Chapter 27 #2
“I understand. They are wonderful, but there are many of them and only one of you. It will take time for you to grow comfortable. They will have a lot of questions. Answer nothing you do not want to. We can either ignore them or tell them we can answer it later. Or if you prefer, I can field their queries.”
“Questions are to be expected.”
“Yes, but you have already been through an ordeal today, and there is no rush. I like the shirt you chose.”
“It might be foolish, but it made me feel closer to you. It is weird not to wear a robe. I like these things though. They are like what the others are wearing.”
Ducarius smiled and kissed Drexley’s cheek. “Are you ready to go downstairs?”
“Yes.”
With Drexley’s hand securely in his, Ducarius headed for the stairs. “You do not have to eat if you are not hungry.”
“I would not mind a sweet.”
“Good, you will not be disappointed. Brynn is a wonderful baker.”
Victor grinned at them when they reached the living room. “Go have a seat; we saved a big chair for you two to share. What do you want to drink?” Victor asked as he shooed them to the chair. Ducarius tugged Drexley onto his lap.
It was morning for Ducarius, but he had essentially lived in the sixteenth century for the past few weeks. Being wealthy, Adney had preferred wine, and it was served with every meal. Ducarius was sick of it as it had never been one of his favorites.
“I would love a beer,” Ducarius replied. “Drexley, would you like a glass of wine? Victor is excellent at selecting them.”
“That would be nice,” Drexley said. “Thank you, Victor.”
“My pleasure. Congratulations on your matebond.”
Samson handed Drexley a plate of chocolate chip cookies as they thanked Victor and everyone chorused his congratulatory sentiments. Ducarius snagged a cookie, but he wanted Drexley to have the rest.
The room was eerily silent. A most unusual circumstance for the Daray condo, and it would not be long before Albrecht complained about the awkwardness.
“Go ahead,” Ducarius said after swallowing a delicious bite. “Start with your questions.”
“And stop pretending to be on your best behavior,” Albrecht griped from beneath the cloak he preferred to wear even at home. “It is irritating. Be yourselves. Drexley will discover how annoying you are eventually anyway.”
Chander slapped his beer onto the coffee table. “Let’s start with the obvious. Where the hell have you been, and why didn’t you at least call us?”
“I was trying to find Drexley, and I discovered a magical anomaly,” Ducarius explained.
“The magic had weakened, and I essentially fell into a private realm. I dropped my damn phone and did not have it. The necromancer who created it had crafted a spell which did not allow anyone but him to leave it.”
“You were prisoners?” Alaric asked, his face contorting into a scowl.
“It was Drexley’s home,” Ducarius said. He could not lie. As far as Ducarius was concerned, Drexley likely was a prisoner, but his mate had yet to discover the truth of how he had arrived at the realm or why Adney was so concerned that anyone would leave.
“My necromancer created it in his youth,” Drexley commented softly. “After his son was murdered, he feared for his own life. So, he wanted to escape to his realm to remain safe. He summoned me, and I lived with him. Until…well, until…”
“Shhh, love,” Ducarius said, cupping Drexley’s head. “As you may have guessed, the necromancer was Adney Blackwell. He died in his sleep a couple of hours ago.”
Chander closed his eyes. “And his realm disappeared. I’m so sorry.”
Drexley set down the plate, which Ducarius was pleased to see was already empty, and scooted so he could lean his head on Ducarius’s chest. “Thank you, I hope he is watching me now from the other side of the veil. He would be so proud to know I was here with you, Arch Lich. He often encouraged me to read books about your rise to power.”
“Please call me Chander or Chand. You flatter me. We’ve checked in at Blackwell House as part of our search for you, and Adney’s housekeeper still calls it home.”
“Everything is well maintained,” Alaric added. “She has allowed Adney’s legacy to flourish.”
“The rest of our questions can wait,” Chander decreed, and no one argued. “Is there anything we can do for either of you?”
“More cookies, maybe?” Samson asked. “B has filled this place with all kinds of yummy stuff. I could get you a cupcake or maybe a lemon bar.”
“Drexley does not know what those things are,” Ducarius replied.
“Then he definitely needs to try them,” Samson exclaimed as he hustled toward the kitchen.
“Drexley, I am sorry for your loss. We are here for you if you need us. It is so wonderful to know you are well; we were concerned for you,” Alaric stated.
“Did you lose your daggers as the realm fell apart?” Baxter asked.
Ducarius shook his head. “Not every sentinel needs to carry weapons.”
Baxter’s mouth fell open. So did Benton’s.
Cassius blinked but offered no comment. Eduard scowled.
Albrecht crossed his arms. And the Lich Sentinel stayed stone still.
They could hear the truth in Ducarius’s voice, but none of them wanted to believe it.
Ducarius understood their incredulity, but he supported Drexley.
Even if that meant his mate remained the lone sentinel never armed.