Renny’s expression was mutinous as he crossed his arms and turned to stare across the room instead of looking at Rorie.
“Is this what I act like?” Dra’Kaedan asked his mother.
“Constantly,” she affirmed with a dramatic eye-roll while she maintained her grip on Renny.
“Ren, listen. This is naught but a dream. It would mean nothing to our souls,” Rorie said. His impulsive nature was screaming at him to stomp out in some dramatic fashion, but Renny was too important to allow his rashness to have any control. “Not only that, but the Fae have lost their respect for siramen v’airsell niolls. I would not have us take part in something so important for show. I want very much to have an eternity with you, but it must be done properly. You have spoken of the matebond ceremonies of D’Vaire, and this is what I want. I wish to stand in the memorial garden next to the fountain in front of Dra’Kaedan’s gazebo as we make our promises to one another. Perhaps someday when Drekkoril has rebalanced our realm, we might have a ceremony here to celebrate it with the Fae, but I will not have it until things are better.”
Renny faced him and hope sparked in his gaze. “Oh.”
“I would have our blood mixed as soon as we wake. I see no reason for any delay.”
Renny shoved his chair back and folded Rorie into his arms, making him smile. “I should’ve let you explain.”
“Do you still argue that you lack fire inside?”
“I guess not,” Renny whispered with a chuckle as he kissed Rorie’s earlobe. “I’m also a brat, apparently.”
“And you like if I am bossy in bed.”
“We can really talk about that in private.”
“Why?” Dra’Kaedan asked. “I’d love to hear all about it.”
“Behave yourself,” Saura admonished her son. “You should pay attention to the way they resolved their issue. He didn’t throw a conniption fit or set anyone on fire. They discussed it and got on the same page again.”
“Good for them.”
Renny laughed along with Rorie when his mother smacked Dra’Kaedan on the arm.
“Ouch,” Dra’Kaedan complained, rubbing the spot she’d slapped.
“Who did Dra’Kaedan set on fire?” Rorie asked while Renny laid a soothing palm on his back.
“Brogan,” Saura said, staring hard at her eldest child.
“You know, I should really go find him,” Dra’Kaedan rushed out. His chair screeched across the wood floor and he ran out of the room.
“I am surprised Bétea would allow such a thing. Our magic does not work on our v’airsell niolls, nor can I cast upon Drekkoril,” Rorie explained.
“He had to use a lot of power, and it barely did more than burn his jeans,” Saura answered. “And if I wasn’t dead at the time, I probably would’ve killed my son.”
“That reminds me,” Renny said. “How do you feel about resurrection?”
Rorie’s eyes widened. “You have someone you wish to raise from the ebirlloba?”
“Yeah, you.”
“I had no idea my life was in danger.”
With a kiss and smile, Renny pulled him into his arms. “It is each time you get on Orlami and lose your fear.”
“Shall we go upstairs so I might boss you around in our bed?”
“Absolutely.”
∞∞∞
“The treasury is near to empty,” Drekkoril stated, standing at the giant table with a frown. Renny had fond memories of the room, as it was where he’d found out that Rorie wished to bind their souls, but each afternoon they sat there discussing issues that were steadily growing worse. When they’d awakened that morning, few days had flowed, which Renny sincerely hoped meant they were approaching the end and would get the answers they needed. It was no longer just Rorie’s quest to learn how they lost their memories and wound up on Renny’s realm—the D’Vaire family was invested too.
