Chapter 16 No Dancing
No Dancing
Earlier…
Valerius knew he was avoiding getting ready.
His feet were bare. His chest was bare. And he was sitting by the fire, said feet and chest bathing in the warmth of the flames.
Raziel had its big head on its front claws as Iolaire was staring dreamy-eyed ahead, immersed in whatever evening that Caden was having.
So neither of them had the attention of their mate.
Valerius wished he could pet Raziel’s head, right between its ears, as they both needed comfort. The red eyes regarded him.
It is Iolaire that enjoys being petted, Raziel muttered.
Oh, I think you would like it, too. I petted Iolaire. Ask Iolaire if I’m a good petter, Valerius teased.
I would hardly feel you through my scales, which are big and mighty and strong, Raziel insisted.
What about under your chin?
Same!
In your armpit?
SAME! You are in a strange mood, Raziel muttered and its red eyes smoldered at him.
I never thought to be married or mated, Valerius explained. And I am utterly thrilled about the prospect. It is actually hard to be away from Caden.
We will see him soon. In a few hours. Make the most of this time, Raziel advised. Things are calm. We have bested our enemies. Our friends are around us. There is good food and drink to be had.
All true. But we will have to endure it with Illarion and Mephous, Valerius chuckled.
No more little Dragon syndrome there. Not as much in any case, Raziel observed.
I know! You and Mephous played nicely together, too! Valerius chuckled more.
They come. Enjoy, Raziel said.
And Valerius’ hearing quickly identified footsteps approaching. He tilted his head, expecting to hear two sets of feet but there were more. There were four. He lifted an eyebrow at Raziel who allowed black smoke to curl around its jaws. A pleasant rap, rap was followed by a request to come in.
“Chione?” Valerius found himself leaping to his feet. If she saw how unprepared he was to go out, he’d actually feel badly!
“Of course! And Illarion, Anwar and Marban!” Chione came in wreathed in cigar smoke and a black sheath dress with one shoulder strap, cut at an angle on her legs and high heels. Kohl rimmed her large eyes and black lipstick with hints of red covered her mouth.
“You look…”
“Far more dressed than you! I knew he wouldn’t be ready.
Mourning your meat over the fire already?
” She laughed as she drew in on the cigar and let a perfect smoke circle that drifted up to the ceiling.
That was the end of her cigar. She tossed the tip into the fire.
“Keep him engaged, boys, I’ll find the right outfit for this evening! ”
Chione’s calves flexed before she jumped up to his and Caden’s closet on a high platform.
Illarion strode over, also with a rather sweet-smelling cigar, clenched between his white teeth.
He sat down opposite where Valerius had been, stretching out his legs that were clad in tailored black pants, which rode up to show snakeskin boots covering his feet that he crossed at the ankle.
His black, slim-fit shirt had a green mandarin collar.
He’d rolled his shirt sleeves up to reveal his forearms.
“You are dressed to impress, Illarion,” Valerius admitted.
“I’m on the prowl. There is no better time to find an appropriate mate than at a wedding,” Illarion said. “Love is in the air!”
“We’re not at the wedding yet. That’s tomorrow.” Anwar came around Illarion and opened a very fancy wooden box that revealed several cigars, a cigar cutter and wooden matches.
Valerius grabbed one. He very rarely indulged in cigars. He used to smoke them endlessly. It was another way that he felt closer to Raziel. But smoking had gone out of fashion and he hadn’t really liked to taste an ashtray in his mouth. But he indulged in one now.
Your smoke was always so small compared to mine, Raziel chuckled.
Yes, yes, your smoke is far better, Valerius petted his Spirit.
Valerius cut the end and Anwar made to use one of the long matches to light it.
“No need, Anwar.” Valerius smiled. He blew on the end. A stream of fire left his lips and lit the cigar.
“Show off,” Illarion chuckled.
“But, of course.” He took two large puffs and nodded in satisfaction as the smoke coursed out of his nose and mouth. “Very nice, Anwar.”
“Only the best,” Anwar smiled.
“And you also look quite stunning though I think you are only dressing for Fadel,” Valerius said, taking in Anwar’s outfit.
The Silver Dragon King smiled. His pants were a striking blue-green, a slim-fitting cool blue shirt with a pop-collar and a tailored black jacket. His dark hair was slicked back and shone.
“I dress for the world, Valerius, and so should you. But you just want your black leather and your skin showing,” Anwar chuckled.
“It’s easiest,” Valerius admitted. “More comfortable.”
Anwar just shook his head and sat down beside Valerius.
“How is Fadel?” Valerius asked.
“So well. He will be attending at least part of the wedding tomorrow,” Anwar said, brightening like the sun. “His strength is increasing, but even if it wasn’t, he loves weddings.”
“I’m so glad,” Valerius said. “Whatever he needs to be made comfortable, let me know and it will happen.”
“Thank you, Valerius.” Anwar tipped his head.
“You need a drink with that cigar. Something to whet the appetite.” Marban poured him a Remy Martin XO cognac into a balloon snifter.
Even Marban was dressed up. He had on a pair of flowing black pants and black tunic with hints of red and gold. His goatee was neatly trimmed and his hair was in a bun.
Valerius took the snifter and breathed in the rich, alcoholic scent of the cognac. His eyelids fluttered shut as did Raziel’s.
This is a drink that smells of fire, Raziel murmured.
And it burned going down just like fire. It was delicious with hints of orange and smoke and wood. He puffed on the cigar and drank his cognac. Maybe the night would not be a complete bust.
Chione jumped down from the upper platform.
She had a shirt in one hand and boots in the other.
Valerius frowned as he had never seen that shirt before.
It was black with a brilliant red collar that extended from the second button of the shirt and then wound around his throat.
There was a stylized fire design that extended from the collar down his right arm.
“That must be Caden’s, Chione. Nothing of his will fit me,” Valerius said.
“It’s yours. I purchased it and put it in your closet for an occasion just like this,” she said with a laugh.
“Very sneaky, Chione,” he muttered through his smoke.
“Of course! Now dress. I’ll hold that for you.”
She exchanged the shirt and boots for the cigar and cognac. She drank and smoked both while he pulled on the shirt. It fit him like a glove. He slid his feet into the boots. They were old, but one of his favorite pairs. He spread his arms once he was dressed.
“Well? Do I look presentable?” Valerius asked.
“Good thing you’re already getting married to Caden. He might not take you now compared to all of us.” Illarion smirked.
Valerius growled and narrowed his eyes. But the others just laughed.
“You look very handsome, Valerius,” Chione assured him.
He got his cigar and cognac back. She straightened his shirt and nodded as if she approved. He sat back down now that he was Chione-approved. He hoped Caden liked this shirt.
Our mate must find us strong and virile! Raziel pointed out.
I see. Well, we succeeded in this, I think, Valerius chuckled.
“Before we do anything, we must have a toast!” Marban said as he filled everyone’s glass.
The beautiful amber liquid sloshed thickly in the delicate snifter. All lifted theirs towards the fire. The beautiful golden light reflected back on their faces. It was a beautiful sight.
Marban cleared his throat. “We are gathered here tonight to celebrate Caden and Valerius’ upcoming nuptials.”
“Their last night as free men!” Illarion chortled.
“Have they been free since the giant helix appeared in the sky?” Anwar added his small laugh.
“We have not wanted to be free of each other almost from the first moment we met,” Valerius pointed out.
“After he iced Valerius.” Illarion was enjoying this much too much.
My mate is strong. Tell him he is green with jealousy, Raziel grumbled.
But Valerius just shook his head. Let Illarion have his jokes, because they had Caden and Iolaire.
“Now, now,” Marban said and gave the two Dragon Shifters a firm look that seemed to work, “While there may be some in this life who are better off alone and who will have their wings clipped by marriage, Valerius is not one of those. Dare I say that he soars higher and burns brighter with his mate and soon to be husband Caden? I think I more than dare say it. I exclaim it!”
“Hear, hear!” Anwar called out.
They all clinked their glasses together and drank deeply.
“Thank you for your kind thoughts, Marban.” Valerius inclined his head.
“There are so many things about this night that would not have been possible without Caden. Our new and renewed friendships.” He lifted his glass to each of them.
“On a personal level, my life would not be as rich and happy as it is without all of you in it.”
“Grumpy Valerius is still an adorable Valerius,” Chione said with affection as she perched on the arm of the sofa.
“I will still have my moments, don’t you worry!
Especially if you have a report for me somewhere in that dress.
” He playfully scowled at her as she pretended to look to pull out a report.
“But your friendship means so much more than my simple happiness. The world is as it is because we came together. So Raziel and I thank you with everything we are.”
“And we thank you and Raziel for agreeing to lead and doing it with grace.” Chione clicked her glass against his.
“Life has changed for the better,” Marban admitted. “And I am an old pessimist.”