“I happen to agree with you. I’d like to see it work with someone close to us, so maybe Damian could just try and find his mate without feeling like he has something to prove because of his parents.”
“Let us hope Fate gives him the two right men to make it work or gifts him only one.”
Costas frowned. “I wonder if he met one, if he would mess that up because he kept insisting they had another mate out there somewhere.”
“I didn’t consider that.”
“Like our Ducblanc, he’s got a rock for a skull.”
“As do you.”
“So does a certain sprite I know.”
Tiri pursed his lips. “You only know one sprite.”
“He’s a pretty amazing guy. Fate was good to Zane. You make a beautiful couple.”
“Thank you, Costas. I feel very blessed.”
“Now if we could just get our Elf fixed, life would be good.”
“And you need a mate.”
“Yes. Yes, I do. I would like that very much.”
“There are D’Vaires who believe all it takes is letting her know,” Tiri said. “I’ll send a wish her way for you.”
“I do the same every night. I appreciate that. Maybe if it’s a chorus, she’ll get around to me sooner rather than later.”
“The only other wish I send to her is that she watches over the Sprite Grove. Chieftain Chesvarin is not a good man.”
“No, he’s not, and I wish we could do more to help your people.”
“So do I.” Tiri’s former people were still in the village, slowly accumulating a stockpile of weapons, though no one understood the purpose of their actions. The only consolation Tiri had was that their chieftain was no longer systematically murdering them. Each day Tiri was happy that he was lucky enough to get out before it was too late for him. When Zane had walked into their simple smattering of huts, Tiri had not realized just how many ways he’d been saved. But it was the love he gave Tiri each day that truly elevated his existence.
Chapter 31
Ellery smiled as he followed Chrysander into his tent. For several weeks, Sorcery D’Vaire had slowly increased his potion strength to allow him longer intervals out of his dragon. There were quite a few more he had to have fed into his veins to counteract the side effects. It was done about an hour or so before Chrysander returned from Council session, allowing Ellery to feel better so he could enjoy being with him. It was draining physically to be put through the hell of the mixtures, but Ellery would persevere.
The sorcerers worked hard each day to make it easier on him while still trying to extend his time in elven form. It was a harsh reality that there was no end in sight; for however long it took the magickind and shifters to accomplish a cure, he would have to suffer through his now-daily routine. Ellery didn’t complain; he couldn’t take back drinking that cup of coffee nor did he allow it to deter him from enjoying the beverage. He had enough of a breather outside his beast that he could eat his preferred diet with enormous helpings of Grigori’s protein powder, so he no longer had to consume meat. It was one more way he was seizing control.
Once they were both resting comfortably on pillows across from each other, Chrysander leaned forward to brush their lips together. It was these moments alone that Ellery cherished the most and the previous night, he’d even managed to fall asleep close to Chrysander, though he was awakened long before morning arrived.
“How are you feeling?” Chrysander asked.
“In control. My dragon is learning that he cannot always have his way.”
“If I could bottle your strength, the Council would be able to provide everything possible to every race and still have plenty left over for large projects.”
“One thing I have noticed is that my dragon is giving me his strength.”
“You’re more confident, but I think you would’ve been with time anyway. You were once afraid to present a single bill to the Council and looked to me before you offered your opinion.”
“Perhaps a saving grace of this entire thing is that I will be a better emperor.”
Chrysander swept a hand over his cheek. “I didn’t mean to imply you weren’t a good one.”
“I was a timid one.”
