Page 46 of The Missing Sentinel
“But it is not your responsibility.”
“Drexley, the Fate-chosen Arch Lich picks up his damn plate and brings it to the kitchen by himself.”
“I assumed you had a large staff with two Council leaders in your home.”
“There are three Council leaders in our condo, but all we have is Victor, and while he runs the household, he is also family. We are happy to help him. Chand does not like strangers in the house. Neither does any other Daray. That would not be safe.”
“How dangerous is the world now?”
“Even if it were as safe as this realm, we would take no chances with any Daray.”
“I suppose I thought that with so many weapons in your home you would not fear danger from any corner.”
Ducarius shrugged. “There are only seven sentinels.”
“But you mentioned fallen knights. I am sure of it. They are protectors too.”
“Yes, but they are not sentinels. No one has our unique set of talents.”
“Our skills are hard to forget. Which is strange given how much of my memory has faded away.”
“Do not fuss,” Ducarius reminded Drexley as he moved across the room to plant a kiss on his soft mouth. “It makes you no less a scholar to know that you have invisibility, tracking skills, a deadly way with daggers, and imperviousness to temperature extremes. Those came along with your creation. They were imprinted on your soul as you were resurrected.”
Drexley grinned. “My matebond is also part of my soul. If I am lucky, every single memory of you will stay with me too.”
Deciding it was no good to reveal that the spell that had once stripped away memory had robbed Albrecht of everything, including Arvandus’s existence, Ducarius offered him a smile.
“Just spend all day thinking about me.”
“Do you know what was on my mind earlier?”
“I hope it was anticipation of how I plan to strip you later.”
To Ducarius’s disappointment, Drexley pulled away. “That reminds me, I still have a task to complete before I meet you in your bedchamber. Go to the library and read. I have picked out two books for you to choose between. I will join you there shortly.”
Giving his mate a token eyeroll since Drexley was ordering him around, Ducarius stalked out. Drexley's laughter followed him out of the dining hall, and it was the most joyous music in any realm.
Chapter 21
Venturing into the unknown should have frightened Drexley, but he was remarkably calm about being intimate with Ducarius. Perhaps calm is not the right word, Drexley mused as he rushed through the castle. He grinned. Anticipation bubbled through him, and he was eager to gain a thorough education of how to please and be pleased by his other half.
Adney had retired immediately after their evening meal, which was another worrying sign. But the best Drexley could do for the necromancer now was ensure that nothing bothered him until morning. Thankfully, Drexley’s feet made no sound as he moved down the hall and entered the library.
Ducarius was already there, but he was surprisingly seated with a book on his lap.
“Have our plans changed?” Drexley asked, disappointment dampening his mood. He hoped his feelings were not visible on his face. The last thing Drexley wanted was to make Ducarius uncomfortable. If he was not ready yet for sexual relations, Drexley would respect his decision.
“Plans?” Ducarius asked. “What is wrong?”
“I am the one with the poor memory. We spoke of it earlier, but it is fine if you have changed your mind.”
“Drexley, what are you talking about?”
“You mentioned stripping me of my clothing.”
Ducarius blinked heavily. “I did not realize you wanted to rush to bed immediately after dinner.”
“If you are willing to be with me, I can find no reason to wait.”
