When his gaze cleared enough that he knew his human body was in control, his father smiled. "Yes, I know you want to go protect him. Unfortunately, there is more."
Romilly waited as his father paused long enough that he could fully calm down. As he started to speak again, Romilly understood why his father had been patient.
"The wolf was captured and we were able to assess with the help of the Fae healer who took care of Archer where the magic came from. It was from the Sablemere faction. The one trying to take over in the Fae lands."
Romilly held still.
Silas continued on. "The faction is losing ground. They are desperate. Out of fear they are looking for other ways to take power. With the help of the Fae healer, Hadrian, and some intel from Soren's report, we were able to also find out that the reason the marked wolf was able to find Archer and hurt him on our land was because they had inside help."
Romilly took a deep breath in and on the exhale, he said, "Nicholas."
His father didn't have to nod to confirm it, though he did. Nicholas Harbour had been a thorn in both of their sides. He was more so that way with Romilly considering their age difference and his belief that Romilly wasn't fit to lead.
"So this is what it comes down to," Romilly said, voice grave. "He has already called to have my mating revoked. He brought aformal objection to my office earlier. I told him to meet us in two days with the Council. That is why I am here. I wanted proof that human and dragon pairings were safe."
His father released his neck and took a step back. "Yes, I had a feeling of that. I am glad we made it back in time because you're going to need the support with the Council. We are also going to need to remove Nicholas from his position of power. He cannot be left there. He put everyone in danger. This is more than the Fae versus wolves of old. This is a deliberate attempt to ensure you never had a mate. He wanted to make sure you never retrieved the power that is blessed upon you."
Romilly thought about the part of the mating he hadn’t told Archer where once they were fully bonded he would have even more power than before. It made sense that Nicholas would try to stop that. The older man would fight from every angle he could.
"He will not win," Romilly said. "I will not let him, and I shall never give up my mate."
Silas grinned. "Damn right. No Saint of mine is going to go without their person. Your mother and I have your back completely, as do your siblings, I'm sure. We will be a unified front."
"Good." Romilly smiled as best he could with the anger coursing through his body.
They stood there silently for another moment, their hearts beating, their breaths calm, their dragons subdued. Romilly knew his animal was preparing for battle. Whether it be a full-blown war or simply an argument, it didn't matter because what was on the line was greater than anything he could risk.
He would do all he could to protect it.
CHAPTER 19
Archer
Archer knew from the moment Romilly stepped into Eden's playroom that something was wrong.
His mate—which was still an odd thought for him to have—stood stiffly, his face a mask of his emotions. He wasn't frowning per se, but he definitely wasn't smiling the way he normally did when he saw Archer.
For a moment, Archer wondered what he'd done wrong.
Had he upset Romilly in some way?
Had he actually become too needy, like he feared, and Romilly was going to send him away now?
His entire body broke out in a sweat. He was seconds away from hives forming across his skin from the worry that tore through him when Romilly strode across the room and lifted him into his arms.
"It is okay, little one. I am not upset with you. I am sorry."
Archer sank against his mate. He cuddled closer, gripping tightly to Romilly's shirt. Hopefully the big man didn't have any plans that he needed to be presentable for later, because Archer was probably messing up his perfectly put-together outfit.
Romilly chuckled softly, as if he understood what Archer was thinking. Eden and Hadrian, who had been watching the entire time, walked over to the pair.
"Something's up," Eden said, voice serious.
Archer scrunched his nose. Eden being serious was weird.
Hadrian didn't seem as surprised. The look he gave Romilly said that he knew some of what Romilly was upset about. Eden looked between his two brothers and threw his hands up.
"Oh, good grief. What have I been left out of now? First Dad takes Hadrian with him and leaves me behind, and now suddenly everyone knows the secret."
