“This is something the prince should hear, and since you have dinner plans with Prince Wilhelm, we can discuss it then.” He bowed politely and left the two alone.
As Darius promised, their room had several balconies that overlooked the city. Miceral marveled that he’d finally found a bed larger than Farrell’s. In addition, the suite had a sitting room, library, dining area complete with table and chairs for eight, a sunroom that had huge glass windows almost from floor to ceiling, two other bedrooms, each with a wash area and tub, and a monstrous bath chamber connected to the main bedroom.
Farrell poked his head out their main door to see if guards had been posted yet. Two stood at the entrance to the stairs. When they saw Farrell, they snapped to attention immediately. Farrell stepped out and walked toward them.
“Good day.” His smile did nothing to make them relax. “Can you find out what time Prince Wilhelm is expecting us for dinner? I would prefer not to keep him waiting if possible.”
“At once, Your Majesty,” the one closest to him said. “I’ll get back to you as soon as I have an answer.”
A bit taken aback at being addressed as Your Majesty, Farrell recovered to thank the solider before heading back to the room. Miceral had unpacked a few things suitable for a state dinner and had already started to fill the tub. After staring at the ocean from the balcony for a few minutes, Farrell removed his tunic, intending to use the other bathtub. As he sat on the bed to remove his boots, he heard a knock.
Expecting the officer with an answer, he opened the door to be greeted by a well-dressed young woman. He blushed furiously as she eyed him up and down. “My apologies, I was expecting the guard and not… um, well, not you.” He tried to cover his embarrassment with a small laugh. “How may I help you?” He paused, hoping she would provide her name.
“My apologies. Prince Farrell?” When he nodded, she smiled. “I didn’t mean to disturb you. My father sent me to convey his regrets that he cannot meet for dinner. While he was in Haven, certain matters arose that demand his attention. Darius is with him now, and they expect to be working through the night. He requested that I fill in and entertain you both tonight.”
Farrell realized he was keeping her standing in the doorway like a servant. “Princess, forgive me. In my embarrassment, I forgot my manners. Please come in.” He stepped back to allow her to enter.
“Ral, make sure you’re dressed before you come out. Prince Wilhelm sent his daughter to give us his regrets.”
“Thanks for the warning.”
“Oh, and would you please remind me to stop answering the door with no shirt on? I’m rather tired of being embarrassed all the time.”
“But I like you shirtless.”
Farrell began to blush again.
“You’re making it worse.”
“My apologies, Princess. I never did get your name, I’m afraid.”
“I’m sorry. Seeing you shirtless made me forget my manners as well,” she said with a smile. “Alicia.”
Rather than continue his embarrassing breach of etiquette, he bowed quickly and started toward his room. “Forgive my rudeness, Princess. I’ll go find a shirt immediately.” He ignored her soft comment not to do so on her account. When he returned, he was still blushing, though not as badly as when he had left.
“Again, please accept my apologies. I was about to wash up, and I thought you were the guard coming to tell me when your father expected us for dinner.”
“Prince Farrell, it is I who should apologize to you. My comment was inappropriate. I know better than to say such things to a visiting prince, especially one celebrating his union ceremony. But if you don’t mind my saying, it was a very pleasant surprise you gave me. And please don’t blush again. I mean it as a compliment only. Not all princes who come here believe in staying fit and trim. Thankfully, I have never had to endure seeing them shirtless.”
Despite his best efforts, he blushed again, but he managed to retain his composure. “My thanks for the compliment, Princess. I appreciate you taking the time to come up here to see us and relay your father’s message. Let me say, although we would welcome the company, we don’t need to be entertained if you have somewhere you would rather be.”
“Prince Farrell, are you trying to get rid of me?” she asked in a light tone.
“If you persist in calling me Prince or Prince Farrell, I surely will. Farrell is quite sufficient, if you please.”
“Agreed, but only so long as you call me Alicia.”
“Deal.” He grinned at her.
“However, it’s no bother for me to show you around. In fact, it would be a delight. Usually, whenever I’m asked to handle entertaining a foreign dignitary, I’m left to worry about my virtue, especially from the older ones. It appears that the older, fatter, and more unattractive they are, the more they flirt and fawn over me.” They both laughed at this. “I hope this doesn’t sound rude, but knowing you both prefer men to women makes this quite a refreshing twist. I can be myself tonight and not worry either of you will take anything I say as a union proposal.” She smiled happily at her host. Miceral stepped into the room at this point, and she gave him the once-over. Unlike Farrell, Miceral did not embarrass easily.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say I was just ogled by a most beautiful woman. But since I’m sure you know I’m not available or inclined toward women, I must have been mistaken.”
If Miceral expected her to back down, she disappointed him. “Oh no, you were correct. I was eyeing you like a fine stallion. I was telling your partner it’s nice to know I can say what I really think and not expect my father will receive wedding proposals by morning.”
Miceral roared in delight. “Farrell, I like this one. She’s going to be good company.”
Farrell was less sure than his partner. He had visions of being the butt of more than a few lurid comments during the course of the evening. And to drive home this point, Alicia said, “I have to say, I don’t know which of you is luckier. Your joining is a double loss to the women of the world.”
Miceral bowed at the compliment; Farrell blushed. He excused himself to go get ready. Alicia and Miceral were chatting and laughing when Farrell found them on the balcony. “Hopefully my antics are not the reason you are both laughing.”
“Of course not,” she replied. “We were discussing other people whose antics were worthy of laughing at. You are far too sweet for us to make fun of.”
He felt his ears get red.
“Does he always blush so easily?” she asked.
“I’m afraid so. He’s very sensitive about it, however. He’s not terribly worldly and has a rather chivalrous view of things that is both refreshing and adorable.” Miceral’s “help” only made the situation worse.
“Fine, talk about me like I’m not here.”
“Farrell.” She reached over and touched his cheek gently. “I tease you in part because I’m jealous. You and Miceral are lucky men. It is rare that people of our station find true love and are allowed to act on it. Some of us have obligations we must adhere to. Although my brother, Peter, will inherit the throne, I expect I’ll be married off for political reasons.”
“I hope you are not subjected to such a fate, dear girl. It would be a shame for you to lose your spunk.” A wink and a smile punctuated Miceral’s comment.
“So far, my father is content to let me find someone I want to spend my life with. He’s in no hurry for me to join, as there is no one available who would benefit Belsport to the degree he would require. Thankfully, I command a rather high price in his eyes.”
“You are indeed a treasure that he should be willing to part with only for great compensation. I wish you well in your quest.”
“Enough. Let’s be off.” For a moment her smile looked forced, but it perked up. “I have the feeling we three are going to be great friends.”
They had dinner together in a small room off the main kitchen. The staff made themselves scarce when the trio ate or talked, but otherwise
tended to their needs. Every course consisted of seafood, as befit a seafaring people. Farrell and Miceral gorged themselves on the excellent meal set before them, and neither accepted dessert. Farrell, however, quickly accepted the offer of coffee.
When dinner ended, Alicia led the pair out a side exit and down a path that led to the prince’s private beachfront. Her light and happy mood appeared more tempered as they walked along the water.
“What ails thee, pretty lady?” Miceral asked. “I hope it wasn’t something we said or did that makes you unhappy.”
“No, of course not. This was one of the most enjoyable nights I can remember. At the risk of offending you both, it was wonderful spending time with two very handsome and attractive men who were not secretly hoping to find a way to get me into their bed. I feel safe when I’m with you, on many levels. Being free to be myself is a tremendous feeling.”
“So then, what’s the problem?” Miceral reached for her hand and held it gently. “You’ve lost your vivacious spark.”
She gave them another forced smile, something Farrell noted she excelled at. “It’s hard to keep it out of my mind that you’ll both be gone in a day or two, and I’ll remain here and eventually join with whomever my father deems appropriate. Nice as it was to be myself, I know it’s as fleeting as a spring snow. “
“I know the burden of duty all too well,” Farrell said. “However, if your father is true to his heart, he will allow you to find someone you love to join with. Honorus granted me the chance to know what it’s like to be in love with someone who loves me back. He said it was a reward for all I had done and will do in His name. But I also believe He granted me this boon because of the power that flows from my bond with Miceral. I feel stronger knowing he’s there for me. We must hope you father recognizes that as well.”
“My father is a good man and a good father, but he is the Prince of Belsport first, and his first obligation is to the citizens of this city. He can only be but so lenient toward his headstrong daughter. I have garnered something of a reputation among the people as a spirited child. Spirited is a polite way for saying I’m out of control and an embarrassment to the family. Father hopes I’ll find love in the man I join with, but he will not let such a little thing stop him from arranging a union with someone I do not love if such a union benefited all of Belsport.
“Seeing the two of you together, it’s clear you truly love each other. It makes me hope for such a union for myself, but I fear I won’t be so fortunate.”
Farrell reached over and kissed her forehead. “There is much I could say which would serve as payback for the things you said to make me blush, but instead I’ll tell you this. The world is a large place, much larger than the free cities or even the Seven Kingdoms. See as much of it as you can. There are princes, nobles, and sons of wealthy merchants who have something to offer your father other than money—since it appears he has more of that than anyone I’ve ever met. Stay true to yourself, and soon enough you’ll meet the one you are destined to join with.”
“Perhaps you can persuade my father to let me go back to Haven with you. I’m certain there are enough eligible suitors among whom I can pick to find someone who is acceptable to my father.”
“I doubt your father would let you stay at Haven. It’s not an idyllic place at the moment. But”—he tried not to be too negative—“if you need a break from Belsport for a day or so, you’ll always be welcome.”
“Are you certain of that? I make no promises that I won’t say something to make you blush.”
Miceral laughed. “Then you are most assuredly welcome at Haven as my guest anytime you wish to come.” This drew a wicked gaze from Farrell.
“My partner seems to forget I can turn him into a croaking toad at any time. I can do the same to you, Princess, so have a care just how far you go.” Alicia looked over his shoulder and began to laugh.
“Forgive me, but Miceral isn’t taking your threat too seriously.”
He glared at Miceral until he couldn’t hold back a grin. “I surrender. What good is being a grand master wizard if everyone knows I won’t use my power against them when they insult me?”
Laughing, Alicia waved her hand dismissively. “Perhaps you should ask Meglar for lessons on being feared. No one would doubt him if he made a threat.”
All the mirth left his face. Even Miceral stopped laughing and looked hard at Alicia. Her mouth open, she seemed about to speak when Farrell forced a laugh.
“Meglar would be an excellent teacher. I just fear the price of his lesson would be too steep.”
“My apologies, Farrell. That was stupid of me. I’m sure, given your history, Meglar is not a laughing subject.”
“Not so. There are times when he can prove most amusing. Unfortunately, those are rarer than the times he is deadly serious. In any case, you need not fear. I’m not the evil man he is, even if I’m almost as dangerous. I’m far more likely to try to make you happy rather than make you sad.” With that he showed her his empty hand, palm upward. He waved it around quickly, closed his fingers, then slowly reopened them to reveal a small silver rose.
“Impressive, mighty wizard.” She smiled as she accepted what he offered.
“A small token of friendship.” He punctuated his words with a bow.
“A generous gift, Lord Farrell. I fear I do not deserve it after all the bawdy things I said to you.”
“On the contrary, Lady Alicia, I appreciate you being yourself and treating me as a friend rather than a ruler.” Some displaced monarchs treated him as neither, resulting in their being effectively banished to their own areas. “Though I wouldn’t mind if you didn’t try to make me blush all the time.”
A smirk crossed her lips, leaving him fearing the worst. “Telling someone not to do something is almost an invitation for them to do it.”
Farrell rolled his eyes, shaking his head. “So is asking you to keep doing it, so I am at your mercy.”
“Come as often as you like, Princess. Your presence would certainly improve the dour male-dominated world of Haven,” Miceral said. “But we should go back. I’m sure we’ll need to be up early, and Grand Master Sleepy is hard enough to rouse when he’s had plenty of rest.”
Farrell elbowed him but smiled anyway.
MORNING FELT as though it had come too early when Farrell opened his eyes. Their bedroom at Haven had no windows, so neither had thought to close the drapes when they went to sleep. Despite facing west, the wall of windows behind their bed flooded the room with light.
Having the time, Miceral decided to restart their morning training. Farrell cleared the room and summoned their practice mat. Either he’d lost a step or Miceral forgot himself, because by midway through the session, he felt like a punching bag.
“I think it’s you,” Miceral said when Farrell asked about it. “The days off have caused you to slip.”
Not certain he agreed, Farrell redoubled his efforts, with marginal success.
Just before they finished, they heard a knock. Miceral looked at him, and Farrell shook his head.
“I didn’t put a spell on the door. Must have been Darius.” He wiped his face and started toward the entry.
“Don’t you want a shirt?” Miceral held out a tan tunic. “It’s probably Alicia.”
Shaking his head, he smirked at his partner. “She saw me without a shirt last night. What’s one more time?”
“Prince Farrell.” Alicia eyed him as she had the night before when he opened the door. “If I didn’t know you had a preference for big, strong, handsome warriors, I’d think you were trying to seduce me by always greeting me shirtless. You do look quite fetching, I must say, but it is wrong to tease an innocent girl, letting her see what she can never have.”
Her over-the-top protestation made him laugh hard enough that he didn’t feel embarrassed.
“My apologies, fair lady of pure virtue, but you have an uncanny habit of knocking when I’m shirtless. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear you had a scrying
spell set on our rooms.”
“I did have that thought, but Darius assured me there would be no way to peek in on a wizard as powerful as yourself.” Her laugh led him to believe she might be serious. “Great Goddess of the Ocean, Farrell, what happened to you? You’re covered in bruises.”
Miceral entered, wearing the tunic he’d offered Farrell. “His reflexes were a bit slower today than usual. I fear too much rich food and fine living have sapped some of his quickness.”
“Miceral fails to mention he’s many times stronger and faster than we mere humans.” Alicia stared at him blankly. Realizing she didn’t know what he meant, Farrell added, “Miceral is a Muchari.”
“Do legends never cease?” She stared at Miceral as if she could find the difference. “I always thought your kind were a myth. But if the stories are true, it’s a coin flip which of you will live longer.”
“Your information is true. I’m over a hundred years old, which makes me a terrible cradle robber.” Miceral rubbed Farrell’s back. “So, Princess, what brings you to our door this early?”
“A hope you were free to escort me around Belsport.” She bit her lip, raising her eyebrows slightly. “Father said I could go with only a pair of guards instead of the usual ten if you two accompany me.”
“How could we decline the services of such a knowledgeable guide as yourself?” Miceral winked at his partner. “Give us a moment to clean up.”
Farrell bowed his head and made for the bath.
“It would be best if you don’t bathe together. We need to be back in time for dinner.”
He rolled his eyes at Miceral, feeling his face get hot.
Miceral smirked, then poked his head around the corner. “I believe you need to give me lessons. Farrell is an amazing shade of crimson.”
Farrell considered tossing a ball of water at him but decided to wait until they were alone.
Champion of the Gods, Books 1-2 Page 27