Thoseservantswere his children.
Teige leaned forward, fingers tented. His voice, rough and firm, formed words Viraj didn’t know he needed to hear. “If I had fathered a Hijada, I’d give them one, too.”
“They’re not even dragons!” Ashwin laughed.
“I understand it can be difficult to afford to build that many hoards, and cuts must be made, sacrifices, and such.” Teige leaned back, his tone icy. “But I treasure my mates. I treasure Viraj. And to say there are children he will bear that do notdeserve financial independence and the chance to shine and show what mine and his blood can be—that is sacrilege. Any child my mate produces will be perfect and worthy. And we can afford a silver hoard or three extra.”
Ashwin’s face twisted, anger boiling under thin skin. “One supposes if you must advertise your wealth.”
The attendants at his side lowered their heads and kept their hands laced before them. Utter shame emanated from them. Viraj didn’t stare at them, though. His attention couldn’t stray, couldn’t let Ashwin know his feelings. But then again, Ashwin paid him no mind, as if the sudden change of his gender made him less worthy.
“One would suppose, Father, that if I were to aid you in obtaining your flowers, you would consider it a dowry—not of obligation but as a gift?” Viraj cast a sidelong gaze toward Sile who gave him an approving nod.
That had his attention, but he didn’t speak to Viraj, merely directed his attention to Gatlin. Ashwin cleared his throat. “If you were to aid me in obtaining my flower, I would consider it a wonderfulgift. I would have no further ill feelings in the lack of communication and the lies I was fed.”
“Who has lied to you?” Teige took his attention, brow furrowed. “It was reported accurately that Ryan had birthed pups, that his ownership had changed from Jean Dior to the Dior consulate’s authority.”
“It was not told to me he was mated. I never received report that Viraj was defective.” Ashwin snorted. “And I have to hear he is not only a Dette but bearing pups through a registry!”
“It’s not like I have a phone number or an email I can just update you with. ‘Hello, Father. By the way, I am a Dette and going in to heat, thanks, bye. Send. Update. It was successful, I have nine fertile eggs!’” Viraj muttered, staring daggers at his father.
Ashwin didn’t respond.
“I will visit the Dior consulate and seeRama. I will see these flowers you claim to be my life blossoms.” Ashwin huffed.
“Now, there’s a matter ofourtraditional gift.” Gatlin lounged back and gave that grin that made Viraj want to touch him.
Ashwin’s eye twitched. “And that would be?”
“We’re about to welcome nine pups. We could use some help, and new attendants wouldn’t go amiss.” Gatlin stared at his nails and picked at the skin on one performatively.
Ashwin sighed. “Fine. It’ll save me on return fare, I suppose. Mahava, Karam—”
The two attendants stood tall, heads up, eyes wide with flickering unease.
“Following my departure, you will reside with Viraj. Be sure to send reports back occasionally.” Ashwin gave a grin that suggested he’d have their loyalty for all time. Hijada were mercilessly conditioned. “Now, let us retire to your estate. I’m assuming you have rooms available for my servants and I that can accommodate?”
Viraj did not want that, but Teige smiled and extended a hand, giving Ashwin a firm shake. “Anything for my lovely mate’s father. Treat our home as your own.”
“Wonderful.” Ashwin stood. “Need I hire a driver, or can we travel with you?”
“There’s room for you and your servants in our limousine,” Gatlin supplied helpfully.
Viraj was certain of one thing.
He wouldn’t get a lick of sleep for the rest of his stay.
Chapter Seventeen
Teige
Viraj hid from his father in their lackluster nest, curled among blankets and pillows that had the faintest scent of must and an underlying scent of themselves, their comfort. It hadn’t been that long since they’d last been there, after all.
As for Ashwin? He treated the estate as if he owned it, despite the fact the environs and house had been independently purchased and owned in tandem by Gatlin and Teige. The property was a safehold specifically from Ashwin butting his nose in.
Viraj rose that morning and shuffled off to get dressed and showered while Teige ascended to the rest of the estate to find Ashwin lounging in full dress attire in their solar, a cigarette in one hand, book in the other.
“Good morning, Lord Ashwin.” Teige settled in and found one of the many decorative wicker chairs to settle into. Ashwin had taken the main one, a love seat made for three, to lounge comfortably and spread out in such a way to claim the space as his own.
