Draconia Offline vol. 1

53.2. Love Constellation - Part 2

"A few rules," Erik has to push me back because I want to kiss him all over. "First, we're sharing Ryuuto so there's no way you're touching me, is that clear?"

"A pity, you're handsome for a human," Gotrid winks and gets Erik's ostentatious eye roll. "Just kidding, my heart belongs to my Emperor and no one else."

"Second, respect my private space," Erik continues and shoves his feathers away. "Third, I won't tolerate if you'll start usurping Ryuuto for yourself. Fourth, no silly jokes on my account."

"Got it," he nods and tries to be serious about it but his lips are twitching in a suppressed grin. "Erik, really, I actually like you. Sure, you're my rival but that's healthy competition, right?"

"I don't want you to be rivals," I purse my lips and I still can't wrap my head around it. I'm not dreaming, am I?

"Ehm...!" somebody coughs loudly, startling us. "Why are you on the floor, Your Majesty? Stand up, please, it's unbecoming."

It's Cien, coming with a cart that's carrying our dinner.

"Also, Her Excellency is dying to know if you talked it through and what sort of conclusion you reached. And possibly send damage control."

"I think we're fine," Gotrid produces a wide smile and finally hugs me.

I gasp for breath because his touch makes me connect to him but since I'm already holding Erik, it ends up in a telepathic loop.

"Whoa... okay, maybe not the best idea right from the start," Gotrid lets go, astonished.

"Definitely not before dinner," Cien frowns at us but I can feel that she's overjoyed seeing us together.

It's not that my subjects were disapproving of Erik, they really do respect and value him. They just saw clearly what I was refusing to see for months—that my nature craves a Celestial partner. So I guess this is the best possible outcome for all parties.

"What about we invite Liana?" Erik suggests and helps me on my legs.

"Sure, I wouldn't want her to be alone anyway," I say even though 'alone' is a vague term in our case. She'd still be accompanied by her maids and guards. But that's obviously not the same.

What an unexpected turn of events. Just an hour ago I was afraid Erik will want to break up with me and now I'm sitting at table with two partners. They're gazing at each other with narrowed eyes but the fact that they don't fight anymore is good enough for now.

"Erik, stop clicking your tongue and you, Gotrid, stop provoking him with your feathers," I scold them. "I'm starting to think you're going to be a lot of work and I have a lot of work as it is so chill, guys."

Erik puffs when Gotrid finally pulls away his wings but for now they're both behaving. It's a miracle that they didn't get into a fight. Oh, wait. They kind of did. Erik mentioned he was throwing things at Gotrid who had to resort to telekinesis.

"You made up?!" Liana blurts out the moment she appears in the door, changed into a comfortable night robe.

"Made up suggests we were friends who had an argument which is not the case," Erik grumbles. "Let's say we agreed on a reasonable arrangement."

"You did?" she claps in celebration. "Oh, Erik, I knew you'd put Aefener's happiness and wellbeing first. I never doubted you."

"What about that guy?" Erik points at Gotrid. "You never doubted him either?"

"Oh, there was never really an issue from Gotrid's side," Liana waves her hand. "He knew Aefener would never give you up so he agreed to become the second Consort from the start."