by MarieMedina
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Alexander said. He sipped his coffee as they moved around the house to enter the garden. “How was your week?”
“Not too bad. I have an exam Tuesday, but it’s in my favorite class. I’m already prepared for it.”
“What’s your favorite class?”
“Milton.”
“Oh. I love Milton.”
“I’ve never even heard the guy teaching this class say that,” Sebastian said with a smile.
“I love literature, and I’ve always been an avid reader.”
“Did you study literature in college? I didn’t even ask what you do the last time we talked.”
“I studied a lot of literature from the time I could read. But I never attended college, actually. I’m self-taught for the most part. And I’m currently unemployed, to tell the truth.”
“I don’t have a job right now. It’s tough, even in a big city like this.” He sipped his coffee to give himself a moment to think. “I don’t mean to be nosy.”
“Not at all. I want to get to know you. I do have something lined up, and I’m preparing for it. It’s going to be very time consuming. A big life change, I guess you could say.”
Sebastian nodded and decided not to press any further. Maybe if they became closer, he’d find out what Alexander did for a living. “Do you like the apartment?”
“Yes, I love it.” He looked around at the rose bushes on either side of them. “But I don’t have this lovely view out my windows.”
“It is nice, especially when everything is in bloom.” He glanced over at Alexander again. “Is everything okay?”
Alexander turned to meet his gaze. “I’m having some family issues. And this job … it’s going to be demanding.”
“Then perhaps I should take you up on that drink soon before you’re too busy for me.”
“I’ll never be too busy for you,” Alexander said immediately.
Sebastian looked down right away, though he did smile. Alexander had sounded so sincere. Does he really like me so much after one afternoon together?
“I’m sorry,” Alexander said. “That was pretty forward.”
Sebastian shook his head. “No, I like honesty. It’s very important to me.”
“It is?”
“Yes. Incredibly important.”
Alexander looked off into the distance for a few seconds before saying, “I’ve had a long, hard week, and I would love to spend this evening with you.” He met Sebastian’s gaze again. “I feel better talking to you. Much better.”
“You do?”
He nodded. “Yes. Your turn.”
“My turn?”
“Yes. Honesty. Do you really want to spend this evening with me?”
“Yes, I’d like to.” Spotting a bench, he went to it and invited Alexander to sit beside him. “But in the interest of being honest, I should tell you something.”
“All right.” Alexander sat beside him and then set his coffee aside. “What?”
“I’ve always been attracted to older men. I turned you down the other day because it never goes well. I’m twenty years old. I’d love a committed relationship, but I’m nowhere near ready to settle down. You need to know that.”
“All right. Is that all?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“I can live with all that. Quite easily.”
Sebastian twirled his travel mug in his hands. “I didn’t mean to make it sound so serious. I’ve just never said that to anyone. My last lover … I wouldn’t call him a boyfriend, and he wouldn’t have liked it if I had either … anyway, he treated me like a child. I hated that.”
“I won’t treat you that way.”
Sebastian believed him, though he couldn’t explain why. “Then you’ve got yourself a date tonight.”
“Good. I could use a nice, quiet evening with pleasurable company.”
Sebastian tilted his head. “You don’t talk like a guy who never went to college. And you don’t sound like you’re from Alabama. Or anywhere in the South.”
“I’m not.” He leaned in and whispered, “And since you value honesty, I have a confession to make.” He licked his lips and then went on. “I’m actually the crown prince of the fey. I come from the Veiled Court, a magical realm hidden from your own. I’m here to win your heart because the seers of my world saw you in a vision and said we’re fated to be together.”
Sebastian smiled and leaned in as well. He slid his hand over Alexander’s leg. “So you’re into RPG, too?”
“What?” Alexander looked completely confused, but maybe he was just a good actor, considering how believably he’d said all of that nonsense.
“Role-playing games? That sounded like a scenario from one.” He drew back and laughed. “Sorry. I should’ve played along. Would’ve been more fun to let you keep going.”
“You didn’t believe me even for a moment?” Alexander asked, an odd look on his face.
Sebastian moved his hand up Alexander’s leg a bit. “Does sound romantic, I’ll admit.” He tilted his head. “So, you gonna kiss me or what? You just tried to convince me that the fey say we’re destined for each other.”
Alexander placed his right hand over the one Sebastian had on his leg, and then with the other hand he cupped Sebastian’s cheek. “I want nothing more than to kiss you.”
Their lips met, and the embrace was nothing like what Sebastian had expected. It was sweet and searching, and there was nothing at all tentative about the way Alexander’s mouth moved against his.
Stunned by the emotion he felt from the kiss, Sebastian couldn’t look up at Alexander right away when they parted. Feeling vulnerable, he made a joke to hide his confusion. “You must be some sort of magical prince. Stun a guy like that.” He looked up into Alexander’s eyes. “Should I be on the lookout for your enemies, in case they want to put a spell on me?” He smiled, hoping Alexander would keep going with his story.
Alexander stroked his cheek. “I’ll protect you. Don’t worry.” He drew back when his phone began to ring. “Sorry.” He pulled it out and frowned at it. “Excuse me a moment.” He rose and hurried a few feet away.
Sebastian looked down, just then realizing he’d let his coffee fall to the ground. His hands shook a bit, but it wasn’t really lust coursing through him. He didn’t understand what it was. It felt, in a way, as if the same loneliness and longing he experienced so often ran through Alexander, too. But how could he know that? He shook his head at his silly thought. That’s crazier than all that stuff Alexander just made up. It was a really good kiss, nothing more. I’m lonely and projecting that onto Alexander because he’s going through something stressful. He’s probably just pent up and needs to blow off some steam. He looked over at Alexander, knowing full well he wasn’t against the idea of Alexander working out that stress in his bed.
Alexander ended his call and came back over. “I need to go out for a bit. My mother. What time were you thinking tonight? I’ll be back in plenty of time.”
“Six? I can order in Thai food from right down the street, and we can just stay here and relax.”
Alexander sighed. “That sounds wonderful.” He picked up the travel mug and handed it back to Sebastian. “Thanks for the coffee.” He leaned down and kissed his cheek. “I can’t wait for tonight.”
“Me, too,” Sebastian whispered as Alexander still hovered close.
Alexander straightened and smiled before walking away. As Sebastian watched him disappear around some rose bushes, he wondered what was going on. Alexander hadn’t said how close his family lived, and Sebastian hoped it was nothing too serious. His own family life was simple, in the end, though he couldn’t help speculating about what his life had been like before.
Doesn’t matter. The future is all I can control. He headed back to his apartment, realizing he had a good bit of cleaning ahead of him. “Can’t entertain a crown prince with dirty floors and dusty furniture,” he said to himself, laughing as he quickened his pace.
Chapter Three
The Veiled Court
Alexander didn’t even bother changing his clothes. He went straight to the east wing of Henri’s modified fortress and found the room that had been prepared for his mother. He knocked and pushed at the door, which had been left cracked. “Mother?” he said.
“Come in. I’m unpacking in the dressing room.”
Alexander entered, admiring the elegant room. Henri insisted on his own study being left sparse and utilitarian, but Lorelei had obviously gotten him to compromise on the guest rooms and family areas.
Venetia came out of a door to the left and held out both of her hands to him. “I’m sorry I hesitated so long. I wanted to see what your father might do. See if I could influence him.” The lines in her face showed her concern, and he hated to be partially responsible for them. Even if she hadn’t been completely happy with her situation, at least it had been peaceful before this conflict.
He grasped her hands and kissed both of them. “It’s fine, Mother. It was only a few days. I was primarily worried about your safety, though I knew Edmund would take care of you.”
She squeezed his hands and drew him closer. “What did you say to him? He’s talking about you in such a warm and devoted way. He’s always thought well of you, and supported you, but something has changed.”
“I told him the truth. That he’s more of a father to me than Grayden is. That he cares for all four of us far more. You know it’s true. I’m willing to wager it’s one of the things you like about him.”
“Well, all four of you are perfect, after all.” She laughed lightly before letting go of his hands and sobering a bit. “Everyone knows about me and Edmund, but that’s not the same as saying it out loud to my son.” She chewed her lower lip as he gazed up at him. “Are you truly all right with it? Henri welcomed Edmund and hasn’t said anything negative, but I can take the truth. From either of you. And I’d understand if your approval is based on your need for Edmund’s help and guidance.”
“Do you love him?”
“Yes.”
“Are you happy?”
“When we’re together, yes.”
“And he’s good to you?”
“He is.”
“Then let people talk. Grayden’s had a string of lovers over the years.”
“He’s a man. It’s allowed.”
Alexander rolled his eyes. “Yes, well … he does not get my approval. He always flaunted it. I don’t give a damn if it’s allowed.”
Venetia gave a slight smile at his words before she reached out and touched his shirt. “It’s been years since I saw you in human clothes. Men’s jeans are certainly getting tighter these days. You were with your cariad?”
“Yes. We’re going to have dinner tonight. I’m excited and nervous and wish I could spend every moment in his world.”
“Your father hasn’t made a move yet. Perhaps he won’t do anything.” She took a seat on the divan. “Unless you’re planning to do something regardless of what he does.”
“I don’t know. I’ve been talking with Henri, and of course he’s all for us officially asking father to step down. He says that what Grayden did to Sebastian has shocked the people, has them wondering what else he’s done over the years. He thinks the entire kingdom will rally behind me.”
“I think so, too, but I know it’s a step that can’t be taken lightly.” She beckoned him over and took his hand, making him sit beside her. “Forget all that for now. Tell me about Sebastian.”
“He’s twenty years old. Handsome. Brown hair and blue eyes. He’s several inches shorter than I am. Intelligent. He’s attending a university and works very hard, takes extra classes. According to his records, he’s just two terms from graduating. He’s studying history and literature, a double major. He wants to teach.”
“It sounds like you two are well suited. He’ll enjoy talking about books and history the way you do.”
“I thought courting a man would be strange, but I’m at ease around him. For the most part. It’s really no different.”
Venetia pushed her breath out in a huff, causing Alexander to look over at her. “I became angrier with your father the more I thought about it. Those foolish old superstitions.” Her expression softened. “I’m glad you’ve made contact with Sebastian, that things are going well. I can’t imagine how hard it must be.”
“The hardest part is not knowing when to tell him the truth. If I wait too long, he’ll be hurt, I think. But I don’t want to scare him off.”
“Perhaps do it slowly. Gain his trust first. It may take a while. Then, tell him you have something important he needs to know. Tell him who you are and that he’s fey as well. Ask if you can restore his memories. Then you can tell him he’s your cariad. Or tell him who you are and see how he takes it. Work up to the rest gradually.”
“That would be the best way, but doing it is different from saying it and planning it.”
“Have you been trying to learn about his childhood? If any memories remain? That suppression spell is not always stable.”
“He has no memories from before he was found in the human world. He’s resigned to it, he says. Part of me says he’d welcome answers after all these years, but it’s going to upset him. It’s my fault all of this happened to him.”
“Don’t say that! It’s your father’s fault!”
“Yes, he did it, but I was the cause. I can’t predict how Sebastian will react.”
“He’s having dinner with you. He must like you.”
“He’s attracted to me. And he’s had many male lovers. I have no idea what he expects from our relationship. He’s made it clear he doesn’t wish to settle down right now.”
“How did that come up?”
“He’s always liked older men. He said he wanted everything clear before we began seeing each other.”
“That sounds promising. Shows respect, I think. Make your own expectations and desires clear to him. Court him. You can still be together without settling down.” Her brows came together. “Always thought that phrase was odd. Makes me think of a chicken hatching an egg.”
Alexander laughed. “Might be where it came from. Who knows.”
“Having grown up human, Sebastian might be swept off his feet by your gallantry.” She smiled sadly and placed a hand on his arm. “I wish there was one perfect piece of advice, but there never is.”
He lifted her hand and kissed it. “I know. All I can do is try to win him. Hope he can accept his true nature. Be happy about it.”
She kept hold of his hand and lowered her voice. “If you do take a stand against your father, I will be on your side. Nathaniel and Rory have both said they’ll come home to fight with you.”
“Who told them, you or Henri?” His two younger brothers were both traveling in the human world, and he had debated whether to tell them anything yet.
“Henri wanted to, and I asked him to let me do it. They all agree with me. Your father wouldn’t stand a chance if you declared your desire to take the throne. He’d have a few old families on his side, and many of them are only loyal because of the favor they’ve enjoyed over the years. You know most of the soldiers would come to your side because of Henri.”
“Everyone says I should do it, and I agree completely.” He hesitated, rising and moving across the room with his arms folded over his chest.
“But you want Sebastian at your side first?”
“Of course.” He turned back. “But I don’t want to rush it. The change will be so much for him. For us. I don’t want our first days and weeks together to be set against a backdrop of war.”
“War? Alexander, there may not be even one battle.”
“I have to consider every possibility. I can’t take anything for granted.”
“I know. It’s one of the reasons you’re going to make such a wonderful king. You’re already better at meeting the needs of your people than Grayden is.” She sighed. “I think Edmund and Henri are discussing different strategies. Both off
ensive and defensive.”
“I’m sure Henri’s loving that. I think he was ready to jump on his horse and storm the palace when I arrived in the middle of that rainstorm.” He rubbed his left temple. “I better go check in with them. Find out if there’s been any news.”
“I want to hear all about how your dinner went tomorrow.”
“I’ll come see you, I promise.”
Alexander left his mother’s room and headed for Henri’s study, wishing he could be as certain of his next move as his twin seemed to be.
* * * *
After dinner, Sebastian moved behind the couch and patted the middle spot. “Sit down,” he said to Alexander.
The older man blinked at him twice but obeyed. Sebastian wondered if the blinking was a nervous habit or something. He wanted to put Alexander at ease and felt sure the next move he had planned would do it. To Sebastian’s delight, Alexander moaned when Sebastian began rubbing his shoulders.
“Is it that obvious I need this?” Alexander said on a sigh.
“Yes. You’re all wound up and look exhausted.”
“I’m sorry. But I couldn’t cancel. I wanted to see you so much.”
“Don’t apologize. You’ve been a fine dinner companion.”
He chuckled. “And I’m wearing off on you. Soon you won’t sound like you’re from Alabama.”
“I like the way you talk. I hope I didn’t make you self-conscious when I said that. I hate it when people comment on my accent, especially since I’ve tried so hard not to have one.”
“No. It’s fine.” He moaned again.
The sound of those deep moans made Sebastian long to move his hands lower. “If there’s anything I can do, just ask.”
Alexander leaned his head back. “You’re perfect just as you are. I love that you’re so concerned about me.” He placed his hands over Sebastian’s and stilled them. “It was a very long day. And an even longer week. Feels good to be here with you.”
Sebastian leaned down and pressed their lips together, and Alexander opened to him. The man returned his ardor so hungrily that Sebastian climbed right over the couch and straddled him, never breaking the kiss.