Ashton & James
"Ashton, relax, my friend." James dared to put a hand on the dragon's arm to calm him. He'd faced Ashton's anger before, even faced that frightening addiction to gold, and felt he had control over the situation. "I'm not trying to put your relationship down or belittle it, not at all. On the contrary, I'm simply suggesting ways to enhance how you feel for the druid. Marriage is a human tradition, as you so aptly put. Barclay is a human, with parents, I presume. Marriage may very well be important to him. And I've always read that if you love someone, if you care for them, you will make sacrifices for them. Surrender your pride. Love does play strange games with our heads, doesn't it?"
James smiled at Ashton. "Sorry, I know it's not my place. I simply wanted to make an observation. Enjoy the rest of the party."
They were at the front of the line and had almost started a scene with Ashton's raised voice. James turned just in time to be the next person to greet Ambriel and Davian, his smile ever so sickeningly sweet.