You and Tori?
Was there a him and Tori?
They were planning to see more of each other while Tori was in the castle. There was definitely the promise of more kisses.
“Don’t even bother denying it. I’ve heard too much from my spies. And while it was quick, I did see you both together on the tarmac. My dragon reacted to the protectiveness of your dragon when Cameron approached Tori.”
Baldewin’s mouth dropped open and bobbed for a second. “How…”
Alric waved him off. “A perk of being the king. I know my people, and my dragon is overly protective of his mate.” His wicked grin returned. “It seems your dragon is already staking a claim.”
“I am not ruled by my dragon,” Baldewin declared, and Alric lifted one skeptical eyebrow.
“So, you’re not attracted to the mage? You’re just ignoring the fact that your dragon wants to scoop Tori up and carry him off to your hoard?”
He didn’t question how Alric knew that simply because it was likely the same feeling he got when he looked at Cam.
“You’re enjoying this too much,” Baldewin grumbled, sending Alric into peals of cackles. “I thought you were my friend.”
“I am! I’m just enjoying having the tables turned for once.” Alric cleared his throat, but his eyes were still twinkling with laughter. “Tell me about your mage.”
His mage was beautiful.
And Tori was his mage.
He had to admit he’d expected it to be more of a lightning bolt when it came to realizing he’d found his mate. That he’d be struck dumb on the spot and rendered useless with the knowledge.
But Tori had snuck up on him. The stubborn, independent mage had won him with his fiery determination, steely inner strength, and that too-rare smile. After all the horrible treatment he’d suffered, he still found a way to give Baldewin a chance, to trust him.
Sure, maybe it had come with a little coaxing, but he’d given Baldewin a fair shot. And then when he’d lost nearly everything, he still found ways to give Baldewin something to show that he cared. Two of his most treasured possessions came from Tori. When they weren’t with him, they had places of high honor within his secret hoard.
“Oh wow…he is mine. He’s…he’s my mate,” Baldewin whispered. Inside his head, his dragon shifted and preened a little, as if he was proud that his human brain had finally caught up to what he had known for a long time. “I thought it was just normal, protective feelings. He was a mage in trouble. It’s our duty to protect all mages, but with Tori…it’s different. Bigger.”
Baldewin paused and rubbed his hand over his mouth. His gaze was unfocused and turned inward as he replayed dozens of memories. “Of course, I’m attracted to him. He’s gorgeous with those eyes and perfect lips. He somehow manages to carry this gruff, untouchable air while at the same time looking vulnerable. I never stood a chance.”
Alric’s laugh jerked his gaze back to his friend. “It’s probably best it works that way, since dragons are so damn stubborn.”
“What am I going to do? What if he doesn’t want to stay? I don’t want to leave the clan—”
“But you would because he’s your mate,” Alric finished, his smile turning a little sad. “And if you both left, you would know that you and Tori would always be welcome here.” Alric gave his head a little shake. “The important thing is that Tori feels comfortable and welcome here so he doesn’t want to leave.”
“Should I tell him? Everything?”
Alric cringed, his nose wrinkling. “That might be a bit overwhelming for him.”
Baldewin grunted his agreement. “He’s got to be worried about fitting in and whether we are going to treat him like he was treated by the Taavi Clan. Plus, he has very little confidence in his own skills. He seems the type to be waiting for it all to fall apart around him.”
“Adding in a dragon mate might be too much pressure. I wouldn’t want him to run to protect himself.” Alric scratched his chin. “But I think it is important for him to know how you feel about him. He needs to know that this isn’t some…some fling. That you are truly interested in him. Attracted to him, though the kissing should have definitely made that clear.” Alric sighed and shrugged. “But you never know what goes on in a mage’s head.”
Baldewin snorted. “That sounds like the voice of experience.”
Alric rolled his eyes, but his smile had become tender. “Centuries from now, I will still be surprised by the strange thoughts that cross Cameron’s mind.”
“And you look forward to every one of them,” Baldewin teased.
“I do.”
“Thank you, Alric, for sending me. For giving me the chance to find him.” A lump grew in his throat as he spoke. He’d found his mate, achieved the thing he’d begun to secretly doubt he’d ever have. And his friend had made it possible. He’d be forever grateful.
“I wish I could say I knew Tori would be your mate. I’m just glad I could put you in the right place at the right time. Hopefully, we’ll be able to do that for more of our clan.” Alric straightened and cleared his throat as if it had become clogged as well. “I think we’ve got enough business settled. Why don’t you go check on our new mage? Make sure he’s properly settled.”
Baldewin stood and bowed his head to Alric, a smile playing on his lips. “As you wish, Hoheit.” He’d never been so glad to be dismissed. He had a mage he needed to feel in his arms again.
Tori was in a freaking castle.
No. He had a room in a freaking castle. An amazing, beautiful room with the world’s most comfortable bed, softest sheets, and fluffiest pillows. The bathroom was filled with toiletries that smelled amazing. The stone floors even had a heating mechanism to guard against cold winter mornings. He had seriously never felt so pampered in his life, and Baldewin had done some serious pampering over the past few days.
His rooms—and it was definitely rooms, since he had a bedroom, sitting room, and bathroom—were obviously meant for visiting dignitaries and the like, but Tori was not complaining. The rooms for the regular clan members had to be less posh, but even they had to be better than the conditions he’d been living in.
A few hours after their arrival, Baldewin had texted to see if he was up for dinner in the main dining hall or if he preferred to eat alone in his room. The man was just too thoughtful. While the idea of eating with the rest of the clan was overwhelming, he knew if he was going to make a good impression on the dragons and mages, he couldn’t hide in his room.
Baldewin was all about convincing Tori to stay at Burkhard, but he knew deep in his soul that it was more about convincing the king and the rest of the clan that he was worthy of joining them. Yes, he’d made some good first steps by proving that he had some magical skill, but he didn’t feel he was in the clear yet.
He was living in a dream right now, and he was going to enjoy every freaking second of it.
The dragon appeared at his door a short time after the text and showed him to the massive dining hall. As they walked, Baldewin pointed out interesting historical things about the castle and told stories about weird things that had happened there. It was kind of amazing how Baldewin could wrap him in a sense of awe and family at the same time, but then everything Baldewin did was kind of amazing.