“As lovely as that sounds, I am a fan of what we just did.”
“So’s my dick. For Fate’s sake, Ell…the things you do to me.”
“What did I do?”
“That’s the crazy thing.” Chrysander brushed their lips together again. “You don’t have to do a damn thing for me to want you.”
“The same thing happens to me. One minute I am reading some boring bill from Aloisa the Dwyer trying to limit the number of teleportations, then all I can focus on is you.”
Chrysander rolled his eyes. “I swear she’s now tossing that bill out there every six months.”
“Perhaps we should make a rule not allowing a leader to reintroduce a failed bill until one calendar year has passed unless they have cosponsors.”
Rising from the bed after another little kiss, Chrysander headed toward the bathroom. Ellery enjoyed the play of his muscles as the light danced over his skin. When he returned, Chrysander had a cloth in his hand, and he wiped away the remnants of their lovemaking. He reached down and picked up Ellery’s pajamas from the floor. After handing them over, Chrysander retreated to get rid of the rag.
Meanwhile, Ellery concentrated on getting his pants and tunic back on. When Chrysander returned, he joined Ellery under the blankets, only he didn’t bother with any clothing. His sexy dragon preferred sleeping in the nude, which Ellery thoroughly enjoyed. There were so many lovely parts of Chrysander, and all of them were easy access.
“I can actually see your thoughts. We just had sex. Keep it in your pants. We were talking politics, and I think you’re right. I want you to write up that bill and present it to the Council.”
The cloud of lust vanished from Ellery’s mind. “You want me to write it and present it to the Council?”
Chrysander chuckled as he tugged Ellery into his arms to cuddle. “Is there an echo in here? Yes.You. It’s not anything you can’t handle. You have Zane to help you prepare it. He’s got plenty of experience and can show you the ropes. You’ve been attending sessions for months now. You know how the routine works, and I’ll be right next to you, guiding you if needed. You can do it.”
Ellery knew it was time for him to start stepping up as Emperor. Since meeting Chrysander, he’d focused on studying history books and reading over as many bills as he could, but he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t afraid of venturing into new territory. All the other leaders were veterans and up until a few months ago, he’d lived in a shack without electricity or running water. “Okay, I can work on that.”
“Ell, I’m not suggesting we build a guillotine for you. This is the perfect way for you to start. It’s a straightforward bill, and I know you’ll have plenty of support. We’ll get Costas and Zane to call around and see if we can get cosponsors if you like, but I don’t think you’ll need them. Plenty of Council leaders get tired of bills like the ones Aloisa tries to push through. It takes up valuable time and resources to deal with them. As emperors we have no choice but to present every bill handed to our office as long as it’s filled out correctly.”
Ellery smoothed a hand over Chrysander’s pectoral muscles, then leaned his head against his chest. “It would be nice to know how some of the others feel about the bill. I think I would be less anxious if I knew it was one that people supported. Unlike our druid leader, I do not want to waste other people’s time.”
“Monday afternoon you can get Zane and Costas together to help you. I’m going to keep my nose out of it unless you specifically ask for my help. I want everyone in our office to know you’re perfectly capable of handling things on your own. I already know you are.”
“I appreciate your faith in me.”
“You need to have that same faith in yourself.”
“I am working on it.”
“I’m not disappointed in your progress, and I don’t feel you should be moving faster. I just think this is a perfect opportunity for you to assert yourself and grow some confidence in your ability to lead.”
“It is very important to me to be a good emperor.”
“Youarea good emperor. With time and experience, you’re going to be even better. Perhaps one more skillful than me. You have the advantage of being more than one race and having lived on the outside of the Council. You see things from a unique perspective, and I think that’s a good thing.”
“I will just be happy if I can be your equal in our jobs.”
Chrysander squeezed his arms a little tighter around Ellery. “You already are.”
“Chrys?”
“Yes?”
“I need you to know that I am in love with you.”
“Oh, thank goodness. I was wondering what the hell you were doing in bed with me. It all makes sense now.”
Ellery slid his hand down and cupped Chrysander’s cock. “I would probably be in bed with you even if I did not love you.”
Chrysander wrapped his fingers around Ellery’s wrist and dragged his arm upward. “At least now I understand why elves have to rush into their mating ceremonies. You think with your dicks.”
