Page 23 of No Ordinary Drakeling
“Okay, I’ll start brainstorming. I can’t wait to see your dragon, Ellery. This is going to amazing, I promise.”
“You have already given me a great deal of confidence.”
“Then I’m doing my job. Now, I want you to take the next day and just keep reaching out to your dragon. Assure him you’re happy he’s there and that you can’t wait to see him. Tomorrow we’ll video chat, and I’ll start working on some breathing exercises with you. They’ll help center you, and hopefully you’ll connect further with your beast. Sound good?”
“Yes.”
“And don’t forget to jot down any ideas you have about a safe way to keep you on the ground.”
“I will not forget.”
“It’s been an absolute pleasure speaking with you, Your Majesty. Take care, we’ll talk soon.”
To say it was strange to be addressed that way was a titanic understatement. “I think I prefer Ellery to Your Majesty. Take care.”
Ellery pulled the phone from his ear and had no clue how to end his call, but it appeared Jeremiah did it for him. He liked the friendly drakeling and looked forward to seeing him the following day. Sending a wave of reassurance toward his beast, Ellery grabbed his book and returned to his reading. He and his dragon both needed to be prepared for what was to come.
* * *
“This is incorrect,” Chrysander said as he handed the draft of the press release to Wesley.
The dragon frowned at the sheet as he took it from him. “What’s wrong with it?”
“You gave the wrong title to Ellery. He’s not Emperor-mate, he’s an Emperor. We’re going to follow Drystan and Conley’s example of being equal partners.”
“I don’t want to be argumentative, but do you feel that’s wise?” Wesley asked. “I’m not sure how our community of dragons is going to feel about a hybrid being given a title equal to yours.”
Chrysander’s jaw clenched in irritation. “I would suggest to anyone with a problem with Ellery that they take it up with Fate. She put us together, and I won’t have him being treated any different because he happens to be half elven.”
“I’ll correct it.”
“Thank you. Did you arrange for his crown and ring of rank to be made? I want him to start attending Council sessions on Monday.”
“Yes, I found someone who can replicate yours. They’ll be ready tomorrow.”
“I can’t believe Madeline wanted to just replicate mine.”
“Madeline?”
“Madeline D’Vairedraconis. I’m assuming that’s who you tapped to handle it.”
“Not at all. I picked someone in Vegas. He’s going to need to speak with you directly to design a mating band and athame.”
Chrysander lifted a brow. “Then he’s doomed to disappointment. I’ll speak with Madeline.”
“If that’s your wish.”
“Did you put our mating ceremony on the calendar?”
“I still think it’s unwise to schedule it before Ellery’s first shift.”
“Wesley, put it on the calendar,” Chrysander stated in a tone that brooked no argument. There were enough issues with his new matebond, and he wasn’t willing to wait one more second than they had to.
With an aggrieved sigh, Wesley nodded. “I think six weeks from Saturday will work. I’ve tentatively asked two different hotels to save the date for us. I’m waiting for quotes to pick between the two.”
Although six weeks sounded like an eternity, Chrysander reminded himself that it would go by quickly for them both. While Fate had diligently paired them, being in their position meant they did not have the luxury of moving forward at the pace of their choosing. And it would give Ellery the opportunity to learn more of the world he’d found himself in and hopefully get to know Chrysander himself as they chiseled out some time together. “I appreciate it. Is there anything else we need to go over?”
“I’ve received several complaints this afternoon about the bills on the schedule for tomorrow. They want at least one of them postponed as they don’t have the time to read through them before they must vote. I assured them it’s essential to our progress that we move quickly on everything. You should already have your notes for all of them.”
