Chapter 19 #2
Aaron thought about it, his face screwing up in confusion. “I do not understand this.”
“It’s almost best you don’t,” Rhaz said. “It’s called politics.”
“Politics,” Aaron repeated. “I do not know this word.”
“Hopefully Betty won’t teach it to you. Never get involved in politics, my friend.” He eyed Aaron’s teacup. “I think I’ll make some for myself.”
He got up, went to the cupboard, took out a cup and saucer, and dug through another cupboard for tea. He had been making himself at home of late and enjoyed the freedom of doing things for himself.
As he heated the water, Aaron joined him at the stove. “I still do not understand. Why would you do such a thing?”
Rhaz looked at him. “What do you mean, do? It’s not something I have a choice in.”
“But why not?” Aaron pressed.
“Look, Aaron,” Rhaz said, “I have done my duty as a prince of my realm all of my life. I have no choice. My position has responsibilities. Expectations. Marrying a princess from another dragon kingdom is one of them. It doesn’t matter if I want to or not.
” He hung his head as the tea kettle whistled.
Rhaz prepared his tea and returned to the table, Aaron following.
“But...” Aaron began. “Why would anyone willingly choose misery?”
Rhaz looked at him, his mouth half open. He had a point. The beauty of Aaron was that nothing clouded his observant eyes. Politics. Crime. All the bad in the world.
Aaron was here because Betty wanted to make sure he wasn’t left alone, whether because his curiosity would get him into trouble, someone might take advantage of him, or both. But he was a Nemthra, a true Nemthra, and had to be protected.
If Rhaz had Aaron in his own realm, he would protect him fiercely. But in this realm, he should be safe enough with a vampire, a werewolf, a Fae prince, a wizard, and now himself around to watch over him.
Aaron tapped him on the shoulder. “Rhaz, please don’t marry her. I don’t want you to be miserable.”
Rhaz’s chest tightened as he closed his eyes. “Oh, Aaron. Thank you for saying that. But I’m afraid I have no choice in the matter.” He took his teacup and saucer to the table and sat.
Aaron returned to his own chair. “I do not understand, Rhaz. Why do you have to do it? I still do not understand.” He sat. “I will never understand.”
He looked out the window, and Rhaz’s heart pinched. “I’m sorry, Aaron. I wish I could make you understand, but personally, I think you’re better off not knowing.”
Aaron gave him a sad look. “I just want you to be happy, Rhaz. I like you.” His face brightened somewhat. “And you are the first dragon I have ever met.”
Rhaz smiled. “I am a dragon shifter, Aaron. You’ve met Rhaz, the human part of me. But there is also my dragon who lives inside me, and you’ve met him as well.”
“Does he have a name?” Aaron asked.
“He does. Ezriel.”
“Ezriel.” Aaron sounded it out. “So when Ezriel comes out to play, should I call him that or call you by your name?”
“Ezriel thinks differently than I do, so it’s probably best you talk to me when I’m in my dragon form. I can think and react like a man. Ezriel acts on instinct. That’s one of the things that makes him dangerous. Perhaps even for you.”
Aaron nodded slowly. “I understand. I will talk to you while you’re inside your dragon.”
Rhaz smiled. “Good. I’m glad we got that clarified.”
Anon entered the kitchen with a bucket and set it on the counter. “What did I miss? It feels a little tense in here. Aaron, my boy, are you all right?”
“I am all right, but Rhaz has to marry an evil princess who’s greedy, and he does not want to, but he has to.”
Rhaz cringed. “Aaron….” He shook his head in dismay.
Anon’s eyebrows shot up so high they practically reached his hairline. “What’s this, Prince of Dragons? What haven’t you told me?”
Basil came marching into the kitchen. “He doesn’t have to tell you anything, bloodsucker. Mind your own business.”
Anon scowled. One foot raised as if he were going to kick Basil, but he stomped it on the floor instead.
“Now see here, imp. This is my house, and your dragon prince is living under my roof. That puts him under my protection.” He bent low to look Basil in the eyes.
“So back off, gnome. If he wants to tell me about his miserable arrangement,” Anon said, looking at Rhaz, “he can. I assume this is an arranged marriage.”
Rhaz nodded.
“Well then,” Anon continued. “If he wants to tell me about it, that’s fine. Maybe I can help.”
“Help?” Basil crossed his arms over his little chest. “How can you help, bloodsucker? You’re not worthy of helping a prince, peasant vampire.”
Anon squeezed his eyes shut. “Let me dropkick him just once, Prince Rhaziel. That’s all I ask.”
Rhaz chuckled low in his throat and left the table. “Basil, go watch TV.”
Anon gasped. “You’re telling him to watch television?”
“It will get rid of him,” Rhaz said out of the corner of his mouth.
“Oh yes, quite right,” Anon agreed. “Gnome, go watch television.” His expression brightened. “Have I told you about the Hallmark Channel?”
“What is the Hallmark Channel?” Basil looked slightly interested. “Show me.”
“In a minute. Now shoo.” Anon waved his hands, urging him toward the living room.
As soon as Basil was gone, he turned to Rhaz and Aaron. “I think we need a break. I say the three of us go to Sweet Haven Bakery, pay a visit to Hana, Mabel, and Sally, and have ourselves a cherry Danish and coffee.”
Rhaz’s eyes lit up. “I like coffee.”
Aaron shook his head and made a face. “I do not like coffee. I will have tea.”
“Of course you will,” Anon said. “Now let me take care of this goat milk, get it stored, and we’ll be off.”
Anon busied himself in the kitchen, as Rhaz and Aaron finished their tea, washed their cups and saucers, and put them away.
Anon went into the living room, apparently to show Basil the Hallmark Channel, then returned. “All right, let’s go. We can take the van.”
“But it is a short walk,” Aaron said.
“Yes, it is, my boy, but I’ve had a little too much sun the last few days. I need to stay out of it for a bit and regain my strength.”
“The sun weakens you then,” Rhaz said.
“I’m afraid so. Because I’m an older vampire, it simply weakens me a bit. It won’t kill me. It all depends on how much I take in. All right, out the door we go. Let’s be off.” He ushered Rhaz and Aaron out the kitchen door, and they climbed into the van.
Rhaz didn’t mind the excursion. He could use the distraction. Aaron’s questions about the princess stirred anger in him, regret, and no small amount of rebellion, things a prince couldn’t afford to indulge.