Chapter 17
Lounging constantly in a library was not something Ducarius would have believed he’d enjoy, but he was gaining a richer love of reading thanks to Drexley’s fantastic taste in novels.
Ducarius glanced up as an old spell of Adney’s lit the candles around the castle.
But tonight, not every wick sprang to life.
Ducarius’s attention was drawn to Drexley as the ancient necromancer cursed loudly.
“It would be easier for me to die instantly than to endure this forsaken draining of my power,” Adney declared loudly.
“There remains plenty of light,” Drexley replied.
“Help me get this blasted blanket off,” Adney ordered. “I wish to retire for the night.”
Ducarius closed his book as Drexley hustled over to aid Adney. The necromancer made it to his feet and swatted at Drexley.
“Some things I can still do by myself,” Adney groused. Then he bowed his head and scowled at Drexley. “Go fetch one of the skeletons to help me undress.”
With a nod, Drexley scooted out of the library, and Adney made it a few steps. To Ducarius’s surprise, the necromancer stopped in front of him and their eyes met. There was nothing friendly in Adney’s gray gaze.
“Your presence here is dangerous.”
“For whom?” Ducarius asked.
“Drexley, of course.”
“I pose no danger to Drexley.”
“Whatever he believes, Fate did not bring you here. My fading magic and your curiosity are to blame. What business did you have traipsing around Blackwell Manor?”
“The Sentinel Brotherhood has been searching for Drexley for years. It was not uncommon for me to return to the place Alaric last recalled him visiting to discover if we had missed any clues. We could not understand how his necromancer could be dead yet Drexley was not returned to the compound.”
“At least everyone believed the tales of my demise.”
“No one guessed you had escaped to a secret realm. The Arch Lich himself told me you had crossed the veil.”
Adney’s eyes narrowed. “When would you have had the chance to discuss anything with the Arch Lich?”
“You have made judgements about me without learning anything about who I am or what kind of person I may be. Therefore, I see no point in explaining my life to you.”
“What I like least about you is your unbelievable arrogance. Even at Drexley’s arrival, he did not speak to me as you do.”
“It took me minutes to discover he is far kinder than I am.”
“That is the basis of my objection to your matebond. You are not good enough for Drexley.”
“Fate disagrees.”
“I have no time to bother with fairy tales about goddesses prancing around matching couples based on compatibility. What concerns me is Drexley’s future.
If you care for him at all, you will ensure he is brought to the Order of Necromancia the moment my realm crumbles.
Despite his creation spell, he is no sentinel. ”
“Adney, I know you do not trust me. But if Drexley wishes, I will take him directly to the Arch Lich himself.”
“I doubt you will gain an immediate audience with the Arch Lich, but perhaps one of the elders will take pity on Drexley and continue his education.”
“The elder council no longer exists, and most of those who remained in their now-dissolved positions are dead.”
“I did not consider their ages,” Adney muttered. “Why were new ones not appointed?”
“Because your Arch Lich is more than capable of running the Order of Necromancia in the way he sees fit. Fate chose him. No one else. The Arch Lich is one of the most respected rulers in the Council and leads his people well.”
“I suppose he could have learned things from the elders in the past five centuries.”
Ducarius could not help his eyeroll. Adney was deeply entrenched in the past and ridiculously stubborn.
“The Arch Lich is an intelligent man,” Ducarius said, refusing to get into any further argument with Adney.
Although Adney would never approve of Ducarius’s relationship with Drexley, there was no point in antagonizing the elderly necromancer.
It did nothing to help the already sad, tense atmosphere at the castle.
“Yes, of course. He was educated by the elders.”
The last damn thing Ducarius wanted to discuss was the horrible elders, so he made no further comment.
If Adney wanted to believe a lie, that was his business.
Perhaps after he crossed the veil and could peek in on the Arch Lich with the magic he’d regain in death, Adney could learn for himself how Chander thrived and offered the best lives possible to his people.
As for the elders, their most notorious accomplishment was forcing Chander to resign his title and nearly joining their rival government.
Ducarius had explained the spell, which drained memory at the compound, to Drexley earlier.
The other sentinel was surprised at the knowledge and blamed himself for having poor retention.
That confirmed for Ducarius that Drexley was likely unaware of Adney’s weaker version wreaking havoc in his own realm, but now that he had a private moment with the necromancer, he wondered if he’d answer directly about his choice.
“Is Drexley aware that you are draining his memory?” Ducarius asked.
“It is for his benefit, so do not think to judge me for it,” Adney snapped. “If you have any sense, you will tell him nothing. He is not likely to believe you anyway. What proof can you offer?”
Since Adney was at least correct that Ducarius could offer no evidence, he opted to end their discussion.
“You should retire before you unduly tire yourself,” Ducarius suggested.
“I hope to learn someday how sentinels were blessed with immortality they do not deserve while necromancers like myself must face certain death,” Adney complained as he lumbered toward the door.
It was on the tip of his tongue to remind Adney that sentinels were the creation of necromancers so Adney had his own people to blame for their eternal lifespans, but Ducarius knew sometimes silence was the better part of valor.
It was a lesson he’d learned at the dinner table when the discussions grew heated and interesting but the Arch Lich demanded everyone shut up and eat.
So often, Ducarius was not ready to end an argument with another Daray the moment Chander decided he was tired of listening to them.
He would love to add another comment or opinion to the conversation, but he refused to antagonize the formidable imp-necro hybrid and zipped his lip.
Chander had taught every Daray a few manners, even if they needed regular etiquette reminders.
Once Ducarius was alone in the library, he returned to the book Drexley had picked for him.
It was another tender romance. Those appeared to be a favorite of Drexley’s and told Ducarius that his other half had a soft heart.
It was a lovely thing to learn about him.
Ducarius vowed to himself to protect and nourish the gentler side of Drexley.
Flashes of their morning kisses slid into Ducarius’s thoughts, and he grinned.
Drexley’s tongue was agile, and he’d been enthusiastic as they’d tasted each other for the first time.
It was going to increase the intensity of touching himself later now that he’d held Drexley close and experienced a bit of pleasure with him.
Ducarius was delighted at how well their friendship was flourishing since they’d met not so long ago, and he hoped they could experiment further with the physical aspect of their matebond soon.
Erotic dreams were wonderful, and so was jerking off, but Ducarius wanted to watch Drexley’s face as he came.
To taste his seed and, if Drexley was willing, to push his cock deep inside him.
The room was growing uncomfortably warm, and Ducarius had to shift on the chair as his cock was eagerly responding to his imagination.
He needed to calm the fuck down or he would have to excuse himself and take matters into his own hands yet again.
It wouldn’t take Drexley long to aid Adney, and the other sentinel would soon return to the library.
There were several more hours before they needed to go to bed.
The last thing Ducarius wanted was to sacrifice even a minute with Drexley.
As if he had summoned him, the door opened and Drexley stalked in. While Drexley called himself a scholar and had studied extensively, he moved silently thanks to the spell that had created them both.
“Is Adney well?” Ducarius asked. He did not get along with Adney, but Drexley cared for the man, so he thought it was his duty to ask after the necromancer.
“He grows angrier every day. The weakness and his draining magic are so hard for him to bear. Sometimes I think it would be better for him to cross the veil quicker so he need not suffer any longer. But at the same time, I selfishly want to have him here as long as possible.”
“It is an understandable dilemma. You are a caring person and will miss him greatly.”
Drexley offered him a gentle smile as he sat across from him. “How well you already understand me.”
“Studying you is my favorite pastime. It is a pleasure to learn whatever I can.”
“Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?”
“Drexley, I am here for you. No matter the question, I will answer it to the best of my ability.”
“I trust you,” Drexley replied, and Ducarius’s heart soared.
They could not detect each other’s lies, but that did not stop Drexley from believing him.
Their bond was growing, and that pleased Ducarius immensely.
Being with Drexley had quickly become Ducarius’s sole goal, and it was already proving to be a worthy one.
“So, let us begin. What is your first question?”