Sora’s father seemed to sense his conflict, his heavy eyebrows lifting. “What? You’ve got a funny look on your face.”
Sora decided to voice his thoughts. He’d always been able to speak candidly with his parents, and it might be better to put the thought out there, instead of letting it ping-pong around in his head.
“Why do you assume that you’ll need to train someone here?”
His parents shared a baffled look, as if they didn’t understand the question.
“Well, they need a healer, don’t they?” His mother looked at him as if he’d lost a few marbles.
“Why do you assume I won’t be that healer?” Sora clarified.
“Ah, that’s what you meant.” His father opened his mouth, shot his wife another indecipherable look, then obviously reconsidered what he had been about to say. “Are you thinking you’ll stay here?”
“I don’t know yet,” Sora answered frankly. “Ravi and I have talked about this, but we haven’t made a decision.”
His mother leaned forward, hands braced on the table. “You’re absolutely certain Ravi is your mate, then? You said you thought he was, earlier. But you’re sure now?”
“Absolutely positive.” Sora had no doubt about that. His feelings were so intense that even he, a very cerebral thinker, sometimes felt overwhelmed by them.
She clapped her hands together, delighted. “I’m so glad, sweetheart. I must say, he was well worth the wait. Ravi’s such a happy person. And I love how the two of you interact. You bring out the best in each other, I think.”
Sora was happy to hear her say that and relieved both his parents seemed to think that Ravi was perfect for him. It saved that argument, at least. And it was always better when the parents approved of a spouse. It might also help with the impinging argument Sora could feel hovering on the horizon.
“I agree that he was well worth the wait. I want to properly express all of this to him, and soon.”
“Do that,” she urged, almost chortling now. “Finally, a mate for my son!”
“It’s a cause for celebration,” his father agreed. He looked more relieved than anything. “And, of course, when the two of you decide to have a child, you know we’ll be happy to help support the incubator.”
“I think you’re getting a little ahead of yourself.” Sora rolled his eyes. Of course, that was the first priority for these two. Grandchildren. “Although, I’ll remember that for the future.”
Some soft, squishy part of his brain very much wanted to think about holding his and Ravi’s child in his arms.
His mother, at least, remembered what had started them off on this tangent. “Wait, do you intend to stay here with him?”
Sora responded patiently. “This clan, more than ours, needs healers. Needs mages. They also need him, and he needs his family.”
“That sounds like you’ve already made the decision to stay,” his father interjected. “Why aren’t you considering coming home?”
“I haven’t made a firm decision yet.” Which was true. Sora was still trying to weigh it in his mind, decide on the best option.
His mother’s glee was swinging back the other direction into concern. “But you can’t just think about Ravi’s needs. About this clan’s needs.”
“My mate’s needs have a higher priority than my own. And do you really think that trying to take away a king’s retainer right on the verge of a war with the Jaeggi is a good idea? Do you have any idea how heavily King Alric relies on Ravi?” Sora hadn’t, until he’d seen his little wind dragon in action.
His father shook his head in confusion. “He has four other retainers.”
“Yes, one of who stays buried in books most of the time. I don’t think you two have paid proper attention, but Ravi’s role among the retainers is very specific. When King Alric needs to be jostled out of work-mode, or if he needs to be in a different location without much time to get there, it’s Ravi who is sent in. Ravi’s the one who can charm, cajole, and hurry King Alric along without the king taking offense. You saw him in action when dealing with Kings Chalo and Roca, as well as their mates and bodyguards. He keeps everyone moving, happy, and safe. It’s Ravi’s speed that ensures the rest are safe, as literally nothing else can outrun him. There’s also the fact that he clearly loves his job, loves his clan with all of his heart.”
His mother didn’t disagree with any of this, although her brow was furrowed into a deep