Aleksander tried not to squirm; he could feel eyes boring into his skull as Ellery brought all the attention in the room to him. He didn’t know what the hell was going on, but he hoped Ellery got to the point soon. Perhaps it was that Ellery had revealed Aleksander’s parentage for the first time in public or because everyone knew the story of the cursed king—whatever it was causing the crowd to stir, Aleksander wanted no part of it.
“King Aleksander wasn’t removed from the court of his birth because of anything he did. He was banished because he stands here today six hundred and fifty years later as the world’s first and only bi-color dragon,” Chrysander added. “But that is not his only distinction. When Fate marked him as King, she also burned gilded rings onto his eyes. When I first met King Aleksander, I couldn’t understand its purpose. Gold is the color of emperors and yet here was a king with it.”
“One day long after Court D’Vaire was established, a sorcerer who would later discover he was the Grand Warlock appeared on King Aleksander’s doorstep. As a family, the D’Vaires have opened their sanctuary, and we have had the distinct pleasure of getting to know what kind of man King Aleksander truly is,” Ellery said.
The tips of Aleksander’s ears were burning, and he shifted next to Noirin, who patted his arm soothingly.If the emperors are trying to embarrass the shit out of me, it’s working, he thought.
“I assumed Fate gave him the gold because there is now more than one Council leader who calls Court D’Vaire home and answers to King Aleksander. Why would rulers of their own races answer to a dragon, you might ask? The answer is simple. King Aleksander is not only kind, noble, and generous—he puts others before him without thought of potential harm to himself,” Chrysander said. “It was my mate who finally understood King Aleksander wouldn’t bear gold in his eyes if he weren’t meant for more than a traditional court.”
“King Aleksander D’Vairedraconis, may I ask you to join us?” Ellery asked.
Closing his eyes for half a second, Aleksander ignored the voice in his head screaming,No, don’t go up there, and walked up to the dais where he was encouraged to stand between his emperors.
“Today, the Royal Court of Draconis will be adding a new distinction. We believe in Fate, and she has gifted Aleksander with a special role. In her service, we wish to honor this chosen role. From this day forward, he will rule over the High Court of D’Vaire,” Chrysander said.
“D’Vaire’s High Court will function as a branch of the Royal Court and its subjects will carry the distinction of not only silver embellishments but golden as well.” Ellery lifted a black box up, and under it was a gleaming crown that was a mix of both colors at the base. Above the thick twist was an exact replica of Aleksander’s unique dragon. He recognized the craftsmanship as Madeline’s and made a note to kill her later for not telling him about this afternoon.
“To rule over a court intimately connected to the Court of Draconis takes a special ruler with a title that sets him apart from the rest,” Chrysander said. Ellery handed the crown to Chrysander, who placed it on Aleksander’s head while he tried not to glare at Their Majesties for making him the center of attention. “From this day forward, you will be known as High King Aleksander D’Vairedraconis. Will you answer the call of Fate, Your Highness?”
“Yes, Your Majesties,” Aleksander replied, not that he had any real choice. He was insanely humbled by the honor they were giving him, but he desperately wanted to get lost in the crowd. Or better yet, go home and get out of his sweaty shirt.
“Your ring of rank, High King.” Ellery handed him a ring that bore the same D’Vaire emblem he was already wearing on his current one, but now the metals were a mix of gold and silver around it.
“Thank you, Your Majesties.” Aleksander slid his old one off, stuffed it into his pocket, and pushed the new one on all the while wishing for death or some other respite.
“Your Highness, if you would like to take a seat, we have a few more honors to take care of for your newly established High Court,” Ellery offered. The chair was slightly behind Their Majesties’ dukes, and Aleksander was grateful Ellery understood his desire to get out of the limelight. He thanked him quietly and purposely walked sedately to his seat even though his brain encouraged him to run.
“High King Aleksander has dukes who serve him faithfully, and it would be remiss of us not to distinguish them from their peers,” Chrysander said. “We waited centuries for our own royal dukes to accept separate titles and didn’t wish to see the same issue at High Court D’Vaire. Brogan, Dravyn, Macardle, and Worthington, will you join us?”
The men of his family went up to the dais and stood in front of Aleksander, blocking him from view. Aleksander considered jumping up and hugging them for their thoughtfulness but managed to refrain. He was glad that since Chrysander and Ellery had decided for some reason he needed a fancier title that these incredible dragons weren’t forgotten. They—like every D’Vaire—meant everything to Aleksander, and he relished their moment in the spotlight. Unlike Aleksander, they deserved all the adoration in the world.
“Brogan, I think it is safe to say no one has impacted your life more than the Grand Warlock,” Ellery said. Aleksander nearly snorted. His best friend was crazy about that little warlock, and it delighted Aleksander that he’d been able to watch their love grow and flourish. “Because there is nothing purer than the love of a mate, we chose the title Grand Duke for you. Do you wish to promise fealty to High King D’Vairedraconis?”
“Your Majesties, I would gladly give my life to defend and serve His Highness, High King D’Vairedraconis,” Brogan stated. From his position, Aleksander could only half see Brogan’s new crown as it was placed on his head. It was much the same as his old one, just with lots of gold added.
“Dravyn, I have yet to meet a dragon as talented as you are in the garden. Although it is your flowers that first caught my eye, I’ve spent enough time with your family to know that without your gift for growing, the D’Vaires might have very well starved. His Majesty tells me that the ancient elven word ‘drindyr’ was used to describe someone of your skill. For that reason, you will be hereby be known as Drindyr Duke. Do you wish to promise fealty to High King D’Vairedraconis?” Chrysander asked.
“Your Majesties, I would gladly give my life to defend and serve His Highness, High King D’Vairedraconis,” Dravyn answered softly, though he met his eyes directly. Once Dravyn might’ve mumbled to the floor, but he’d blossomed since Dra’Kaedan had altered the environment in their home, uniting the D’Vaires fully.
“Macardle, when you joined D’Vaire, you were given the sacred honor of protecting your mate, High Arcanist Idris the Indigo, and his best friend, High Arcanist Delaney the Dark. Outside of Court Draconis and High Court D’Vaire, there are no other dukes with the responsibility of guarding those who are a part of Council leadership. Therefore, we chose the title Dark Indigo Duke for you. Do you wish to promise fealty to High King D’Vairedraconis?” Ellery asked.
“Your Majesties, I would gladly give my life to defend and serve His Highness, High King D’Vairedraconis,” Mac replied with a grin so big, not even Aleksander could miss it from his vantage point. There was another man crazy about his other half, and it warmed Aleksander that Idris was so well-loved.
“Worthington, you’re not only High King Aleksander’s brother but since your arrival at D’Vaire, you’ve shown an aptitude for numbers. As a growing court your contribution cannot be understated, and every ruler would love to find someone with your knack for financial matters on their doorstep. Our choice for you is Duke Argent. Do you wish to promise fealty to High King D’Vairedraconis?” Chrysander asked.
“Your Majesties, I would gladly give my life to defend and serve His Highness, High King D’Vairedraconis,” Worth responded. While the people in the room who weren’t familiar with his brother might hear nothing unusual in his crisp British accent, Aleksander didn’t miss the snark in his tone. His sibling was a pain in the ass, but Aleksander had grown exceptionally close to the annoying man since his arrival at D’Vaire. He’d become a close friend, and Aleksander was now only half freaked out about how much they resembled each other.
“Congratulations to each member of the High Court of D’Vaire. We wish you much success in the future, and we look forward to working together to enrich the lives of all dragons,” Chrysander said, bringing the ceremony to a close. Aleksander stood and hugged his newly titled dukes, still in disbelief over the afternoon’s events. Perhaps in one or six centuries he would get over the wonder of the honor bestowed upon them.
Chapter 39
During the past week Ellery had been surrounded by joy. He’d successfully returned home to his job as Emperor and had been able to bestow a new bunch of titles to the D’Vaires that he loved so much. Now he had to focus on the rest of his to-do list and though they weren’t happy things, they were still necessary. He was on his way to handle the one that had loomed over him in the last year, not that he’d let it fester. Ellery was leaning against Chrysander when the limousine rolled to a stop in front of the Order of the Fallen Knights Headquarters.
Damian opened the door and stepped out, checking for threats even when visiting a building full of men and women sworn to protect. Chrysander followed him out and held out a hand to Ellery, which he took. Once on his feet, he smoothed a hand over his tunic to right it. Drystan and Conley were waiting for them just inside the door.
“This way,” Drystan directed, his face as hard as stone.
The entire Draconis family followed the Reverent Knights down a series of long hallways until Drystan slid his card through the lock on a door. He ushered them inside and once they were closed in the space, he motioned toward the water in case they wanted a drink.
