Page 72 of The Missing Sentinel
Arvandus grinned. “Drexley, are you sure you still want everyone being themselves?”
“I fear I may have a previously undiscovered deviant portion of my mind because this is the most I have enjoyed a meal since our arrival,” Drexley said, returning the Venerable Knight’s smile.
Delighted with Drexley’s embrace of normal Daray bedlam, Ducarius patted his mate’s thigh and kissed his cheek.
“Duc, are you going to work today?” Eduard asked.
Everyone turned to look at Ducarius, but he was not sure how to answer. He was eager to resume his duties, but he did not want to leave Drexley with nothing to do with his day. Nor was he comfortable with Drexley wandering around the Council alone. Drexley was a sentinel. But he did not carry weapons, and their world was a dangerous place.
“You want to return,” Drexley stated. “If it is what you want, then I want you to go.”
“There’s a couch in Duc’s office,” Orpheus pointed out. “Could be a great spot to curl up with a book while Duc learns about all the updates Keegan has made to our mapping software.”
Ducarius could not believe he had not thought of that and was grateful for Orpheus’s suggestion. Although his eagerness for the day was tempered by the thought of using the mapping software. It was not easy to use, and Ducarius tried to avoid it as much as possible.
“Would you mind if I read in your office?” Drexley asked.
“I would love that.”
“I’ll be down the hall this afternoon if you need any new recommendations or books,” Chander offered.
“Not for long; you have three meetings,” Benton said.
“I won’t be around much to offer recommendations after all, but Alaric will be in there, so you’ll have access to my shelves. Grab whatever you want.”
“Thank you for the offer, but I thought to tackle the Council primer Ducarius fetched for me,” Drexley said. “That is if I finish the other tomes you gave me from your private library. I fear it may be centuries before I must search long to find something interesting.”
Chander winked. “Even longer than that if we’re both lucky.”
Since he had finished his breakfast, Ducarius scooted his chair back. “I need to change into my formal uniform. Drexley, take your time, I will return shortly.”
Drexley glanced up at him. “Do I require different attire?”
“No, you are free to wear whatever you want.”
“But we seriously need to expand your wardrobe,” Victor said. “I can help you pick out some things if you want.You’ll meet Evergreen at the office; he’s another great fashion resource. We pick out Chand’s suits.”
“Thank you, I have no notion of what is fashionable today, and I want to be prepared for anything if I can manage it. What about coin? How do I acquire some?”
Ducarius scowled. “You do not have to worry about money. I have plenty.”
“Take Drexley to the Order of the Fallen Knights and have his identification card crafted,” Alaric ordered. “Drexley is a sentinel, and I will have funds added to his card so he can purchase his own things. Every sentinel should have the freedom to spend as they wish.”
“Can I argue that I have done nothing to earn these coins?” Drexley asked Ducarius privately.
“You can, but it will do you no good,” Ducarius replied. “Every sentinel was given money from the moment they left the compound. We were given large grants when we joined the Council. Alaric ensures it is both distributed fairly and grows so we will not want for anything in the future.”
A myriad of emotions crossed Drexley’s face, and Ducarius sensed his innate resistance to Alaric’s generosity along with his desire to be kind to the Lich Sentinel. But it was pointless to argue with Alaric about financial matters, and Ducarius was happy Drexley had independence.
“Thank you,” Drexley eventually said to Alaric.
The Lich Sentinel grinned. “I appreciate that you did not protest. Some sentinels can be annoying, and I will not relent about this.”
“I want to argue so badly thatallsentinels are annoying, but I like Drexley and have no wish to alienate him,” Vellerynd stated.
Ignoring the chaos that was soon to erupt, Ducarius raced upstairs to switch from his casual gray uniform to the gloriousone Larissa had designed for the Sentinel Brotherhood. Thanks to the unparalleled speed granted to sentinels, moments later he was securing the bone-white sash at his waist. His daggers soon floated at his sides again, and he left the bedroom.
Ducarius sensed Drexley’s approval of his attire before he caught his mate’s awestruck face.
