The Lunar Prince

by L Ward

  “What’ll happen then?”

  “It’ll freeze and start to snow,” said Nath, “I’d love to bring you back at Christmastime. It changes with every season.”

  “Do it! Cass is going to love hearing about this,” he laughed. Sweat prickled his forehead, the tree was radiating immense heat no wonder it was trapped behind solid rock among the wreckage of its own creation.

  They stood for a time watching the world burn, tiny streaks of fire snagging on the breeze drifting around them in shards of volcanic rain.

  The tour resumed and Nath guided him along the brighter trail out of the woods. Evan was thankful for the blast of cold that struck him in the open air. The last thing he wanted was to start sweating like a rapist in front of Nath.

  They took refuge on a snowdrop bench gleaming beneath a sleepy willow and Nath turned his heartbreaking smile on Evan again. “Are you still free for the meeting on Wednesday?”

  “Wouldn’t miss it,” said Evan. “Anything I need to bring or do?”

  “No, just remember you don’t have to share anything if you don’t want to. Your support is most valuable,” he replied.

  “Awesome. The last thing I want to do is make an ass of myself,” said Evan, drinking in the deliciousness of Nath’s laughter.

  “It’s nothing to worry about and, besides, you’ve got dueling on Friday,” said Nath. “Excited?”

  “Yes and no,” said Evan.

  “You’ll do great there’s nothing to worry about,” said Nath, moving closer so their knees were touching. He turned to Evan and shocked the shit out of him. “Tell me something about yourself that no one else knows.”

  Evan snorted with nervous laughter. “Oh, uhm?” How the hell was he supposed to answer without looking like a freak, or more of a freak, because he was red as a beetroot. Oh, what the hell. “My sister makes fun of me for reading a lot of romance.” Nathaniel: exit stage right. To Evan’s surprise, he just laughed.

  “And why does she do that?”

  “She says I’m the feminine one,” said Evan.

  “You’re the feminine one?” asked Nath, disbelief washing his face with a new shade of handsome. “I’ve met a lot of people in my time, but never twins. You must bring her to the palace sometime,” he smiled and Evan relaxed.

  “Please don’t tell me you’re using me to get my sister.”

  Nath’s laughter was fucking contagious. “You’ve no worries. I’m straight gay.”

  “How can you be straight-gay?”

  “Not straight-gay, I’m just straight-up gay,” said Nath, wearing his dimples with pride. “And, for the record, you’re not effeminate at all. You have a slight gravel to your voice and it’s really sexy.” He pressed a feather-soft kiss to his hand

  Evan’s heart took off, his hands found Nath’s slender waist. Damn, he was toned. Blood fell out of his brain as he was bathed in the prince’s wonderful smell. He kissed him. Fuck it if anyone saw, he wanted this and he’d take these chances to have it.

  Nath shared his enthusiasm slipping a hand beneath Evan’s hoodie, feeling his skin.

  Evan was deeply regretting his jeans. A quick intake of breath suggested his fingers found purchase beneath Nath’s expensive clothes tracing the lines of muscle and teasing the strip of fine, blonde hair down his stomach. Arousal clawed up Evan’s belly raking him red and clouding his eyes. “You’re gorgeous.”

  Nath’s smirk was wolfish; eyes pools of melted jewels as he kissed his way along Evan’s jaw dropping to the pulse point on his neck. Evan was about to explode. His warm breath caressed Evan’s collarbone when a loud click snapped their heads up.

  “Sorry, Your Highness!” a gardener jumped at the sight of them scurrying off holding a dead branch and glowing secateurs. For a second Evan thought it was a camera.

  Nath was grinning. “I don’t think that’s the kind of display he was intending to see out here,” he said.

  Evan couldn’t help but laugh. “Not as private as you thought.”

  “I want to give you the respect you deserve and date you properly. I’d like the first time my parents see you to be in person, not headlining every media outlet,” said Nath, taking Evan’s hands and meeting his gaze dressed to the nines in smiles.

  There it went again, Evan’s heart doing that crazy smashing thing blooming hot scarlet up his neck. “What about that guy earlier?”

  “The media are heavily restricted in the palace but it doesn’t stop them from speculating or guarantee there’ll be no leaks. They’ve already published a few articles thanks to student gossip. I’ve heard some LGBTQ+ groups are championing me for being the first out royal in a hundred years, even though I'm not fully out yet.”

  “That’s huge.”

  Nath’s lips whispered a smile. “I like you a lot, Evan.”

  The wave of anxiety threatening to drown Evan slammed to the ground because Nath had just said something fantastic. “I like you too,” he grinned. The Prince’s smile was radiance encapsulated. Weirdness became Evan’s friend as he thought of the media wanting to photograph him. Him. Evan Ravenway.

  “There’s always gossip at Court- they’ll be discussing us now,” said Nath. “My life is crazy and what’s on the surface isn’t half of it. I won’t blame you if you run while you still can, but I do hope you’ll give me a chance,” he lifted Evan’s hands and kissed them both.

  Evan was smiling at him in a giddy daze, everything was fuzzy with romance and glittering with shed magic. He’d never felt like this about anyone before. “It’s weird that the prince is begging the commoner for a date,” he said watching Nath’s face ignite with laughter.

  “Is that a yes or a no?”

  “A definite yes,” said Evan.

  Nath’s pupils glinted, he looked around checking if anyone was nearby before pulling out a clear plastic tub. “Here.”

  “Brownies!” Evan gasped. Nathaniel’s eyes glittered with excitement. Evan accepted a beautifully baked lump of chocolate goodness, and licked the sugary frosting from his fingers with kiss-swollen lips. The canna butter was barely detectable and watching the prince down a second, glittering with mischief, nearly overloaded his hormones.

  Nath got his feet pulling Evan with him.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “We have about half an hour before these brownies kick in and I’d love to show you some more of the gardens,” said Nath brightly.

  Evan was the luckiest guy in the universe.

  Nath began the new tour with the lawns, which 'd initially thought were clipped into classic posh-people stripes, actually depicted an intricate Phoenix rising from the ashes. The symbol of the royal family.

  They climbed high into a tree house made entirely from enchanted glass thin as a sheet of ice that bore a sign: Lookout point.

  “Good for naturewatching in the summer, if you like that sort of thing,” Nath added with a smirk that said birdwatching definitely wasn’t his thing.

  Evan pulled a face and laughed. “Seems like a good place for a moonlit rendezvous,” he said.

  Nath tensed briefly but laughed. “Have you had sex, Evan?” he asked lightly.

  “No,” he said. “I’ve kissed a couple of guys that came by my dad’s shop, but that’s it.” Great blooms of red pooled on his cheeks. Why was he so embarrassed? Nath already confessed his virginity. It wasn’t as though they were about to drop their boxers and get on with it now.

  Nath’s dimples made a grand reappearance, he clasped Evan’s fingers and they descended onto the magical lawns.

  Evan was on a high watching Nath gesture here, there and everywhere calling out the names of different eccentric and unusual garden life to the hypnotic birdsong and drumming of the bravest soldier bees. The wind smelled of frankincense and spells. Their eyes met and Evan was certain Nath was feeling the brownie, he was more lax than he’d ever seen him. And that was all it took. With easy confidence, Nath pulled him into his lips unleashing wonderful waves of his manly, sundrenched smell.
r />   The afternoon whiled away deep in the eastern gardens, sprinkled with flirtation and punctuated with kisses.

  When the temperature dropped and the sun hung low, they retreated to the comforts of the palace unknowingly under the watchful eye of the king.

  Nath released him at the east wing doors with a kiss and a promise of another date. Evan was floating on cloud nine, his mind overfull of memories; Nath’s smell clinging hungrily to his clothes. Yeah, he was that creep who wouldn’t wash them for a while.

  Chapter 15

  Nathaniel

  “You wanted to see me?” Nath asked, stepping into the king’s office. Summons surprised him mere minutes ago.

  The king looked up, handsome face lined with concern. “Yes, do we have privacy?”

  Nathaniel nodded and sank into the plush chair opposite. “There are new reports of uprisings in the Dead Country. Artemis’s followers have gained further support and there’s been multiple border breeches these past few days alone. I’ve sent specialist agents to conduct a full investigation but spies have confirmed a sovereign plot,” his face hardened.

  The prince took a slow breath. “Are we in danger?”

  “Not at present, but they’re threatening civilians near the border. I have officers patrolling the district,but if the situation worsens I’ll be forced to take action,” said Elijah.

  “Mum’s letter was returned unopened,” said Nathaniel.

  “Dreadful manner to treat their queen. No, brute force is the only way to reason with these people and I’m starting with the abominable werewolves leaking out of that horrible cesspit,” Elijah continued.

  A look of horror blanched Nath’s face.

  “Governor Undermouth is fueling the fire and encouraging monster attacks. He’s pumping money and resources into Artemis’s treasure trove, and monsters trapped in the rift or loose in the Dead Country are flocking to him to put a warlock on the throne against us true royals anointed by the gods!”

  Nath swallowed tasting bitter anxiety and stale hopelessness. “That can’t happen. There are laws in place and a warlock would never be accepted as monarch—”

  “They’re still a threat, especially to you,” his father retorted. “Nathaniel, listen to me, it’s more vital than ever you do something to win the love of the people, make sure they support you and will rise to war for you. You don’t need to look so worried; you know public reaction is good. We can’t have your future ascension put in jeopardy by these criminals. They are a separate nation, I can defend our borders and bring them to justice, but I cannot govern them until they’re conquered.”

  Hurt stung Nathaniel’s throat. Love and respect of the people was a fragile, tentative plant that required care or it’d wither and die in moments and if they knew him, really knew him, they wouldn’t be as kind as they were now. “The Prince’s Neurological Trust will be open in a matter of days,” he stressed.

  “It’s a good start,” said the king, leaning back in his chair and observing his son. “There’s something else I want to talk to you about.”

  “What is it?”

  “I see you invited a friend to the gardens today,” he began, lightning striking his blue eyes. “Is this the same friend you’ve told me about?”

  “Yes. Evan,” said Nathaniel.

  “Evan. You looked cosy,” said the king, watching his son light up like a Christmas tree. “Few will mind your sexuality, Nathaniel, but you're no ordinary young man and you must consider that if you insist on pursuing him.” His father’s gaze was piercing.

  “You mean tell him about- about me?” asked Nath, dread seizing him in its iron fist.

  Tension crackled; clouds shielded the sun and the room turned grey.

  “I'm saying you should consider this carefully,” he replied. “Unless there’s anything you need to tell me? My attentions might be focused outside the palace, but I’m not blind.”

  Nath’s face was glowing. “I’ve no idea what you mean.”

  The king’s eyes were on the walls, sparkling vibrantly more than making up for the lost sun.

  He quickly added, “I’ve invited him to dinner in around two weeks, we’ve another date planned that weekend.”

  “Ask your mother to help, she’s the better organiser,” his face softened, and he laughed boyishly. “Oh, and Nathaniel?”

  “Mm?”

  Opening a desk drawer, his father unearthed a shiny, wrapped box.

  Humiliation scorched his skin as Nathaniel accepted the box of extra-lubricated condoms. “Dad- we haven’t—”

  The king surrendered his palms. “For when you need them.”

  Chapter 16

  The first week of October was flying by. Court was an endless cycle of entertainment: music, dancing and courtiers gathering for food and entertainment every night among the students and royalty. Clubs and activities created a hive-like magical buzz, and classes were quickly becoming a challenge. Homework loads doubled since the start of term and Evan sweated thinking about all the upcoming essays and thesis’ he’d have to hand in by Christmas.

  Conversation swarmed the corridors Monday morning about Evan and Nath's disappearance on Saturday which spurned a new wave of fury from Will. He slammed his chair into Evan’s desk so hard it fucked up his work three times during rune enchantment and left a constant stink of burning coal in the air.

  Evan could ignore it, he reassured Nath, even when the air began crackling with magic combusting.

  Will’s apologies were saccharine at best, and during lore he openly discussed alleged cheating on Evan's part during the dueling matches which, conveniently, he’d never watched.

  ∞∞∞

  On Tuesday evening he was talking to Cass and a couple others when Will strolled past and spat at him. Cass grabbed his arm, and it took every ounce of strength to restrain himself from cursing Will to hell.

  ∞∞∞

  Wednesday finally arrived. Evan bubbled with nervous energy all day even when he shit, showered and shaved before heading to the east wing. Having no idea what he should wear, he picked a pine coloured shirt, his best jeans and a knee-length fitted cloak of darkness.

  He almost reached the doors when a force like a comet struck him from behind; he fell in a whirl of colour and panic, his arms went out but his face struck one of the marble statues. Blood spurted a scarlet river down Evan’s chin. “Fuck,” he gasped, clamping both hands over his nose and trying to pick his ass up.

  “Aww, sorry didn’t see ya there,” Will’s smirk was vicious, pupils sparking like flints in the night.

  “What’s your fucking problem?” he said.

  Will laughed heartily and sloped off wearing a greasy smirk of gratification.

  Evan’s nose gave a tremendous throb. The pain radiating through his brow bones and cheeks receded. He ducked into the nearest toilet and mopped up as much blood as he could. It streaked his shirt but, thankfully, wasn’t too bad, so he cast a quick cleansing charm and straightened his cloak “Fucks sake,” his nose had stopped bleeding but it was tender and a little bruised. There was no hiding it for now it’d heal itself by the time the gathering was in full swing. At least Will wouldn’t beam with satisfaction seeing it tomorrow.

  He was expected. The guards parted and Evan was greeted by a manservant so scored with lines it looked as though a sword had been sharpened on his face. He was led in silence up a grand jet staircase interwoven with glistening crystals and along a stretch of corridor dotted with gilded, marble doors. The room at the far end opened its arms, welcoming Evan with a rush of hot air and champagne.

  A young manservant offered to take his cloak, eyes fixed on Evan’s nose.

  “You made it,” said Nath appearing from nowhere and rescuing him from the awkwardness.

  He blanched milk-bottle-white the moment his eyes landed on his situation. “It was Will,” he said. There was no point lying when the guards saw what happened. “It’s healing, don’t worry.”

  Nath cleared his throat; Evan se
nsed his irritation. “I spoke to Gerard, he assured me he’d talk to Will. I’m sorry it wasn’t properly dealt with. I’ll do it personally this time.”

  “Don’t cause any trouble on my account,” said Evan holding his hands up in surrender.

  “He’s bringing the consequences on himself,” Nath flashed a quick smile. “I won’t sit back and allow this.”

  “It’s not your fault, Nath. Christ, he’s a jealous little bastard, isn’t he?”

  Nath laughed; this confused Evan. “The way you pronounce bastard is brilliant,” said Nath.

  Evan grinned. “Maybe we should forget about that bastard,” he forced what he hoped was a decent received pronunciation and his prince laughed more, “and give your charity the attention it deserves.”

  Nath’s face shone with pride and he gazed at Evan with surprising tenderness.

  The chamber milled with nobles and a podium at the far end rose, draped in a cloth of red and gold. Silver drifted from above coating everything in a fine layer of magic; the air was thick with perfume and hot with money. A selection of bistro tables and chairs lit by candles spanned the floor and a set of glass doors opened onto a nightlight balcony. The walls were gleaming. Men and women milled around donning expensive suits and luxurious cloaks of fur and smoke, glittering with wealth and stinking of privilege. It dawned on Evan how out of place he seemed in his ordinary clothes with a northern accent compared to the wealthy, well-spoken and immaculately dressed people fanning around him.

  Silence bowed to the Queen, draped in reams of lilac silk and wearing a radiant smile which seemed to cast sunlight about the room. She accepted a low bow from her son and took to the podium with grace. “Good evening lords, ladies and fellow citizens. I am thrilled to announce the launch of The Prince’s Neurological Trust which aims to provide essential medical treatment and carry out research across the country for all mental health disorders and afflictions. After months of dedication and hard work, I’m delighted to pass this session over to my son, Prince Nathaniel,” she swept away in a flourish, bracelets tinkling like pixie bells and sparkling with enchantments.