The Summoner's Path (D'Vaire, Book 10)

by Jessamyn Kingley

  Somerly had his first moment of joy since Dre’Kariston ousted him from his life. “That’s incredible news, Your Majesty. Thank you.”

  “I had nothing at all to do with it, but I’m glad you’re all happy.”

  Worth was smiling so hard that Somerly feared for his facial muscles, and Lex bounced a little on his toes.

  “When can we leave? I’m excited to meet the cursed king,” Worth said.

  Chrysander chuckled. “Not nearly as excited as the rest of us.”

  “I’ve a feeling there’s more going on here than we know,” Lex remarked.

  “I’ll admit there is, but you’ll easily see for yourself why we’re grinning like idiots,” Conley replied.

  “Speak for yourself. I never look like an idiot,” the Imperial Duke retorted.

  “It’s that stupidly handsome face of yours—it always looks good,” Duke Zane told him.

  “My brothers are going to start arguing in a minute if we don’t do something to distract them,” Chrysander said. “Are you all packed? We’re going to have the Grand Warlock teleport us to your new home.”

  “I can hardly believe we’ve a home now,” Worth enthused. “We didn’t bring much with us. Grab your stuff, lads. Time to quit this damn hotel. As fine as it is, I’ve spent half my life confined within four walls, and I’m looking to expand my horizons.”

  “King Ethelindraconis kept you confined?” Chrysander asked.

  “A right asshole he is, and yes. He was ashamed to have someone like me for a son,” Worth remarked without a fleck of emotion. He didn’t wait for a response and practically jogged out of the room to get his few belongings. Somerly had his own already in hand; he’d brought them into the living area hoping Dre’Kariston would sign the form, so he could see him.

  “I believe we’ve got everything,” Lex said as soon as he returned with Worth on his heels.

  Drystan nodded and pulled out his phone. He snapped a photo of the room and seconds later, Dre’Kariston’s brother and his mate teleported in.

  “What the—” Brogan blurted out as Dra’Kaedan doubled over in bright peals of laughter.

  “Grand Warlock Dra’Kaedan D’Vaire and Duke Brogan D’Vairedraconis, may I present Worthington and Lex. I’m sure you already know Somerly,” Drystan offered.

  Brogan stared at Worth like he was an alien, but he shook hands with both former Ethelin dragons.

  Worth frowned. “I realize my eyes are strange, but I don’t think gawking at me is appropriate, Your Grace.”

  Collecting himself, Brogan gave him a sheepish smile. “My apologies, I’m being rude, but it doesn’t have anything to do with your eyes. Though I can’t wait to find out what kind of dragon you are, and please call me Brogan. We don’t bother with titles at D’Vaire. They’re for public use only.”

  “Worth, we’re going to be best friends,” Dra’Kaedan predicted. “Lex, it’s great to meet you too. I met your father on my only visit to your former home. He was gracious and helpful.”

  Brogan nodded. “Your father’s an incredible guy.”

  “Thank you very much.”

  “Ready to go? Somebody take a picture of Aleksander when we get there, okay?” Dra’Kaedan asked.

  “You better believe I will,” Conley assured him.

  Worth’s expression was wary. “I’m not sure I like the undercurrents going on here.”

  “The mystery of it all will be solved once we get home,” Brogan supplied. “Let’s go.”

  “Close your eyes,” Somerly instructed his friends. They’d never teleported before, and he didn’t want them to get nauseous from the trip. The warlock’s magic rippled over his skin; then the weightlessness hit him. Less than a second later, the ground was firm under his feet and the cushiness of it told him there was carpet beneath them.

  Before he could even lift his lashes, he heard Worth’s shocked voice. “Bloody fucking hell, he does have my face.”

  Somerly had recognized immediately the similarity between King Aleksander and Worth but with the two of them in a room together, the resemblance was even more striking. But they weren’t his priority, so he scanned faces until he found the one he’d dreamt about in the few snatches of sleep he’d managed since their breakup. Dre’Kariston’s navy eyes were dark with unfriendly emotions, and the pit in Somerly’s stomach grew. His task to make him understand his mistakes was suddenly much more titanic in proportion. Then he registered the two people standing close to him.

  The woman had golden ringlets that matched Dra’Kaedan’s all the way to her waist. Her hand was on Dre’Kariston’s arm and her blue eyes were full of the same mischief that could be found in the Grand Warlock’s on any given day. Her facial features were a feminine echo of Dre’Kariston and Dra’Kaedan’s and it was easy to tell that they were related. The man on the other side of Dre’Kariston had raven hair that hung in a ponytail nearly as long as Scheredin’s. Dre’Kariston’s cousin wore his down the middle of his back, and he shared some of the same facial characteristics as the stranger.

  “I’m considerably older than you, so you actually have my face,” King Aleksander retorted, bringing Somerly’s attention back to his brother.

  “Well, obviously whoever came first doesn’t matter—we’re both bloody handsome men,” Worth replied. “The question is, how’s it possible we’re practically twins?”

  “I’m wondering the same thing, and I know more about the situation than you,” King Aleksander said. “There’s no gentle or easy way to tell you and Somerly this, but King Boian Ethelindraconis is my father.”

  Somerly’s head whipped between the two striking men. “Wait. That would make us all three brothers.”

  “Aleksander, I didn’t realize King Ethelindraconis was your father,” Chrysander stated quietly. “All those centuries, he was the one who wouldn’t let anyone forget that you were different and should be ostracized because of it.”

  “I did mention the man was a total and utter shit. Somerly here is still on his way to being convinced of it, though,” Worth commented as he crossed his arms over his chest. “Nothing wrong with being a unique dragon.”

  “He didn’t tell me about King Aleksander, and he said you were dead,” Somerly defended.

  “You should really just call me Aleksander.”

  “I thought you were my enemy,” Somerly offered sadly.

  “I’m not. Not at all. I didn’t know we were related until this morning. I hope all three of us can get to know one another better.”

  “I’m wanting little brother here tested. No way he’s that short naturally. I’ve a big dragon. The biggest I’ve ever seen. I think that may play into it,” Worth explained.

  “Aleksander’s dragon dwarfs this giant-ass house of his,” Drystan remarked.

  “And he’s bi-color. I’m looking forward to seeing it,” Lex threw in.

  “Conley’s dragon is probably the only one that can match him for beauty and uniqueness,” Chrysander said. “But then, we don’t know much about yours, Worth. Would you mind telling us the color at least? I’ve never seen Fate allow a dragon shifter to keep their human eye color and only give them the scales.”

  “I don’t like to discuss it but seeing as how you’re my Emperor, I’ll offer to shift and show you,” Worth replied. “It’s easier that way. I can barely get the word of the color past my lips, but I’d like to meet all the people staring at me first.”

  “If we’re going to move to introductions, I’m going to pull rank and beg to go first,” Chrysander remarked.

  “I thought you said you visited here before. Didn’t you meet everyone, then?” Lex asked, his voice ripe with confusion.

  “Yes, but they’ve added two new additions since the last time I was here,” Chrysander replied. “And I didn’t think I’d ever have the opportunity to meet them. It’s an incredible honor to even be in the same room.”

  “Emperor Chrysander Draconis, Imperial Duke Draconis, and Duke Zane Draconis, please allow me to present
my parents. Former Grand Warlock T’Eirick Leolinnia and former Grand Summoner Saura Leolinnia,” Dra’Kaedan said. Somerly stared stupidly at the two people who were shaking hands with the three dragons.

  “I thought your parents were dead,” Somerly blurted out at Dre’Kariston.

  “We are, dear, but the Arch Lich has resurrected us for a short visit,” Saura told him with a smile. She closed the distance between them and hugged him. He gathered enough of his wits to return the embrace. Before he could offer her any words of greeting, T’Eirick welcomed him the same way.

  The pair returned their attention to the Emperor and his brothers. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty. Between you and Chander, it’s hard to believe our little Council’s so big and wonderful,” Saura said.

  “Call me Chrys, and the pleasure’s mine. I’m in awe of what you created, and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to lead it.”

  “This is the best damn day of my life,” Worth declared. “I’ve met another brother nearly as handsome as me after getting to meet the Emperor. Now, I’ve the joy of meeting the former Grand Warlock and Grand Summoner. This thing you’ve built, I’ve waited to join it since I learned of its existence. Matebonds first and races united for the greater good. It’s as it should be.”

  “I’m so glad you think so,” Saura told him. “Our goal was to enrich lives, and look what our successors have done with it. I’d love to sit in the Main Assembly Hall and witness a session. I can’t wrap my head around all the races that have joined.”

  The Emperor and Dre’Kariston’s parents started discussing politics in general, and Somerly dared to sneak a peek back at his mate. Dre’Kariston was eyeing him with clear dislike. In his mind, Somerly had two choices. Either he wilted under the disgust in that expression or he grew a set of balls and approached the warlock. Straightening his shoulders, he took one cautious step toward Dre’Kariston. His mate curled his lip, but Somerly wasn’t deterred. Once he was close enough to be heard, he asked, “Can I talk to you?”

  “No.” The word was flat and final.

  “Please. I’ve so much to explain. I need to talk to you,” he begged.

  Dre’Kariston glared. “After all the lies you’ve told me, I can’t believe a damn word that comes out of your mouth.”

  “And he’s spent all his life being manipulated by a monster, so factor that into your feelings there, Grand Summoner. He’s only just now realizing Boian’s a scheming prick. Give him a chance to explain where he’s coming from,” Worth demanded.

  “Dre’Kariston, he’s your mate,” his mother added gently.

  Dre’Kariston said nothing for several tense minutes; then his angry eyes met Somerly’s again. “I’ll talk to you, but it’ll have to wait until tomorrow. You’ve just met your brother and you need time to get settled.”

  The relief nearly sent Somerly to his knees. “Okay, thank you.”

  “He’ll understand once you’ve had the chance to chat,” Worth told Somerly. “His parents created the Council. They couldn’t have produced a shit.”

  “I can hear you, you know,” Dre’Kariston remarked.

  “That’s the point,” Worth shot back.

  “Shit, this is awesome. It’s like having another Aleksander—only this one has a personality,” Dra’Kaedan crowed with delight.

  “I have a personality, Squirt,” Aleksander defended. He didn’t appear bothered to Somerly though; he was wearing a grin.

  “I couldn’t have imagined I’d be in the same room with the former emperors, the former leaders of the warlocks, and the Emperor,” Lex said.

  “Incredible. Of course it wouldn’t be possible without necromancy since most of them were dead,” Worth agreed. “How anyone can say magic is anything but a gift, I’ll never know. I’ve questions dancing through my head.”

  “What kinds of questions, dear?” Saura asked.

  “I’m a fan of history. I managed to learn some of the Council despite Boian, and I’ve been poring over things in the few days we’ve been here as part of your group. The past has been large on my mind, and perhaps Fate was telling me I’d have this opportunity someday, but I can’t help but think of the events when the Council was first started. It’s probably not appropriate to discuss it, though.” Worth’s words had trailed off to nearly a whisper by the end of his little speech.

  “No one in this room who’s been resurrected pretends they weren’t dead. T’Eirick, Saura, Con, and I were all murdered. If you’ve got questions, ask them. We only have our warlocks here for three months,” Drystan invited.

  “A pity that,” Worth said. “My question is for you and the Reverent Knight. I’ve read that the Council was to beg your aid, but you were murdered before it could happen. Would you have done it? Would you have done the same as Chrysander and allied the dragons with magickind? The reason I ask is Boian—the shitface—claims he need not follow the Emperor because he’s betrayed the dragons by putting their needs second to his own. That he wished for the alliance for money and access to their magic. Of course, the man would know everything about that since he’s the most selfish bastard you’ve ever met in your life, but I digress.”

  “Ironically, when Con and I led the dragons, there was no money. We were fully prepared to offer defense to magickind for gold. We knew it would benefit the dragons because a race can’t flourish without the basic necessities. But I wish the Council had approached us before the Coven of Warlocks was decimated. My dragons wouldn’t have been affected by the Cwylld stones that reduced magic, and we could’ve turned the tides of war.”

  T’Eirick nodded. “Saura and I were told dragons were real, and Dra’Kaedan was already smitten by the idea, but we didn’t know where to find you. When the war broke out, there was no time to figure it out.”

  “The problem is one that still exists today. Each race tends to stick to themselves without reaching out and helping another. Dragons were isolationists, and no one was more surprised than I when my kings voted so overwhelmingly to join the Council. I would’ve preferred a unanimous vote, but it was not to be. Someday I hope all dragons will join us. The Consilium does nothing to better their lives,” Chrysander added.

  “The Consilium cares for nothing but wizards, and they aren’t kind ones,” Worth threw in.

  “They barely even talk to the dragon kings,” Lex said. “With so few dragons they can’t offer anything, so they never will. Boian thinks he can gain more power with alliances, as do the others, but it’s all foolish talk.”

  “He thought it would help,” Somerly stated.

  “The man’s a damn fool,” Worth retorted.

  “Well, in the Council we’re doing what we can to more fully unite races. Your brother Aleksander’s part of that movement. You’re standing in the first and only multi-race sanctuary. The people you will spend your days with are some of the most incredible ones you could possibly meet, including your two cousins over here,” Chrysander said.

  “So my brother is fine-looking and smart. At least Boian didn’t father any stupid children,” Worth replied.

  “I’m not going to take credit for the sanctuary—that was Dra’Kaedan and Blodwen’s idea—but I’m thrilled to be able to run this court,” Aleksander remarked.

  “All right, we can get into all that later. Now let’s get our boys settled here and let them start learning names,” Saura said.

  “Look there, Lex, it’s the blue elf you spoke of,” Worth enthused as he walked toward Chieftain-mate Evlithar Cwylld-D’Vaire. “Somerly says you’re nice, but he didn’t give me a name, so I must rudely refer to you as the blue elf.”

  “It’s nice to meet you Worth, I’m Evlithar. I’m glad to hear Somerly thinks I’m nice. I feel the same way about him,” Evlithar replied with a grin.

  Somerly stood in a daze as Worth and Lex were introduced around the room to all the D’Vaires. He couldn’t believe he’d finally landed at his destination, and Dre’Kariston was only a few feet from him. His gaze might not ha
ve been welcoming, but at least Somerly was going to have the opportunity to try and get him to listen.

  As for meeting the Emperor or finding out that Dre’Kariston’s parents were temporarily resurrected, it was too much for him to process. Finding out Aleksander was his brother was yet another tidbit of information that was impossible to reconcile. Perhaps after he cleared the air with his mate, he could pay attention to the world around him. In the meantime, he had one more sleepless night to try and compose the right words to help Dre’Kariston understand why he’d fucked everything up.

  Chapter 34

  “I would’ve never guessed Worth was a pink dragon,” Somerly said. He was wringing his hands, and Dre’Kariston could nearly smell the nerves pouring off him. Even his voice was wobbly. Dre’Kariston was trying not to be moved by it. His mate had asked to meet with him in front of his entire family, so there was no way he could refuse. Being trapped wasn’t a feeling Dre’Kariston appreciated. It brought back all those centuries of confining his magic in a spell to disguise his identity.

  “Blodwen’s already plotting how to use his dragonskin when he’s ready to shed his scales again,” Dre’Kariston offered. If Somerly wanted to waste the time Dre’Kariston was giving him to explain himself talking about current events, that was fine with him. The last thing he was interested in doing was listening to lies or excuses about how their relationship had unraveled.

  “Worth was very relieved no one laughed or made fun of him.”

  “Why would we? D’Vaire has a bevy of gorgeous dragons, and now we get to add another one-of-a-kind beast to our count. Aleksander hasn’t stopped smiling since you guys got here yesterday.”

  “He and Worth seem to get on well.”

  “They’ve had their heads together since they met. You can stop avoiding Aleksander, you know. He’s your brother, not some cursed devil.”

  Somerly’s eyes lowered to the floor. “I know. I’m still shocked to find out I have one brother, let alone two of them.”

  “I was surprised you allowed the wizards to take your blood and samples of your hair last night.”