Page 82 of The Keeper of the Kingdoms

“Good morning, indeed,” Gran said as her gaze followed him towards the kettle.

Jaxus glanced over his shoulder and gave her a big smile as he pressed the backs of his fingers to the kettle. “Anyone need a refill?” He topped up the water, then blew a stream of fire to reignite the burner, setting the kettle back on the flame.

“Show off,” I muttered.

“And he’s useful? What other tricks does he have up his sleeve?” Gran asked, ignoring my comment.

“I’d like to think I have quite a few.” Jaxus made himself at home, like an arse, adding sugar cubes to his cup before taking one of the little bags from the dish on the table. He seemed to know where everything was.

How was he so comfortable?

“I’ll take another cup if you don’t mind,” Gran said, holding out her mug for Jaxus before turning to me. “Is he always like this?”

“Unfortunately.” I pressed my lips into a line, refusing to look at Jaxus’ messy hair and rumpled sweats.

“She’s so mean to you. How do you put up with it?” Gran asked as Jaxus handed her back a fresh cup.

“I have thick skin,” he smirked, taking my mug. I didn’t fight it and took the fresh tea gratefully when he returned and took a seat on the cushion next to me. “So, is anyone going to fill me in on what to expect?”

“No,” I said at the same time Gran spoke.

“Yes,” she shot me a stern look, and then she went for it. “Healers follow a strict tradition of arranged marriage,” she stated like she was giving him the weather forecast. She didn’t sugarcoat it or add fluff. It wasn’t her way.

I sputtered, nearly spitting tea all over myself. I’d dropped that on him last night before I came over all exhausted and he went into protective mode and whisked me off to bed. But we hadn’t had a chance to actually have the conversation. Trust Gran to just lay it out like that.

“So I hear,” he side-eyed me before returning his attention back to Gran. “Why is that?” There was a challenge to his tone that he seemed to get whenever he was coming up against ways in our kingdoms he didn’t quite understand, but this was more. He wasn’t happy about the idea of me being betrothed at all.

Gran’s light expression morphed into a serious one. “Because the realm needs healers, dragon. Healing magic can be predicted better than other types, and our bloodlines are strong. So we believe it’s in the best interest of the Twelve Kingdoms to prevent the dilution of our strongest bloodlines wherever possible.” Her explanation was surgical and to the point. “Our oath to use our powers to take care of those who need us included our promise to further the lines. We needed more healers of pure blood. It’s that simple. The oath circumvents all but soul-bonds. This is our way, and we don’t expect outsiders to understand.”

Jaxus’ eyes flashed with something I couldn’t read. “I understand.”

“So you’ll come to dinner and meet the family. The dragon meets the betrothed.” Gran’s jovial demeanor returned.

“She’s enjoying this too much,” Jaxus said to me with a hint of amusement.

“More than you know.” I shook my head, keen to change the subject. “I filled her in on Nyx.”

“Can he be helped?” Jaxus asked.

“Maybe. The magic is…ancient and requires ingredients that might not exist anymore.”

Gran nodded. “And it requires great power.”

I knew what she meant and what I had to do, but not if I could do it. We would need to complete our meld.

“I have patients. Thank you for the tea, Jaxus. You’re welcome to come have tea with me anytime.” Gran winked at him.

I rolled my eyes and got up to walk her out. “How much controversy will I face with Jaxus here?”

“It depends whether he looks at you that way when Casimir is at dinner tonight.”

“I’m screwed.”

“Entirely. Don’t be late!” Gran was already out the door.

“You shouldn’t delight so much in my pain,” I grumbled, mostly to myself, as she walked away.

“I’m not enjoying your pain, but life hasn’t been this interesting in Calanthe in two decades. Can’t blame me for liking it!”