Page 42 of Dragon Keeper

“It does.” Some kind of roast, he thought, tipping his head up to sniff. And fresh bread. He loved that with bocapal butter and honey. “Nyla makes the best bread.”

Harden chuckled. “Don’t let Leanda hear you say that.”

Leanda worked at the baker’s, and she could be proud. Not that she had no reason. She made amazing pastry.

Nyla’s bread was better.

So many people said hello to him, when they walked in.

“You look so tired, Tyr.”

“Where is your mate, Tyr?”

“You need a nap.”

“We’ve missed you.”

“Are you well?”

“Come sit and rest.”

He waved one hand, dismissing the worries. It was the summer. He was always tired in the summer.

They wound their way along the well-worn floors, through the maze of carved tables. They preferred a quiet place near the huge hearth that was set, but not lit.

There was a breeze here, and they were far enough back that Tyr felt less exposed.

Nyla came by with tankards of mead and a plate of bread and honey, butter, and cheese. His belly snarled, and he grinned at her. “It smells so good.”

“Fresh from the oven. Please eat.”

“I brought you this, lady.” He handed over the honey with a wink and a smile, and Nyla bounced and kissed his cheek.

“I’ll take this back. Is your mate coming?”

He nodded. “Soon.”

“I’ll bring the roast then. Eat!”

“Everyone’s acting as if I don’t have the same responsibilities every summer, as if I’m not tired from work every summer.” It simply didn’t make sense.

“Yes, but you have a mate now.” Harden acted as if that made some sort of sense.

Tyr nodded, because he did, and it was wonderful to share his life with the other half of his soul. “Why do I feel as if there’s a but coming?”

Harden’s scales tinkled as he shrugged. “I think we’re all just a little worried. I would have thought that he would have been more help with the bees, perhaps?”

Tyr shook his head. “He has his own responsibilities here, his own place. The bees love him. There’s a rhythm to our live, as you well know…”

“Of course there is.”

“Well, then?” He stopped himself, drinking deep from his mead, the sweet alcohol sliding down his throat.

Harden shrugged a little bit, turning his tankard on the table. “I think we all hoped that when you were mated, we would see more of you.”

Well, that was surprisingly gentle coming from his decidedly not gentle friend.

“I appreciate it. Now can we talk about something more entertaining than me?” Anything else? “You have larparcas now.”