Page 6 of The White Dragon's Dilemma

“I tend to think they weren’t given more information than they needed to know.They’re true believers so they wouldn’t have asked any questions either.”Valerius frowned, his plush lips flattening.

“What will the other Dragons say about this?”Caden asked.

“We will find out.Tonight.”Valerius leaned in and kissed Caden again.

Caden could still feel that kiss as he watched the sunset. He wrapped his arms around himself and leaned on the plaza’s balcony, looking over Reach. It wasn’t cold exactly but he felt cozy and Valerius’ scent was still all around him, which made him feel safe and loved.He thought briefly on all of the other relationships he’d had in the past.Nothing came close to this one.Even as the world was crazy, he felt so sure and steady with Valerius.

He half turned his head as he heard Valerius’ voice as he spoke to Chione in the throne room, filling her in on all that had occurred. He was just telling her that he would address the dragons at dinner after Queen Jahara’s arrival.

“King Anwar will not appreciate that,” Chione warned. “Perhaps we should wait for his arrival tomorrow?”

“He should fly faster if he does not wish to be left out!”The scowl was deeply evidently in Valerius’ voice.

Chione sighed.“You do not mean that--”

“Perhaps he should have taken aplaneand then he would have been here--”

“You are just worried he’s going to judge your decor again.”Caden could hear Chione’s indulgent smile.

“He said it looked likeruin chiclast time.I think he only meant theruinpart.”The scowling tone was more intense.

Caden couldn’t help grinning, but the grin quickly died.He tightened his hold on himself.

What are we going to do, Iolaire? How can you face an enemy that could be anyone?

His Spirit cooed its own concern.

Maybe we should wait for King Anwar.Maybe he’ll have some ideas that aren’t about High Reach.

The White Dragon Spirit appeared to be smiling.It loved High Reach because the entire castle felt and smelled like Raziel. Even with the other Dragons here, Valerius and Raziel reigned supreme in Iolaire’s eyes.

Yeah, I agree.

Caden heard the crunch of footsteps on the stone steps that led down from the plaza to the lower level of the castle. Illarion’s head appeared and then the rest of the well-dressed Green Dragon King followed after.Caden grimaced.This was the last thing he needed! He thought about making a quick retreat into the throne room, but then held his ground.He had wanted to see the sunset.He wasn’t going to let Illarion chase him away.

The Green Dragon King obviously knew he was there but he sauntered over to Caden, hands in the pockets of his well-tailored suit, and eyes on the horizon, as if he didn’t.He stopped a foot away and leaned on the railing without saying anything.Caden clenched his jaw harder.

“What?!”Caden snapped finally.

Illarion turned his handsome head to look at Caden, eyebrows rising as if surprised by Caden’s snappishness.“Do you have some reason to be angry with me?”

Caden’s mouth opened and shut.“Are you serious?”

Illarion leaned his hip against the railing.“Yes, of course. Why would I not be?”

“You--you came here flying and all rude and attacked Valerius and--”

“That was to get Valerius’ goat, not yours,” Illarion said with a wave.“I came here to--”

“Claim me as yourmate?”Caden’s lifted eyebrows and words had Illarion nodding and looking slightly sheepish.

“Yes, well… that may have beenpremature.”

“Premature?!”Caden hadn’t thought his eyebrows could go higher.“You didn’t even wait to meet me before you proclaimed I was yours!As ifthatwas ever going to happen.Not.”Caden shook his head.“You didn’t even know if you liked me--”

“I do like you. You’re fiery!”Illarion laughed then seeing the growing scowl on Caden’s face, he held up his hands as if in surrender.“I mean… you speak your mind.”

“I’m surprised you like that considering what you do to your people,” Caden retorted.

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