Page 99 of Scales ’N’ Spells: Volume One

Or more specifically, Alric’s words.

All that I have is yours.

He knew the man wasn’t talking about his castle, clan, or collection of swanky cars. Not even his hoard of books. Though, all of that was included.

No, Alric was talking about his heart and soul. His very essence and drive for being belonged to Cameron. Alric cared for him that much.

And what had Cameron said in response?

Nothing.

Well, he’d kissed him, and he’d tried to convey all his tangled feelings and hopes in that kiss. Had Alric understood? His adorable dragon needed to know he meant everything to Cameron, even if the idea of being mates scared the crap out of him.

Just the word “mates” had Cameron pausing and placing his hand on the wall to steady himself. His talk with Lisette had settled his mind some, but the concept was still so big, so much more than what he’d been expecting for his life. The responsibility of all those people and their future. Wasn’t it enough to be responsible for the happiness of the king who cared for all those people? That was a big, important job too.

A quick glance around revealed he was wandering down the hall that led to Alric’s office. Left to their own devices, his feet had decided to take him back to Alric, like by his side was where he belonged. Silly feet.

Maybe he would just pop his head in. Check on the king and see if he could use a little cheering up.

At Alric’s door, he briskly knocked and chided his pounding heart. Being nervous around Alric was so silly at this point. So what if the man could turn him inside-out with just a look? Or if he held Cameron’s heart in the palm of his hand?

“Enter,” Alric’s muffled voice called through the door.

Taking a deep breath and mentally laughing at his nerves, he opened one of the doors and poked his head inside. As usual, Alric sat at his desk, looking regal and dignified, while Dieter stood behind his right shoulder, seeming to point at something on Alric’s computer screen. Alric’s look of intense concentration melted away in a flash, his handsome face transforming with a warm smile at the sight of Cameron.

“Cameron,” he said his name with such joy, as if they hadn’t seen each other in days rather than just a few hours. “Is everything okay?”

“Oh, yeah. Sure. No problems. I just stopped by to see you, but you’re clearly busy. I can—” Cameron quickly said. He took a step backward, pulling the door with him while mentally chastising himself. Of course Alric was busy!

“No! Don’t go.” Alric’s sharp tone instantly halted Cameron’s retreat. The dragon smiled and continued in a more even voice, “We were just finishing.”

The sudden jump of both of Dieter’s eyebrows left Cameron wondering if this was news to the old advisor, but to his credit, he didn’t say anything contrary. Dropping his hand to his side, Dieter straightened and smiled at Cameron. “Yes, please come in. I was just leaving.” He then stepped away from the desk, bowed slightly to his king, and then walked out of the office, bestowing one last smile on Cameron.

When the door closed behind Dieter, Cameron chuckled softly. “Why do I feel like Dieter was not quite done with you yet?”

Alric relaxed in his chair, his grin completely unrepentant. “Dieter is never done with me. He’s always got something I need to look at, or make a decision on, or plan for. A visit from you is much more pleasurable.”

Strolling around Alric’s desk, he fought the urge to jump into his lap, but there was no need. Alric snagged Cameron’s wrist and pulled him off balance so that he was tumbling into Alric’s lap and strong arms. Okay, so maybe he didn’t really fight it at all. Alric’s arms were amazing, and Cameron loved nuzzling his face right into Alric’s neck, breathing in his scent until it was the only thing in his lungs.

“How were your lessons?” Alric inquired. He moved his left hand lightly along Cameron’s thigh in the gentlest caress. Why did he ever leave Alric’s arms? This was the best place in the entire world. Couldn’t he just rule his clan with Cameron right here at all times? Yeah, probably not, but it would definitely be more fun that way.

“It was good, once we got past the birds and bees of magic.”

Alric laughed, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. “That couldn’t have been comfortable with your family there.”

“Cassie had plenty of helpful comments.”

“Don’t worry. Her time will come.”

Cameron snorted. “Not likely. Nothing embarrasses her. And when it comes to Sasha, she knows no shame.” Cameron mentally shook his head. This was not what he wanted to talk about. “How has your day been?”

Under him, he could feel Alric shrug his right shoulder. “Nothing too unexpected. Rodrigo is not happy that we’ve made so little progress in regards to the rogue clan. He’s also not happy we don’t have more to share in terms of how to find more mages.”

Cameron lifted his head, brow furrowing as anger on Alric’s behalf rose in his chest. “Doesn’t he have any mages? Shouldn’t they be working on finding mages instead of relying on you and the Burkhard clan?”

Alric’s smile never wavered. “True, but I have a great deal of sympathy for him. I was in his shoes a short time ago, and now I have three new mages in my clan. Finding you was like stumbling across an oasis after centuries of crossing a vast desert.” Lifting his hand, Alric lightly touched Cameron’s cheek. “He is still trapped in that desert.”

“God, you’re an amazing king,” Cameron whispered without thought.