by Marie Medina
Owen was only pausing for effect, but something caught his eye. A small orange kitten emerged from under his bed and came stumbling over to them. Edmund looked down and groaned. “We have an eavesdropper.” He scooped the little kitten up and cuddled it a moment before putting it out in the hallway. “Sorry about that. Just put them out if they get in.”
“Are there a lot of them?” Owen asked.
Edmund crossed his arms. “Dozens. Cats of all shapes and sizes are drawn to me, for better or worse.”
Owen almost laughed but managed to contain himself. “I’d say you qualify as the alpha to end all alphas. To a cat at least.” He frowned. “Do cats work that way?”
“Not exactly, but it doesn’t matter. I can’t do anything about it.”
“You seem to like them.”
“Yes. I’ve always liked cats. They cheer me when even Lane can’t make me smile.”
Owen sat forward and put his wine aside, opening his mouth and then closing it when he realized he didn’t know what he wanted to say.
“Go on. I want to hear the rest,” Edmund said, again being gracious when Owen was at a loss.
Owen settled back again and tried to remember where he was in the story. “As Ella stood there, a huge golden serpent three times her size came slithering toward her. She was so afraid she couldn’t move, but she didn’t dare run. Her true love was there, and she had to find him, lest she forget her way back to this castle. The serpent asked her why she was intruding, and she said she was seeking someone. The serpent said if she stayed there as his guest for three days, she could find what she sought.”
“Three days? That’s not much time,” Edmund said.
“Well, it is a children’s tale,” Owen said. But then he shrugged. “People say they can fall in love at a glance, while others are friends for years before they even realize how they feel about each other.” He looked up at Edmund. “There’s no rhyme or reason to people. That’s what makes every day so much fun. Such an adventure. I love meeting new people in each new village.” And then he had to suppress a groan as he realized he was bragging about something Edmund no longer had the chance to enjoy.
His regret must have shown on his face because Edmund leaned forward, the expression on his face surprisingly kind. “Owen?”
“Yes?” Owen said quietly.
“I’m enjoying this very much. Stop worrying that you’re offending or upsetting me.” He sat back. “I’m used to being alone.”
“All right. Sorry, I—”
“And stop apologizing,” Edmund said quickly, his voice a bit sharp.
Owen nodded, going back to his story because he didn’t know what else to do. “Ella was afraid of the serpent, but she agreed. He led her to a beautiful room and asked her to dine with him that night.” He paused, wishing he’d rephrased all of that given the parallels to their present situation, but then he remembered what Edmund had just said and trusted the other man not to be offended or upset. “And she was in awe of the splendid palace. She went in search of the man from before but found no one else in the castle. At dinner, the serpent sat across from her and watched her eat. When she was done, he said that she was more beautiful than any of his treasures. If she would marry him, he would give her everything he possessed. She said no. He added that he would never touch her or ask her to touch him. That she would never be harmed. She apologized and said she loved another. The serpent hissed and fled until the next night. The second night, he asked her to marry him again. And again she refused. He offered her everything she could desire. He even said she could have lovers, so long as it was not the man she spoke of. She said she would be untrue and ungrateful if she stopped searching for her love or took lovers after she had wed another. That night, the serpent only bowed his head before leaving.”
Owen cleared his throat and took a sip of wine. “At this point, the young girls are usually whispering to each other and giggling.”
“I’m sure many would find that offer hard to refuse.”
“Maybe. I’m pretty scared of snakes. And what would be the point of marrying someone and never touching?”
“Get the treasure and the palace.”
“Ah, but she’s in love,” Owen said, smiling.
“Based on the touch of his hand and a brief glimpse of his eyes.”
Sitting up straighter, Owen said, “Are you questioning the truth that the virtuous maiden felt in her heart?” He hoped the other man would understand his teasing.
Edmund smiled. “No. Heaven forbid.”
“It is a sort of test, I suppose. Most of the tales have that.” He smiled as well, glad the tension seemed to have evaporated. “But we all test each other. It’s hard to truly know someone else.”
“True,” Edmund said softly.
“The third night came,” Owen said, gazing off out the window at the darkening sky. “And the serpent was late. The girl fretted and paced in her room, unable to eat. When he didn’t come, she grew fearful. She went searching for him and found him lying quite still in the courtyard. She asked him what was wrong, and he said he was going to die, for no one would ever love him as she loved the one she sought. He said once he was gone, she could have the palace and everything in it. She was overwhelmed by sadness and began to cry, telling him that he must not give up. She said someone as kind and generous as he was could find love despite his appearance. He only turned from her, as if about to die. Despite her fear, she caressed him to give him comfort, and her heart quickened. She drew back, then touched him again. Crawling over his body so she could look into his eyes, she saw that they were gold. Confused but determined, she said she would marry him if he would only live. He asked her why, asked if she had given up on her love. She said the man in the woods must’ve been an illusion meant to lead her here to the serpent. She didn’t really love the other man because she did not know him, but she knew the serpent. He was kind and generous, and if love would save him she was more than willing to love him.” Owen paused, trying to think how to end the story. He couldn’t make his lips move to form the words he usually used to tell of the serpent’s transformation.
“And?” Edmund prompted.
“And they lived happily ever after in his shining palace.”
One eyebrow rose as Edmund’s lips twisted into something similar to a smirk. “That’s the real ending?”
“Well, there’s a big, dramatic burst of light, and then the serpent turns into the man from the woods.” He shrugged and returned to his half-eaten meal. “They all end the same. Kind of boring in the end. Once the beast or snake or creature becomes human again, it’s just two people getting married. No more adventure and excitement.”
“But isn’t the happy ending the entire point?”
“I guess.”
Edmund laughed, the sound deep and rumbling. “You guess?”
“I think the lesson to be learned is more important.” He met Edmund’s gaze. “Never judge by appearances.”
Edmund shook his head slowly, his eyes sparkling just a little. “I’ll let you get away with it this time, but you left off the very end on purpose. Next time, I want the entire story.” The light in his eyes faded quickly.
“Next time?” Owen liked how happy the other man had looked just then, even if it had only lasted a moment.
“You’ll be here a few days. I want to hear more stories.”
Owen felt ashamed. “All right. I promised to stop apologizing and worrying. I will.” He speared some squash. “Next time, I’ll do it right.” He filled his mouth to keep from making yet another mistake.
Edmund looked beneath the table, and Owen thought there might be another kitten. But then he realized Edmund was looking at his ankle.
“Does it hurt?” Edmund said. “Perhaps you should elevate it more.”
Owen had it propped up on part of the table at the moment. “I think it’s fine. It’s really not that bad. I just couldn’t walk on it.”
Edmund stood and grabbed a stool from the rug in
front of the dressing table. “Here. It’s a bit tall, but I think it’ll do.”
Owen shifted positions and propped his foot. “Yes. It’s fine.” He looked up as Edmund sat down again. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Edmund returned to his meal as well after pouring more wine. “What brings you to this dominion? Are you going to Lady Christobel’s to tell your tales?”
“I’ll probably visit her and offer my services, but I have family here. My mother’s sister lives in the village. I’ve never met her in person. She’s getting older, and I wish to help her. We’re all that’s left of my family.”
“Why have you never met?”
Owen sighed as he pushed a few pieces of squash around on his plate. “My father was supposed to marry her. But her younger sister stole him. Got pregnant with me. Then they had to marry, at least according to what my grandfather said when he found out. I’ve always felt guilty, as if it was my fault.”
“But it wasn’t. It was their actions.”
“I know. But things would’ve been different without me. My parents regretted their affair but were too proud to admit it to anyone else. Or try to make it all right. I used to hear them fighting. They loved me and tried to hide all of that from me, but I knew. They cared for each other. Took care of each other. But they weren’t in love. You could tell if you paid attention.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. It must’ve been hard for you growing up.”
Owen shrugged. “Parents fight. They just had the same one over and over. When it all came out and my parents were forced to marry, the sisters stopped speaking altogether, and my parents ran away. I wrote to my aunt after my parents died. It took her a while to reply, but she wants to know me. And I want to know her.”
“That’s good, at least.”
“It’s bound to be awkward, but it won’t hurt to try. She was the injured party. I wouldn’t have blamed her for not wanting to meet me.”
“Sounds promising that she wants to know you. She regrets not trying to reconcile?”
“Seems that way, based on her letters.”
“Do you resemble your father?”
“Yes. I look exactly like him.” Owen sat back. “I’m nervous, but it’ll be fine. Whatever’s gonna happen will happen.”
Edmund studied him a long time. Owen felt his face grow hot under the other man’s gaze. Edmund cleared his throat. “Sorry. Just admiring you.”
Owen laughed. He couldn’t help it. “Admiring me? I suppose there is a lot to admire.”
Edmund frowned. “What?”
Owen waved a hand before his face. “Big nose. Big ears. Big lips. Then no cheekbones and no chin. I’m goofy looking.” Realizing what he’d said, he wiped his mouth and waved his hand again. “Not trying to insult my father, but I mean, come on. I’m no storybook prince.”
Edmund crossed his arms, smirking again. “Wanna trade faces? I’d do it in a heartbeat.”
Owen rolled his eyes. “Normal doesn’t equal handsome. It just equals normal. Ordinary.”
“I think you’re handsome. You say your lips are big. I say they’re full. You call your nose big, but I’d call it classic. And lots of men have big ears. Get over it.”
Owen stared down at his plate. “Um…”
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Aren’t words your specialty?” Edmund said, his voice low and soft.
Owen looked up. “Yeah, but when I’m telling my stories. Not so great with words otherwise.”
“Then don’t worry about saying anything.” He sat forward. “Would you like Lane to get word to your aunt? Were you expected on a certain day?”
“No, just sometime this month. She won’t be worried.” On impulse, Owen reached across the table. “You’re being so nice to me. You live here shut away from the world, yet I’m the one who’s awkward and keeps shoving his foot in his mouth.”
Edmund stared at their hands a moment before gently pulling his away. “Do you know any stories that teach lessons about being self-conscious? You’re the most worrisome person I think I’ve ever met.”
“Sorry.” He groaned. “Didn’t mean to say that. Sor—gah, there I go again.”
Edmund began to shake with laughter.
Owen stared at him. He didn’t know what Edmund was laughing at exactly, but he couldn’t help smiling. “Glad I’ve amused you.”
“You have.” Edmund finally stopped laughing. “I was almost angry when I saw Lane return with you, but now I’m happy he did.”
“So I can stay?”
“Of course you can. You have more stories to tell. What else do you have for me?”
“Stories?”
Edmund nodded. “Let’s stay on theme. Beauties and beasts.”
“Well, there’s ‘Prince Panther’. Or ‘The Panther Prince’, depending on the region. My favorite is ‘The Bear’s Bride’. Those are the ones I know the best, but I have notes on others.”
Edmund stood. “Then tomorrow, you’ll tell me another one. And I’ll tell you more about me.”
“I’d like that.” Owen started to rise.
“No, please stay seated. You need to heal.” Edmund walked over to the fireplace. “Pull on his cord if you need anything. It’ll ring a bell in the kitchen. It’s pretty loud, so one of us will hear it.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Edmund gave a quick bow. “Good night, Owen.”
“Good night.”
Once Edmund was gone, Owen slumped down in his chair. Edmund wasn’t just a man who needed his story told—he was a man who needed to rejoin life outside these walls. Owen didn’t know how he’d do it, but with Lane’s help, maybe Edmund would soon find a place in the world again.
Chapter Two
Edmund sat on his balcony, drinking more wine and staring down at the window to Owen’s room. The lodge was U-shaped, and from his room he could just see the room where Owen slept. The candles and lamps had been extinguished half an hour ago, so he assumed Owen was sleeping.
Things had gone so well Edmund had actually apologized to Lane, which had only made the younger man even more excitable. But Edmund didn’t regret it because he loved seeing Lane so happy. Owen wasn’t repulsed by Edmund’s appearance. He’d even called Edmund stunning. Stunning was just a step removed from shocking, a voice in Edmund’s head said, but he chose to ignore it. Owen seemed like a good man. Even if nothing could really happen between them, they could certainly be friends.
A cool breeze blew, and Edmund sighed and closed his eyes as it touched his face. He hadn’t been lying when he’d told Owen he was handsome. Owen did have a rather large nose, but it was easy to ignore because of his sparkling green eyes. Edmund had been fascinated by the way they betrayed the other man’s every emotion so easily. He couldn’t help wondering what had happened in Owen’s life to make him so self-conscious. It seemed to go beyond simply being nervous and thinking of Edmund’s feelings. He licked his own lips as he thought of Owen’s, which were indeed very full and looked quite kissable. Edmund tried not to indulge in such thoughts, but he hadn’t had a lover in his bed since before Lane came to live with him. He couldn’t help fantasizing about the man he’d just spent the evening with. He imagined kissing Owen before envisioning those full lips wrapped around his cock.
His eyes fluttered open when he heard a familiar knock at his door. “Come in, Lane.”
Lane entered and came out to the balcony. “You need anything before I go to bed?”
“No. I’m fine.”
Lane looked down at Owen’s window as well. “He likes you. I went to check on him after you and I talked.”
Edmund met Lane’s gaze. “He’s wonderful, but it’s only going to be friendship. I have to learn to be content.” He wanted to pump Lane for information, but he knew he shouldn’t. He did have some pride left and had to be stronger than that, plus encouraging Lane even more might backfire in any number of ways.
&nb
sp; Lane smiled as a mischievous glint came to his eyes. “Why settle for one glass of wine when you can have the whole bottle?”
“What, he confessed his undying love for me to you? That was quick.” He didn’t mean to sound bitter, but Lane simply didn’t understand.
Frowning, Lane said, “Stop being hostile.”
“We just met. Stop making plans for other people.”
Lane shoved Edmund over and sat beside him on the bench. “He said you’re beautiful. His exact words. I asked him what he thought of you, and he said, and I’m quoting here, he’s beautiful.”
“You can think anything is beautiful. Doesn’t mean you want to marry it. Or fuck it.”
“Don’t be crude. He could be the one.”
“The one? Lane, please, please, please do not forget that this is not a story like the ones Owen tells. I’m not going to look like that portrait again. Not ever.”
Lane smoothed his pants and looked away. “What portrait?”
Owen crossed his arms. “The one you think I don’t know about. The one you found in that trunk. The one I told you to burn.”
Lane shrugged, a guilty look on his face. “Your parents are in it. It’s the only one left. I couldn’t destroy it.”
“I’m trying to protect you, too. Don’t get your hopes up. Owen is our new friend, nothing more. Besides, he’s a traveling storyteller. He won’t stay here forever.”
“He would if he had a reason,” Lane said quietly. He stood up, frowning even deeper. “Not getting your hopes up is one thing. It’s completely different to close your heart and mind to something.”
“I’m not closing myself to anything. I promise I wouldn’t kick him out of bed if he seemed to want that. But a few nights of pleasure aren’t happily ever after.”
Lane scratched his forehead. “I’m going to bed then. It’s useless trying to talk to you when you’re like this.”