Resurrection Of The Fallen Page 3

  “Your Highness, thank you. If you do not have enough beds, I can find a spot in the Great Hall or the stables.”

  “I would not hear of it even if we lacked the space, but we do not. There are plenty of extra chambers upstairs,” she replied and the men in Conley’s former court smiled their gratitude before allowing themselves to be led upstairs by the servants.

  “Mother, Conley will share my chamber.”

  His mother gave him a stern look. “Do not be silly. You two barely know one another. You will be sharing a chamber soon, but you are far from ready now.”

  Conley offered him a knowing grin Drystan wished to slap from his too-comely face. “That is what I was explaining to him when you arrived, Your Highness.”

  “You must call me Helen. I understand. Despite our best efforts, Drystan is quite hard-headed. Come now, you’ll have a bath and then a meal. I daresay you will feel like a new man,” she said before turning to her son. “Drystan, go find your father and tell him Conley has arrived.”

  “I was not finished speaking with Conley.”

  She raised a dark brow; it was a skill Drystan envied as he had yet to master it—though not for a lack of trying. “Conley needs a bath, and I did not ask you if you wished to carry out my order.”

  Drystan knew better than to gainsay her. She would find a way to make him pay for it. “Yes, Mother.”

  “You know, he really is a decent lad, but I’m afraid he’s always been too headstrong for his own good,” he heard his mother say as she led Conley toward the stone steps that led to the second level of the keep.

  “I know with a parent like yourself, he could not be all bad,” Conley replied and Drystan was happy to note they were nearly out of earshot. He didn’t particularly want to hear anything more his mother had to say about his character. Turning on a booted heel, he left the Great Hall behind him and went in search of his father. His mother would hear of it were he to dawdle any longer.

  * * *

  Supper was an amazing feast. Somehow, Queen Helen had managed to coordinate it in a matter of a few hours. Drystan was not surprised; he knew his mother to be capable of tasks that would fell a lesser soul. Conley had sat at his side but had pointedly ignored him throughout the meal. Instead, he’d engaged his parents in a most genial conversation. None of the trio seemed at all bothered that Drystan had remained silent.

  After the servants cleared the tables, Drystan decided playing the mute no longer appealed. “Conley, I thought to take a walk.”

  “That’s nice.”

  “I thought to take it with you.”

  “Drystan, ask Conley if you wish him to accompany you,” his mother admonished.

  “I was asking him.”

  “No, you all but ordered him to. You will find him more amenable if you use the manners I have taught you since your birth.”

  Knowing he was in danger of facing his mother’s wrath, Drystan turned to his mate and offered him a smile full of teeth. “Conley, would you care to walk with me this fine eve?”

  “A short walk would be welcome,” Conley replied.

  Drystan didn’t think a short walk would suffice, but he had Conley’s agreement. They could quibble over the length of the thing after they were already on their way. He got to his feet and held his hand out for the other drakeling to take, but Conley knocked it aside and stood. Glaring at Drystan, he began striding out of the Great Hall toward the doors of the keep.

  Not sure what he’d done to anger Conley, Drystan followed in his wake. Once they were out in the open air where the sun was just beginning to set, he asked, “What ails you?”

  “Nothing ails me,” Conley replied.

  “Then why did you not take my hand?”

  “I am not a woman; I do not need your assistance getting to my feet.”

  “I did not think to assist you from your chair. I simply wanted us to hold hands as I have often seen mates do. Do you not wish to hold my hand?”

  Conley stopped walking so Drystan halted as well. “I had not thought about it.”

  “I believe you are troubled I am a man.”

  “I did not say I was upset you are male.”

  “And yet when I try to bring us closer, you dig in your heels and shriek at me.”

  “Drystan, neither one of us knows what we are doing when it comes to being mates. Can we not try and work together instead of constantly being at odds?”

  “That is what I wish too.”

  Conley started moving forward again. “Good, shall we walk?”

  “Might I hold your hand while we do so?”

  Without answering Conley grabbed his hand, and they took their first steps as a couple. “It feels strange.”

  Drystan didn’t like hearing his words. He thought it felt wonderful. “It does not.”

  “Are you used to holding hands with another? Is Prince Drystan not as chaste as he would have the world believe?” Conley asked and before Drystan’s fist flew out to knock the man in the teeth he saw the twinkle in his mate’s eyes and gathered he was teasing.

  “I am more chaste than you, anyway.”

  “You best remain that way until we share a bed.”

  Drystan’s mouth was agog. “I would most certainly not have relations with another now, and you best not either.”

  “I will not lie with another.”

  “Conley?”

  “Aye?”

  “How old are you?”

  “Nineteen and since I am the eldest, it is I who should be the one doing the dictating about your behavior.”

  “I thought you to be younger than me,” Drystan replied, pointedly ignoring the rest of Conley’s sentence.

  “If you say it is due to my height, I will stab you with my eating knife.”

  “You are very bloodthirsty.”

  “Will your father allow me to train in the lists tomorrow?”

  “No doubt he will insist upon it. Are you good with a sword, Conley?”

  “Better than you, I’d wager.”

  Drystan was not going to argue. Conley was small; there was no way he was Drystan’s equal in battle. “I will best you with my sword, and then you will owe me a kiss.”

  “I will win in swordplay, but you shall still get your kiss.”

  “I am going to be most fond of you, Conley,” Drystan was compelled to tell him.

  “You are often wrong-headed, but I hope to become fond of you too.”

  “I shall see to it you want for nothing.”

  “I will see to that myself.”

  “I believe you have more to learn than I when it comes to mating.”

  “As I said, you are often wrong-headed.”

  “Did you enjoy the company of my parents at supper?”

  “I did. I find them most kind.”

  “Are your parents much the same?”

  “No.”

  Drystan did not care for the answer or the flat tone of Conley’s voice. “They were unkind to you?”

  “Mostly they kept their distance.”

  “From their own offspring? When I become a father, I will not allow any distance between myself and my son.”

  Conley halted their forward progress again and gave him a ferocious look. “You think to lie with a woman to have a child?”

  A pit formed in Drystan’s belly. “Can two males not have a child together?”

  Shaking his head Conley said, “You are most naïve. Only a man and a woman can conceive a child.”

  A wave of sadness washed over Drystan as he comprehended he would never have a child of his own. “I did not know.”

  “I am sorry. We do not have to be together if you would prefer to have a family.”

  Drystan found the idea of not having Conley distasteful. It overwhelmed the sorrow of not fathering babes. “Fate intended us to be together.”

  “Perhaps we will find another way to raise a brood of our own.”

  Putting one foot in front of the other, Drystan set them back in motion to finish t
heir walk. “It is likely we will.”

  “It would be good to wait until we are dragons.”

  “Do you fear you will not survive your first shift and leave our children without you to care for them?”

  Conley shook his head. “I do not. I shall be a strong dragon.”

  “I will not let you die.”

  “Nor I you.”

  “Will you play a game of chess with me when we get indoors?”

  Turning his head, Conley gave him a grin. “I would be most pleased to beat you at chess.”

  “You hold yourself in high esteem.”

  Conley laughed. “As do you.”

  “We are well suited.”

  “I am beginning to think so.” Drystan smiled at Conley’s response. It was obvious Fate had matched them well. He would not think about his plans to have a family of his own someday. They were smart drakelings—as Conley had said, between the pair of them they would figure out how to raise babes. Drystan was becoming quite taken with the other drakeling, but he was looking forward to besting him at chess. That thought in mind, he picked up the pace and headed for the door of his father’s castle. Drystan decided he would not rub it in too hard when Conley was forced to accept defeat. It would not help his cause for furthering their relationship as it might make Conley feel bad. Conley could not help that he was mated to a drakeling who was of a superior intellect; perhaps one day he would even be proud Fate had given him such a prize.

  Chapter 5

  Conley had beaten Drystan at chess. They had played three games, and Conley had won each time. Fully expecting his mate to kick up a fuss, Conley had earned a few grumbles from Drystan but he had in the end promised he would become a worthier opponent. Conley was learning that while Drystan’s nature was often boastful, it was also fair.

  It was a good thing since Conley was currently besting him at swordplay. While Conley might not have the height of some dragons, he made up for it with speed. Drystan swung his weapon in a wide arc, and Conley simply shifted his weight and ducked under his arm and kicked him square in the rear.

  “How are you capable of moving so fast?” Drystan asked in surprise as he thrust his weapon into the ground.

  “I spend a fair amount of time in the lists practicing.”

  “I can see that,” Drystan said and Conley thought his voice sounded as if he were impressed.

  “Outstanding job, Conley,” King Aeron offered as he stalked across the lists toward them.

  “Thank you, Your Highness.”

  “We are family, are we not? You must call me Aeron.”

  “As you wish, Aeron.”

  “Drystan, you will need more practice to keep up with Conley,” King Aeron said to his son.

  “I have never seen an opponent with such speed.”

  “Nor have I. You will have to spend time with my dukes to improve their skills,” the king remarked and Conley looked around to find himself the object of much attention. The dukes and other castle guards were watching him intently. He was pleased to have spent so much time honing his swordplay; it was a boost to his ego to have impressed Court Bera.

  “You flatter me, but I will spar with anyone willing.”

  “I imagine you shall have many takers,” King Aeron said.

  Drystan seemed to puff his chest out before saying, “Not only is Conley exceptional at swordplay, he is fair clever at the game of chess.”

  Conley was flustered to find he was blushing at Drystan’s praise.

  “Fate has assuredly smiled upon you, son.”

  “Indeed. Father, what brought you to the lists? Did you have need of me?”

  “No, I heard Conley was putting on quite the show. I wished to see it for myself.”

  Cheeks burning, Conley thanked King Aeron.

  “Your face is very red,” Drystan said to him.

  “It is all the praise being heaped upon my sorry self.”

  “Perhaps you require a diversion.”

  Aware King Aeron was listening, Conley hoped Drystan was not going to embarrass him further. “What kind of diversion?”

  “I believe you owe me a kiss.”

  “Here?” Conley all but shrieked.

  Without a word to his father or any of the other onlookers, Drystan grabbed his sword and Conley’s arm at the same time. Conley was soon being hauled away from the lists and he tried not to notice all the grinning faces as they left. It was pointless to dig in his heels, so he allowed himself to be led. Drystan headed toward the castle but instead of entering, he pulled Conley to the side of the structure. Once they were out of sight, Drystan let his wrist go and sheathed his sword. Then he grabbed Conley by the shoulders, pulled his body close, and pressed their mouths together.

  Conley was surprised to find how impossibly soft Drystan’s lips were. He’d been kissed before, but it had always been by a woman. Somehow, he had expected a man to feel different. Conley wanted more; opening slightly, he licked to gain entrance to all the other drakeling had to offer. Drystan’s body stiffened briefly before he tentatively relaxed his jaw. Taking full advantage, Conley swept his tongue inside.

  It seemed as if Drystan wasn’t sure of what to do but cautiously, he mimicked the caress. He released Conley’s shoulders and took his face into his hands. Drystan tilted Conley’s chin up a fraction higher and then aggressively took over their lovemaking. Conley braced his palms on Drystan’s forearms as his body was pushed against the stone wall at his back.

  The tiny bit of experience Conley had before was left in the dust. Drystan was forceful and it thrilled him to the soles of his boots. He offered Conley no quarter, and he found he liked the vigorous way Drystan stroked him with his tongue. It made his head spin when he thought of him putting his mouth on other places. Naïve and inexperienced as Drystan may be, it was apparent the drakeling was a quick learner.

  Smashed against the wall as he was, Conley had nowhere to retreat and he had no complaint. He continued to kiss him deeply as if Conley were a feast and Drystan had been fasting for a century. Conley savored the feeling, and his prick began to stiffen with blood as the delicious assault continued. Then he registered the feeling of being poked in the belly and realized, with some surprise, it was the thick rod of his mate.

  From somewhere in his body, a moan worked its way up to his throat. He heard a groan from Drystan and was glad they were both equally affected by what was supposed to be a simple caress but was fast becoming something else altogether.

  Without any warning, Drystan ended the exchange and stared at him with troubled blue eyes. “I fear I took more than one kiss.”

  “You can have as many as you like.”

  The clouds disappeared from Drystan’s face and he smiled. “I have pleased you.”

  “Yes.”

  “Were we not outside, I would allow you to touch my manhood.”

  “Perhaps we should not rush into anything.”

  “I will come to your room tonight.”

  Conley didn’t really have an argument for that. He wanted to touch Drystan and be touched by him. They were mates; no one would fault them for experimenting. “Be discreet; I do not wish your parents to know.”

  “Are you ashamed of what we are to do?”

  Pushing Drystan away, Conley scowled. “Of course not. This is natural. I just do not wish them to know we have succumbed to the desires of flesh so soon after being introduced.”

  “It has been months since we met.”

  Yanking his mussed tunic into place, Conley grabbed Drystan’s hand to walk back to the castle. “Yes, and had you not pouted for these many months, we would already be sharing a bed.”

  “My mother did say I would regret it. I had not thought it would be so soon.”

  Conley chuckled. “She is a wise woman.”

  “I am glad you think so.”

  “I believe I shall grow quite fond of your parents.”

  “And of me Conley? Do you wish to be fond of me?”

  “Did I not say that I
did?”

  “No. You said you hoped you would—not that you wished to be.”

  “You did not make the best first impression.”

  “I am growing on you.”

  “I cannot deny it.”

  “You are even more comely when your cheeks are pink from our kisses.”

  “Drystan.”

  “Aye?”

  “Do not call me comely.”

  * * *

  Conley sat down on the bed in his room and pulled off his hose. Normally he slept in nothing, but he knew Drystan intended to sneak into his chamber and he wondered if his innocent mate would take umbrage with his penchant for sleeping in the nude. Digging through his trunk of belongings, he found a dressing gown and shook it out. It was hopelessly wrinkled, but he pulled it over his head and dove under the blankets.

  Next to his bed, a lit candle rested on a table and he wondered if he should blow it out. Surely the glow from the fireplace was sufficient, he thought. Conley discovered his real concern was not about the amount of light in the room; he was nervous about what was to come. It was foolish—he was not wholly innocent, but this was his other half and he did not wish to disappoint.

  A noise saved him from his concern and he looked toward the door to see it was slowly sliding inward. As soon as it opened several inches, he watched Drystan poke his head into the room.

  “Conley?” he asked in a loud whisper.

  “Get in here and shut the door before you wake the castle,” Conley hissed.

  Drystan did as instructed and once inside the room, Conley took note of his muscular calves beneath his nightclothes. Without another word or any hesitation, Drystan strode to the bed and slipped under the sheets.

  “No one saw me,” he said.

  “Kiss me.”

  Drystan obeyed the demand as the words were uttered and dragged Conley close. Plunging his tongue into Conley’s mouth, he instantly ignited his blood. Wrapping his arms around his mate, Conley absorbed the pleasure of being in Drystan’s strong embrace. He liked the powerful feel of Drystan’s hold, and the blood began to pool in his groin as the bliss became all-consuming.