I squeezed his hand. “That wasn't all you did, Jucai. You treated them as equals. You apologized to them.”
“As you suggested.”
“No, that went beyond my suggestion. You were genuine and honest with them. You went among them and comforted them. That's what they responded to. That's why they're still here.”
“And why you're still here?”
I thought about it. Would I have stayed if Jucai hadn't shown his slaves respect and freed them? No, I wouldn't have. “Yes, I'm here because that's the man you are—a man who corrects his mistakes, respects people of every class, and takes pride in doing the right thing.”
Jucai stopped to turn to me and take both of my hands. “Nadar, don't you see? You made me that man.”
“No, Jucai. I only reminded you of who you are.”
“And without you, I would have forgotten forever. I'd be in the middle of a war with your kingdom. You didn't just save me; you also saved Ilshi.”
“You wouldn't have allowed war to happen. You would have gone to King Saric just as you did with me. I only helped move things along.”
“Great Gods! Will you argue with me over everything? If I say you saved Ilshi, then you saved Ilshi!”
I burst out laughing. “Yes, I will argue with you when I think you're wrong, I'll tell you the truth even when it's hurts, and I'll force you to make the hard decisions.” I pulled him into an embrace. “But I'll also concede when you're right, comfort you, and support you no matter what decision you make.”
Jucai grinned. “I think I can live with that.” He slipped out of my arms and took my hand. “No, come on. I've got a surprise for you.”
We entered the curving dining hall to find the loungers replaced by comfy seating arrangements and a buffet table holding beverages and appetizers. The sound of music and laughter trickled through the room and among the mingling people. And I recognized some of them.
Dragons—both Land and Sea—turned toward us and applauded. I gaped at men and women from my dread as Jucai led me through the hall, around the curve. Several of my friendscame up to congratulate me as we passed. I looked from them to my mate. Jucai grinned back at me.
“When did you have time to plan this?” I whispered.
“While you were sleeping one night, my senses returned briefly. I called for my steward and asked him to invite the Land Dragons for our mating celebration. They arrived yesterday.”
“Duke Nadar!” King Saric boomed as he came through the crowd. He wore royal garb, complete with his crown, his blond hair slicked back.
“We've kept the King waiting a day?” I hissed at Jucai before I bowed to my ex-king. “Your Majesty! I'm honored that you came to celebrate my mating.”
“You haven't mated just any man, Nadar.” King Saric clapped my shoulder as he inclined his head to Jucai. “Thank you for your generous invitation, Your Majesty. As you can see, I've brought many members of my dread with me. We were all very excited to see your kingdom.”
“I hope my steward has kept you entertained while we settled our bond.” Jucai shook King Saric's hand. “I tried to plan your arrival to coincide with the completion.”
“You were very close! And yes, we've already gone on a tour of your beautiful city. It's amazing, just amazing. I loved the crab races!”
“Thank you so much. I'm hoping my mate will be happy here even though it's far away from his beloved Zaru.”
“I love you more than Zaru now,” I said. Then I asked King Saric, “Speaking of which, who is looking after Zaru, Your Majesty?”
“My brother and his mate are ruling until I return. So many members of our dread are finding their mates.” His green gaze went wistful and slid to his longtime consort. They'd been together too long for them to be mates.
“Do you hope for a mate or dread finding them?” Jucai asked.
King Saric raised his eyebrows as he looked back at the Sea King. “I . . .”
“I dreaded it,” I spoke into the silence. “I didn't want to commit to anyone, much less an undersea king. But your life changes for the better the instant you meet them, Your Majesty. You may think you know what you want, but you don't. Not until you hold your mate in your arms.”
“The Gods know best,” King Saric whispered.
“Indeed,” Jucai said. “And their magic can overcome a lot. Just look at us—a bird and a fish in love.”
I chuckled. “And we found a way to live together.”
