💎A Collision of Fates💎 (Straight to Gay) (MxM) (18+)

138 - Mark

As much as Mark tried to resist it, he started to become comfortable in The Hall. The royal courtyard and the private chambers were a pleasant oasis in the middle of the city, a place to relax, a place to think, a place to spend time with Nick and Breck.

He never forgot about his goal, or about his son. Chris was always at the front of his mind, as was his need to gain control of the imperial legions. The only thing he wanted was to march on Sesstria and seize the city back from Esteck. But, in the meantime, he was starting to get used to life in Paxta, life in Izal.

He spent many hours in the chamber, sitting in the gallery, watching the lords discuss matters of state. Djaro was always present in them, dressed in a fine robe, black hair pulled tightly back from his forehead. He looked like a different person during those gatherings, mature, stately, wise. Mark would never forget the way that Djaro had spoken up for the people of Sesstria, for the pain and suffering they had gone through. It had been brave. Extremely brave. So brave, that he had been forced to make a formal apology to the wenarzis the day after.

Mark even began to feel more comfortable in his ceremonial eeb. It was still strange wearing it around The Hall, but, the more he did it, the more he forgot that that was all he was wearing. The only person that mentioned it was Nick, and he always did it in a joking way.

Three days after that initial meeting in the chamber, Mark was walking with Zazo through the grand courtyard at the base of The Hall. Around them, lords were enjoying their day, talking over cool drinks, admiring the colourful flora, scheming in the shade. Mark tried to ignore it all, and made an effort to listen to Zazo.

"I must admit, Mark, I did have my doubts, but all of the reports that I have heard from the various attendants of the Lords of the Hall have illustrated for me that the people are seeing you as a natural fit." Zazo leaned in. "Attending the gatherings is a smart move. It shows that you genuinely care."

Mark nodded. "I do genuinely care. The fate of Paxta is wound together with the fate of me and my son."

"Well, whatever the reason, it's being remarked upon." Zazo looked around the grand courtyard, the light dancing off of his face. "High Lord Valliz is pleased with his choice, and the people are eager to meet you during The Linkage."

"Right." Mark sighed. "Another courtship ritual. How many days until that one?"

"Three. And don't sound too excited."

"Honestly, Zazo, I just feel like I could be doing more important things. I know i'm the prospective of Djaro, and not an elected Lord, but I wish that I could speak during those meetings. I have a difficult time saying nothing."

"I know. But there isn't much we can do. As you said, you have not been elected, you are not part of any faction. The only connection you have to The Hall is Lord Djaro."

As if summoned by that name, there was a loud squawk in the air. There was a rush of flapped wings, a quieter squawk, and Paddzi landed on the grass in front of Mark.

"Hey, buddy." Mark leaned down and scratched underneath the lichfiend's head. Paddzi shut his eyes contentendly, and lifted his head to give Mark better access. His tail slapped the ground with excitement. "Did you come to get some pets?"

Paddzi squawked and opened his eyes. Mark started running his hands along the dragon's scaly back, feeling the rough, tough skin. It was a strange thing to pet, very different than a petting a dog, but the reaction was similar. Paddzi was clearly loving the attention. He stomped happily as Mark patted him on the side.

"I think he likes you." Zazo took a step back from the little beast.

"I like him." Mark kept petting Paddzi, who rewarded him with a warm lick to the face. A rough, wet, dragon tongue.