Ellery leaned forward to kiss Chrysander as his mind worked. He could only think of one word, but he wasn’t sure what his mate would think of it. “In ancient elven, to explain a person who loved to work the earth we useddrindyr. In my tribe, it was what we called druids even though it is not correct, since they are magickind and the word does not encompass the sorcery involved.”
“He’s a druid in all but magic. I love it.”
“Drindyr Duke it is. What about Worth?”
“Well, he’s in charge of finances and Aleksander’s brother. Got an Elvish word that works for that?”
“Not really.”
“Okay, what about Duke Argent?”
“I like it. Do you know what else I would like?” Ellery asked as he scooted closer to Chrysander and wrapped an arm around him.
“I already know. I can see it in your eyes.”
Ellery had nothing else to add, but he wouldn’t have the chance to utter a peep. Chrysander captured his mouth and seconds later, Ellery was flat on his back under an aroused dragon. It was exactly what Ellery wanted and there was nowhere else he’d rather be than with Chrysander, igniting the passion that always simmered just below their skin for one another.
Chapter 34
Ellery kissed Chrysander once he got to his feet. “Are you sure you will not attend the meeting?”
“I think it’d go better with you alone. Besides, you’re the one who arranged everything. I don’t think it’s fair to come barging in at the ninth hour.”
“I am grateful Aleksander allowed me to bring more strangers into his home, and I would not mind if you joined us.”
“I’m not an elf. You are. You don’t need me.”
“I need you for everything.”
“I love you too, Ell. Now go to your meeting before you’re late.”
Leaning down to where his other half was still seated, Ellery couldn’t resist brushing his lips against Chrysander’s. He got a smile from his mate; then Ellery wandered into the house. He found Zane and Tiri waiting for him in the kitchen.
“Are they here yet?” Ellery asked.
“Dra’Kaedan just left to get them. He’s going to teleport back into the Duke’s Den.”
“The D’Vaire elves are already in there?”
“Yep.”
“Then let’s go.” Ellery straightened the remarkable tunic Tiri made for him and smiled at the sprite who sewed it.
“Aren’t you going to put on your crown and cloak?” Tiri asked as he fell into step beside Ellery as they walked toward the Duke’s Den with Zane in front of them.
“I thought it would be better if I was dressed more casually. Cloaks and crowns are not traditionally elven. I do not wish to seem self-important.”
“I didn’t think of that. I’m glad I listened when Zane told me to leave my stuff in our room.”
It was a short stroll to the Duke’s Den and when they arrived, Zane swung the door open. Inside was a collection of eight elves from six different tribes. Four of them were D’Vaires and Ellery considered them family, along with Chieftain Kalthekor Valzadari who visited often with his young son. The other three were not only unknown to Ellery, they didn’t belong to the Council of Sorcery and Shifters.
“Your Majesty, let us know if you need anything,” Dra’Kaedan said as he patted Ellery’s arm on his way out of the space with his tall dragon mate on his heels.
“Thank you, Grand Warlock, for your assistance today.”
“Of course, Your Majesty, I’m always happy to help.”
Once Dra’Kaedan and Brogan shut the door behind them, Kalthekor got Ellery’s attention. “Your Majesty, allow me to present the chieftains of the three tribes that work tirelessly to make the Valzadari Beading Company a success.”
