Alric’s smile faded away, and he stared at his desk for a second before lifting his eyes back to Baldewin. “Did you and Tori have fun?”
There was no stopping Baldewin’s own smile as a hundred different memories from that day flashed through his brain. It had been one of the best days of his life. He’d never heard Tori laugh so much or freely. A wide grin had been pegged to the mage’s face.
“Yes. It was a wonderful day.”
“And based on the pictures and texts from Cassie, her group had a fantastic day as well.” Alric spread his hands before him as if he was holding an answer out to Baldewin. “While I would prefer that my family never be hurt, we can’t live our lives in complete hiding from the Jaeggi. We make what preparations we can and hope for the best.”
“Thank you, Hoheit.”
“Enough of that. I want details. You got to listen to me moan and rant about Cameron from the first moment I met the man. I want to know about you and Tori, old friend. What are you thinking?”
You and Tori?
Was there a him and Tori?
They were planning to see more of each other while Tori was in the castle. There was definitely the promise of more kisses.
“Don’t even bother denying it. I’ve heard too much from my spies. And while it was quick, I did see you both together on the tarmac. My dragon reacted to the protectiveness of your dragon when Cameron approached Tori.”
Baldewin’s mouth dropped open and bobbed for a second. “How…”
Alric waved him off. “A perk of being the king. I know my people, and my dragon is overly protective of his mate.” His wicked grin returned. “It seems your dragon is already staking a claim.”
“I am not ruled by my dragon,” Baldewin declared, and Alric lifted one skeptical eyebrow.
“So, you’re not attracted to the mage? You’re just ignoring the fact that your dragon wants to scoop Tori up and carry him off to your hoard?”
He didn’t question how Alric knew that simply because it was likely the same feeling he got when he looked at Cam.
“You’re enjoying this too much,” Baldewin grumbled, sending Alric into peals of cackles. “I thought you were my friend.”
“I am! I’m just enjoying having the tables turned for once.” Alric cleared his throat, but his eyes were still twinkling with laughter. “Tell me about your mage.”
His mage was beautiful.
And Tori was his mage.
He had to admit he’d expected it to be more of a lightning bolt when it came to realizing he’d found his mate. That he’d be struck dumb on the spot and rendered useless with the knowledge.
But Tori had snuck up on him. The stubborn, independent mage had won him with his fiery determination, steely inner strength, and that too-rare smile. After all the horrible treatment he’d suffered, he still found a way to give Baldewin a chance, to trust him.
Sure, maybe it had come with a little coaxing, but he’d given Baldewin a fair shot. And then when he’d lost nearly everything, he still found ways to give Baldewin something to show that he cared. Two of his most treasured possessions came from Tori. When they weren’t with him, they had places of high honor within his secret hoard.
“Oh wow…he is mine. He’s…he’s my mate,” Baldewin whispered. Inside his head, his dragon shifted and preened a little, as if he was proud that his human brain had finally caught up to what he had known for a long time. “I thought it was just normal, protective feelings. He was a mage in trouble. It’s our duty to protect all mages, but with Tori…it’s different. Bigger.”
Baldewin paused and rubbed his hand over his mouth. His gaze was unfocused and turned inward as he replayed dozens of memories. “Of course, I’m attracted to him. He’s gorgeous with those eyes and perfect lips. He somehow manages to carry this gruff, untouchable air while at the same time looking vulnerable. I never stood a chance.”
Alric’s laugh jerked his gaze back to his friend. “It’s probably best it works that way, since dragons are so damn stubborn.”
“What am I going to do? What if he doesn’t want to stay? I don’t want to leave the clan—”
“But you would because he’s your mate,” Alric finished, his smile turning a little sad. “And if you both left, you would know that you and Tori would always be welcome here.” Alric gave his head a little shake. “The important thing is that Tori feels comfortable and welcome here so he doesn’t want to leave.”
“Should I tell him? Everything?”
Alric cringed, his nose wrinkling. “That might be a bit overwhelming for him.”
Baldewin grunted his agreement. “He’s got to be worried about fitting in and whether we are going to treat him like he was treated by the Taavi Clan. Plus, he has very little confidence in his own skills. He seems the type to be waiting for it all to fall apart around him.”