Graham snorted.“I don’t want to talk at all.”
“We can do that.”
“Oh, thank you for giving me your authorization to keep my mouth shut.”
The man really was snarkier than Emory had expected, and he liked it.He wanted to see some fire in Graham, possibly directed at Tyne.
He wanted to find out what was going on in that man’s head.He wanted to know why Graham was running away when he was safe at the castle.Today wasn’t the right day to push, though.Emory’s headache was becoming stronger, and he wanted nothing more than a shower and his bed.Hopefully, once his headache was better, he’d be able to think again and find a way to get Graham to admit what he was up to and why.In the meantime, he’d let him hide behind his newfound snarkiness.
Chapter Six
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WHEN EMORY OPENED HISeyes the next day, his entire body was achy.It had been a long time since he’d flown in a storm, and he could feel it even though he was in his human form.It would take him a few days before he could walk without hobbling, and he wasn’t sure he could raise his arms higher than his shoulders.
He stretched and groaned, knowing it would be best for him to get out of bed.Staying under the covers wouldn’t help.His muscles would still be stiff, and he’d still be in pain.As much as he wanted nothing more than to roll over and go back to sleep, he couldn’t.
He had something to do today.
It was late enough that he knew that everyone would already have left the dining room.The mages would be at work, and the dragons would be doing whatever they did when they had spare time.He was pretty sure that at least a few of them were thinking about getting jobs, and it didn’t sound like a bad idea.Emory didn’t need to work for a living, but he didn’t like not having anything to do with his days.
Maybe getting Graham to reveal what he’d been up to yesterday would distract him for a bit.He doubted it would last long, and once that was over, he’d be back to being slightly bored and doing stupid things just because he could shift into his dragon again, but for now, he could focus on Graham.
For some reason, that made him feel excited.Maybe it was just because it was something different to do, or maybe there was more to it, although he didn’t know what that more could be.He was just grateful to Graham for saving his life.Anyone would be.That was the only reason he wanted to help Graham.
Maybe if he told himself that enough times, he’d believe it.
He groaned as he got out of bed and stretched again.He hoped that a hot shower would help, so he made his way to the bathroom.His thoughts never strayed far from Graham, though.
Right now, he was somewhere in the castle, or at least, Emory hoped so.Graham might have run yesterday after dinner or this morning early.Emory didn’t know if he’d taken his stuff out of Meyer’s car.If he was smart, he’d have chosen someone else’s car to run away.Hell, if hereallywas smart, he wouldn’t run away at all.He didn’t have a reason to.Tyne might hate him, and that might be scary, but it wasn’t like the mage would do anything to him.
The other mages wouldn’t let him.
But if Graham was in trouble, maybe Emory could help.It could be a distraction and a way to thank him for saving his life.It could be a way for Emory to repay Graham for what he’d done for him.
Emory moved slowly when he left his bedroom after showering.The castle was mostly silent, but he could hear someone vacuuming in the distance and music.He wasn’t sure where to start.Should he go straight to Graham’s room and knock on his door?That was probably where Graham was, unless he’d run away.Emory hoped he hadn’t.He needed the opportunity to get the man to change his mind.
The only thing that came to mind was to be direct, so after stopping by the kitchen to grab something to eat, Emory made his way back upstairs.His legs were unhappy with him by the time he reached Graham’s door, but he ignored the weight in his limbs and knocked.
Initially, nothing happened.It was like time was suspended.The hallway was silent, and so was Graham.Eventually, though, the door creaked open.Graham peeked out, looking like he was afraid that someone had been sent to kill him.
Emory grinned and raised the tray he was carrying.“I wasn’t sent by Tyne to kill you, don’t worry.”
Graham rolled his eyes and opened his door wider.“He wouldn’t send anyone to kill me.He would do it himself.He looks like the kind of person who enjoys getting his hands a little dirty.”
“I agree, but I don’t think he’s as scary as he thinks he is.He’s just a grumpy asshole.”
Graham shook his head.“Maybe.What are you doing here?”
“I thought it was obvious.I brought food.”
“Whydid you bring food?”
“Because I haven’t had time to eat yet.I just woke up.”
“I’ve had breakfast.”
“I’m surprised, but that’s fine.You can either eat with me or watch me.”Emory didn’t think that Graham would slam the door in his face, but he still pushed his way into the bedroom.