Page 78 of The Missing Sentinel
“No, do you?”
“No, and I dislike surprises.”
Drexley turned to smile at Ducarius as they followed Dra’Kaedan through the house. “It is surely something nice and nothing to make you worry.”
They walked to the back door, and Brogan opened it. Outside was the entire extended D’Vaire clan, which included some of the most prestigious last names in the Council. Although everyone was dressed casually, the backyard was decorated in a mixture of brown and green beads and fabric swags.
“Surprise,” Dra’Kaedan yelled. “It’s a matebond ceremony.”
“We wanted a chance to celebrate with you and Drexley,” Alaric explained.
“But we knew you wouldn’t want a big fuss, so we decided—after many arguments—that a short casual ceremony was the best way to do this,” Chander added, glaring at the other Darays.
Aleksander and Rafe walked over with a floral wreath in each of their hands. The blooms were a mixture of what Ducarius believed were wildflowers with plenty of greenery that would perfectly coordinate with their new bedroom suite.
“Killian and Dravyn put these together for you, and we have a glass case you can use to display them,” Rafe explained. “You can put them on yourselves, or we’re happy to help you out.”
Killian the Dwyer was the ruler of the Circle of Druids and, along with his dragon-shifting mate, Drindyr Duke Dravyn D’Vairedraconis, was renowned for his ability to create unique flora using both magic and ingenuity.
“We welcome your assistance,” Drexley answered, bending slightly to allow the five-foot-ten Rafe to place a wreath on his short locks.
Ducarius thanked Aleksander after the original High King rested the other circle on his messy tresses.
Alaric and Chander swapped places with Drexley and Ducarius.
“We hope you don’t mind that we asked Madeline to design rings for you,” Chander said. Larissa’s other half, Madeline D’Vairedraconis, was a renowned artist who worked primarily with metal and had designed the crowns and rings for nearly everyone in their extended family.
“We are honored, thank you,” Ducarius replied.
“Since you have already sealed your bond, perhaps you would like to repeat your vow to each other as you place them,” Alaric suggested.
Drexley’s gaze grew misty. “A lovely idea. I have also admired the mating marks worn by all of you. Is it possible to get those ourselves?”
“Absolutely,” Ducarius promised.
Plucking the ring from Alaric’s grasp, Ducarius faced Drexley and smiled into his beautiful brown eyes.
“Chosen by Fate, and accepted by my heart as true, I accept you as my mate,” Ducarius said. As he slid the band onto Drexley’s finger, he admired the intricate floral design done in the same colors that they had selected for their bedroom. Like every ring in the family, the interior was the trademark blue-black of D’Vaire.
Chander handed a matching band to Ducarius, and he repeated the words they had used in a now-lost realm to cement a bond of two halves becoming whole.
“Chosen by Fate, and accepted by my heart as true, I accept you as my mate,” Drexley said, his voice wobbly. The gorgeous memory of their souls twisting together filled Ducarius’s mind, and the moment the chilly metal was securely in place, he glanced at Alaric. The Lich Sentinel grabbed a dagger from his waist and stepped forward.
To avoid anyone learning that the sentinels carried a secret about their daggers and that the black poison alone could cut them, Alaric made hasty work of switching to the right toxin and swiftly cut the palms of Drexley and Ducarius. A heartbeat later, his dagger returned to normal, and Ducarius smiled at his other half as they placed their palms together.
“Skeleton Lord to Skeleton Lord-mate. Sentinel to sentinel. Our blood has spilled, and our spirits have bonded. We ask Fate to grant us a mark from left shoulder to elbowso the world may bear witness we belong only to each other,” Ducarius stated. A fiery burn raced along his upper arm, and Ducarius was already greedy for a chance to see the new artwork. Every sentinel had the same image. Drexley’s name was now emblazoned on his skin in block letters below a skull and dagger.
Around them, the group burst into applause.
But Ducarius remained focused on Drexley. He turned to seal their mouths together and dipped his tongue in to taste his man.
“I love you,” Ducarius said privately.
“I love you too.”
“The Skeleton Seven have a ring of rank for Drexley too,” Dra’Kaedan remarked. “But the most important thing we have left to do is cut the cake.”
“Dinner first,” Alaric insisted. “Make sure you eat your veggies before you fill up on cake.”
