Ryn

Chapter Fifteen

Once war ends, no antagonism must remain between Ryns. Hold no grudges against those who act honorably in battle. They fight for their colony, not their own interests. Forget your ire and only have respect.

This Is Our Law

~ From the Dragonling Grimoire

"I look ridiculous." I hissed.

"I think you look beautiful."

"Liar."

Alek was helping me dress in diplomat robes, though "cloak" would be a better word to describe it. It was made of sturdy orange silk, inlaid with red and yellow thread around the hood and cuffs. The Thundercrash insignia, a lightning bolt curling from storm clouds, was emblazoned on the back. Underneath the robe was a plain brown tunic with an orange silk sash. It was lavish and horribly uncomfortable. I found the clothes to be a poor imitation of a phoenix's colors. My only consolation was that Alek and Dmitri - all of our colony diplomats, in fact - had to wear the same thing. 

I had hoped my broken leg would help keep me out of the spotlight - and maybe in my dragon form - but they had brought a healer in and he cleared me as perfectly fine. I had wanted to strangle him.  

Gently lifting me up, Alek carried me to a sofa in our lavish guest room. It wasn't as nice as our rooms at home, but the Kestreldive colony certainly took great care to please their guests. The room was far more decedent that I would have preferred - silk and velvet everything - but it was a nice change. There was even a heated pool in the corner, warmed by burning coals underneath the marble floor.

"Ani, when I say you look beautiful, I mean it."

Alek gave me a look of such pure adoration that I couldn't help but cave. I rolled my eyes to show him exactly how I felt about the fact, but leaned against him anyways. His body wasn't as solid as Dmitri's, but it was softer and more pliant. "I love you." I felt him kiss the top of my head softly before he sat down beside me.

"And I love you, Ani." Alek began to braid my hair with his nimble fingers. The gentle tugging felt nice and I began to relax.

"Thank you." I mumbled. Alek just hummed lightly in reply, as is he were just doing what he was supposed to. In a way, I guess it was true. Not all mate bonds were close. I had gotten lucky by having two caring mates - many wyks didn't get the chance at two ever. Some of them never even got one.

I closed my eyes and leaned against Alek. The movement pulled my hair our of his hands, much to my disappointment. I liked the feel of his gentle but sure touch against my scalp. Though as his hands circled around my waist and pulled me tight against his own body, I had to admit this was good too. Dmitri hardly ever cuddled with me. When he did, it wasn't as soft or caring as Alek.

A flash of guilt racked through my body suddenly and made my body feel cold despite Alek's warm arms around me. How could I even compare Alek to Dmitri? Dmitri was the one who held me when nightmares haunted me. Maybe I didn't like how he babied me, but it was just because he cared for me. What kind of mate was I? A bad one.