Page 97 of Scales ’N’ Spells: Volume Two

“Keeping late hours, young dragon?” Alric inquired in a light, teasing voice.

Ravi blinked, stunned to find the king standing outside his office, looking like he was waiting for him. He quickly glanced down at his watch, confirming that he was not late to meet with Alric. It was usually the king who was distracted and slow getting to his office for meetings. Ravi was the one who had to hunt Alric down and get him back on schedule.

“Mates have a way of throwing a dragon’s schedule off.”

The mention of mates had a smile blossoming on Ravi’s face. Sora was most definitely his mate. They’d stayed up late talking about mates and how quickly they could get Sora’s things moved into Ravi’s room. They’d brainstormed ways Sora could utilize all his knowledge and experience at Burkhard, and how best to go about teaching the other mages.

They’d officially been mates for three days, though there really had been no need to tell anyone since everyone had seemed to guess almost from the beginning. However, he and Sora had enjoyed a private dinner with Sora’s parents last night, which had been something of a mixed bag.

Yuki was clearly not happy that her son would not be returning home, but it was something he was determined to work on. He wanted her to know that her son would always be safe at Burkhard. Ravi and the other Burkhard dragons would protect him.

“Yep, there’s that look.” Alric turned and started down the hallway. Ravi fell into step with him.

“What look?”

“The same look Baldewin and Warin get when anyone mentions the word mate. I’ve been told I have it, too, whenever Cameron is in the room.”

“What? A look of transcendental bliss?”

Alric snorted. “Yes, something like that.”

“Well, I didn’t sleep much last night, but it wasn’t entirely Sora’s fault.”

A lot of it had been Ravi’s fault because he simply couldn’t get enough of his mage, but Alric didn’t need to know that. And from the side eye he was currently getting from the king, it was pretty clear Alric suspected the truth.

“We had dinner with Sora’s parents last night and told them that Sora is staying at Burkhard. Officially joining the clan.”

“And…?”

Ravi rolled his eyes. “We haven’t actually talked about the official bonding ceremony. We’re still figuring out how to get all of Sora’s stuff to Burkhard, as well as all the spellbooks. And how he’s going to start sharing everything he knows so we can keep passing down that knowledge to future generations. So many logistics.”

“There always are, it seems,” Alric said with a wry smile. The king would know since he’d moved Cameron, Cassie, and their grandmother from the United States to Germany. Something that hadn’t happened nearly fast enough, according to Alric.

“But when Sora stepped out of the room to get dessert, I did tell his parents that I’m trying to come up with a super romantic way to propose. His parents are planning to stay in Burkhard until we’re bonded.”

“Their reaction to all this news?” Something cautious entered Alric’s voice, and Ravi warmed. His king was getting preemptively defensive over him, ready to breathe fire at the Abe mages until they accepted Ravi. It was too sweet.

“Excited and sad. They’re excited that Sora and I are together. Sora’s mom was starting to worry he’d never find his dragon. Yuki seems to be struggling with the idea of Sora moving to Burkhard. She’s worried about his safety, particularly with the Jaeggi problem.”

“Would you like me to speak with her?”

Ravi was touched by the offer, but he shook his head. “No, I don’t think it would help. Until the Jaeggi are taken care of, she’s going to worry. But Sora will be safe in the castle, I don’t doubt it. Of course, my soon-to-be in-laws will be visiting often.”

“They will always be welcome here. Just like Sora is welcome here. And you’re welcome to go visit Sora’s family, as well.” Alric wrapped his left arm around Ravi’s shoulders and squeezed. “Cam and I are so happy for you.”

“Thanks. I—whoa!”

Ravi darted away from Alric, staring at his left arm. His injured arm. Alric had just used it. Hugged him.

“Your arm!” He shouldn’t be staring like a snake had just grown out of Alric’s shoulder, but he couldn’t stop himself. “Wow! I’ve seen your daily improvements, but that was the first time I felt some strength in it.”

“Sora has helped a lot.”

“Have you scheduled the first surgery yet?”

Alric’s smile dimmed, and he shook his head. “Not yet. With all the kings at Burkhard and the Jaeggi issues, I can’t afford to be laid up for a week. Not right now.”

Ravi snorted. “It sounds like now is the perfect time to get it done. You’ve got lots of help to cover things while you’re recovering.”