“When we speak of His Majesty, Emperor Ellery Draconis, it’s difficult to overcome the urge to whisper in reverence. From outside our Council of Sorcery and Shifters, he entered our lives, and his first task was one nobody before him had survived. It may seem like such a small thing—that moment when you unleash the dragon inside, but it takes fortitude and trust in yourself. His belief in his ability was what saved him. After that, his life should’ve been a learning curve of adapting to his new role. Instead, everything was ripped away from him. Patiently he sat out here and waited for the brilliant sorcerers who took on his case to heal him. When he was finally pulled from that dragon trap, there were no words of vengeance or even a hint of bitterness. His only concern was for his mate. He spoke of gratitude and set about tackling Council projects. Emperor Chrysander wasn’t wrong when he coined him a legend. Your Majesties, please raise your left palms.”
Though Chrysander was reluctant to release Ellery, he did as he was asked.
Damian stepped forward and, using the mating athame Madeline designed for them over a year ago, he sliced open a cut on Chrysander’s hand. When he was finished, he handed the dagger to Zane, who repeated the process on Ellery’s. Chrysander pressed his wound to Ellery’s, and they shared a tender smile.
“Draconis to Elf-Draconis. Emperor to Emperor. Their soulbinding is renewed and we celebrate the linking of their lives. May their hearts always stay united, so they may never want another. Dragons claim their mates with a bite that leaves no mark. Centuries ago, a draconic tradition began of exchanging rings. Their Majesties have already exchanged bands, but we wanted to afford them the opportunity to speak the vows which bind them,” Aleksander stated.
Chrysander cupped Ellery’s jaw with both hands and gazed into his stunning eyes. “Chosen by Fate and accepted by my heart as true, I accept you as my mate.”
Ellery wrapped his fingers around Chrysander’s forearms and leaned their heads together heedless of the flowery wreaths being crushed. “Chosen by Fate and accepted by my heart as true, I accept you as my mate.”
“By the tradition of the Draconis Court of D’Vaire, your bond is renewed. You have honored all of us by allowing us to bear witness to this ceremony,” Aleksander said.
Ellery raised his head and smiled. “Can we do mating marks?”
“Absolutely.”
Releasing Ellery, Chrysander tugged off his cloak which Damian took from him. Ellery did the same and Zane was there for the handoff. Costas approached him with the athame ready. He sliced Chrysander, then handed it off to Tiri who copied the action on Ellery.
After pressing his hand once again to Ellery’s, Chrysander spoke. “Elf-Draconis to Draconis. Emperor to Emperor. Our blood has spilled, and our spirits have bonded. We ask Fate to grant us a mark from left shoulder to elbow so the world may bear witness we belong only to each other.”
Chrysander ignored the burn on his arm as his dragon emerged on Ellery’s skin. Once it was fully formed, he glanced down to find a white dragon edged in gold sitting behind a magnificent facsimile of Ellery in full emperor regalia. They were handed their cloaks, which they tugged on. Later when they were alone, Chrysander would explore it more fully, but Ellery was not comfortable showing so much skin even within their extended family.
“On behalf of everyone here today, congratulations, Your Majesties,” Aleksander said.
Tugging Ellery into his arms, Chrysander rubbed his palms over his back. “Thank you for this gift. It’s a memory we’ll carry with us always, Your Highness.”
Before Chrysander could press his mouth to Ellery’s waiting lips, the Grand Warlock burst up from his seat.
“This is so beautiful, but wait until you see thecake!” Dra’Kaedan shouted while Renny let out a loud groan.
Ignoring the crazies, Chrysander kissed Ellery and promised himself they would celebrate this special day with not just Dra’Kaedan’s favorite treat but alone as well.
* * *
Ellery couldn’t get enough of the dragon on Chrysander’s arm, which delighted him. He’d tugged off his shirt once they got to their bedroom at his request, and Chrysander also got to enjoy the beast on Ellery since he’d shucked his tunic.
“Did you know anything about today?” Chrysander asked as he pulled an unprotesting Ellery onto the bed.
“No, I was so busy planning the ceremony for the D’Vaires in our throne room, I did not even consider asking you about renewing our matebond.”
“You don’t have to feel guilty or anything. It wasn’t on my radar either,” Chrysander assured him. He added a kiss for good measure.
Ellery rolled onto his back and pulled Chrysander down on top of him. “I want you.”
“You’re kneading my ass. I know that.”
“It would be more fun if you did not have pants on.”
“You have to let go first.”
Once Ellery released him, Chrysander got to his knees and undid his pants while his mate yanked his off in about three seconds. In a more leisurely fashion, Chrysander managed to get disrobed. Ellery grabbed him and tugged him back down. He spread his legs, cradling Chrysander’s hips between them; then Ellery drove his hands into his hair. Their mouths met as they undulated against each other.
Chrysander’s blood drained southward as his skin rubbed against Ellery’s. The hybrid’s hard cock was being dragged against Chrysander’s and he moaned into their kiss. There wasn’t going to be a long seduction or a slow ride to completion. Ellery’s hips were snapping up in increasingly frantic movements as Chrysander did his best to catch up.
Their energetic bodies dampened with sweat as they hurled ever faster toward climax. Chrysander was suddenly so hard, it was nearly painful as his dick glided against Ellery’s and the hybrid groaned deliciously against his lips. From out of nowhere, Chrysander’s fangs punched through his gums, and he could not deny his desire to stake his claim.
“Do it,” Ellery demanded in a whisper after tracing his tongue over each elongated tooth.
