The Heirs of Elysium

Chapter 25 - Mates

Ethon's PoV

My carefree expressions fractures as my gaze sweeps between the object of my affection sat on my bed and my best friend's half-naked form.

Al smiles, not a trace a guilt upon his face. "There you are, Eth. Rina was looking for you, but had to contend with me on the precipice of a breakdown."

I turn to Rina. "You sought me out?"

Rina curls a strand of her glossy dark hair around a finger. "Eth, I was wondering if you could escort me to dinner. I fear there could be a diplomatic incident if I do not have a friendly face by my side."

"I would be delighted." I beam, warmth spreading across my chest. That is until the second part of Al's sentence sinks in and douses me with ice cold water.

"Al, are you alright?"

He winces and give a so-so gesture with one hand. "It felt like the queen was trying to drill into my head and that on top of the situation with Saira, well ..."

"Saira?" I interrupt, not comprehending what that has to do with him.

Al flushes. "Eth, allow me to get dressed first and then I promise to bring you up to speed."

He grabs some clothes and disappears into the bathroom. Rina pushes off from the bed, but before she can leave, I step into her path. It is the first time that I have been alone with her since leaving Babylon.

"Rina, have I done something to offend you?"

"Why would you think that?" She is dismissive, but does not meet my gaze.

"Throughout the whole journey here, you have been distant."

"You bit me." There is an angry fire in her dark eyes.

"It was a love bite," I counter playfully. "What says your dragon?"

Rina huffs and hesitates before confessing, "She said it is the same place that a male dragon bites its mate."

My mate, the Phoenix within glows with delight.

"Good to know, my mate." With a grin, I risk taking a step closer.

"Boy." She pokes me in the chest. "You are awfully sure of yourself."

"Well, in less than six moons I will officially be a man and will officially be yours."

"You are deluded." Tossing her dark curls, she strides out.

I admire the glorious sway of her hips and her very fine derriere. It is frustrating that she does not take me seriously, I mean I am a catch. At least I shall enjoy the chase.

Sinking into an arm chair, I prop my booted feet on a low table. Al is quick to change into fresh clothes and takes a seat across from me.

"OK, spill," I demand.

"I have been romancing Saira in secret. That is until her very public mating with Kai." His knuckles whiten as he grips the arms of his chair.

"Since when?" I demand.

"Since the Yule Ball," he confesses.

"Three moons?" My voice rises, anger simmering. "And I am only now finding out about it?"

"She did not want anyone to know about it, so I was not a liberty divulge the affair to anyone."

"I am not just anybody, we are practically brothers. Al, you can trust in me with anything." I shake my head more disappointed than annoyed now. "Is there anything else you are keeping from me?"