Chapter 25

The kitchens were a flurry of noisy activity with the preparations for the coming evening well underway when Duran and Royce made their way to the table the next morning. Separated from the private dining hall, the din of busy people at work in the kitchens, voices and calls, pots and pans was muted, though it was loud enough to carry through the closed, heavy wooden doorways and through cracks. The energy coming from that direction was hyper and joyous. That energy would definitely help flavor the dishes coming from the cooks that evening. Tonight those in the kitchen like Lori and Kirn would shine with their talents. Duran smiled as he discovered the wafting scents of baking breads, meats, and sweets as he approached. He could hardly wait.

“Morning, Alro,” Duran offered, entering the dining hall to join the others for breakfast. While the twins were identical, Alro wore his hair clipped close to his head on the sides, with it a bit longer on the top. His brother, Elroc, tended to wear it longer to his collar and secured at his nape.

The guard dipped his chin in silent greeting, the stern expression on his features not flickering in the least, except for his eyes. Their brown softened a bit in welcome. His duty to Jayce’s safety came first, which Duran was glad to see. There were a lot of people who supported Jayce, and that number was growing as the days passed. Duran nodded to Bankor, who stood a few steps behind and to the side of Jayce’s chair, Rune seated at his right.

He hadn’t realized how much the keep, these people and faces, felt like home. The peace of that knowledge filled his chest as he sank into his chair with Royce at his side. After months together, the validation of their efforts was visible all around them. From the guards stationed throughout the keep to the fluidity of the kitchens, to the keep help that Javi ran with perfect symmetry and cohesion. People carried hope again. People bore faith in the return of a future that had been torn from them. The power of that faith bolstered them all. He didn’t doubt a lot of the people currently seeing to the keep would follow them when the time came to continue to show their support for Jayce and all that he stood for. The keep itself would remain as a running stronghold, a middle point between the clans and skin shifters further to the north, east, and deeper in the mountains.

Discussion for the next stage hadn’t begun but it was looming before them, always present, even if in the distance. If Master Theil succeeded in obtaining any inside information about the Alendaren family and Carden’s plans, it would be a boon to their efforts. With the recovery of the crown, it was only a matter of time now. With so many aspects to consider there was no doubt that the coming future would become more challenging as the days progressed.

There was also no doubt the amount of strain those expectations put on Jayce even if he was able to keep the evidence of it hidden from casual observers. For someone so young to be thrust into this life, his entire worldview changed and remolded into something he had never imagined, and then to embrace that change, took a fortitude that Duran believed would carry the young man for decades and centuries to come.

Gradually, the mages filed in until all of them filled the table. Grayson sat to Royce’s other side while Brin, Ulcieh, and Leodinn took the opposite chairs beside Rune, livening the table up quickly. Chatter levels grew as people filled drink mugs and grateful replies to kitchen staff were heard with coffee passed around. Jayce needed it more than air so it was no surprise that others took the opportunity to come to share the morning with a steaming cup in hand. With the addition of bodies around the table, it took several minutes for Duran to realize that Cedri’s chair remained empty.

He shifted closer to speak into Royce’s ear. “Where is Cedri?”

“He went early this morning with a group, including Zahari and the Morrows, to greet his brother and parents journeying here, to give them all a chance to catch up without interruption. They should arrive by afternoon.”

“I imagine everyone is excited to see them after so long.”

“It has been a bit for those of us who stayed,” Royce agreed. He popped half a biscuit into his mouth and chewed, swallowing contentedly. He glanced with heat in Duran’s direction, bright eyes that seemed to almost glimmer with an extra essence of light since their bonding. “I’m so very glad I stayed,” he purred.

Duran smiled, feeling the warmth on his cheeks. “I am too,” he replied sincerely.

“Duran? Do you have something to share?” Jayce was staring at him, a soft smirk on his mouth, while knowing eyes flicked to his neck.

Duran’s hand slapped over his mating mark. He hadn’t considered his hair wouldn’t cover his mark as well as Rune’s. “Oh!” He cleared his throat, feeling heat burst across his cheeks. “Yes, my lord.” He reached under the table and threaded his fingers through Royce’s. He felt full to bursting with happiness when he announced, “Royce and I are mated.”

Congratulations were cried loudly around the table. The guards stamped their feet adding to the cheers. Royce burst out with laughter. He raised a mug. “To the many great things happening. To us.” He dipped his chin toward Duran and then to Jayce and Rune. “Thank you all.”

Duran smirked. “You’ve been keeping a secret as well, my lord. Master Rune?” He pointedly focused on Rune’s cape collar. Knowing what he did now, he realized Rune always wore a cape, or his hair over that shoulder when others would be around. He wondered how long they’d kept that particular secret. Without paying attention to the two of them to look for that kind of a mark, he had no idea how long they’d already been mated.

Jayce had unfortunately taken a sip from his mug at that moment, choking roughly to quickly thump his mug down as he gasped, caught unprepared by the question, clearing his throat. He waved off Rune’s concern as he wiped his mouth and knuckled his eyes dry.

Rune’s lips twitched at the corner as his eyes lightened with laughter once Jayce had caught his breath. “In time,” Rune offered sagely.

Alro cleared his throat. “My lord? There is little that is a true secret within the walls of the keep,” he stated blandly, clearly not wanting to make Jayce believe he was discomfited by the fact with his measured tone.

Jayce sat back in his chair, an arm tossed over the back as he considered what Alro had revealed. “And everyone still believes in the Valda-Cree promise? The prophecy and our intent?” he asked with a direct stare at the standing guard, though there was no mistaking the undercurrent of importance in the weighted words. Joining forces with a mage would not sit well with everyone. Silence overtook the table, a bated moment of expectation.

Alro’s gaze met with several at the table before alighting on Jayce. “If I may speak freely?” Jayce nodded in encouragement. Briefly pressing his fist to his chest over his heart in solidarity, Alro explained, “We were offered a choice when Bankor formed your personal guard. It is not in blind allegiance that we agreed to become your private detail, nor a bid for favoritism to have this opportunity. We have all watched and listened, and there are no prejudices among us.” A slight break in his emotionless mask added impact to his next words. “For those of us who are alive now, to witness, to partake in a future of the Valda-Cree vision, we are grateful. Your mating was welcomed as a blessing of strengths, not as subterfuge for greater power.”

He nodded toward Bankor with respect. Signaling he’d said his piece, he retook his position near the wall, his expression once more a blank stare and revealing nothing else.

Jayce sat in still silence as he considered Alro’s words. Reaching his feet, he set a hand on Bankor’s shoulder briefly, then walked to stand before the guard. “I thank you for your honesty, Alro. Bankor chose well.” Bankor watched them both from his own usual position behind Jayce’s chair and Duran noted the way his shoulders seemed to flex, maybe losing tension after Jayce spoke.

Alro swallowed hard. “Thank you, my lord.”

With an understanding nod, he reversed his trip to stop behind Rune’s chair. His palms rested on Rune’s shoulders. The mage sat straighter in his chair, almost glowing from Jayce’s next words. “Tonight’s gathering will have many announcements to celebrate. What has been private will be made public for the residents to come to their own conclusions. The goddess has given us many challenges, but loving someone should never be a burden or a reason to cause fear.” He raised an eyebrow at Duran. “Think you can be patient until tonight to have your confirmation, fire mage?”

Duran sputtered. Then Jayce winked and Duran knew there was no censure in Jayce’s challenge. “As you will, my lord.” Jayce was full of surprises.

“Am I interrupting?” Master Theil stood at the entry with the two acolytes who had traveled with him standing at his side.

“Not at all Master Theil.” Jayce waved a hand to empty seats. “Please join us for breakfast and coffee.”

“We would be honored.” He sat then offered introductions. “Have you met Jamel and Dunley? They are my assistants on this journey.”

Jayce retook his seat once more. “We’ve passed in the halls. It’s a pleasure to actually meet you both.”

“My lord,” they replied respectfully with bowed heads.

“Please, eat. There is no ceremony in the mornings. This is a private table for friends and family.” Jayce offered a kind smile to the two young mages. They began to fill their plates from the offerings.

“Very gracious,” Master Theil remarked in approval.

“Mom raised me right,” he joked, followed by a short laugh. “They wanted to travel with Cedri to meet Kygo and will be back for tonight’s festivities. We all need a chance to remember what we’re fighting for. I sense we are nearing the beginning of the next stage.” He hefted his mug to his lips then settled it squarely on the table after he’d taken a healthy drink. The dark clouds of their joined future were clear in his gaze even as he fought to carry that weight on his shoulders alone.

“We will be fine,” Rune remarked firmly. When Jayce squarely offered him a questioning stare, he added, “At least for tonight and tomorrow, let it be. Enjoy your parents. Enjoy the moment. They will be few and far apart in the coming months.”

Jayce leaned close, a nudge that seemed simple but said more between them. “And that is why you are my first counsel. You keep me grounded.” He shrugged a loose shoulder, his gaze adoring, though everyone’s heads came up suddenly when running footsteps reverberated over the stone floor as someone approached in a rush.

Mikkon panted as he appeared, then quickly bowed. “Apologies for interrupting, but I need Grayson. Kierei is growing agitated and we need the dragon speaker in the barn.”

Grayson was already on his feet, his expression taut. “By your—”

“Go!” Jayce cut him off.

Duran smirked at the astonished expressions before him. Grayson quickly left the table with Mikkon in a flurry of rushed words until their steps faded.

“Dragon speaker?” Master Theil questioned, curious.

“The keep residents gifted him the title,” Leodinn explained from across the table as he slathered an oak cake in extra honey. “While there is no real verbal understanding, there is definitely communication in their processes. With Kierei’s trust, Xora has grown increasingly comfortable in her situation here, as well. It has been remarkable to witness.”

“Aren’t the dragons dangerous?” Dunley asked timidly.

“Oh, they’re very dangerous,” Rune answered. “They trust us, in how we treat them, in the freedom that they can leave whenever they choose. There is a marked difference from Xora’s tales of capture to Kierei’s treatment from us. They owe us nothing. It is a friendship from trust that Grayson has been able to cultivate instead.”

“And he speaks with them?” Jamel asked next.

“It’s more he interprets. Grayson doesn’t know if it’s because he’s an earth mage or if he has a previously unseen talent that came to the fore specific to the dragons. He’s the only earth mage currently at the keep, so we don’t know the cause.”

Jamel blinked, excitement making his deep brown eyes glitter. “He’s an earth mage?” he asked Leodinn, excitement coloring his cheeks.

“He is.”

Master Theil spoke to Jamel. “I know what you want to ask. If Lord Morrow approves, you may.”

“You’re an earth mage, then?” Jayce asked tugging at the short beard on his chin, clearly already connecting the dots to what Jamel was building the courage to ask. Duran had wondered the same on several occasions, but there was no way to know for sure.

“Yes, my lord. With your permission, I would love to see if my theory is correct.” Subdued excitement was suppressed but evident in the way he fidgeted on his chair, his eyes wide and hopeful.

It wasn’t but a few seconds before Jayce waved a hand down the table. “Leodinn, escort Jamel to the dragon barn. Report back your results, and if there is a reason for Kierei’s upset.”

Both stood and bowed at the waist. “My lord.” Leodinn gestured to Jamel to follow.

“I’m very excited about the possibility.” Jamel’s words faded as they vanished through the entry.

Jayce leaned on his elbows. “You know he’s going to want to stay if he’s proven correct.”

Master Theil sighed regretfully. “I need him for what is coming, but if he’s right, it will give you a direction to help cement the bonds you’re already sowing with the dragons. Once I have completed my purpose, I will be happy to let him join you for further training and assistance to your dragons.”

“I understand.” Jayce sat back as one of the kitchen helpers appeared at his shoulder to clear his plates. “Thank you, Luke.”

The young man smiled before efficiently removing plates and platters. Once he had left through the doors to the keep kitchens, he added, “Hopefully, there will be something for him to return to help with.”

“As we all hope,” Master Theil remarked gravely in agreement.

 

* * * *

Duran tugged his best linen shirt down, slipping on the new jerkin over it. It had been in the room when he’d returned from noon training, along with a new tunic and trousers for both him and Royce. The seamstresses had outdone themselves. He slipped the buttons together then slid hands down the front to smooth the fine, rich blue fabric, ensuring his belt was even at his waist in the small mirror on the stand in their bedroom. As a public event and address, this was the first time he’d been able to wear such fine made clothing. A symbol of his station at the keep and his place among the mages who supported Jayce and his journey. He rarely wore anything more than his tunic or cloak while seeing to his duties at the keep, but tonight would be the first time Jayce would need their visible support. They would all be wearing their finest in solidarity to Lord Morrow and the future they were all fighting for.

He smiled when strong arms loosely encircled his waist from behind, disturbing his inner monologue. Their paired reflection in the glass stole his breath. Royce’s pale blond hair and fair skin beside Duran’s own sable brown and tan tones. Then Royce said what Duran was thinking.

“You look stunning, mage.” Royce buried his nose into Duran’s neck, nuzzling over the bite mark on his neck. A shiver of arousal immediately followed, awakening nerves along his spine with the wonder of a bare touch. He lifted his chin to gasp softly as Royce’s lips worked their own magic. His eyes fluttered closed beneath his soft kisses.

“I was thinking how beautiful you are.” Leaning into Royce’s chest, he soaked in Royce’s body heat, a stolen moment before they were needed elsewhere. They had brought a heating pit into the room that held several fire-heated stones, which could be replaced as their heat faded. The window openings were closed and shuttered for winter. The adornment of heavy leather and fabric drapes aided to keep out the chill. Even with those, the room maintained a comfortable, if cooler temperature, which made Royce’s body heat so much more decadent. Curling up with his cat under blankets to cuddle against all his warm skin had become one of his favorite things. Royce’s nibbles slowed even as his warmth lingered. “Love you,” he murmured against prickled skin.

“I love you,” he said, squeezing the hands clasped at his stomach. Royce dropped a last kiss on his throat and moved away. Duran lamented the loss of Royce’s heat and touch but knew it would be best to not arrive in the main hall with an erection. Not something he wanted to have out on display when meeting with the Tanglwood clan leaders, or in Master Theil’s presence. “Ready?”

Royce opened the bedroom door for both to walk through. The halls were busier the closer they got to the great hall where the evening gathering was being held. Passing through guarded doorways, they finally paused at the public entrance, taking in the boisterous atmosphere. Guards flanked both sides of the doorway as the doors stood open for free passage from this doorway to go from the hall to the keep entry. The two roaring fireplaces were keeping the room fairly warm. People from the keep itself milled around the great hall, stopping to talk and catch up with friends and family, with everyone waiting for Jayce’s appearance. Others sat at the tables over tankards and cups, boisterous laughter filling the space as people reconnected. There were quite a few faces that Duran hadn’t ever seen before. They had likely arrived with Kygo’s family.

Royce took a moment to study the crowd and groups of people. “I see Cedri, and there’s Kygo. Would you like to meet him?”

“Of course.” Duran followed Royce as he cut through the gathered people to stop next to Cedri’s shoulder, smiling in answer as a few nodded to him in greeting as they passed.

It took a moment for Duran to determine who exactly Kygo was as he looked nothing like Cedri. If Cedri was the younger brother, he was taller and broader than Kygo by a couple of inches. Cedri had darker blond hair, darker than raw sugar. Kygo’s, however, was lighter in tone, like a sunny golden sunbath of color and he wore it considerably shorter, revealing finer features and entrancing, bold eyes. The resemblance was in the pitch black eye color they shared. There was a watchful, alert stillness in Kygo that was so similar to Cedri. Knowing Cedri for his skills, he didn’t doubt Kygo was as deadly if needed, even if his size would naturally make someone underestimate him. He likely used it like Cedri used his own size: as a weapon that was honed with precision.

He could imagine watching the brothers side by side, how that would reflect through Kygo’s tiger.

Royce spoke when there was a break in the surrounding conversation. “Kygo. I wanted to introduce you to my mate, Duran.”

“Mate?” Twisting a bit to face his brother with playful censure, he raised an eyebrow at Cedri. “This seems like it would have been big news to share.”

Cedri’s mouth popped open and closed in clear bewilderment, his shoulders rising. “I didn’t know. Congratulations! When did this happen?”

Royce curled an arm around Duran’s waist, keeping him close to share a grin filled with laughter between them before saying, “We announced it this morning, but I thought it was pretty obvious, myself.”

Cedri quietly barked a laugh, surprise coloring his cheeks. “The one morning I miss breakfast.” He one arm hugged Royce since he didn’t release Duran to accept, leaving him warm on the inside that he couldn’t be parted. “I’m happy for you both.”

Whu-hu-hu. Duran looked up, discovering Remy in the rafters, Rox and Iba not far. With Remy being so new to him as a familiar, his happiness with Duran’s mating was clear through the bond they shared. Remy approved. He liked that idea.

Thank you, love. Keep watch, please?

Whu-hu. He spanned his wings outward to give a good shake then settled to people watch.

The double doors to the west vestibule drew open, spreading wide to reveal Jayce with Rune at his side. Bankor, Elroc, and Alro accompanied them as the pair strode up to the dais where a long table for the meal had been positioned in front of his personal chair. The three guards flanked him at his sides when he stopped, Rune a few steps away, on the other side of another chair that Duran hadn’t noticed before then, partially obscured by the table. A cheer went up when he faced all those expectant people.

“Greetings and welcome! Friends among us, and friends to the keep, I greet you all!” The cheers and feet stomping grew in volume. Raising his hands to the crowd, he waited until there was a lull to speak again. “Tonight, we welcome to our keep the Tanglewood clan elders and more as friends who have joined us.” He faced a couple at one of the tables who had stood at his entry. Duran would have to make sure Royce introduced them, as well. He would not dishonor Royce’s clan by ignoring their leaders, Cedri and Kygo’s parents. Jayce’s voice carried strongly as he perused the groups until he stopped, his next words directed to the three mages watching intently from a table. “We have also been most honored by Master Theil of the Windwise Temple. I thank you for your presence and guidance these last few days.” Pausing, he then reached out with a beckoning hand and Rune clasped it, drawing near. While Jayce’s tunic was adorned with several threads of color, ending in a rich gold trim, Rune’s repeated the pattern in blue and gold with a deep blue trim, seeming to highlight his pale hair and skin in the firelight, the blue signifying the House of Morrow as Duran noted that they all bore the same. Both the men on the dais wore standard britches and shiny boots, a shared appearance that made it clear they were a pair, a team.

Rune stood tall next to Jayce staring out into the hall with a calm visage. Though it took a moment, Duran’s jaw slowly gaped when he realized Rune was not wearing his common cloak. That he wore his hair pulled back in an intricate braid down his spine, exposing his ears and neck, encouraging the investigation of his tunic and all that it meant. This also clearly revealed the marks on his neck and shoulder. There was a quick burst of chatter among those watching as they began to decipher what Rune’s presence and appearance meant, which quieted once Jayce started talking again.

“There is also news for us all. I, Jayce Morrow Sahrama, have chosen a consort, a mate for my lion, a person who has stood at my side since the very moment of my return to the lands of Kielbos. I and my lion have both chosen Mage Rune to continue to forge this path we are taking to rebuild Rinattoah. Our efforts are only beginning with the many obstacles yet unseen over the coming months, however, with the support of you, of my friends, of those clans still loyal to the Valda-Cree and all that the goddess granted in her name, we will see Rinattoah rise again!”

There was sudden silence as people absorbed what Jayce had said, then with an explosion of sound, applause and cheers, tankards thunking wooden tabletops, feet stomping on stone, wave after wave of elated approval filled the room to the rafters. He took his seat, with Rune joining him in the padded chair beside him, then a wave from Bankor to a watcher signaled the kitchens to start serving.

“And that is how you make a controversial announcement seem like it is simply a step on the path of a long journey,” Royce murmured with appreciative humor.

“He’s a better planner and speaker than he gives himself credit for,” Duran remarked, concern growing in his tone as the ramifications of that announcement became clear. “Now, until Rune is officially handfasted or wed with Lord Morrow, he will have to be doubly cautious. I wonder if he’s aware of the danger this creates for him.”

Cedri crossed his arms, though he didn’t argue Duran’s point. “We will all ensure they are both kept safe. We all have a stake in this elusive future we are trying to capture.”

“And you’re confident having another mage sitting at a ruler’s right hand will not end in another bloody invasion or war? Or worse?” Kygo asked, his brow tight as he continued to stare at the dais with barely disguised distrust. As though he needed to see the inside thoughts of the two sitting in those chairs to ensure their sincerity.

“The difference is Lord Morrow himself,” Cedri offered. “No one will make demands of your compliance, or your beliefs, but we will ask you to consider what you see and what you learn with an open mind.”

Duran silently nodded in agreement. This may have started with the mages, but there were so many more who saw the truth of Jayce’s character and because of that, were willing to follow him. There was hope in that truth and for now, it was enough.

Kygo gazed after his parents, the tension in his frame slowly dissipating as he watched his own parents laughing with the people surrounding them, including Jayce’s rearing parents, Harmony and Nolen. The pursed tightness around his lips softened. “If they feel he is worthy of a chance after meeting him, I will grant the same. The coming army concerns us all. The conflicts we’ve already experienced because of that army are not to be ignored.” He waved a slow arc of his hand to encompass the room and tables being filled with plates mounded high with food. “This doesn’t speak of a man with concerns.”

“This is a welcome to your parents. And as a thank you for Master Theil’s time as he is departing tomorrow,” Duran stated firmly though not adding details of where he was going. He was grateful for Royce’s supportive touch as he spoke succinctly to Kygo. Royce believed in him, and in Jayce’s journey. In this, his conviction filled Duran’s soul. “Do not judge an evening of feasting as frivolous. Lord Morrow has always put the needs of the keep, of the vulnerable, before himself. He helped rebuild much of the keep with his own hands, helped many with their housing, and encouraged the trade we all currently benefit from. Many of the keep are here this evening for the meal because they know they are wanted. All are always welcome.”

Kygo stared down his nose a little at Duran, then dipped his head. “I hear you, mage. I will take your words to heart, and yours too, brother.”

“That is all we can ask.”

Cedri bumped shoulders with Kygo. “Now, quit being such an ass,” he grumbled. “This is a celebration.”

Kygo snorted then smiled, losing the cynical glower that had overtaken his features. “I look forward to the coming days to get to know your Lord Morrow, brother.”

“You will have an opportunity,” Cedri said. “I promise you.”

That seemed to soothe Kygo’s inner suspicions. Duran supposed it was the best they could ask for under their current situation. Kygo likely had questions, too many to hope to address at a festive gathering where food and copious amounts of ale were the stars. There would be time for them to prove to the clan heir that the keep and the people within were not enemies. In fact, they were hoping to become allies before the visitors departed.