Page 167 of Heart of the High King
Since people were mostly seated or heading out, Rafe did what had become his habit in the last few weeks without Aleksander and chose an empty table. Not wanting to impose on the D’Vaires, or make them angrier at him, it was the best idea he could come up with when they had to be together. As ever, his breakfast was incredible, and Rafe focused only on the delicious taste of each bite.
When he was finally done, the room was nearly empty. There were voices filtering in from outside as they worked on preparing the backyard, and the wolves had taken off somewhere as well. Unfortunately for Rafe, the only person who was still around was Kendrick. Rafe wasn’t going to be intimidated by his glare, so he walked his dishes over and set them on the rack before shutting the appliance.
“Everyone’s talking about your skills with weapons,” Kendrick said.
“I didn’t force them to start training.”
“No, but it certainly gave you the perfect opportunity to show off, just like you and your brothers did at Kestle.”
Rafe had spent countless hours with weapons because he had no choice, but that was none of anyone’s business, so he chose to say nothing.
“You’ve certainly got them all fooled. I swear they think you’re made of glass. No one wants to upset poor Rafferty with the sleeping mate. It sure doesn’t keep you from going through more money. You had to have a decent throne room, didn’t you? Fits right into your need to flaunt your new title. Aleksander certainly never bothered with it, but it’s not good enough for Rafferty.”
Kendrick’s words were trying to poke holes in Rafe’s confidence, so he went straight to the back door and walked out. The wolves were lounging on the deck watching as D’Vaires hung swags of dragonskin and lengths of glittery beads everywhere they could.
“Rafe upset?”
“I’m fine,” Rafe said with almost enough muster to fool himself. “Are you guys supposed to be out here while they’re decorating for your ceremony?”
“Like watching.”
“Can I help?” Alaric said, opening the door behind Rafe. Chander and the rest of the Darays followed him.
“I didn’t know you were coming over.”
“Gavrael called me. We wouldn’t miss it.”
“Sorry, I should’ve thought about it myself,” Rafe said. “Who else should be invited?”
“Call Drystan or he’ll pout,” Chander advised.
Rafe did as he was told and before long, he was standing in the spot Dra’Kaedan had stood, uniting him with Aleksander as an extended number of D’Vaires sat awaiting him to start.
“Thanks, everybody, for dropping everything to be here for this impromptu celebration of a matebond. There’s nothing greater in our lives than the gift of Fate and the promise of a loving future,” Rafe said, smoothing his hands on the dress pants Dra’Kaedan had insisted he change into. “I would not be alive if Arch Lich Chander Daray hadn’t resurrected Mortis at the suggestion of Lich Sentinel Alaric Daray. In the middle of nowhere, in a place that no wolves should exist, I ran into one and he led me to rescue. He gave his life so I might survive, and I’m so grateful that he was given a second chance. From the moment Mortis was resurrected, he watched over me. I never worry about safety because Mortis takes his duty to protect me with the utmost dedication. An intelligent wolf, I enjoy speaking with him each day. Once I was reunited with High King Aleksander D’Vairedraconis, Mortis’s thoughts went to his mate.
“Sander was immediately on board to tie his soul to another to give Mortis a chance at happiness. When I first saw Nox, I was shocked at his size, though I ask myself why considering Sander’s dragon could flatten our mansion. Like Mortis, he is devoted to not just Sander, but by extension, to me as well. As for the two of them, I do not wonder at their happiness. They are always together, delighted to be companions and friends. Love has flourished, and they have sealed their bond, proving that Fate has selected well yet again. May the fondness in their hearts grow as they walk through eternity together.
“We will use the customs of D’Vaire to unite this pair, including the beautiful elven wreaths designed by Killian the Dwyer and Drindyr Duke Dravyn D’Vairedraconis, placed by Reverent Knights Drystan and Conley Gylde-Kempe.”
The wolves lifted their heads high as the circlets of D’Vaire lilies, reminiscent of the ones Rafe had worn just weeks ago, were placed on their heads. Madeline had promised to make them a case to display them in their room.
“D’Vaire has adopted many practices as they’ve thrived not by sticking to a single race but by including the traditions of the entire diverse family. The attachment of collars belongs to the Vampyr Clutch and Vampyr Lord Grigori Volkov-D’Vaire and High Arcanist Delaney the Dark were the first in the family to wear them. They will now assist in placing them for Nox and Mortis.”
Grigori and Delaney were smiling as they got the dragonskin around the necks of the wolves.
“Arch Lich Chander Daray and Lich Sentinel Alaric Daray will now use a dagger designed by Madeline D’Vairedraconis, which was inspired by the unique weapons carried by the Sentinel Brotherhood, to assist with the blood locks.”
“Say they yours.”
“Mortis has asked that I mention that they were made for me so I can embarrass myself several times a week going against Skeleton Lords Gavrael and Gedeon and Coven Lord Bridger and Coven Lord Hadley.”
Rafe kept silent as the necromancer and sentinel helped the wolves by smearing a little blood from their paws onto the face of the locks. The click of the collars made him grin.
“I know I am not alone in wishing Nox and Mortis love and friendship in the future. Congratulations, guys.”
With those words, Rafe bent down and laughed as the two wolves licked his face and then rubbed their noses together.
“Nox and Mortis happy. Thank Rafe.”
“You’re very welcome.”
