When We Were Dancing (The Wolf of Oberhame Book 2)

by Auryn Hadley

Edwyn raced to catch up, and Horace began shouting orders, directing common guards to secure Leyli's rooms. In her heart, Leyli knew it was Palino, but she didn't even need to go all the way to her father's rooms. Ilario was in the hall, raging about the audacity of common criminals. Across his arm he held a cloth, the fabric stained red with blood, but the wound was a long way from his heart.

  "Dad?"

  He waved her off. "I'm fine, Leyli. I can still use a sword. Check on Connall while we clean the mess out of my suite."

  Ice washed over her. If Palino sent someone after Connall there was no way he could defend himself. If the attacker was good enough to get in the King's suite, then getting in the Prince's would be easier. It was also a very good way to make sure there was no Aravatti heir anytime soon.

  "Fuck," Tristan hissed, putting the pieces together as easily as she did. "Edwyn, gather the men in Leyli's suite. Track down Temotio, he could be in town."

  "Yes, sir." He paused, then pulled an extra dagger. "Tuck this in your belt, Leyli."

  "Got it. Now, go."

  He went, jogging in the opposite direction. Connall's rooms were down a side hall, though, so the commotion hadn't reached that far. When Leyli and Tristan hurried toward the door, his guards looked up, concern in their eyes.

  "Is there a problem?"

  "I need to see my husband," Leyli ordered.

  The man didn't ask anything else, he just pushed the door open. Leyli hurried inside, but the sitting room was empty. It was much too late for Connall to be in bed, even after their late night, but the guards seemed to think he was still here. If he'd left his rooms, they would have mentioned it. In her panic, she didn't knock, she just raced through the open door to the bedroom.

  And stopped so fast Tristan almost ran into her.

  Connall wasn't alone. Fast asleep, his head was pillowed on Temotio's chest, one arm stretching across the guardsman's body to tangle beneath the pillows. The sheets were pushed low enough to prove that neither man wore clothes. Temotio's arm was curled sweetly around her husband's back, holding him close, his head turned toward Connall's the same way Tristan's often did to her. Leyli sucked in a shocked breath and both men's eyes flew open.

  "Fuck," Temotio breathed, pushing up in the bed.

  Connall's eyes went wide and he jerked back, his head whipping between the man beside him and the woman across the room. Temotio moved to one side, Connall to the other, both scrambling to leave the scene, but Tristan's voice stopped them.

  "Do not," he growled, "get out of that bed naked before the Princess." He grabbed Leyli's shoulder, turning her away from them, and looked down at her face. "Go lock the sitting room door and wait in the other room, am I clear?"

  "Tristan - "

  He pointed. "You're not going to stare at either of their dicks, and they both need pants. We'll all be right in."

  She rolled her eyes but obeyed. Behind her, Tristan bent, grabbing two pairs of breeches from the ground. "I'm sure one of these goes to each of you. Fucking stupid idea, Temotio. You know better."

  "Sir," Temotio said softly. "It's - "

  Tristan laughed before he could finish. "Not what it looks like? Don't give me that. I was a gladiator. They lock us up alone for years, and not everyone gets trotted out to service the old women desperate for attention. Let me make this real clear. I don't care who you fuck. I don't give a shit, but the court will. Both of you know how many people are trying to find something wrong."

  Connall sighed. "We didn't mean to fall asleep."

  "So, a good afternoon then, huh?" Tristan laughed again. "Or morning? Damn it, Connall. Leyli made it pretty fucking clear. If you're going to do this shit, make sure you cover your tracks."

  "Really?" Connall didn't sound intimidated. "And what, just come ask the Lion of Lenlochlien to cover for the Prince's tryst with some man?"

  "Yeah." Tristan's voice lost the anger. "Exactly that."

  "You'd beat me into the ground for my perversions."

  "I haven't yet."

  For a moment, none of them spoke. It was Temotio who broke the silence. "I'm sorry, Tristan."

  "Yeah. Come sit down. I'm sure Leyli can find some wine, and you both woke up a bit too fast." He patted Temotio's shoulder as they stepped back into the sitting room.

  Leyli had locked the door, so poured a large glass for all of them. As the three men walked in, she noticed that Temotio and Connall refused to look at each other, both of their cheeks one shade too dark. Suddenly, all the little pieces fell into place. That's why Temotio had been offended the first day. That's why Connall had planned to share a beer with him. It was also probably the reason that Palino had picked the fight before the wedding.

  "How long?" she asked, waving her finger between them. "Moyloch?"

  Connall dropped into the chair beside her, snagging his cup of wine. "Yeah. You have no room to talk."

  She set her cup down hard. "Lose the fucking attitude, Connall. I'm asking because of Palino, not because I give a shit."

  "Leyli?" Temotio asked, his voice little more than a whisper. "I'm sorry."

  "Why didn't you tell me, Temotio?" She waved her hand at Connall. "You were my shoulder with Tristan. You knew from the moment Connall changed his offer, but you didn't tell me? I trusted you."

  Tristan moved behind her and rubbed her shoulder. "It's not you, Ley. All their lives, everyone has made it clear that a man loving another man is a perversion that deserves death. It's no different than you not telling me you were the Princess." He ducked his head to her ear. "I forgave you for that. You can forgive them. It's a hard thing to wonder if your friend cares about the person you are or the person they think you are."

  She nodded slowly. "You're right." Then she reached out for Temotio's hand. "You're going to be hard to replace, but I think you might do better as the Captain of Connall's guard. Still friends?"

  He blinked and glanced away, bobbing his head, but his lips were tight. His lashes fluttered a few more times before he could find his voice, his eyes moist. "Yeah, Leyli."

  Then she looked at Connall. "That's what you meant when you said one of my men could ruin you?"

  He nodded. "My brother and father always suspected. I learned to be defensive about it, and to fight back before someone thought I was too sensitive. I told you I wasn't much of a man."

  "Bull shit," Tristan snapped, slapping the table. "Anyone who thinks that killing another makes him better isn't a man." He reached over and tapped Connall's head. "That's what makes you a man. You're good to Ley. You've been more than fair to me. I can only assume you treat Temotio just as well." He took a deep breath. "You nobles are so fucked up. Being a good man is about taking care of your responsibilities, not about who you fuck or how much you can lift."

  Connall looked up at the large man looming over him. "I did tell you that I don't want to fuck her."

  "I wish you'd told me why. I would have been a lot less jealous." He leaned back and offered his hand. "You're a good Prince, Connall. You'd better be as good of a father."

  "I'll do my best to take care of your kids. You just got to get us some, first."

  Leyli lifted her cup. "I'm working on it. Oh, and someone tried to attack my dad, that's why we ran in."

  Temotio jumped up. "Is the King safe?"

  She waved him down. "Yes. Just a cut. The men are looking for you, though. They said you were missing."

  "Fuck."

  She flicked her hand toward the bedroom. "I gathered."

  His sigh was almost a grumble, but his lips finally curled up. "Not what I meant, Leyli."

  She turned to Connall who was staring at her with his mouth open. "I don't mind if you kiss him or whatever else around me. Behind closed doors, my secrets are yours and yours are mine. Deal?"

  "Yeah, sure." He looked at Tristan, then back to Leyli. "Really?"

  Tristan shrugged. "I figure we're all one very large, very fucked up family now. All four of us. And we're going to have to figure out how to make this work."


  Temotio chuckled. "If he decides to keep me around for a while."

  "I will," Connall promised. "If you don't find someone you like more, I mean."

  With his face growing darker, Temotio smiled. "I don't see that happening. Just never thought this could happen. I mean, the closest I've come to getting married is your wife. I always hoped, but never..."

  Tristan patted the guardsman's shoulder. "Good, then you can take a turn staying up with the kids, too."

  Leyli was smiling. Yes, she was shocked, but she was also relieved. If Connall was interested in men, then she'd never have to worry about rumors of an affair, or slander against her. It was one less thing to deal with in the future. There was only one little problem with all of this.

  "So," she said, trying hard to look stern, "you're all planning for me to have a small herd of royal brats?"

  "Yes," Tristan assured her. "If the gods are kind, they'll give us a daughter first, so the next King will be a Queen, too. After two reigns? Yeah, Norihame should be a bit kinder to women."

  "And if he's queer?" Temotio asked. "What then?"

  Leyli just made a gesture between the four of them. "Then we figure out how to change the laws. I don't think its illegal to be queer. It's just that people are scared of what they don't understand and most are small minded."

  "Gladiators first, then the future of our children?" Connall asked, looking up at Tristan, checking the Lion's reaction to the Prince's claim on his future offspring.

  Leyli thought it was cute, so gestured to Temotio. "Maybe he can be uncle Temo, just like aunt Astrid?"

  "And him?" Temotio pointed at Tristan. "What's he?"

  "Dad," Connall said emphatically. "If anyone asks, I'll tell them that Tristan gave up his chance at a family and offered his life for all of us, and that makes him as much their father as I am. He can be Daddy Lion, I'll be Father."

  This time it was Tristan who couldn't find his voice. Bouncing his fist against his lip gently, he turned and walked across the room. He didn't even make it halfway before he wiped at his eyes and sniffed. He took a shuddering breath, then let it out in a rush.

  "Damn it," he mumbled before turning back to Connall. In two steps he caught the smaller man in his arms, hugging him tightly. "Thank you," he breathed. "Thank you for taking care of me. Thank you for everything, Connall. Thank you for letting my children call me Dad."

  Chapter 42

  When the four of them returned to her suite, no one asked where Temotio had been, they were just glad to know he was fine. When Leyli announced that he would be transferred to Connall's guard, only Gregori seemed confused. Horace's congratulations included a sly wink, making Leyli think that a few of her men had their suspicions.

  After they made sure Ilario was as hale as he said, Tristan ordered them all to the training grounds. It was odd not having Temotio with them, but as a group, they decided not to find a replacement. Five men would do as well as six, and it was one less person to know their secrets. Besides, it would take too long to train someone to fight as dirty as a gladiator. Tristan just had to appoint her back-up shadow. His choice shocked her.

  "Gregori," he said, crooking his finger at the man. "You know how to waltz?"

  He chuckled. "Depends. Who's my partner."

  Tristan pointed at Leyli. "Her."

  "Oh yeah. I can dance with her."

  "Prove it."

  Gregori grinned and stepped toward Leyli. "Then you sing, Lion."

  He did, but the song wasn't a waltz. Like he had so long before, Tristan chose a bawdy country song. Gregori didn't need to ask. He understood exactly what was being asked of him. When Leyli stepped back, he closed the space, a smile finding his lips as he looked down at her face.

  He wasn't perfect, and the gap between them ebbed and flowed, but it never got large enough for a man to push between them. When the tune changed, Leyli turned, stepping around him until they were back to back, and still he followed. They bumped once, but it wasn't hard enough to knock her off balance. Another time he shifted to the wrong side, but he corrected immediately. When the music ended, he turned and caught her hands properly.

  "Do I pass?" he asked.

  She giggled. "Not bad. Not bad at all."

  "Well enough," Tristan said, walking up to pull Leyli out of his hands. "You let anyone touch her, and I'll rip you apart with my bare hands. Are we clear?"

  Gregori looked down at her and nodded. "I swear, Leyli. They'll have to get through me to get to you, and through Tristan to get to either of us. I'll work my ass off." He looked up at Tristan. "Thank you, sir. They said I'd never make a decent guard, and now I'm the Heir's second? Thank you."

  "You're not the best," Tristan told him, "but you could be. Learn how to use it."

  "Yeah." Gregori turned to the others. "Fuck yeah. Getting my ass beat did some good. You guys willing to help me out?"

  Edwyn, Horace, and Armando readily agreed, all of them grinning at Gregori's enthusiasm. When he did pick up a sword to spar with her, if anything he was too careful. When Tristan finally yelled at him to put some effort into it, he blushed, but obeyed. By the end of their normal practice session, he and Leyli had found a comfortable zone and were allowed to try their luck against Edwyn and Horace. When Armando and Tristan jumped them from behind, Gregori spun to protect Leyli's back. The Lion was impressed.

  From the sidelines came a slow applause. Leyli turned to see Connall grinning. "I see stealing your guardsman hasn't slowed down the Gladiator Queen any," he teased.

  Leyli giggled and passed her weapons to Edwyn before making her way to her husband. "Not yet, at least." She smiled at Temotio. "Gregori's too timid."

  He lifted a brow. "Gregori? Never thought I'd live to hear someone call him timid. You sure you're ok with this, Highness?"

  She knew he didn't mean the reassignment. "I am, Temotio. It's nice to know I've got someone I can trust looking after my husband."

  His eyes caught hers as he nodded. "I dragged him down here to make sure his Highness learns a few defensive tactics."

  "Run and hide," Connall said, mimicking using Temotio as a shield. "I think I got it."

  "Not good enough," Tristan yelled, waving the Prince toward him. "Edwyn, get a practice dagger for Connall. Highness, you want to use the pointy end. It's just like your wit but a bit more tangible."

  "Funny," Connall grumbled, stepping onto the sands. "Tristan, I'm no fighter."

  The big guy shrugged. "And I won't try to make you one. No man can be good at everything. I'll hack the enemy to bits; you design favorable laws for the people of Norihame. We just need to make sure that if Rhia attacks the palace you won't throw yourself into your wife's sword by accident." Then he looked at Temotio. "And you! Grab a pike. Armando, I want to see the Captain on his ass. Horace, jump him if he gets distracted."

  "Yes, sir," the men replied, moving to obey.

  Only Gregori was exempt and, as her new shadow, he moved to lean beside her on the wall to watch. While Tristan slowly and gently showed Connall a few tricks to keep safe in a brawl, Gregori leaned toward her. He made a few noises, as if trying to comprehend the lesson and not sure he agreed.

  "What happened this morning?" he asked softly, his eyes never leaving the sands.

  Leyli glanced over at him. "Besides the man attacking my dad?"

  "Yeah. The balance has shifted. Horace knows. I think Edwyn is guessing, but Armando and I? We're trying to figure it out, and no one is saying a word. Temotio fuck up or something?"

  "No." She wasn't about to say more.

  Gregori murmured to himself, refusing to give up. "Connall find a mistress?"

  She shook her head. "Nope."

  "So why'd you give up Temotio? I mean, he was always with you, and then you just set him on the Prince? What the fuck, Leyli? I know it's a promotion in rank, but to the guard, it's not. I mean, being the Heir's shadow is as good as it gets, ya know?"

  "So is protecting a friend. Having a person at your back that y
ou can trust?" She smiled at him. "Didn't hurt my feelings at all to be the Lion's shield, even though I was the noble and he was common. I was helping my friend, and that makes it mean more."

  Gregori's brow wrinkled and his head snapped to look at her. "Thought there was some weirdness between Temotio and Connall?"

  "It's been resolved."

  His eyes narrowed. "Temotio's been overly sensitive about your husband. Everything good between you and Tristan?"

  "Perfectly."

  Gregori thought about that for a moment. "You didn't do anything with Temotio, did you?"

  "No!" She huffed at him in disgust. "Gregori, no!"

  "Yeah. Didn't think so. I just know that Tristan never seemed worried about Temotio being alone with you..." He paused. "And something changed between the Lion and the cub."

  "Connall said that Tristan will be the children's second father, since he gave up his chance for a family of his own to make the royal family his responsibility."

  "Uh huh. That's not that type of change, Leyli. Tristan's treating Connall like he does Astrid, and grilling Temotio hard. It's like he finally stopped worrying about your husband being a threat." He paused, as if his mind was catching up with his mouth. "No way."

  "Huh?"

  The air slipped out of Gregori's lungs as he looked at the men sparring. "Temotio said Connall has no interest in climbing in the Princess's bed. When he was explaining about the unofficial offer he made you, I mean."

  She reached over and rubbed his shoulder. "He doesn't. It's fine Gregori. Stop worrying."

  He turned to her, bending to whisper in her ear. "Leyli, what if your husband is one of those men that doesn't like women?"

  She pulled back enough to see his face. "Would it matter?"

  "And we're all hanging out with him all the time? Temotio will be spending a lot of time alone in his rooms, now. Someone should tell him."

  "Why?"

  "So if he makes a move..." He stepped over, placing his back to the men. "What if he comes onto the Secor?"

  "What if I came onto you?" she shot back.

  Shoving a hand through his hair, he glanced back, confusion written across his face. "Then I politely turn you down so Tristan lets me keep my balls."