“Drystan, what ails you?” he called out.
“It is my eyes. They feel as if they are on fire.”
Conley started to answer he was experiencing the same when a sting began on his forearm. Since his eyes were now in slightly less agony, he cautiously opened them and yanked the sleeve of his tunic up. Emblazoned upon his skin was the word Besantdraconis. Gaping, he turned to Drystan to find he was mirroring his actions. Then he noticed the black of Drystan’s eyes were now decorated with thin silver bands around the irises. He heard a gasp and became conscious their entire traveling party was stopped.
“My sons, Fate smiles upon you,” Queen Helen declared and Conley noted her eyes were brimming with liquid.
“At last we have the reason Fate had not chosen a king for Court Besant. She was waiting for the two of you to leave the Bera lands so she could give you the honor,” King Aeron added.
“I have no wish to be king,” Drystan blurted out. Conley whipped his gaze to his mate, thankful his eyes no longer pained him.
“Fate has chosen us.”
Drystan crossed his arms over his broad chest. “I do not care. I have no wish to live at another castle.”
“Son, you have been raised to obey the dictates of Fate. You will not dishonor Conley by denying him his due nor your own. Our lands share a border; we will never be far from you,” King Aeron replied.
“I have no wish to dishonor Conley.”
“Then do stop pouting. This is a most joyous day. Come, we must be off to your new castle. We will have to send word to have your things brought to your new home,” Queen Helen said.
“Con, you are well?” Drystan asked.
“I fear I am in disbelief.”
“It is quite a shock, is it not?” King Aeron asked.
“I had never expected to find myself a king.”
“Nor I,” Drystan groused.
“We shall do a brilliant job,” Conley assured him.
“Of that, I have no doubt. You are both well able to handle the demands of your new roles,” Queen Helen agreed. “Let us get a move on.”
King Aeron gave the signal to ride and as Conley’s horse ate up the distance toward the castle that would now be his home, his mind reeled. Like Drystan, he was not fond of the idea of leaving Court Bera, but he knew they had little choice. He could not say he was filled with only distress—after all, it was an honor bestowed upon them by Fate to rule, and Conley was ready to accept the challenge of being a king.
All too soon, they were waiting for another drawbridge to slowly be lowered to the ground, and Aeron alerted the guardsmen that he brought with him the new Besant kings. As they passed into the grounds, the men on the walls bowed their heads in fealty. Word spread fast through the fields and by the time they reached the small castle, people were crowded close and cheering. Conley was overwhelmed and grateful for their joy.
“All hail King Besant and King-mate Besant,” a black dragon, who must be their new duke, shouted.
Drystan dismounted and announced to the crowd, “Fate chose us at the same moment. There is no king and king-mate. We are both to be addressed as King; we shall serve you as equals.”
The gathered Besant dragons shouted their approval and seemed to not give a single care to the fact that Drystan had just bypassed the draconic tradition of anointing a lone monarch.
“Well done, son,” King Aeron said and gathered Drystan into his arms for a hug. Once Conley descended from his horse, he was embraced by their parents and then he began to shake hands with too many people to count—villagers who now relied upon Conley and Drystan to see that their lives were prosperous.
“Your Highnesses, welcome to Castle Besant. I am Geron; I served as duke to our dearly departed king.”
“And so shall you serve us as a duke. I am well pleased to meet you,” Conley replied.
“Thank you, Your Highness. It will be an honor to carry out my duties per your orders.”
“Duke Geron, you must make known to us the other dukes who served the late king,” Drystan insisted.
“Your Highness, I am the last of the dukes at Castle Besant. The late king was very ill for quite some time and did not seek to replace the dukes we lost to death or those that chose to seek out posts elsewhere at more prestigious courts,” Duke Geron revealed.
“Have no fear, we shall see you are given the assistance you need and will settle the title of duke upon those deserving of such an honor. You will continue to serve as our first and the others will report to you,” Conley replied.
“Your Highness, I would be grateful. Please come inside; I shall see to refreshments for you and your party,” Duke Geron invited.
Conley, Drystan, and the Bera dragons followed Duke Geron into the castle and they were soon given tankards of ale and a small repast. The Great Hall boasted two large fireplaces and the wooden tables and seats appeared to be in decent shape. Tapestries adorned the wall and though they were not full of dust, they were terribly faded and in need of repair.
Their meal was tasty and Conley was glad the kitchen did not need an overhaul. He liked decent food in his belly and the taste of a good drink. After eating, Duke Geron led them up the stairs to see the solar and the large bedchamber that would be for their use.
Like the downstairs, the furniture appeared sturdy but the finer touches required replacement.
“Duke Geron, you have done an excellent job. Castle Besant is in good repair,” Drystan said as they followed him back to the Great Hall.
“We may not be fancy, but there is coin to see to any repairs and new frills.”
“On the morrow, we shall look over the books,” Drystan announced.
“Very well, Your Highness; I shall see to it they are laid out upon the desk of your study. Is there anything else I can see to for you? Will your parents be needing space to sleep?”
“No, they will be returning to Court Bera.”
“Indeed, we should start our journey back,” King Aeron said, obviously overhearing their conversation. “We do not wish to run out of daylight.”
Drystan grabbed his father in a tight hug, and Conley let out an unmanly squeak when Queen Helen wrapped him in her arms with surprising strength.
“Conley, I will miss you so,” she told him. “I love you. Should you ever need anything, I will see to it.”
“Thank you, Mother, I love you too,” he responded and ignored the tears that threatened.
“Be well, son,” she replied as she released him. Before he could suck in a breath, he was embraced by King Aeron.
“We may not share blood, but you are my son much the same as Drystan. Never forget that. I love you,” his father said.
“Never did I feel the love of a parent until I arrived at your home. I love you, Father.”
“Be well and do not let Drystan pout for days on end over this. Fate has chosen you for this duty and you are both well-deserving,” King Aeron stated.
“I do not pout,” Drystan insisted and Conley shared a smile with their parents.
“We shall return for a visit soon,” Queen Helen promised and followed King Aeron out of the thick wooden doors of the keep.
Side-by-side and with their fingers interlaced, Drystan and Conley watched their family mount their horses and ride out toward Castle Bera.
“I could not do this without you,” Drystan whispered as he turned to face Conley.
“I have found you to be capable of nearly anything.”
“Only nearly?”
“You have yet to best me in the lists.”
“Your speed is most unnatural.”
“Do you think our new bed is sound?”
“We shall endeavor to put it through the paces afore we rest.”
“I would have accepted the title of king-mate.”
“Con, do not be a dolt.”
“You are the black dragon.”
Drystan stared out at him with serious eyes. “Were you not a duke?”
“Your father is enamo
red of me like a son.”
“You besmirch his honor to suggest he made you a duke due to some feeling of the heart and not because you were well-deserving of such a title.”
“Do not grow angry with me. I wished to only point out it may not have been the same with a less open-minded king.”
“As you say, Con.”
“Drys, it is too momentous a day to spend it bickering with you. I apologize for suggesting I am not your equal.”
“As well you should. You are my equal. Who is to say you were not the one chosen to be king?”
“It appeared we were afflicted at much the same time.”
“Which is why we are both kings without a king-mate.”
“Now that we are agreed, give me a kiss and let us see to running our new court.”
Drystan smiled and did as Conley asked. “I am overfond of your mouth.”
“Good, but you’ll be using yours on my manhood later. Now let us get inside before we frighten away the villagers with our scandalous talk.”
With a loud whoop of laughter, Drystan began walking into the castle. “I had no idea you were so prudish, Con. Dragons do not worry about the tender ears of others when speaking to their mates.”
“And yet I cannot remember a time when I heard a king relaying to his mate how fond he was of his lips.”
“Now who is innocent of the world?”
“At least I was aware of the goings-on of mates.”
“Naïve I may have been, but I well made up for it with talent and skill once you took the time to educate me,” Drystan said and Conley could offer up no argument. Nor would he since he was the one that continued to reap the benefits of Drystan’s tutelage.
Chapter 15
“Your Highnesses, the guards have escorted Duke Hockley from the grounds,” Duke Geron announced as he entered the study Drystan and Conley shared.
“Thank you, Geron. I had not expected such difficulty adding to our ranks of noblemen,” Drystan said as he smoothed a hand over Conley’s back.
“Nor did I. It is wrong for any dragon to remark upon Fate’s choices,” Geron remarked. They’d been kings for several weeks and thus far had only managed to find a single duke to serve them.
“Not everyone is as enlightened as you, my friend,” Conley replied.
“Still, it is the height of stupidity to remark upon the activities that take place between mates after they retire to their bedchambers. Were you both less noble in your bearing, you might see a man punished for those utterances we all found so abhorrent.”
“You cannot punish a man for finding two men together distasteful and voicing such thoughts, especially in such a lewd manner, though such a law should exist. He made no move to come between us, so his life was never in jeopardy. But I am glad to see the back of him,” Drystan said.
“If it would please you both, I could conduct the initial interview myself and spare you such hateful speech.”
“Geron, you are a fine man indeed, but we are forged of stern natures. Besides, they might cover up such distaste in a conference with you alone. It is far harder to disguise one’s reaction when face-to-face with something they find abhorrent or unnatural.”
“As you wish, Your Highness. If you have nothing else for me, I’m off to the lists.”
They bade their duke good-day, and then Drystan dropped heavily into the chair behind the substantial desk. Conley rested his bottom on the arm of Drystan’s chair and leaned back against him.
“Never have I heard such vulgar words,” Drystan revealed.
“He was fair angry at the prospect of serving two male kings.”
“I did not decide one morning to awaken and ask Fate to give me a male mate.”
“Have you a quarrel with the choice given to you?”
“You know very well I do not,” Drystan retorted as he snaked an arm around Conley and rested his hand upon his solid thigh.
“You did not seem to have a complaint this morning when you were pushing your manhood into me.”
“Never have I a complaint when we are joined thusly.”
“And outside of our lovemaking? Have you a complaint then?”
“I would prefer a mate who didn’t try and run his sword through me when practicing swordplay.”
“Then perhaps you should work on moving a bit quicker,” Conley retorted.
“What are we to do with so few men willing to serve us?”
“It was only the one who let such hate spew from his lips.”
“But he was only one of a handful who has responded to the letters we sent round to neighboring castles.”
Conley stood and began to pace. “This is the domain of the Emperor. It is he who should send us the men we require.”
“You read the letter from Court Draconis. Emperor Erhard feels as kings we can manage to find our own nobles.”
“Drys, we are new to our roles and too young in years to have made many worthwhile connections. Not only that, but the Emperor no longer provides a gathering where we might forge new relationships.”
“I didn’t say I did not agree with you. I am at a loss as are you. Father is doing all he can to assist, but he does not oversee a large court himself.”
“I know. I wish we did not already need to beg for his assistance. I wish to make him proud, not beg of him to fix our troubles.”
“It is as if a curse were set upon us,” Drystan remarked as he plopped his chin onto his fist.
“Curses are for fools and fables meant to frighten.”
“I am in full agreement, but it does feel as if we have run afoul of something.”
“Aye, a ruler who is lacking in leadership.”
“Con, you should likely not say such things about the Emperor.”
“I would speak kindlier of him were he to offer a helping hand.”
“He is only one dragon and an ancient one at that,” Drystan said, in full agreement with Conley’s assessment but willing to allow for some leeway given the age of their leader.
“Does he not have a throng of dukes and other men at Court Draconis who are capable of assisting two young kings? The prosperity of this kingdom can do nothing but benefit him. Do we not have to send him plenty of coin for taxes each quarter?”
“You seem to be in an aggressive mood.”
Conley gave him an exaggerated leer. “So I am.”
“Geron is capable of seeing to the castle if you would like me to take you up to our bedchamber and help divest you of some of this excessive energy.”
Conley narrowed his eyes. “I will offer you a challenge.”
“I accept.”
“I have not yet given you the details.”
“I accept.”
“Very well. The last man to reach our bedchamber must without complaint be at the mercy of the other.”
“Agreed,” Drystan said as he rose to his feet. “Give the word when the race is to start.”
“Now,” Conley shouted as he ran from the room. Drystan hollered after him; his mate had half the width of the room as a head start. The only response he got was Conley’s rich laughter as he continued his sprint. Drystan knew he would lose the race, but he had no complaint. No matter which of them took the lead in their bedchamber, they both found their pleasure equally.
* * *
It was not quite a month later when their newest duke burst into the Great Hall.
“Riders from Court Bera are at the gates,” Duke Peverell announced.
“Are the King and Queen among them?” Drystan asked as he got to his feet.
“They are.”
“Have them escorted directly to the castle,” Conley ordered.
Once Duke Peverell left to carry out his instructions, Drystan said, “Father and Mother did not send word they meant to visit.”
“No, I hope all is well at the castle.”
“As do I.”
“Come, we must wash up,” Conley insisted. “Mother will complain if she arrives to find us covered in dirt.�
�
Drystan nodded and dropped a kiss on Conley’s lips before taking his hand to lead them upstairs where they could tidy their appearance. It did not take them long to see to their ablutions after reaching their bedchamber. With dampened hair, Drystan once again rested his palm against Conley’s and they returned to the Great Hall. They had barely entered when the doors of the castle were flung open and their visitors entered.
His parents were both wearing solemn faces, causing a pit to form in Drystan’s belly. It did not appear they had arrived with happy tidings.
“Father. Mother. It is good to see you,” he declared as he gave and accepted hugs. Conley waved to the servants to offer them drink and food.
Once they were all seated and sharing the repast, Drystan said, “All is not well.”
“Regrettably, no,” King Aeron confessed. “Conley, we have received word from Court Kelan. It is regarding your parents.”
“Why did they not send word directly to us?” Conley asked.
“Perhaps King Kelan felt it would be better coming from us,” Queen Helen replied in a soft voice.
“King Kelan wrote to you?”
“Yes dear,” she began. “There is no gentle way to break this kind of news. Conley, your parents have perished.”
“They are both dead?” Drystan asked. He put his arm around Conley and tugged him close.
“King Kelan revealed in his letter that Duke Manley passed away quietly in his sleep. Your mother breathed her last the next day.”
“She never wrote back to me,” Conley confided. Drystan pressed a kiss to his temple; his mate’s voice was full of shock.
“What do you mean, dear?” Queen Helen asked.
“You bade me to write to her when Drystan and I were mated. She never sent me a reply. I sent a second when I shifted for the first time and became a duke. A letter never came. She didn’t care.”
“I do not know what to say,” Queen Helen said and Drystan watched her look helplessly to his father who shrugged.
“I do. She didn’t deserve you. No mother should ignore her child.”
Resurrection Of The Fallen Page 10
