by Kelex
“Of course… of course I came to congratulate you and Noah,” he rambled, his face growing red. “I’m proud of you.”
“Proud? Again, like I said, it was no skill on my part. Fate stepped in. It could’ve just as easily been anyone. There’s nothing to be proud of besides the fact you can claim me as your son and your connection to the king.”
“What can I say that you won’t twist?” Cayton asked.
Eilam sighed before shutting his eyes for a second. He drew in a deep breath before letting it out. “I don’t wish to argue with you, Father. You were invited. I’ve opened my home to you and the rest of the family to use. I came here to welcome you here.” He paused. “If anyone is being disrespected here, I feel like it’s me.”
Cayton eyed him, silent for once.
“At this point, you can re-board that train and go back home, for all I care. But if you stay—you won’t embarrass me like this in front of my mate. The minute you do, I’ll have guards remove you and send you packing,” Eilam said.
“So this is how it is now, is it?” Cayton asked, his voice low. “I gave you everything only to have you treat me like garbage.”
Eilam sighed, knowing there was no reason to argue with someone who would never see more than his own point of view.
“Behave. Or else.” Eilam spun and stalked from the terminal, wishing to restart the day and avoid everyone the second time around.
* * * *
Adriel swept into his bedroom, neither of his mates there. Lifting a brow, he hated the sense of distance he’d felt all week. They’d both claimed duty had kept them late, crawling into his bed long after Adriel had finally given up and gone himself.
Their mating had only just begun, and this didn’t bode well for them as a triad.
He knew they were both likely struggling to acclimate to life in the castle, but avoiding it all together wasn’t the way to do it. Adriel would need to find a way to help them assimilate. The ball was just the thing. Once they were presented publically, they would feel more a part of his world.
The castle was abuzz with preparations. Adriel had met with Maxmilian and his guards, and he was confident the security details were firmly in hand. Noah and Eilam could relax and enjoy the event without worry. The whole castle had been cleaned from top to bottom. Decorations and fresh flowers filled the castle, and the banquet tables were in place for the feast to come.
His witch-bakers had whipped up hundreds of desserts, as well as a cake that resembled a wedding cake—much like the humans used during their commitment ceremonies. For all intents and purposes, this was a wedding of sorts. He was standing before their gods and people, telling all these men were his and he theirs.
The smile came to his lips quickly faded.
He stood there alone, feeling disconnected from the two. This wasn’t how he’d viewed the day to come. Adriel had been sure it would bring them even closer.
After disrobing, he slid into the big bed, feeling all the more alone.
Hours later, they still weren’t there when he fell asleep, his heart heavy.
Chapter Six
The Ball
Adriel waltzed down the winding staircase leading from his rooms to the grand foyer. All eyes were on him—and his mates. Trailing behind him were his big bear shifters and no one else. He’d wanted the whole kingdom to see these were the only males of import that night. Glancing over his shoulder, he smiled up at Eilam.
Only to see a frown on his mate’s face. He turned back and took a few more steps before looking over his other shoulder. Noah wore a similar expression.
His own smile faded as he approached the bottom tread. He’d demanded they have this ball, hoping that the pair of them would warm to the idea. An event in their honor, showing the whole of Midnight that they were now members of the aristocracy.
Adriel was publically demanding respect for his mates.
Recognition after the many months where he’d held them at bay.
Why do they look so disinterested?
Adriel turned again to look at them before taking the last step. Never missing a beat, both of them were on either side as his foot came down onto the floor. Ever the valiant escorts, they ushered him slowly through the crowd, forced smiles on their handsome faces.
He watched them as he introduced them to family member after family member. They feigned interest in who they were speaking to. Both were tremendous actors and those they spoke to likely had no idea of their apathy, but Adriel could sense it. He witnessed them glancing into the darkened corners, as if they waited for an attack. They were ready to jump into action and protect him.
Even when they should’ve been able to relax, they couldn’t.
Why he’d imagined anything different, he didn’t know. These men were his protectors, his big, strong bear shifters who would forever be looking over shoulders and waiting for the threat to come.
Only in his private realm did they relax. He yearned for the men he knew there, not these stiff males who couldn’t enjoy what was going on around them.
He glanced around the ballroom, realizing how big a mistake he’d made. There were literally hundreds of people for Eilam and Noah to be introduced to. Hours would pass with his males in turmoil.
And he’d caused it all.
He’d only been able to see his own needs and not theirs.
Suddenly, his chest began to ache. In his desire to have his way, he’d only pushed them away once more. They didn’t care about pomp and circumstance. They didn’t care about lavish shows of strength and power. They were strength and power.
If he could end things then and there, he would.
Looking away, he fought the desire to apologize to them. He would, just not now. Not in front of an audience. Forcing a smile to his lips, he continued to move through the gathering, speaking to members of the aristocracy.
A little while later, Noah stepped closer to him. “What’s wrong?”
Adriel forced his smile a bit larger. “Nothing. Isn’t it a grand night?”
Noah held his stare, a slight frown coming to his face. “If something is wrong, you need to tell us.”
Adriel lifted his hand to cup Noah’s cheek. “I only just realized how much the two of you mean to me,” he whispered.
A look of curious confusion crossed Noah’s face. He tilted his head some. “Are you sure nothing’s wrong?”
Adriel shook his head. “Nothing is wrong.”
Noah didn’t look convinced. When he turned back to listen in to the conversation Eilam was having with the head of one of the Fae houses, he saw his other mate watching him closely. Heat filled Eilam’s eyes some, and that heat flooded Adriel, as well.
If only we could disappear right now.
They moved through the room, Adriel forcing himself to be the epitome of a good host. He introduced his lovers again and again, but he felt empty inside as he did it.
When the music finally began, the Fae orchestra lifted their woodwinds and stringed instruments, and began to play the first song on Adriel’s song list. He turned to the music, knowing he would be expected to perform the first dance with his mates. There was no getting out of it. He drew both Eilam and Noah through the crowd and got into position for the waltz, customized for three dancers. Adriel stood between them before they spun him around the dancefloor. They were the lone dancers for the first few minutes, all eyes on them.
For the first time in his life, Adriel wanted to hide.
Eilam lowered a hand to Adriel’s chin and forced his face up. Adriel couldn’t fight the pull, not when everyone in the room watched. He lifted his gaze and saw the concern in Eilam’s stare.
“What’s wrong?” Eilam asked.
“Nothing,” Adriel parroted.
“He wouldn’t tell me either,” Noah whispered from behind him.
Adriel felt his emotions become overwhelming. As soon as others filled the dance floor, he slipped from between his mates and crossed the room. The crowd parted like the Red
Sea, allowing him to quickly make his way into the shadows. He escaped to one of the parlors off the ballroom, thankful the room was empty. Everyone was outside, having witnessed their first dance. He closed the door and leaned against it, tears stinging his eyes—only to be pushed forward seconds later as someone forced their way inside with him.
“There you are,” an older male said, a smile on his familiar-looking face. “I haven’t had a chance to meet you yet, and it’s well past time.”
Adriel took a step back, lifting a hand to his neck. “And you are?”
“Cayton, ah… son of Ramiel, Elijah, and Juno,” the man said, introducing himself in witch fashion, though Adriel hadn’t ever heard of any witches by those names. “I’m one of Eilam’s fathers.”
Ah. Adriel forced a smile to his face, knowing he should be excited to meet the man who helped bring his mate into existence, but given the situation, it was difficult to find the strength to control his emotion. But his years of training kicked in. He’d been born to his duty, and he needed to take advantage of his stiff upper lip.
He held out his hand, offering it to the male.
Cayton looked to Adriel’s hand, a twist to his lips giving the male an almost malicious look. Adriel got the sense that Cayton expected him to move closer, instead of royal protocol. Finally, the man crossed the room and took Adriel’s hand.
Just as Eilam and Noah entered the room.
“It is an honor,” Cayton spat, bending over Adriel’s hand.
“The honor is all mine,” Adriel fibbed. He lifted his stare to see Eilam and Noah watching them.
“I’m quite happy to get a moment alone with you,” Cayton said as he straightened. “As you know, my family has many businesses here in Midnight. Now that you’re with my son and his brother bear, there could be many opportunities to build tho—”
“Father, now is not the time,” Eilam spat.
“If not now, when? No time like the present,” Cayton said, a proud smile crossing his lips.
“Cayton,” Noah said. “The king needs a moment alone with us. I must ask you to leave.”
Cayton turned and snarled at Noah. “I have every right to meet my new son-in-law. We were just becoming acquainted.” Cayton moved closer to Adriel, a smile on his lips. “I’m sure you would love to hear stories of these two growing up. I have plenty of stories.”
“Perhaps later,” Adriel said firmly. “As Noah said, I need a moment alone with my mates.”
Cayton’s face appeared to twist in anger, but a sly smile quickly covered the emotion. “Of course. We’re staying here in town—not the castle, of course, as my son couldn’t be bothered to have us here—but my family plans to stay for a spell. I look forward to speaking to you about the opportunities between our families.”
“Father,” Eilam growled.
Cayton turned to Eilam, and an animalistic growl came to his chest before he turned on his heel and stalked out. Adriel almost wished the man had stayed. It had kept him from having to face his mates. They wouldn’t accept his avows that nothing was wrong now.
Silence filled the room for a moment.
He avoided their stares, but could feel them.
“I had this event in your honor,” he murmured.
“And we have done our duty, haven’t we?”
Adriel lifted his stare, his eyes stinging as he held back tears. “It occurred to me that this event was more for me than it was for you.”
Both males were silent.
“After all the months of ignoring you. Pushing you away. Making you feel less than and unworthy… I needed you to know how much you mean to me. I wanted to scream it for all to hear… for them to know you’re in my heart and I am yours. This was our wedding in my mind. For me to stand up and fully accept you.”
“Adriel,” Eilam said, pain filling his face.
Both men walked closer and took Adriel into their arms.
“I didn’t know this meant so much to you.” Noah squeezed him tight.
“Nor did I,” Eilam said before pressing a gentle kiss to Adriel’s forehead. “I simply thought it another of your many parties.”
“No,” Adriel choked out. “It was so much more.”
“I’m so sorry,” Noah said, resting his forehead against the side of Adriel’s head, pushing his crown askew. “We didn’t mean to hurt you, love.”
“I’m sorry, too,” Eilam said, squeezing him closer.
“Ultimately, this is my fault,” Adriel said.
“How so?” Eilam asked.
“Had I accepted you both sooner, maybe I wouldn’t have felt so guilty. Perhaps I wouldn’t have felt this need to parade you both around before the court.” Adriel closed his eyes. “I can see how unhappy you are here. I ignored your needs and focused on my own. I’m a terrible mate.”
“No, no, no,” Eilam cooed. “You wanted to show the world you cared for us. We’re the terrible ones for not seeing what you were doing for us.”
Noah chuckled. “And here we thought the hardest part was over. Matings take work. But then anything worthwhile deserves our effort.” Noah kissed Adriel’s cheek. “You’re worth all the effort in the world.”
Adriel turned to face Noah and pressed his lips to the bear’s. “I love you, Noah.”
Noah cupped his cheek and kissed him again. “And I you, my king.”
Adriel smiled and turned to Eilam. Their gazes met, and he felt emotion welling even stronger within. His Eilam. “I love you.”
“I love you, Adriel.” Eilam lowered his head and captured Adriel’s lips. He could feel the weight of Eilam’s emotion surging through him through the embrace.
When they parted, he felt the bond he’d worried over as tight as ever. He hadn’t realized just how much he needed it in his life, but it was as if he could breathe again.
“We should get back out there,” Eilam whispered against his forehead. “Or the guests might start thinking up reasons for your hasty exit.”
“I don’t care about any of them,” Adriel said. “Nor do either of you. Why don’t we just leave and run away? My island is waiting for us and our day escape.”
Noah smiled. “Let’s not give them anything to spread rumors about. One more dance together where they can see how we truly feel for one another and then we escape, hmm?”
“I agree,” Eilam said. “One more dance.”
Adriel smiled. “One more dance.”
Eilam took one of Adriel’s arms, Noah on the other side. They returned to the dance floor, just as a tango began. Adriel loved the tango, but had no idea if his partners could do the dance. But when Eilam drew him into an embrace before twirling him out and into Noah’s arms, joy filled him. A broad smile crossed his lips as they danced.
He could feel all eyes on him and this time, he reveled in it.
Their bodies melted into one another as they moved. Other dancers moved out of their way as they twisted and turned on the dance floor.
And they twisted around him, their strong bodies graceful in ways he’d never expected.
When the music stopped, Adriel laughed, surrounded by their bodies. Applause filled the hall, a thunderous ovation for them.
This was what he’d wanted the world to see. The love that grew between them. Now, he had what he wanted and they could be done.
“One dance is over,” Adriel said. “Let’s go.”
“Are you sure?” Eilam said. “You look like you’re having fun.”
“And you did go through all the trouble of putting this party on. Would be a shame for you to miss it,” Noah said, grinning.
Adriel shook his head. He knew they didn’t care for it one bit, but only offered to appease him. But he knew it wouldn’t make them happy. “All I need is the two of you.”
He took one of their hands in each of his before leading them off the dance floor. Before they could get far, Eilam’s father stepped in his path.
“Your Majesty,” he said, bowing low. “I’d love to introduce you to my family… w
ell, your family now.”
Adriel sighed inwardly. While he wanted to meet all those Eilam called family, they had places to go, things to do.
What things, I have no idea, but I can’t wait to see what they have planned.
“Why don’t you all come for a private dinner tomorrow night, here at the castle. I can meet everyone then,” Adriel said. “For now, my mates and I have somewhere we must be.”
Cayton frowned. “This is your event… and you’re leaving?”
“Yes. We are,” Adriel said before dragging his mates on past.
He heard Eilam chuckling under his breath and smiled. There seemed to be little love lost between the two men. Adriel needed to know the story before they dined, but for now, he had other things he wished to learn.
As soon as they were alone, he lifted a hand to open the portal.
“Not here,” Noah said, stopping him.
“Why not?” Adriel asked.
“I have something that must come with us,” he said. “And it’s upstairs.”
Adriel grinned, even more curious. He bounded up the steps like an excited child ready for Christmas would race down them. Once they were in a room just off his private rooms, he saw a large crate.
“I hoped you could just… magic this thing across?” Noah asked.
“What’s inside?” Adriel asked.
“Best you not know,” Eilam said mysteriously.
Adriel lifted a brow. “And why not?”
“And spoil the surprise?” Noah asked. “Can you do it or not?”
“Of course I can,” Adriel huffed. With the wave of a wrist, it was gone. One more wave, and he opened a portal. He checked the time just before crossing the boundary.
Seconds ‘til midnight.
Chapter Seven
As soon as their feet hit the sand and the portal closed up behind them, Eilam felt a sense of relief. No one could enter this realm without Adriel allowing it. Here, they would be safe. They didn’t have to look over their shoulder, worried another assassin could pop out and attempt to take the life of their king.