Soren nodded. "Yes, for a human. For any being, really. Now that you have your answers, though, why not go find mybrother? I am sure he is probably restless without you by his side."
"But he's busy. He took yesterday off to spend with me. I can't go bother him."
Soren toed at Archer's foot gently. It was encouraging, almost like a hug or something from them. "My brother would never be bothered by you. He wants to see you all the time. Honestly, I would not be surprised if he set up a space in his office where you could be 24/7 just to keep you close."
Archer thought about how that might go. Him around his mate all the time, especially now that they had been intimate.
Soren scrunched their nose. "Oh, goodness. No. Do not think about him like that. Not while I am here."
Archer broke into a fit of laughter as Soren waved a hand in front of their face and made their way to the exit. "I cannot stand smelling this desire of yours, so I am leaving. Definitely go see him."
And with that, they were gone.
Archer sat for one more moment before standing and following the same path. He needed his mate, and from what Soren said, his mate needed him. All of the questions he had, all of the worry he felt was for naught.
Fate.
He had to trust Fate.
Taking a chance at listening to his gut again, Archer moved through the halls until he found the familiar door of Romilly's office. Then he knocked and pushed his way inside before anyone could answer. He found his mate bent over his desk, looking at documents, a frown on his face. There were empty cups and plates around him, as if he hadn't left even to eat.
Archer quietly moved into the room. At least he thought it was quiet, but the second the door closed, Romilly's eyes were on him.
"Mate," the man said, though really it might have been the dragon considering how his eyes quickly turned gold.
"I wanted to see you. I hope that's okay."
Romilly held a hand out. "It is always okay when you want to see me."
Archer moved to him, taking his mate's hand and allowing the other man to pull him close. The minute Romilly wrapped around Archer, the big man sighed. It felt like everything was going to be all right now. It made Archer happy to know that he could be that for someone, that he could provide what no one else seemed able to.
Calm.
They stood there for a long moment, just holding one another. Then Archer pulled back and pointed at Romilly's chest. "You have work to do and I," he looked around the space, "I'm gonna color or something. Okay, Daddy?"
The title slipped out more easily now after their full day together.
Romilly smiled wide and pressed a quick kiss to Archer's lips. "Okay, little one. I will do as you said and get to work. Have a seat."
And thus began a day where Romilly and Archer got to work side by side. Every time Romilly tensed up or appeared to be getting upset, Archer moved over to comfort him. He was like a soothing instrument for the king.
Everyone noticed the change. People's faces morphed from hesitancy and curiosity to downright amusement. Archer appreciated it because he wanted to give his best effort. He wanted to present his best appearance to everyone.
Anyone who might have doubted the benefit of the king taking a human mate would have held their tongue by the end of the day, because truly he was a much better leader with Archer by his side.
CHAPTER 18
Romilly
Having his mate with him every day was a blessing and a curse.
Romilly understood that he was lucky to be in a position of power where he could ensure Archer was always by his side if he so wanted it. His mate was adorable and didn't interfere in any of his business throughout the day. Archer would get lost in his coloring book, drawing and filling in the lines until he had a completed image ready to hand off to Romilly.
Many people had come by to see him, some with official business and others out of curiosity. They were a mix of contacts, but they all agreed that Romilly was much better with Archer there.
He didn't anger as quickly, and his decisions were more thorough… not that he had been a hotheaded king before. It was just simpler. He was more balanced, his dragon at ease.
One day Romilly was in his office, content and peaceful. The mate bond was strengthening, his dragon was quiet and resting, and business was solid.
