CHAPTER 17: RILEY’S SUITORS?

The night was really too young for all these beings to quit this early.

And so it wasn’t just Kael.

The first time it happened, Riley almost fell for it. Admittedly, he had been young and gullible back then.

He hadn’t realized that many would stop at nothing to achieve their goals.

Because when the dragon lord says no, those intense gazes end up redirected.

And sadly enough, back then, he had been the perfect target.

Well, for one, he didn’t think it would be impossible for people to at the very least like or appreciate him.

Before he worked as an aide and started looking like a zombie that they could immediately cast for those movies, Riley believed he actually looked decent.

Okay, an understatement.

But he wasn’t really one to shower himself with compliments. But he also didn’t feel like he should shortchange himself.

He was no Kael Dravaryn in terms of looks, but he surely was not bad for a human.

Not bad at all.

So when they started flocking towards him, he didn’t feel that it was that unusual until his boss woke him up to the reality that they were just trying to get to him through Riley.

And what a startling reality that was, and even now, he partially (entirely) blames this job for keeping him single.

No time.

No money. Oh...well, scratch that. That’s practically the only thing he has now.

No life.

No time, must be repeated for emphasis.

Just a whole lot of trust issues.

How could he even date properly when he’s trying to determine if his date is just out there trying to weasel their way toward his boss?

Sigh.

Well, maybe not everyone was like that, but the incoming beings were definitely walking poster boards.

Riley was starting to attract attention of his own.

Or he had the moment the initial attempts at closing in on Kael didn’t work.

As he tried to gently steer away one of Kael’s overeager dragon suitors, a shy young elf approached, holding a glass of wine like a peace offering.

"I have attended this gala every year," she began softly, "and what you do is...remarkable."

Riley was momentarily caught off guard. After all, even if it’s out of some hidden agenda, it was rare for him to hear such compliments from anyone other than his co-workers.

And if he had been any newer at this job, his pained heart would’ve given in from a simple recognition.

But alas, he’d been desensitized.

He automatically declined the glass of wine with a polite wave of his hand and a respectful smile. "Ah, thank you for the appreciation, but sorry. I’m still on duty and cannot accept this."

To soften the moment, he added quickly, "But, I see that you’ve sampled the pepper bites. They pair perfectly with the mead, don’t they?"

Still, at the back of his mind, his father’s voice echoed: Don’t drink what you didn’t pour, especially from someone smiling too much.

A wise piece of advice, but maybe he should have also mentioned something about working without triple-checking employment contracts.

Riley shrugged, only for his musings to be stopped short by a female elf who was making a sudden effort to chit-chat.

She was trying to praise the event, and the poor aide was starting to see a pattern here.

Riley acknowledged her with a smile, "Oh, thank you. That’s...very kind of you to say."

But before the female elf could reply, another voice cut in, low and smooth. Definitely, not Kael’s.

A merfolk woman drawled from just behind him, "It takes real courage to stand at Lord Dravaryn’s side and survive. That deserves appreciation. You’re...brave."

Riley turned just enough to catch her faint smirk.

"Not at all," he said evenly. "Just doing my job. But, thank you just the same." In his head, though: Such nice and flattering words. But unfortunately, she’d still have to go waaaaay back to the end of the line.

"That’s rude. I was speaking to him first," the elf protested.

The older merfolk flashed a smile, exposing her sharpened teeth, "And now I am."

A headache. If this continued, it wouldn’t be a stamina issue. And he was pretty sure the ring and the sigil wouldn’t be effective against that.

"Excuse me, I believe my boss needs me, so I’ll be going now."

He gave a deliberately charming bow and said, "For a change, why don’t you try enjoying each other’s company?"

Maybe that would keep them busy enough.

Meanwhile, Lady Stella was circling back for another attempt.

She glided across the floor with confidence that made all others part to let her through. Flaunting her shimmering gown, she claimed a spot in front of Kael.

"Really," she said with sparkling green eyes," don’t they ever tire of throwing themselves at you? It’s undignified."

Kael ignored her completely.

Lady Stella was obviously offended. "You know, Lord Dravaryn, it wouldn’t hurt for you to smile. Just a little. You might even enjoy yourself for once."

Kael’s reply was ice cold. "No need."

Riley, who was within earshot, discreetly coughed to break the tension. "Lady Stella," he said warmly, "as always, you’re stunning in an evening gown."

She smiled and gracefully nodded. "Finally, somebody noticed."

But Riley noticed too, just before she turned to leave, the floor at Kael’s feet darkened, a thin sheen of water pooling outward in her wake.

Kael glanced down at the faint water trail but said nothing.

"This," Kael murmured, "is exactly why I hate these events."

Riley, still looking at the last ripple of water, replied, "Why? Because everyone wants to marry you?"

Kael’s eyes narrowed. "Is that so?"

Riley replied, "Thought so."

Because if Kael really hated these events so much, as if he even made a point to hide such a known fact, then why did they keep on hosting it?

To force them out like prey.

While Kael has never enjoyed such a thing, he’s aware of what happens when prideful beings gather.

Had it been something like a hunting event or an actual competition, they would likely end up with fewer participants and attendees. After all, losing face was not something an immortal would like, considering they’d retain their identities for as long as possible.

But a low-stakes event where some who lacked self-control could let loose?

That was a better time to witness a few key events.

Just like that coup over there and that collapsing trade route.

Ah, and every now and then, there would be an attempt on someone’s life.