Grand Redemption (D'Vaire Book 1)

by Kingley, Jessamyn

  “It is with great honor that we accept your invitation to be a part of the Council of Sorcery and Shifters. I had the privilege of briefly speaking with my parents a few days ago and they were in awe that the humble group they created all those centuries ago had become the powerful assembly of races that it is today.

  “All of your efforts have far surpassed the dream my parents once had. My brother and I can only hope that we are able to live up to the high standard, not only set by our own parents as leaders of the Coven of Warlocks, but by all of you as representatives of this council.” Sharing a bright smile with Dre’Kariston, Dra’Kaedan concluded his speech as the room once again filled with hearty applause.

  “Thank you Grand Warlock Dra’Kaedan, it is my privilege to lead the council your parents created and I am honored to have their approval. The council is prepared to offer you territory for your coven. I am assuming you wish it to be adjacent to King Aleksander,” the emperor commented with a smile.

  “Your Majesty, I have no intention of living anywhere but in the Draconis Court of D’Vaire. I am a warlock, but I am also a dragon,” Dra’Kaedan proclaimed. He thought back to Brogan’s wish that his mate would love his family. There was no doubt that Dra’Kaedan considered himself every inch a D’Vaire. Like his mate, he would never give up his family.

  “I am honored to hear it. Now, moving on to the next order of business. If you and your familiars will remain where you stand, the council would like to ask King Aleksander D’Vairedraconis to join you,” Aleksander quickly complied with Emperor Chrysander’s request and was soon standing between Dra’Kaedan and Dre’Kariston at the large podium.

  “The council has received a proposal from the Draconis Court of D’Vaire to add a sanctuary to their territory called Dra’Kaedan’s Coven. They have asked for several unique rules to be applied to their sanctuary. Draconis Court of D’Vaire is ruled by King Aleksander, but he has asked that the leaders of the Coven of Warlocks also be granted permission to field questions and I am granting that request.”

  After speaking, Emperor Chrysander gave a small bang of his gavel and Dra’Kaedan felt his body stiffen in preparation for the onslaught of questions. Apparently Aleksander had known what the council had planned for the day, regarding him and his brother. Dra’Kaedan was grateful to Fate for sending him not only to his mate, but putting both of them in a kingdom with such a selfless, giving ruler. Before he could give in to the crazy impulse he had to give Aleksander a kiss, which would surely piss off his mate, he heard someone throw out the first question.

  “I understand you wish this sanctuary to be available to every race. Historically, council sanctuaries have been run to include only a single race. Why should your sanctuary be different than all the others that have come before?” the question was asked by the leader of the tristis elves and Aleksander gave Dra’Kaedan a nod, allowing him to answer the elven leader.

  “Our court is comprised of several races already and it is our intention to continue that by inviting the misfits, outcasts, or forgotten individuals of any given race,” Dra’Kaedan replied. He knew only too well what it felt like to feel as if you were somehow in the wrong skin. Those were the people he wanted to invite to share his family and his home.

  “You do not fear weakening the traditions of your court or of this council by crafting new rules of your own?” Again it was Chief Tristis asking, but this time Aleksander leaned forward over the podium to answer.

  “My court represents what we believe was the original goal of this council and that was the belief that together we are stronger. The warlocks and necromancer that live under my rule honor their own traditions, but also consider themselves Draconis.”

  “You have asked to use your own application and want to conduct your own background investigations. Do you not consider the Order of the Fallen Knights capable of handling the placement of individuals into your sanctuary?” Although he appeared nonchalant as he twirled his pen while asking the question, Dra’Kaedan still found the leader of the fallen knights a bit frightening.

  “We felt that our sanctuary would benefit from us being allowed to ask those that might not necessarily qualify for a traditional sanctuary to apply. While we are happy to accept anyone in need, we feel it is our calling to give what others consider ‘freaks’ or ‘unusual’ a caring home. By permitting us to accept candidates that the Order of the Fallen Knights do not recognize as being eligible for sanctuary, those applications would represent an extra workload for your fallen knights that our family can handle,” Aleksander responded and Reverent Knight Drystan Kempe must have been satisfied because he did not add a follow-up question.

  “Your court is small by any standard, can you handle keeping a sanctuary safe?” The leader of the Panthera shifters asked the question and Dra’Kaedan watched as many of the sorcerers began to smile.

  Again it was Aleksander who offered a reply. “It is our intention to grow slowly, so we do not overwhelm ourselves. As for security, we have two dedicated dukes who are strong by any Draconis standard, and we boast the two most powerful magickind to ever live, as well as their familiars. Although as a shifter I cannot truly sense the scope of their power, it is my understanding that there are entire races who have less magic than even one of their familiars. They plan to ward our land to secure it from danger and even conceal our location if necessary.”

  “I believe Draconis Court of D’Vaire has answered the most pressing questions, would you like to add any final words before we ask you to exit the assembly room so we can call a vote?” the emperor asked and Dra’Kaedan was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak.

  “A few months ago I landed on the doorstep of a loving Draconis Court once believed to be cursed. I literally fell over an outcast necromancer who was soon allowed to join us. One morning we came up with an idea to open our doors and hearts to others like us. Eventually, our entire family agreed, but only after we experienced an event that showed us how powerful our races can be if we disregard our differences and work towards a common goal. The event I speak of is the only reason I am able to stand here today.

  “It required the efforts of Draconis shifters, wizards, warlocks, necromancers, and necromancer sentinels to combat the evilness of Carvallius in turning me into a familiar. I want to thank everyone who had a part in saving my life and a very special thank you to Prism Wizard Vadimas Porfyra and Arch Lich Chander Daray and his two sentinels Baxter and Benton, who put their own lives and responsibilities on hold to help me.

  “Emperor Chrysander, I also want to thank you for not hesitating to add me to the Draconis Court of D’Vaire. Not only did your decision give me my mate, but it led my brother and his familiar to my side as well. The gifts that have been bestowed on me I can never repay, but with your approval of our sanctuary it is my hope that I can pass on some of your kindness to misfits just like me.” As Ayden, he had never dreamed that he could ever be happy, and now his whole world was filled with warmth and love. He looked over to meet Brogan’s deep blue eyes, and he could see the devotion in them even from across the room.

  “You are most welcome Grand Warlock Dra’Kaedan. Thank you to the entire Draconis Court of D’Vaire for traveling here today. You are now excused from the assembly room.”

  The D’Vaires filed out the door they had entered from and, before they could decide what to do next, Imperial Duke Damian came barreling down the wide hallway towards them, “This is the last vote of the day before the council adjourns. If you’d like you can wait in the emperor’s antechamber and, after the voting concludes, he can meet you there and let you know whether the sanctuary was approved, not approved or if they want more from you and have delayed their decision,” the Imperial Duke explained when he got to where they stood just outside the door of the assembly room. It was quickly and unanimously decided that they would accept the invitation and Imperial Duke Damian began leading them to their destination.

  They walked down a few hallways that resembled each other a
great deal, before they walked past a more populated area of the building when Dra’Kaedan heard someone calling out his mate’s name.

  “Brogan! Hey, Brogan!” Since he was hand in hand with his mate, they both came to a stop at the shout. The voice was male, and it appeared to be a cute blond dragon shifter jogging over to them. He was short for a dragon, he didn’t even top six feet, but he still towered over Dra’Kaedan. His eyes were a pretty medium blue and he was wearing a friendly smile.

  “Hi Paul, how are you?” Dra’Kaedan’s head whipped from the newcomer to look at his mate. So, this was the infamous Paul, who had nearly convinced Dra’Kaedan to drop Brogan like a hot potato.

  “I’m good. How are you? Oh, you must be Dra’Kaedan. Your story has been all over the council. You can’t go online or pick up a paper without seeing something about it.” Paul looked at him expectantly.

  “I am Dra’Kaedan. It’s nice to meet you.” He offered the man he had once thought of as his nemesis his hand and they shared a quick handshake. Brogan then introduced Paul to everyone else watching their little meeting.

  “I won’t keep you guys, but hey stay in touch, okay? If you don’t mind Dra’Kaedan, I’d really love your contact info. I’ve always been kind of fascinated with magickind and specifically warlocks. I’ve read tons of history books. It’s one of the reasons I took this job.” Paul was giving him some serious puppy dog eyes and Dra’Kaedan found he was not immune to them, so he promised to talk to Paul soon. As they left the overeager dragon behind to continue their journey to the emperor’s anteroom, Dra’Kaedan realized that he and Paul were similar in appearance. He gave his mate a nudge with his shoulder and Brogan smiled down at him.

  “What?” Brogan asked.

  “Paul seems nice,” Dra’Kaedan offered.

  “He is nice, I think you’d make great friends.”

  “Probably.”

  “I’ll text him your info when we get home,” his mate decided.

  “He’s not that tall for a dragon.”

  “No, he’s not. He gets shit over it sometimes, but he seems pretty secure.”

  “His dragon must be pretty, his eyes are a nice shade of blue.” Dra’Kaedan was not at all biased since it was his favorite color.

  “I’ve never seen his dragon, but obviously it’s the best color.” Clearly his mate was as impartial about the color blue as he was.

  “His hair color is similar to mine.”

  “Yours is more golden and a lot curlier. I prefer yours. We only saw him for a minute or two and you certainly paid a lot of attention to him.” Brogan’s voice was full of curiosity as he let go of Dra’Kaedan’s hand to run it over the blond curls that he professed to favor.

  “What do you expect? He’s my mate’s almost ex-lover. Of course, I am going to take stock of the guy.”

  “So, what do you think?”

  “I think that I really am your type,” Dra’Kaedan said, smiling up at his big mate.

  “Told you so. When have I ever led you astray?” Brogan asked, while fluttering his eyelashes innocently as he opened the door to the antechamber. Dra’Kaedan found the look ridiculous on his big dragon mate, but he just rolled his eyes at him as he walked past the door Brogan held. They had apparently arrived at their destination.

  Chapter 27

  The D’Vaires had barely gotten themselves comfortable in the cushioned chairs when the emperor entered his spacious antechamber. He was followed immediately by Reverent Knight Drystan Kempe. It was as if everyone in their family was holding their breath, waiting to hear what the council had decided about their sanctuary and Dra’Kaedan could garner no clues from the faces of the two men. Both of them wore completely neutral expressions.

  “I’m glad that you all decided to wait,” Emperor Chrysander said as he took a seat, removed his golden crown and placed it on his lap. “The council had some concerns about your proposal. Namely they feel you are unknown and with such powerful warlocks they want some assurance that you will keep within council ideals,” he went on to explain.

  “Our warlocks are the sons of the creators of the council; of course we all want to further the ideals of the council. As for being unknowns, it was not their fault that they were ostracized for so long,” Aleksander argued, and the emperor held up a hand to halt anything else he might want to add.

  “I could not agree more, but in order to pacify their concerns we had to come up with a compromise. In order to open your sanctuary you will have to have a member of the Order of the Fallen Knights join your court,” Emperor Chrysander clarified.

  “Before you get angry I have a proposal for you,” the Reverent Knight offered.

  “It is insulting that the council would think we would ever do anything that they didn’t approve of. What kind of proposal?” Dra’Kaedan asked. He was actually having second thoughts about this idea if they had to live with a spy.

  “I have a son. He is half fallen knight, but his mother was a necromancer. She died at his birth and, although I love my son very much, he doesn’t fit in with the other fallen knights. He has no interest in working in security or investigating crimes. He refuses to even carry a weapon. I swear he must have been a wizard in a former life because he loves history. I have always encouraged him to do what he loves, but he’s an adult now and finished with school. He’s twenty-five and spends almost all of his time alone, either on his computer or buried in a book. The only time he’s not alone is when I’m there. I think your sanctuary would be a great place for him to continue to do what he wishes to do, while at least having some friends, so he doesn’t turn into a complete hermit. I haven’t talked to him about it yet, but if he agrees he would fulfill the council’s requirement for a fallen knight to join your court.”

  “Your son is half necro, does he have a sentinel?” Blodwen asked. If he did there might be a problem with the Reverent Knight’s plan; she was still terrified of them.

  “Chander believes so, but he has too much fallen knight in him and his magic appears to be too weak to summon one.” That was one crisis averted, and Dra’Kaedan made eye contact with Aleksander. They needed a family vote.

  “Okay family, what do you think of allowing the Reverent Knight’s son to come and live with us?” Aleksander asked the room full of D’Vaires.

  “I have no objection,” Brogan immediately replied. Dra’Kaedan gave him a grateful smile before repeating his mate’s words.

  “It is fine with me,” Dravyn said quietly. Since council tradition forced Dravyn to wear his Duke’s coronet, his deep forest green eyes were unobscured for once by his dark hair. They were earnest and somehow gentle in his sparsely freckled face.

  “As long as he doesn’t mind eating whatever scraps Dra’Kaedan leaves for the rest of us, I have no problem with it.” Noirin gave Dra’Kaedan a wicked smile and her violet eyes danced in merriment. Dra’Kaedan rolled his eyes at her as the Reverent Knight lifted a brow.

  “Should I ask?”

  “My brother is a pig. Aleksander, I have no objection either,” Dre’Kariston retorted. Dra’Kaedan briefly considered turning his brother into a boar but decided it could wait until they got home.

  “Me neither!” Derwin nearly shouted. His brother’s familiar was definitely high-strung.

  “We vote yes,” Larissa said, speaking for both herself and her mate.

  “Renny, what do you think?” Brogan asked softly. Dra’Kaedan rolled his eyes at his mate’s tone of voice. He was talking to Dra’Kaedan’s familiar as if he was a scared child.

  “I get a vote?” Renny asked, sounding surprised.

  “Of course you get a vote. What kind of question is that? You live at the house, don’t you?” Dra’Kaedan demanded.

  “Well excuse me, Grand Warlock, but I moved in like what… two days ago? Little early for me to be making decisions, don’t you think?” Renny countered flippantly.

  Emperor Chrysander chuckled at Renny’s outburst before turning to Aleksander. “I really must make time to visit yo
ur family soon.”

  “You are always welcome. Renny, your vote?” Aleksander asked after smiling at the dragon leader.

  “Oh, yeah. Sure. Let the kid move in,” Renny said with a dismissive wave of his hand.

  “You are two days old. Should you really be calling anyone a kid?” Dra’Kaedan questioned his familiar.

  “Duh. Physically two days old. Mentally I am as geriatric as you.”

  “Gentleman, we haven’t heard from Blodwen yet. Blodwen, what do you think?” Aleksander asked, bringing the argument brewing between warlock and familiar to an end.

  Blodwen pulled her lips in for a moment before stating in a firm voice, “I will do whatever it takes to make Dra’Kaedan’s Coven a reality. I vote yes.”

  “Reverent Knight, it would seem all of Court D’Vaire is eager to meet your son,” Aleksander confirmed.

  “Great, I will talk to him tonight and see if he is willing to join you,” Reverent Knight Drystan said with a wide smile.

  “If he doesn’t wish to join you, we will figure out another compromise to satisfy all of you, as well as the council. I have been determined to make this sanctuary happen from the time I first suggested you consider one. I agree with what you said earlier, we need to abandon this idea of every race being an island. It is my hope that your sanctuary will become a model for all future and existing sanctuaries. Please keep me informed of any issues or problems you have as we move forward, so we can all do our best to work through them.” Emperor Chrysander’s words were earnest, and Dra’Kaedan was glad that their leader shared their vision.

  “Your Majesty, you have our heartfelt thanks. We look forward to working with you. Reverent Knight Drystan, we really hope your son agrees, it would be our pleasure to welcome him to our family,” Aleksander offered.

  That settled, the Reverent Knight looked Dra’Kaedan in the eye and offered him a promise. “Grand Warlock, the fallen knights don’t ever give up when a crime has been committed. No matter how long it takes, rest assured that we will do our best to bring Latarian to justice. She will pay for her crimes.”