Theodore spent most of the flight to Saha with the black wooden dragon strapped into the seat beside him.
Dean discovered this arrangement after returning from the rear cabin with coffee and stopping in the aisle.
Theo had fastened the small safety belt across the dragon's body with considerable care.
Arion sat opposite him, reading through a briefing on his tablet as though nothing about the situation deserved comment.
Dean looked at his husband.
"You allowed this."
Arion glanced up.
"He asked."
"That is how governments collapse."
Theo looked toward him.
"Dragon has to be safe when we land."
Dean took his seat.
"Apparently the future emperor of Alamina agrees."
Arion returned to his document.
"The future emperor of Alamina has learned to choose his battles."
That title still felt strange.
