Page 114 of The Dragon's Gambit

“Xander is about to make the announcement soon. You’ll stay close to me. I was going to say I’ll protect you, but I may need you to protect me from your mate later. Make sure you put in a good word for me.” Dex chuckled and slowly walked her back out to the party.

“He knows you’re a good man. Otherwise, he wouldn’t allow you to watch over me.” Reiya smiled at him as they walked together.

Dex stopped and met her eyes. “Really? He thinks I’m a good guy?” He beamed.

Reiya giggled. “What, you don’t think you are?”

Dex laughed. “It isn’t that. I just … never thought he noticed me.”

“Well, he does.” Reiya grinned up to Dex, who smiled softly.

“What’s he like? I mean, I don’t really know him, you know? He’s always just quietly observing. He talks with the Great Sage and Xander frequently, but for the most part, he doesn’t engage with everyone else.”

“He’s … he’s everything. He’s fun, kind, endearing, possessive, strict, protective, gentle … he’s a bit of everything.” Reiya scrunched her nose up, knowing she sounded like a lovesick girl.

“Good.” He smiled at Reiya. “I’m glad he makes you happy. It’s obvious that you really care about him.”

“I do. I love him,” Reiya said shyly.

“So, is he your mate too, then?” Dex asked casually.

“I don’t know. But it doesn’t matter. I’m choosing Lee. Honestly, I feel like he has to be my mate because of how strongly I feel about him. But regardless, he is my person. I … I need him.”

Reiya's gaze lifted as they neared the reception area. The massive white tents stood with their side panels tied back,revealing the breathtaking mountain landscape beyond the gathering of dragon lords and diplomats. Dex led her back to the head table, where everyone else was sitting.

“Xander filled us in on what’s going on. You’re safe with me. The Great Sage is already working on the barrier to make sure something like that doesn’t happen again.” He watched her nod slowly as she continued to look at the table they were approaching.

“Is it still okay for me to sit here? I mean, because it’s supposed to be for the royal kingdoms,” Reiya asked quietly.

Dex laughed. “Yes. For one, you belong at this table just as much as any of us, especially given who your mate is. And two, you’re my date for the evening, and as such, you are to sit at my side.”

“Oh? I’m your date? Let me go tell Lee that,” Reiya teased.

“Unofficial date,” Dex coughed out quickly and then grinned at her. “You’re the person I’m protecting tonight, so it’s easier if you’re my fake date.”

Reiya giggled. “Don’t get so tense. You act like he’ll slaughter you instantly.”

“Reiya, us dragons aren’t that tame. And that deity of yours … well, he has the scariest temper of us all. His temper isn’t the only scary thing about him, though. He has the skills to back it up. He’s only tame around you,” he said, lowering his voice as they approached the table.

Reiya smiled and shook her head. Lee had to be like that because of his position, but it wasn’t who he was. He was someone who liked to have fun, too. She was determined to help him relax and be himself more. He could have friends and still be their deity. She wanted them to see just how great Lee was without constantly fearing him.

“Reiya, you look much better now,” Ruby said as Reiya scooted into her seat. She was now seated between Weston and Dex.Beside Dex were two empty seats, where another one had been placed for Lila.

“Perfect timing. Xander is about to make his announcement, and then he will lead off with the acceptance kiss.” Mason nodded in the direction where Xander had entered the large tent and was walking toward the stage area.

Curious eyes were on him as he walked to the front with Lila laced in his arms. Lee took his position in the front of the area near the far end of the tent. He was present but out of the way.

“I know there is some confusion here regarding my mate choice. All you need to know is that there was a reason for my actions. I claimed the fairy princess as my mate in order to keep her safe. However, tonight …” He turned his head and smiled down at Lila. “Tonight, I met my real mate. I’m here to formally introduce her and accept her, for everyone present to witness.” Xander turned to Lila and smiled. This wouldn’t be tastefully done. It didn’t have to be. She was his, and he was going to indulge himself with her.

Weston chuckled as he watched Xander partake of his mate. “What’s the matter, Dex? You not watching the show?”

“No thanks,” Dex said, his eyes averted.

Reiya folded her arms and sighed. “Silliness. Pure silliness. This is really a ridiculous tradition you have going on here. You’re just letting the men make a spectacle of their new mate.” Reiya clicked her tongue in agitation.

“Yeah, but you plan to mark your mate, too, so you’ll be making a spectacle of him as well, right?” Weston grinned, flashing his eyes at her.

“It’s important though, Reiya. Yeah, there might be a bit of fun involved, but it is an important part of the acceptance. Though, when it comes to my sister, it is not one I wish to watch,” Dex said with a small frown. “How about you? You going to watch Mason here feast on Ruby?”