Page 23 of The Missing Sentinel
Since Drexley could not make a promise he refused to keep, he dropped his gaze from Ducarius’s distressed countenance to the floor. “Do you want to talk about your thoughts on the book you are reading and what you hope the ending will bring?”
“If it pleases you, I am happy to discuss the book. I am enjoying it thus far. It better have a happy ending or I will be angry with you for dragging me into its plot.”
Unperturbed by Ducarius’s threat, Drexley grinned. “Did I mention that the story is written over three books, and the first one ends with many unresolved mysteries?”
“I dislike you intensely right now, Drexley.”
“I believe you.”
“Unfortunately, your smile is making me feel better.”
“Should I frown or scowl to please you?”
“No, I prefer happiness on your face.”
Drexley didn’t care if Adney thought it was inappropriate; he enjoyed Ducarius’s compliments. His words were almost as nice as the warm feeling in Drexley’s heart, which compelled him to praise the gorgeous sentinel whenever Ducarius was near.
“You wear a smile well too, Ducarius.”
“No matter what happens or if we decide this matebond will not please us, I am glad Fate brought me here,” Ducarius said. “I am happy to have met you.”
“I never considered I would have a mate, and I remain unsure how to handle the situation, but I cannot be angry that you are here either.”
“If you would like, we can figure out what to make of Fate bringing us together.”
“I would like that.”
“Good, now go find the rest of this trilogy you have dragged me into against my will.”
Drexley chuckled as he stood to grab the other two tomes. “I promise the anticipation will be worth it; the finale should not be missed.”
“You will pay dearly if I disagree.”
“I am almost afraid to ask how I will pay.”
“Well, I am glad you did not directly phrase it as a question because I have not figured out yet how you will pay, but there must be consequences.”
“So you say. But I believe that if you do not like the stories that the fault lies with you. The saga is captivating, and everything is well written. Perhaps your sense of art is not well enough developed to enjoy a good book.”
“Do not be confused by the weapons I carry or my instincts as an assassin; I have wonderful taste. In fact, I like so many things that I find it difficult to narrow my scope. At home, my bedroom is the same gray as my old cell at the compound. I could not choose between the many lovely pictures I found, so I went with the default choice.”
“Thankfully, Adney had already designed every room in the castle, so I did not have to think about how I might like my quarters designed.”
“Interesting. I hope you find it pleasing.”
“It is a nice mixture of greens,” Drexley responded. The design of his bedroom wasn’t something he thought about often. It was Adney’s castle, and he made the decisions. Since Adney was the necromancer, Drexley deferred to his judgement as he’d been taught. Thankfully, Drexley was fond of verdant hues.
“As is the guest room I am using. It must be a favored shade of Adney’s.”
“You may be right. There are many robes in his trunks in green.”
“Do you have any robes in green?”
Drexley had a few different clothing options but nothing in green or gray. Those were the colors of his past and a forbidden part of his wardrobe despite Drexley’s keenness for his favored hue. “No.”
“I like the blue you have on today; it flatters you.”
Inordinately pleased by the compliment, Drexley’s face grew warm. “Thank you.”
