Alric felt vindicated that Cameron had such natural leadership ability that it hadn’t challenged him. He’d felt sure that was the case. “Yes. Normally, day to day, it’s that easy. Anything harder, we’ll of course do together.”
“Co-ruler,” Cameron murmured in understanding. “I was seriously stressing about that, you know. Being your consort. But I guess I was overthinking it. Really, if you’re there with me, I feel like I can do anything.”
“Ah, Liebling, you took the words from my mouth. That’s precisely how I feel when I’m with you.” He kissed Cameron softly, thrilled beyond words to get that answer. “Then you will?”
Resolve hardened Cameron’s jaw, and he gave a firm nod. “I will. Then we’ll marry?”
“Ja. I thought you’d also like to complete our bonding.”
Cameron’s head canted in question. “There’s more? I figured all we needed to do was tell everyone we’re mates, and I’m sure Ravi is handling that right now.”
Tilting his head up, Alric pressed a kiss to his lover’s chin. “There are promises and a simple spell we cast together.”
Cameron’s nose wrinkled as he glanced around the room. “Do…do we need anything for the spell?”
“No, just us—your magical skill and my power.”
The smile returned to Cameron’s lips, and he drew in a deep breath. “Okay, what do I do?”
Alric lifted one eyebrow at his mage, loving his excitement and enthusiasm. “Remember, this cannot be undone. Our magic, our souls, and our essences will be bound together for the rest of our days. As long as I’m alive, you will be too, your years extended for centuries. And if I die, you will likely follow me. There have been no instances of mages living past the death of their mated dragon. Are you su—”
“You do not want to finish that question,” Cameron said in a low, hard voice. He leaned forward, bumping his forehead against Alric’s. “I don’t want to outlive you. Whether we have days or centuries together, I want to spend them all with you.”
Alric closed his eyes, letting Cameron’s unwavering devotion wash through him. It went without saying that if something happened to Cameron, Alric wouldn’t survive it either.
Pressing a quick kiss to Cameron’s lips, Alric stepped back and took hold of Cameron’s hands in each of his so that their bodies formed a circle. He looked up at his soulmate and grinned.
“Cameron Park, I claim you as my mate. I promise to love and protect you with all my strength. I promise to give the very last breath in my body to see you safe and happy for all of your days. I promise to guide you and support you in all of your dreams. And I promise that our children will know that same love and devotion from me.”
“Wow,” Cameron whispered, rapidly blinking watery eyes. “You’re going to make me cry. And kids…” Cameron sniffed and then gave a choked laugh. “Sorry. I should be saying words.”
“No apologies.”
“What should I say? Repeat what you said?”
Alric shook his head. “The promises made are between you and me only. Say what’s in your heart.”
Cameron’s smile grew even wider and turned a little wicked. Only his mate.
“Alric Burkhard, king of the Fire Clan and sexiest dragon I have ever met, I claim you as my mate,” Cameron started, and Alric could already feel himself blushing. “I promise to love and protect you with all my strength. I promise to dedicate myself to learning to be the best mage I can be to serve our clan. I promise to make you laugh when you are being too serious, to hold you when you are hurting, and to remind you every day that you are worthy of my love and the love of all your clan.”
Now Alric was sniffling.
“And when we have children, I promise to tell them stories of how we met, fell in love, and defeated the evil Jaeggi Clan. They will know they have the sexiest, most amazing father in the world.”
“I think we can skip the sexiest part with our children.”
Cameron snorted. “I’m saving that for when they’re older. I’m looking forward to lots of awkward family dinners when they are teenagers.”
“Of course you are,” Alric muttered as he tightened his hands in Cameron’s and pulled his mate in for a slow, deep kiss.
Cameron hummed, nuzzling his cheek against Alric’s. “You said something about a spell. We better get to it, because there are other things I really want to do to you in this room.”
“Yes, the bonding spell.” Alric straightened and dragged in a deep breath. He wanted this, but he also wanted Cameron. One thing at a time.
“The spell is quite simple. You draw power from me, focus, and say sifa fat-conqi gabofo zold vitar gev adi,” Alric instructed.
“What’s it mean?”
“I claim you as my mate and bind your soul to mine.”