Page 43 of Dragon Keeper

“I do, and I’m about to go on a trip. I hear that there are giant birds that can be saddled and ridden. They grow in the plains south of us.”

“Giant birds? How big?”

“The size of the bocapals, larger.”

He tried to imagine this bird—a bird the size of a beast. “Do they fly?”

“Well, we fly, don’t we? And we’re large.”

That was a non-answer answer. They began to discuss these giant birds and whether things that grew in one land ought to stay there. On this, Tyr had opinions.

They were on their second tankards and well through the bread and cheese when Sloan arrived, Cade at his side.

Caderyn, of course, knew everyone, and it took a long few moments before the big dragons sat down at the table with them.

“Kob iwk!” Harden called out in greeting, and Cade nodded to him and to Harden.

“Akaki. I can’t stay. My mate wants me home. I have been reliably informed that you and Sloan are expected at supper at our home tomorrow evening.”

“Oh?” He couldn’t help his grin. “Are there little boys who miss their Tyr there?”

“There are. The boys are a source of constant blessing, constant entertainment.” Caderyn rolled his eyes. “You look tired.”

“I wish everyone would stop saying that. It’s the summer.” He only came in tired.

“This is true. However…” Cade stared at him. “I believe you need to bond with your mate. Spend some time together. After tomorrow, you should have a fortnight. To simply bond.”

“I’m fine.” Not that bonding with his mate didn’t sound delicious, because it did. It sounded perfect.

“Of course you’re fine,” Sloan said. Looking him over closely.But I personally think that sounds absolutely divine. You could spend time in the pool. I could help with the hives.

Do you think I look tired?He pressed his hair back, away from his face, searching his mate’s eyes. He wasn’t a vain dragon, was he? He did want Sloan to find him irresistible. Desirable.

A bit, but you’ve been working with the bees. They look tired too. You promised me that soon we will be curled together for hours being lazy.

Tyr smiled, nodded, realizing suddenly that Harden and Cade were watching them—Cade more amused. Harden more curious.

“You’re doing it again. Having private conversations in public. Very rude.”

Sloan blushed dark, making Tyr shake his head. “Harden is a terrible tease. Awful. Don’t let him make you feel bad. And you?” He glared at Harden. “Don’t made me switch you.”

“I must go.” Cade shook his head at them. “Enjoy your roast. I will see you tomorrow evening. Poe requests that you bring mead.”

“I can do that.Kob iskar, bright evening, friend.”

Then Cade wandered off, making his way back through the tavern toward the door.

“Everyone knows him.” Sloan shook his head. “Hopefully I’m fitting in, too.”

“Of course you are.” But Tyr studied Sloan, noting that his mate looked tired as well. Worn. Oh, maybe Harden was right and they needed to work on bonding more firmly.

Had he been selfish?

Had he been too wrapped up in his summer beekeeping to give their bond the attention it deserved?

Sloan reached over to grab his hand just as another plate of roast was brought out, along with more bread, and a cup of ale. “Bright blessings, Sloan.”

“To you too.” Sloan smiled, sniffing deeply. “Oh, that smells so good.”