Idris’s brow crinkled as he realized he had no idea where his potion bottle was. “Aleksander, it was in this room. What did you do with it?”
King D’Vaire walked over to a bookcase and lifted a box Idris hadn’t noticed. It was indigo like his own magic and decorated in dragons with bolts of lightning. He handed it to Idris, who slid it toward Renny. Aleksander lifted two clear glasses that had been hidden behind the small case that were rimmed in bluish-purple. He gave them to Renny along with the pitcher he’d set down on the table.
While Renny prepared the cups for the two dukes who had no idea how their lives were about to change, Aleksander took a seat.
“Idris, would you care to explain to the Draconises why they are here?” Aleksander invited.
“Of course. Chrys, you named our group, but we never explained the origins of Sorcery D’Vaire to you. It started by accident. Del and I were preparing the projects we needed to ascend to High Arcanist. We had a great deal of help, including many of the people in this room. We needed magical projects, and Chand opened his private library for our use. In it were many tomes which once belonged to the Coven of Warlocks. Hidden in a box was a scroll for a potion. I was entranced when I read it and decided it would be the basis for my final assignment. It was evident from the start that I wouldn’t be able to do it alone.”
“I’m trying to remember if I know what your project was,” Chrysander interjected. “My mind’s blank.”
Idris smiled. “You won’t find the completed project anywhere in the Spectra Wizardry. When we embarked on this, we knew due to the nature of it and the amount of work required to bring it to life, it would need to be a secret. When I turned in my assignment, I made it appear as if I were dealing only in hypotheticals and that it’d be impossible to replicate. But I was determined to make it a reality, as was everyone who hopped on board to create it. The potion is called Immortalis and is what formed Sorcery D’Vaire. It’s also something that must go no further than this room as we have a limited supply that is difficult to reproduce. Immortalis gives the drinker an infinite lifespan, barring any major injury to vital organs which cannot be healed. Only a person who we feel will guard its secret and will be receptive to its effects is voted to drink it.”
“What the fuck am I hearing right now?” Chrysander blurted out. “Sorry, Tiri. But immortality.How?Shit, is there anything you people can’t do? I thought giving two dead men dragons, resurrecting a new race, saving someone from certain death, and treating Ell was incredible enough. I feel like I’m dreaming or something.”
“Today, Imperial Duke Damian Draconis and Royal Duke Costas Draconis were unanimously approved to gain immortality,” Idris stated.
Renny stood and set a cup in front of the two dukes. The water was now indigo as it had been mixed with their unique potion.
Damian leaned back in his chair and laughed loudly.
Chrysander hit his arm. “Not kidding. You two drink it or I’m going to hurt you both. Maybe fire you. Slap you around. Something.”
“Chand, our plan was to have you resurrect us after we died,” Damian announced with a snicker. “We had to be sure Their Majesties were taken care of, and poor Zane can’t be everywhere at once.”
Chander shrugged. “Well, I probably wouldn’t have said no.”
Before Idris could warn Damian about the side effects, he lifted the glass and downed it. “Shit, that’s terrible,” he blurted after he finished it.
“I was going to tell you it has an aftertaste,” Idris complained.
Costas gulped down his cup while Damian squirmed next to him.
“Feel like you’re going to piss yourself?” Aleksander asked devilishly.
Damian’s dark eyes were troubled. “I guess that’s normal?”
“It’s okay, Aleksander was almost Mister Piss Pants too,” Dra’Kaedan threw in.
“Can we drink something else?” Costas asked. “I feel like something died in my mouth.”
Renny chuckled as he poured water into their glasses, so they could cleanse out the taste of the Immortalis.
Chrysander whipped his head toward Aleksander. “Your whole fucking family is immortal, isn’t it?”
“And now, so is yours.”
“It is a gift we cannot hope to repay,” Ellery responded.
“Live well, that’s all we ask,” Idris said. “I didn’t want to wait to see if your mates were going to be elves, sprites, or strong sorcerers. I wanted your family to be able to relax and be assured you’ll always be together.”
Tiri clasped his hands together. “You guys are so wonderful.”
“You honestly do have my eternal gratitude, but I did have a question,” Chrysander said. He glanced at Aleksander. “How are you going to explain escaping death when dragons older than you die?”
“I was going to use the whole ‘I’ll figure that out when it’s a problem’ tactic,” Aleksander replied with a shrug.
“At least now I know why you’re so content over here in this big house. Who’s going to tell an immortal dragon what to do with his life or choices?” Chrysander asked.
