Mate

Lady Susan was up for her morning walks with her maid who was walking behind her at a distance. Wearing a warm peach nightgown, with a light shawl wrapped around her shoulders, she looked soft and petite. “Good morning,” she said in a husky voice when she saw Brishor. The man was too handsome to be true and she found him very alluring. His black sleeveless tunic hugged his chest in a way that every muscle that rippled could be seen. The gold vambrace on his upper arms shone in the light morning rays. Even the leather pants he was wearing were showing his lean muscles. Susan let out a sigh and wondered what it would be to be in his bed. 

“Good morning, Lady Susan,” Brishor said and dipped his neck slightly. “I like how you maintain your gardens,” he said, hiding his real intent of coming here. 

“Oh, thank you,” she replied with a blush. “I—” before she could finish her sentence, he had bowed to her and gone inside. 

Brishor ignored the scent that was lingering and focused on the meeting and on the future of the realms. There had to be peace between humans and the Loreans and this meeting was going to depend on the mutual respect they gave each other. The untoward disappearances of the Loreans were the beginning of a war between the two species and that was something he didn’t want. In the name of peace, Brishor walked down the corridor, as the soft winter breeze brought the smell of mist, mixed with jacaranda and lemon yet again stirred him. 

He walked back to his chamber where Chezzal had woken up. He was in the bathroom, as Brishor waited for him outside. He was standing by the window, looking at the gardens and wondering where the jacaranda trees were. When Chezzal came out, he was draped in a towel, his hair wet and damp. He came and pressed his body against Brishor and wrapped his arm around his shoulder. “Stop brooding, my lord,” he said. 

Brishor closed his eyes and leaned against his mate, inhaling his intoxicating scent. “Hurry up,” he replied. People have started coming to the mansion.” 

“Okay,” said Chezzal and pressed a kiss on his nape. 

When the two dragons walked inside the main hall, they found several nobles already present over there. It was as if all of them were eager to start the meeting. They stared at Brishor and Chezzal with acrimony and apprehension. While Brishor ignored them, Chezzal smirked as they marched in. None knew how beautifully the two dragons had a wide variety of knives and daggers hidden beneath their well-tailored tunics and leather pants. Armed to the teeth Chezzal had knives hidden in his boots too. As they strode in, their large sizes dominated their presence. Some nobles around them gawked at the sheer power, beauty and battle-hard features they exuded. 

“Duke Alburn will be with us shortly,” said a servant as everyone seated around the table. The men started speaking with each other in low tones as they gazed at the two Loreans every now and then. Brishor’s jaw hardened as he crossed his arms across his chest. His eyes went to the fire hearth that was burning in front of him. The place was already very hot and stuffy and he was sweating. Why was Alburn taking so long? He was getting irritated, but he had to keep his cool. This meeting was extremely important and he replayed the points that he had to discuss in his mind. 

The door of the main hall opened, and a flurry of servants entered with golden food trays in their hands. Roast meat, vegetables and a wide variety of bread. It was served as breakfast. And the scent was so strong now that Brishor stifled a grunt. Chezzal’s shoulders tensed and he sat tightly up. His jaws clenched. 

“What?” Brishor asked. 

“Nothing.” 

“You have gone stiff,” he said. Then he bent forward and picked up a large piece of meat. He cut a slice of it and stuffed it in his mouth. Chezzal shifted in his seat and Brishor knew that he was adjusting his shaft in his tight leather pants. Because so was he. His cock was for some weird reason going north. He had this crazy urge to rub it over his pants. 

Brishor gritted his teeth and then he too leaned over to pick up lamb chops. As soon as the two of them started to eat, everyone else began to eat. Brishor was trying to focus on his food, but his senses were going towards the scent again and again. He continued to stab his fork in his meat and keep his eyes on his plate. 

“How do you like Napane, m’lord,” asked one of the nobles, who was wearing the maximum amount of jewelry a man could. 

Brishor wiped his mouth with a napkin. “It is good,” he replied with a tight smile. “When will the duke come?” He was growing impatient. 

“He will be over here soon. He is arranging some important files,” said a servant. 

The conversation came to an end because all Brishor now wanted was to get over it. His body was slowly developing its own mind. He looked at Chezzal who too was feeling the same. He hoped and prayed in secret that Chezzal didn’t blow up. He replyed the points again in his mind. He was there to stop the Loreans from getting abducted and ensure that the humans felt safe. They started eating again. After what seemed like eternity, Duke Alburn entered. All of them rose from their place and Duke apologized for his delay. Some men trailed behind him, holding his files. 

Alburn walked up to Brishor and shook hands with him. “Thank you so much for coming,” he said in a cool voice. 

“It was important.” He had been far too eager. 

Alburn took his seat that was at the head of the table. Then he looked at his men and said, “Bring the records.” 

One of the men stepped forward. He opened a bunch of papers that spilled out of the red silk cloth. He started sifting through them, but he didn’t find what was needed. Gritting his teeth, he said, “My apologies, m’lord. I think they are with the new house manager. I will get them as soon as possible.” 

Alburn’s eyes thinned. “New servants are always troublesome!” 

The man bowed and left muttering curses. 

“We can start talking about the main problem,” Alburn said, as he looked at Brishor. 

“Sure,” said Brishor. He started, “The disappearances are very disturbing. We haven’t been able to control them and now I believe some disappearances also took place in your estate. I hope that you all tighten your security around the area.” 

“We have very tight security, King Brishor,” said Alburn with a scoff. “But I would like to add here that you should stop the Loreans from crossing into the human realm for a few days. Give us a breather and we will surely find the culprits.” 

“That is impossible, Alburn,” said Chezzal, almost throwing his fork down. “There are Loreans who are in the human realm. We keep coming and going. The flow is difficult to stop! But you have to find those who are killing our people. Tighten your security!” 

Alburn tipped his nose in the air. “These killings do not affect us. They affect the Loreans. Honestly, we don’t have a reason to worry, if it weren’t for the treaty.” 

His words were like shards across their mind. Brishor kept himself composed. “Don’t tell me that you all haven’t benefited from interactions with the Loreans. And if the humans and Loreans live harmoniously, it will be—”

Alburn snorted. “Loreans have benefitted more than us.” 

The door of the main hall opened and the man arrived… with a girl behind him. 

Dragons’ world goes silent, except for her. 

—Mate—