Page 149 of Heart of the High King
“I figured since you already used Latin for Mortis, I should follow suit. He’s likely going to be black and blue like him too, so those are the colors of night.”
“I like it,” Rafe told him, standing after tying his laces. “I also like how excited you are about having a wolf.”
Aleksander took his hand, and they left their room to head back outside. “I can’t wait.”
“I’m not looking forward to you sleeping for three days.”
“Come talk to me while I’m out in case I can hear you, and I’m telling you there’s no way I’ll be out that long.”
“Right,” Rafe replied. They ventured outside to the glorious smell of the charcoal briquettes Dravyn and King Aeron Beradraconis, Drystan’s father, whose court shared a boundary with D’Vaire, had lit. Brogan handed him a beer, and Aleksander tugged him onto his lap once he sat on a chaise. Although he liked being close to Aleksander, he despaired that it might annoy the other D’Vaires that his mate insisted on showing affection in front of them. They hadn’t been given much time to find a way to forgive Rafe for his departure, and he hoped him assuming the title of High King wasn’t an insult to them.
“Shhh, have a cupcake,” Dra’Kaedan said, surreptitiously slipping a treat decorated with a D’Vaire lily into Rafe’s hand.
“Thanks.”
“Should you two be eating those before dinner?” Brogan boomed out when he arrived on the deck.
“So much for secrecy,” Dra’Kaedan muttered, then took a huge bite.
“Eat it,” Aleksander whispered against his ear. “Ignore the ogre. Brynn made them, so it’s going to be delicious.”
Skeleton Lord Brynnius Daray had arrived with containers full of treats, as Rafe had learned the man loved to bake. Rafe did as he was told and was glad, because Aleksander was correct—it was delectable.
“Mew Mreow.”
“Yes, Mortis is a very nice wolf, but you’re annoying him,” Severin told his cat.
“What happened?” Rafe asked, looking for Mortis and finding him nowhere.
“I’m sorry, Emrys thought Mortis was playing with him and pounced on his tail,” Severin offered.
The door was thrust open, and Noirin gave Mortis a little push. “Go on and see Rafe. Kendrick almost fell over you, and I think he might be a little frightened of you for some reason.”
“Noir goddess mad,” Mortis whined.
Since Noirin had already disappeared back into the house, Rafe gestured at Mortis to come to him. “I’m sure she’s not. Emrys thought you were playing.”
“Scare Mortis. Jumped into table.”
“He’s right there, why don’t you go make peace with him?”
“Rafe mean.”
Emrys was stealthily approaching Mortis while he spoke with Rafe, and the cat licked the side of Mortis’s fur.
“See, he’s not trying to hurt you,” Rafe told his wolf, who was sniffing Emrys. “He likes you and wants to be your friend.”
“He’s a very nice cat. He does like you, Mortis,” Severin added.
When Myrddin swooped off Vadimas’s shoulder to land on Mortis, the wolf lay down, allowing the little dragon to use him as a bed. Emrys took advantage of the opportunity and curled up with his friend.
“Cat okay.”
“I told you Emrys was cool.”
“Hope mate like him.”
“I’m sure your mate will like everyone.”
