’s. “I’d love to. We’ll even get Aleksander here to fly with us.”
“I’d be happy to.”
“I need to seriously age, so I can free my dragon,” Jeremiah muttered.
