Page 9 of The Prince and the Highwayman
Christopher tilted his head. “What does that matter?”
“Does Simon have rank or wealth?”
“No.”
“And he can’t exactly give Renn an heir, can he?”
“That doesn’t matter to Renn. The day they met, Renn told me Simon was his spirit mate. He went to Simon’s room that night to tell him. I have no idea what happened because they won’t tell me, but Renn refers to Simon as his mate all the time. That’s even what he calls him. Not his name. He calls himmate.”
“Then maybe they’re waiting for Renn to get this taken care of. How long has it been?”
“Three years.”
“Oh. That is a pretty long time.”
“Exactly. They don’t even write to each other. Renn asks about Simon in his letters, and Simon asks me for updates when those letters arrive. I’ve never seen them touch each other. It makes no sense.”
“I agree, based on what you’ve told me, but it’s their business. If the bond is truly there, they’ll figure it out. And you can’t have watched them every moment. Perhaps they’re good at being discreet.”
“Maybe. Simon changes the subject if I ask him anything.”
“You told me Simon was in love with Renn. Did he actually tell you that?”
“He’s never said the words, but it’s obvious when he asks about him. When they see each other. They may not rush across the room to kiss each other, but when they look at each other, you can just feel it.”
“Dragons hold their mates as sacred to a greater extent than any other shifters. One way or another, Renn will make his claim.”
“I’ve tried talking to Renn, but he just says his mate will take his place at his side when the time is right. He must mean they’ll take the mate vow.”
“Maybe. It’s up to them in the end.”
“I know. I do worry a little. Renn’s very focused on his plan to convince father to legitimize him. I don’t think he’d give Simon up to marry someone my father picked, but it’s in the back of my mind at times. I think it’s in the back of Simon’s as well.”
“Shifters are stubborn. I may not know Renn, but I’d bet he won’t give his mate up. Simon is the only one who could keep them apart.”
“I do wonder if Simon has doubts. If he thinks Renn would have a better chance if he was open to a match the king arranged, one that could produce heirs.”
“The situation isn’t exactly simple. That and the long-distance aspect could probably strain any relationship, no matter what stage it’s at. Some people will fear Renn because he’s a dragon, but I know quite a few people who will think it’s great because they see King Edward as too laid back and passive. If it’s any comfort, I don’t think people give much of a damn about the succession anymore. If they do, you have two older brothers. I’m sure they’ll marry and keep the family line going.”
“And there’s me.”
“Yes, but your true love can’t bear children either.”
Christopher looked away. “I’m happy you’re willing to change for me, but can’t we take it slow? Lust doesn’t always turn to love, even for mates. We don’t know each other.” He turned back to meet Dash’s gaze. “Those first few weeks were amazing, but we hardly talked at all. And since then we’ve only had a few conversations.”
“The one we just had is a great start. I love that you’re trusting me with this information. With your frustrations and worries. I want to help, even if I’m just nodding while you talk your feelings out.”
* * *
Christopher took a deep breath and realized he did feel much better. “You are a great listener. Telling you all that did make me feel better.” He shifted in his chair again. “I know some people think my family’s useless, and I don’t blame them for the most part. It’s one reason I try to get out there and talk to people. Try to help. My parents don’t like it, but they’ve never tried to stop me.”
“Are you close to your parents? You rarely talk about them. Do you have much of a relationship with your other brothers?”
“My mother can be loving at times, but I’m not close to my parents. They didn’t raise me—a nursemaid did. I thought she was my mother until I was five because I wasn’t trotted out for events the way Edgar and Jothen were. I have no relationship with Edgar and Jothen because they genuinely don’t like me.”
“I find that hard to believe, though I guess I’m prejudice. Maybe it’s because you’re the baby. Or because the people like you.”
“They’ve never liked me, but I’m fine with that. It forced me to make friends, and I’m glad I did. Edgar and Jothen spend too much time together with no one else but their own sycophants around. They have no idea how to relate to anyone who isn’t exactly like them.”
