The Mateless Dragon King

Lunch with Mother

In the Present

--

Valen’s POV

‘You went too far, Vehir.’ I scolded as he relinquished control of my body, our scales disappearing and our wings folding back to connect with the muscles in our backs.

‘In a real battle, to submit is to die. Our King’s Guardsmen will guard Mate and must be ready to fight to the death for her, or I will kill them myself.' I had to agree with Vehiron, even though I disliked seeing Gareth knocked out.

There wasn't much we could do after he refused to submit, though. The only way a match can end is in submission, unconsciousness, or death. He was the first King's Guardsman to refuse to submit when I commanded it, and we certainly weren't going to kill someone who had the right morals to be a good King's Guardsman.

I turned to Kael and spoke loudly so all around us could hear.

“Gareth is the only one who passed today. He may report to his new position once he is fully healed. The others fought well, their efforts deserve respect, but they did not pass.”

Kael nodded, knowing that fighting me wasn’t my test. I knew all of these men were good fighters. They had to be good to make it this far.

I tested their patience and their ability to think critically during a difficult fight. I tested whether they were quitters. Vehiron and I hated it when men submitted to us too early.

I could tell Gareth was adjusting his fighting style during our spar, watching me and learning how I moved and changing his motions accordingly. Between that and him refusing to give up, a quality I needed in those who would be trusted to keep my future mate safe in my absence.

Edric handed me my shirt and I put it on over my head before turning to Kael.

"When is it time to use swords?"

--

After joining my seasoned King’s Guardsmen for some sword training, I joined my mother for a private luncheon in her chambers. She greeted me with a warm smile as I entered, her eyes filled with affection.

A new handmaiden with her head bowed was the only other person in the room, a human I noted with interest.

‘She is pretty.’ Vehiron said impassively.

I frowned, surprised. He never commented on women unless it was to tell me to get far away from them.

But he was correct, she was pretty. The young woman’s dark straight hair, pulled back in a simple braid that was wound around her head, shimmered under the light, creating a striking contrast against her flawless porcelain skin.

I wasn’t surprised that my mother chose to hire a human. She was one of my biggest supporters when I allowed human refugees to enter the capital city and even start working in the capital. There were, and still are, a lot of people who are against equality for humans, believing that Caelorian and shifters are superior to humans.

“Valen, my dear, how was your day?” she motioned for me to sit across from her at a small ornate table in her antechamber, with crystal place settings already arranged, waiting for my arrival and covered silver platters resting on a nearby serving table. The fragrance of the freshly cooked meal filled the air.

“Long and tiring, but productive,” I replied, taking a seat. “I am sending the twins to the East soon. Oh, and we now have a human in the King’s Guard.”

“A human?” She said surprised, her smile widening. “Did you hear that, Mara? A human made it into the King’s Guard.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” She responded politely as her slender frame gracefully approached us to begin serving our lunch.

My mouth watered as she dished filet mignon, with sautéed asparagus and carrots onto my plate, but I couldn’t help but notice her polite smile did not reach her deep emerald green eyes.

"Handmaiden Mara, is it?” I asked her.

“Yes, My King. Mara Thorn.” She was startled, not expecting me to address her directly.

I raised my eyebrows in interest, remembering the name of the new human King’s Guardsman from the parchment Kael gave me before the fight.

“Are you by chance related to Gareth?”

“He is my brother-in-law, Your Majesty.” She kept her head bowed as she answered, before I could say anything else, she continued, “He can be very stubborn, Your Majesty, I beg of you, please don’t punish him.”

I furrowed my brow. Rumors must have gotten around that the human angered Vehiron, and that is why we partially shifted during the training, even though that was far from the truth.

“There is no punishment to be given. He fought well. Vehiron came forward because he was impressed.”

She looked puzzled, so my mother intervened. “Mara, dear, men pommel each other. It is a form of endearment sometimes.”

"I see, Your Majesty," Mara responded, even though she looked even more confused.

My mother laughed, “I don’t quite understand it either.”

Mara nodded, looking less distraught, at least knowing now that her brother-in-law was safe from my wrath.

“Mara, if you need to take leave to care for your brother-in-law, please do so." My mother was always fair with her staff.

A soft smile graced her lips, “I am sure the healers are caring for him well, and my husband's trade will allow him to be available. He will send word to me if I am needed."

Mara retreated to give us privacy and my mother turned her attention back to me, her eyes sparkling.

"I have been putting thought into the theme of the Bonding celebrations this quarter-century." Mother began, her voice laced with excitement. "With the increase in human populations in the capitol, I think this Bonding should be a celebration to include all identities: Caelorian, shifters, and humans alike. A celebration of inclusion."

I nodded in agreement and let her continue.

"We could hold events that highlight the strengths and traditions of each group. In particular, it would be nice to entwine some human traditions into the celebrations to help them feel more included." She smiled as she continued explaining her idea, pleased with my enthusiasm.

"That is a wonderful idea," I responded. "It will be faced with some backlash, unfortunately."

"I know," she frowned slightly. "That is why I needed to be sure my ideas had your signature and seal before moving forward. It will ensure those who wish to argue about including humans on the planning committees will be silenced."

"They will still find ways to make things difficult for you," I responded.

"Valen, I have been Queen and then Dowager Queen of this country for hundreds of years. I know to be wary of those who use underhanded means to seek their own agendas."

We spent the next hour discussing details of what needed to be done, who we wanted on planning committees, what the timelines were, and which things needed to be delegated. My mother’s insights were, as always, thoughtful and creative. She suggested inviting artists and scholars to give talks and workshops, and even proposed a competition where teams of mixed races could collaborate on projects to win prizes.

As we wrapped up our discussion, a sense of excitement filled the room.

“Mara, please ask Edric to take these documents to my office.” I held out the folder for her to take. She dipped into a curtsy as she took the folder and hurried out of the room to find my secretary, who was likely close by.

“I will sign and seal the appropriate documents by tomorrow, so you may move forward with the planning, Mother. I am pleased with everything we have discussed; I think it is a good direction."

“How about we finish enjoying our lunch! Mara, please bring out dessert!” My mother asked just as Mara re-entered her antechamber.

I genuinely smiled. I didn’t have much of a sweet tooth, but I always indulged my mother’s love of desserts.

Mara brought two small crystal dessert plates to our table. Placed decadently on each plate was a small lemon tart topped with powdered sugar and small dollops of whipped cream in the shapes of flowers. I took a bite, my mother staring at me intensely, waiting for my reaction.

"This is excellent. The kitchens really outdid themselves today." I knew my mother likely requested this dessert specifically for me instead of her normal sweets.

"Not the kitchens," my mother grinned and wagged her finger at me, almost giddy with excitement, "Mara made these!"

Surprised, I turned to Mara and thanked her, as my mother started gushing about Mara's cooking skills.

After enjoying some time catching up with my mother, I made my way to my office to finish out the day catching up on the paperwork that never ends.