Page 9

Rimi was completely exhausted—mentally and physically—at the end of their third day of travel.

Being out in the open had her on edge every second of the day.

She definitely didn’t sleep well, even with a black dragon guarding her.

Keres pushed her as hard as he could, but his mate’s welfare was his priority.

Keres broke up the trip to his mountain into chunks with frequent rest breaks. His mate was not accustomed to flying long distances, only short bursts. When she grew too tired, he would have her shift and ride on his back. Despite the hard voyage, he loved having her only to himself.

Twice they ran into other dragons. Once a group of three appeared downwind of him and Rimi on the horizon.

They changed course to intercept them. Keres’ concern flipped to confusion when they suddenly veered off-course.

The second time, it was a solitary, young, green dragon.

Keres had known he could take one easily, even protecting Rimi.

Again, after getting within a couple of miles, the potential opponent turned and ran.

On the afternoon of their third day, they finally flew over the border of Wyvern. Keres sent a message to the horde .

I’ve returned. Did you give my mountain away? That, of course, could never happen until a full year passed. There were too many safeguards around Keres’ treasures, and his staff was too loyal to enable anyone to take over his possessions.

Keres? Drake’s message reverberated in his mind.

And Rimi. His mate’s voice spoke through the link with his horde.

Keres shook his head. He should have anticipated that Rimi would overhear the conversation. His mate’s mental voice sounded weak. He needed to get her home.

Everyone, meet Rimi. My mate. She’s a crystal dragon.

A million questions pelted their way. One voice stood out from everyone’s.

Oldrik demanded, sounding incredulous. Rimi?

Oldrik, I can’t wait to see you. I’m sorry I didn’t contact you before. We were busy. Her voice was weak, and Keres stepped in to stop any plans before they could be made.

Everyone will have to wait. My mate needs rest. Give us three days and then we’ll gather, Keres stated firmly. Oldrik, you may visit in two days.

Keres? Are you… okay? Drake asked.

Better than okay, Keres stated firmly. He shut off the rest of the questions coming to himself or Rimi. The horde knew they were in Wyvern and that his mental status had regained its balance. That was all that mattered now.

We’re almost to my mountain, Rimi. It’s there, ahead of us.

The one with the black rocks? She hesitated for several long seconds before admitting, I don’t think I’m ready to go back into a cavern, Keres.

Then, we’ll go into my home and explore my lair later.

Her relief flooded through their mental connection as she relaxed against his scales.

Pleased she’d finally shared her worries, he rewarded her by altering their path slightly so she could catch glimpses of his mansion.

The monumental building with marble columns stood out pristinely white against the green lawn and black rocks that wrapped around it.

Wow! That’s impressive. I bet it seemed almost magical when lights illuminated the front at night.

I think you will be comfortable here. A soak in a hot tub would soothe your muscles. Would you rather eat or bathe first?

I’m starving, but getting clean sounds like a dream.

Then our priority will be to get rid of the road dirt. While we do that, my chef will prepare a light dinner for us before bed.

You’ll have staff there? You didn’t plan to return, did you?

My staff is very loyal. They chose to continue as if I would be home at any moment.

Meeting them will be a pleasure.

Tomorrow, Snowflake.

She nodded against his scales. She was too tired to argue with him. Rimi wouldn’t be this easy to guide after a couple days of sleep and good nutrition. Keres would know when she felt better as her fire returned.

He circled over the mansion and trumpeted his return.

His staff ran out of the house and barn to wave and clap.

Keres tamped down his pleasure at seeing them.

As Rimi had guessed, he hadn’t planned to come back.

Many of his staff had been with him for years and most for generations of their families.

You were worried about them, Rimi guessed, picking up on his emotions.

None of that matters now, Mate. I found you and we have returned. He changed the subject to distract her. How excited do you think they will be to discover they now have two dragons on the mountain?

I hope they like me .

Her quiet, worried voice went straight to his heart. They will love you, Snowflake. How could they not?

By the time he landed, his staff had gathered around the front lawn. Keres waited for Rimi to slide from his back before changing. He wrapped an arm around her waist and escorted her closer.

“Thank you for the warm welcome. It is my pleasure to introduce you to…”

Before he could add Rimi’s name, scattered people through the crowd dropped to their knees, grinning and nudging their neighbors to do the same. “Dragon. She’s a dragon,” circulated through those assembled.

Keres glanced at Rimi and smiled at the awe-inspiring sight. She was glowing. Her nervousness in meeting his staff had sparked her dragon side to reveal itself. She stood in human form, but no one could mistake the powerful, sparkling aura that surrounded Rimi.

He cleared his throat and started again. “It is my pleasure to introduce you to my mate, Rimi, a crystal dragon. I trust you will care for her as you have tended me through so many years.”

An ear-shattering roar of excitement burst through the crowd before shouted greetings of “Welcome,” and “Long live Rimi,” echoed through the air.

Squeezing her tight against his side, Keres whispered, “I think they’re glad to meet you, Snowflake.”

He turned to the crowd and announced, “It has been a long journey, and my mate is tired. I will insist she rest before meeting everyone.”

Applause followed, signaling their approval of his protectiveness.

Nodding his thanks at their understanding, Keres swept Rimi into his arms and carried her forward. The crowd parted to allow them to pass, and his butler opened the door .

“Thank you, Russell,” Keres told the long-time employee. His joy at speaking again to his butler didn’t surprise him. Leaving home and his people had torn him apart inside.

“My pleasure, sir. And ma’am. Welcome home,” Russell said with a smile.

“I’m glad to meet you, Russell,” Rimi called over Keres’s shoulder as he entered.

“Could you have a light dinner brought to our room in an hour?” Keres requested.

“Yes, sir. The rooms were refreshed today.”

“Thank you, Russell.” His butler had always amazed him with his ability to anticipate whatever was needed. How could he have known they were on their way? However Russell had predicted their arrival, he appreciated it.

“I could have talked to them,” Rimi whispered when they reached a quiet hallway.

“Everyone understands I need to take care of my mate. They will meet you soon.”

She dropped her head to his shoulder and relaxed in his arms. As he suspected, Rimi was exhausted. “Shower or bath, Snowflake?”

“I’d love to try a hot bath, but I’m afraid I’ll fall asleep.”

“Leave it to me, Rimi. I’ll always take care of you.”

Keres carried her into the large suite he’d occupied by himself since his last mate passed away a couple of centuries ago.

He’d had the house remodeled over the years to create several chambers containing a bedroom and a vast attached bathroom.

Each time he’d lost a mate, Keres had moved into a new room as he waited for his newest match to join him.

He scanned the room where he’d slowly descended into the darkness. The walls seemed to resonate with despair and negativity. Keres shook his head. He wouldn’t expose Rimi to these black vibes. Turning, he carried her from that room and moved to the next.

“That was a nice room?” she said, a questioning lilt to her voice at the end.

“It is not the room for you. What is your favorite color, Rimi?”

“I love purple.”

“We will share the lilac room,” he told her and strode down the hall to the last room. There, he threw back the door and carried her across the threshold.

“Wow!”

Keres set Rimi’s feet on the lush carpet in front of him and wrapped his arms around her waist to steady her. She leaned back against Keres’s chest and checked out the space. He leaned slightly to the right to see her face.

“This room is gorgeous.”

Keres nodded to himself. This was the right move. They needed a space of their own—far away from the anguish that had ruled his life for so long.

“I am glad you like it. I hope you will be happy here. If not, I’ll rely on you to tell me what needs to change.”

“O—Okay,” she said hesitantly.

He would soften this request later, when they’d settled into the new space. “Come, Mate. Let’s take a bath.”

Rimi moaned in anticipation. “That sounds lovely.” She slid her hand into Keres and followed him into the enormous bathroom. There, the lilac carpet changed to slate gray tiles with beautiful wallpaper of purple blossom clusters in all shades.

“I can’t believe how lovely this room is. It’s a totally different vibe than the other one,” she said, glancing around. “Of course, I’m used to rocks and dark shadows. ”

“Your world has changed now, Rimi. This room does have a different mood. I plan to enjoy it with you.”

Keres treasured the faint blush on her cheeks as she noticed the king-size bed.

He would enjoy helping her experience luxuries.

As his shaft responded to the mental picture of them tangled up together, Keres quickly finished the tour.

“The toilet is through there. Would you like to use it before your bath?”

“Yes, please.” She scurried to the small room and shut the door for privacy.